There are two notable elephant sanctuaries in the north of Ko Samui that offer unique experiences for nature lovers and responsible tourism.

The first is Samui Elephant Kingdom Sanctuary, located near Na Muang. This place stands out for its high 4.7-star rating and extensive educational program. Visitors have the opportunity to prepare special food balls for the elephants and then feed them from the viewing platform. The highlight of the visit is the opportunity to enter the enclosure and interact directly with the elephants under the supervision of keepers. The sanctuary places great emphasis on animal welfare, as evidenced by positive feedback from visitors.

The second place worth noting is Elephant Jungle Sanctuary Samui (Soi 2 branch), located in the Mae Nam area. This sanctuary also enjoys a high 4.5-star rating and offers a variety of programs, including elephant feeding, direct contact, and the opportunity for mud bathing and elephant washing (in a more expensive ticket option). The sanctuary is notable for its large elephant enclosure and focuses on educating guests about the conservation of these animals.

The two places differ somewhat in their offerings and prices. Samui Elephant Kingdom Sanctuary seems to offer a more extensive educational program and more opportunities to interact with the elephants, while Samui Elephant Jungle Sanctuary may be a better choice for those looking for more diverse activities, including opportunities to swim with the elephants.

It's worth noting that both sanctuaries strive to provide elephants with as natural living conditions as possible and do not offer controversial attractions such as elephant rides. Ticket prices are relatively high, but it's worth remembering that the funds are used to maintain and protect the elephants.

The location is also worth considering when choosing a sanctuary - Samui Elephant Kingdom Sanctuary is closer to popular tourist attractions in the south of the island, while Samui's Elephant Jungle Sanctuary is more remote, which can be a plus for those looking for a quieter experience.

There are another two elephant sanctuaries in central Ko Samui that offer unique experiences for visitors.

Elephant Jungle Sanctuary Samui (Soi 1 branch) is a place that enjoys an exceptionally high rating of 4.8 stars. This sanctuary stands out for its comprehensive approach to education and interaction with elephants. Guests have the opportunity to participate in a variety of activities, such as elephant feeding, mud and water baths, and close contact with these majestic animals. Importantly, the sanctuary places great emphasis on the ethical treatment of elephants and education about their conservation. As an added bonus, a professional photography service documents the visit, and photos are provided free of charge.

The second notable site is the Samui Elephant Sanctuary Bophut, also enjoying a high rating of 4.8 stars. This sanctuary stands out for its approach to elephant conservation - all the animals are rescued from the tourism industry and provided with a peaceful 'retirement'. The visit program includes preparing food for the elephants, feeding them and educating them on the history of each animal. The sanctuary is particularly noted for its ethical approach and concern for the welfare of the elephants.

When comparing the two places, several aspects are worth noting. Samui Elephant Jungle Sanctuary (Soi 1) offers a more intensive experience, including bathing with elephants, which may be attractive to those seeking closer contact with the animals. The Samui Elephant Sanctuary Bophut, on the other hand, focuses more on education and observation of elephants in their natural habitat, which may be a better choice for those interested in conservation aspects.

In terms of pricing, both sanctuaries offer tickets in a similar price range, although Elephant Jungle Sanctuary Samui may have a slightly wider range of pricing options depending on the program selected. It's worth noting that in both cases the ticket price includes transportation to and from the hotel, which is an added convenience.

The location of both sanctuaries in the central part of the island makes them easily accessible from most of the popular resorts on Ko Samui. However, Samui Elephant Sanctuary Bophut, as the name suggests, is closer to the popular Bophut beach, which can be an advantage for those staying in the area.

In summary, both sanctuaries offer a high-quality, ethical experience of watching and interacting with elephants. The choice between the two depends mainly on personal preference - whether one prefers a more intense experience or a quieter observation and education. Regardless of your choice, a visit to either place contributes to supporting elephant conservation on Ko Samui.

In addition to elephant sanctuaries, Ko Samui offers many other natural attractions to include in your itinerary.

One such place is Samui Elephant Home, which has received an impressive 4.9-star rating. This sanctuary stands out for its approach to elephant conservation and visitor education. Visitors have the opportunity to prepare food for the elephants, feed them and even walk with them through the jungle. Importantly, the sanctuary does not offer elephant rides, which is in line with the best conservation practices for these animals. Ticket prices are relatively high (around 3,000 baht), but include a wide range of activities and transportation.

For those interested in a wider range of wildlife, a trip to Mu Ko Ang Thong National Park would be an excellent choice. This marine national park, rated 4.7 stars, offers breathtaking views of the island archipelago, opportunities to snorkel among colorful coral reefs and observe a variety of marine species. The park is famous for its viewpoints, such as the 'Mr. Mong Viewpoint', which offers panoramic views of the azure waters and picturesque islands.

If you're looking for a more intimate nature experience, consider a visit to the Tarni VlădBăÿ Magic Garden. This unique place, rated 4.5 stars, offers a walk through a mysterious, shaded garden full of fascinating sculptures and art installations. Although a smaller attraction (it can be visited in about 40 minutes), it is an interesting combination of art and nature.

When comparing these attractions, it's worth noting the differences in prices and duration of visits. Samui Elephant Home offers the most expensive, but also the most intense elephant experience. Mu Ko Ang Thong National Park requires a full-day excursion and is ideal for those seeking adventure and natural diversity. The Tarni VlădBăÿ Magic Garden, on the other hand, is a less expensive and shorter option, ideal for an afternoon of relaxation.

Also worth mentioning is the Jungle Safari Tour, which received a high rating of 4.9 stars. This tour offers exploration of the island's interior, including a visit to viewpoints, an elephant sanctuary and an off-road drive. This is a good option for those who want to combine several different experiences in one tour.

In summary, Ko Samui offers a wide range of natural attractions, from elephant sanctuaries to national parks and unique gardens. Each of these places has its own character and offers different experiences, so there is something for every traveler. Regardless of the choice, all of these places help promote responsible tourism and conservation on the island.