We did the 50 minute trek for 1000 baht each. The people were very friendly and we felt the elephants were treated well. It was our first time doing this and just like swimming with dolphins, once is enough.
There is a bar with beer and soda you can take with you on the ride.

The view from the top of the hill overlooking the ocean is fantastic and scenic.

Kok Chang is very close to the downtown, so it's much easier to go there and ride elephants than going up to the National Park for a full day. Price is ok (kindof expensive, but I'm ok with a premium for convenience). The venue is ok - I was worried it would be like fake since it's right near Kata, but it was quite natural and the terrain is mountainous, which makes for an interesting ride.

They let you feed the elephants bananas for free. Of course, there's a donation box which we contributed to, but it's nice that it's optional. The elephants look a little underfed, but beggars can't be choosers.

Two bad things:
Midway through our trek (30-minute trek), the guides stopped us and tried to sell us trinkets made of elephant tusks or whatever. They said we had to buy there, since they weren't allowed to sell back at the main launch area. We didn't want to be sold to - you know? We were just enjoying our elephant ride and then had to be made to feel like we were back on Patong beach fighting off hawkers. Not to mention that they were selling us stuff made of the very animals we were riding on. That seemed quite wrong to us and was disappointing. Even more disappointing was when we politely said "no thank you", our two (we had two elephants for the family group of 6) previously jovial guides became sortof unhappy pricks. Why do we need to be made to feel like bad guys because we just want to enjoy the elephant ride and not fight off hawkers?!

The other bad thing: one of the elephants (my elephant) was a little poorly behaved - - wandering off slightly - - and the handler started whacking the elephant on the head with his steel hammer/hook. The elephant suffered a cut and was bleeding a little bit. I recognize that they're wild animals and, yes, I'd prefer the elephant get a cut then run off with me and my son on his back...but...a little bit scary for my boy and my wife on the other elephant was saddened.

Anyway, aside from the above issues, it was a decent experience and something you can fit into your schedule quite easily.

Kok Chang Safari would have to be one of the best elephant trek's we have been to during all of our travels to Phuket. All the animals seem well cared for, the staff are very helpful and friendly and the setting is beautiful. We have lost count of the number of times we have been here over the years and Kok Chang just keeps getting better!

There are bananas available at the center to feed the elephants while taking some great photos and you just leave a donation in the box for them.

One of the highlights of the elephant trek, besides the fantastic views is once you are at the top of the hill you can ride down sitting on the elephants head if you want. It was so exciting sitting on her head, feet hooked behind her ears for balance and enjoying the ride back down.
Your mahout will also take lots of photos of your trek, so just hand him your camera.

There is also a great bar at the centre, so after your trek you can buy water, fruit shakes, beer etc at very cheap prices. This is also a perfect spot to sit and watch a beautiful Phuket Sunset!

Prices for the 50 minute elephant trek to the summit are 1000baht per adult. This is the one we would highly recommend! There is also a 30 minute trek for 800baht, 20 minute trek for 600baht, with 50% off for children 4 - 11 years of age and children under 4 are free. Money for the elephant trek is paid directly to the centre.

Kok Chang Safari also have complimentary pickups from Karon, Kata, Nai Harn or Rawai and 400baht for return transfers from Patong (per car not per person).
Contact details are:
Chaini +66 (0) 84 841 9794
 chainikokchang@gmail.com

Had a lovely morning here last week. Elephants are well cared for. They do a range of 20min, 30min and 50mins. We did 50min but 20 or 30 would have been more than enough. And the views you see on the 50 min one you see a lot anyway if your travelling around Phuket.

Our naughty elephant seemed a bit Hungry so didn't want to walk too much but we had a lovely experience and one never to forget.

The other riders go to ride bare backed. Our guide tried to sell a bracelet his mother had made as a memory for 500 baht. How extortionate! Trying to earn a little extra money but that's greedy!

Overall a fab experience. Elephant trekking is everywhere.. But these clearer look after the elephants and were not over charging.