In short
- Wear lightweight, neutral-colored clothing and closed-toe shoes.
- Bring a telephoto lens and binoculars for distant elephants.
- Carry Thai Baht for the 850–1,200 THB truck fee and park entry.
In this article
Your Kui Buri National Park safari takes place in an open-air 4x4 truck between 2:00 PM and 6:00 PM. You need sun protection for the start of the trip and insect repellent for the late afternoon. Single-use plastics are banned, so pack a reusable water bottle.
What should you wear on a Kui Buri elephant safari?
Wear lightweight, breathable clothing in muted or neutral colors to avoid alerting the wildlife.
Avoid bright colors. Bring a wide-brimmed hat and wear comfortable closed-toe shoes or sturdy walking sandals. Since the return trip to Hua Hin happens after sunset, pack a light jacket or sweater.
What camera gear do you need for Kui Buri?
Bring a telephoto lens and binoculars, as elephants and gaurs are usually 100 to 200 meters away.
A 100-400mm lens is recommended for wildlife photography. If you do not own binoculars, you can rent them at the Huai Luek Ranger Station. Drones and flash photography are strictly prohibited inside the park.
Do you need bug spray or sunscreen?
You need both sunscreen for the open truck and insect repellent for the jungle in the late afternoon.
Apply sunscreen before boarding the 4x4 safari truck at 2:00 PM. Keep insect repellent handy for when mosquitoes become active near the wildlife observation platforms.
Can you bring food and water into Kui Buri National Park?
You can bring a reusable water bottle, but single-use plastics and alcoholic beverages are banned.
Do not bring outside food to eat during the safari, and never feed the wildlife. If you book a guided tour from Hua Hin, bottled water and dinner are usually included.
How much cash should I bring to Kui Buri?
Bring enough Thai Baht to cover your 200 THB park entry fee and the 850–1,200 THB mandatory 4x4 truck fee.
You pay these fees directly at the Huai Luek Ranger Station. You also need cash for tipping guides or renting binoculars. Cards are not accepted at the wildlife viewing area.
What to pack if visiting during the rainy season?
Pack a rain jacket or a poncho if you visit between May and November.
The safari trucks have roofs but open sides. A poncho keeps you and your camera gear dry during sudden downpours in the Wildlife Watching Area.
Questions travellers ask
Are drones allowed at Kui Buri National Park?
No, drones are strictly prohibited inside the national park boundaries to prevent disturbing the wild elephants and gaurs.
Can I rent binoculars at the park?
Yes, binocular rentals are available at the Huai Luek Ranger Station before you board your 4x4 safari truck.
Are pets allowed on the safari?
No, pets are not permitted in the wildlife viewing area or on the 4x4 safari trucks under any circumstances.
