Wild Elephants at Golden Hour

At Centara Grand Beach Resort Hua Hin, you may already know the green elephant on the lawn. It is shaped by hand and has stood there for more than 100 years.

There is another kind of elephant, less than two hours away. It is wild, it is free and it walks out of the forest as the light turns gold.

The park most visitors skip

Kui Buri National Park sits in Prachuap Khiri Khan province, on the edge of the Tenasserim Hills near the Myanmar border. It is a quiet place. It has no public transport, which helps keep it from being overrun. That is part of its charm. It feels like a real journey, not a stop on a tour bus route.

Why late afternoon is the best time

Elephants are easier to spot when the day cools. The wildlife safaris run in the afternoon, from about 2 to 6 pm. The elephants come out to graze on open grassland and the low sun turns the whole valley amber. You may see a herd at the tree line as well as calves staying close to their mothers. Gaur, sambar deer and wild boar are also possible sightings. The elephants are usually at a distance.

What to expect

•    A small, simple safari. Visitors travel in guide trucks, with a ranger on board. The park staff radio each other to find the best viewing spots. 
•    Short walks, not hikes. You stop at lookouts and watch.
•    No riding, no feeding, no shows. Just wild animals living their day.
•    No guarantees. It is nature. Sightings are very likely but never promised.

Tips for a great day

•    Leave after lunch. The drive from Hua Hin is [about 1 to 1.5 hours. Aim to arrive before the safari starts.
•    Use the right entrance. The safaris start from the Huai Luek unit. Some map apps send visitors to the main visitor centre instead. 
•    Go offline. Mobile signals are unreliable near the park, so download an offline map first. 
•    Bring a zoom lens. A 300 to 400 mm lens works well for photos. 
•    Wear neutral colours and bring water and sun protection.
•    Book a driver. The roads are busy with trucks and you will return in the evening. A driver makes the trip much easier.

A small note on caring for elephants

Kui Buri is a good way to see elephants without harming them. Watch quietly. Keep your distance. Follow your guide. Leave nothing behind.

Plan Your Stay

Kui Buri is an easy day trip from our resort. Stay a few nights and pair it with a slow morning in Hua Hin, a beachfront lunch and an evening in our gardens.