We really enjoyed our visit to Hutsadin Elephant Foundation. I've heard lots of reports of poor treatment of elephants at tourist destination across Thailand and I was keen to ensure we supported an organisation who looked after their elephants. I'm very pleased to report that Hutsadin obviously genuinely care about the elephants they look after.

The foundation is only small with 6 elephants. On arrival we were warmly greeted by staff and shown where to park. We were then asked which activities we'd like to do and paid our entrance fee according to this. We chose an educational talk and 'walking with the elephants'. The talk was delivered by an english speaking volunteer and was very informative teaching us all about elephants as well as the work at Hutsadin. Our walk was with another english volunteer who continued to give us lots of information on the elephants. During the walk we stopped regularly to feed our elephant, Neung Lan bananas and we walked to a tree where she enjoyed a good scratch! We then walked with her back to her stable and hosed her down to cool her off. After this we were invited to have photographs and hugs with the youngest elephant at Hutsadin Song Khran.

The foundation had good facilities, toilets and information points. The staff were all very friendly and we were provided with water and gifts of rice and elephant engraved key rings. The elephants were clearly looked after and loved by all the staff and volunteers.

I have taken my out-of-town friends to this place several times in the past and always enjoyed the experience. Therefore always made nice comments. However this time...I am not so generous. We barely parked the car as two eager young employee overwhelmed us with an assortment of available choices. They ranged from 300 to 1000Thb per person. I explained that we had very little time for adventures, we merely wanted our 5 year old guest to see a Thai elephant. Again, we were quoted the smallest, least expensive venture ( feeding elephants) which would cost each of us 300 baht (3 adult person) and no discount for the toddler.
I am all for fairness, but I found this price range unacceptable and therefore decided to drive back a few hundred yards toward Hua Hin and visit the other, much less advertised Elephant Park. What a good choice: nicer, bigger, cheaper....