A Morning with the Elephants at Phuket Elephant Sanctuary

Phuket , Thailand

A Morning with the Elephants at Phuket Elephant Sanctuary

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(1577 reviews)

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Phuket Elephant Sanctuary is the first and only ethical elephant sanctuary in Phuket where elephants roam around, bathe and sozialize freely across 30 acres of lush, tropical land bordering the Khao Phra Thaeo National Park in North East Phuket. We buy all rescued elephants to ensure that Phuket Elephant Sanctuary is their final home, and we offer professional veterinary care for old and injured elephants. By visiting us, you are supporting a sustainable, ethical and compassionate approach to elephant tourism where elephants have the freedom to live naturally. National Geographic, Lonely Planet and The Guardian have all endorsed our ethical approach.

Available options

Program Only (No Transfer)

Transfer NOT included: Please meet in Paklok office at Phuket Elephant Sanctuary. Select Transfers option for transportation for pick-up/drop-off

Program + Shared Transfers

Pickup included

What's included

Roundtrip Transfers - if options is selected

We provide bottled water but appreciate if you bring a refill bottle.

Guided Walk through 30 Acre Sanctuary and across the Canopy Walkway

A delicious Thai vegetarian lunch buffet with over 15 choices.

Educational Video Documentary

Socks, Boots, Umbrellas, Rain Coats, Mosquito Spray

Welcome Snacks and Beverages

Detailed itinerary

A morning with the elephants is an eye-opening and inspiring experience. Following a scenic drive along a local village you will arrive at Phuket Elephant Sanctuary, a picturesque jungle dotted with ponds, wide open fields and hillsides for the elephants to roam around.

Your visit starts at our Tree Top Lounge, where we will show you a presentation and educational video to prepare you for your encounter with the elephants, and to help you understand why they need to be protected.

We then follow them down into the jungle. By keeping a safe distance and watching them from our Observation Salas, the elephants have the freedom to express their natural behavior, from bathing and playing in our pond to socializing with each other.

The program ends with a delicious Thai vegetarian meal.

What's not included

Roundtrip Transfers - If option is not selected

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.9

422 reviews

5★

395

4★

3★

2★

1★

Tripadvisor 4.9

1,155 reviews

5★

1114

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Wheelchair accessible

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Specialized infant seats are available

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Meeting point

If you selected Program Only (No Transfer), please meet us at our office in Paklok 30 minutes before the start of the program. Parking is available.

Important notes

Please register upon arrival at our meeting point in Paklok.

About Phuket

Phuket is the largest island in Thailand and a premier beach destination known for its stunning beaches, vibrant nightlife, and rich cultural heritage. With a mix of modern resorts and traditional Thai charm, it offers something for every type of traveler.

Top Attractions

Patong Beach

Patong Beach is the most famous and developed beach in Phuket, known for its vibrant nightlife, water sports, and shopping.

Beach Half day to full day Free (activities and dining may incur costs)

Phi Phi Islands

The Phi Phi Islands are a group of six islands known for their stunning beaches, clear waters, and dramatic limestone cliffs.

Nature Full day trip Moderate to Expensive (depending on tour type)

Big Buddha Phuket

The Big Buddha Phuket is a 45-meter tall marble statue of Buddha, offering panoramic views of the island and a sense of tranquility.

Religious 1-2 hours Free (donations appreciated)

Phang Nga Bay

Phang Nga Bay is known for its emerald waters, limestone karst formations, and the famous James Bond Island.

Nature Full day trip Moderate to Expensive (depending on tour type)

Old Phuket Town

Old Phuket Town is a charming area with well-preserved Sino-Portuguese architecture, colorful buildings, and a rich cultural heritage.

Historical Half day to full day Free (entry to some museums may incur costs)

Must-Try Local Dishes

Pad Thai

Stir-fried rice noodles with eggs, tofu, shrimp, and a tangy tamarind sauce, garnished with crushed peanuts and lime.

Lunch/Dinner Vegetarian options available (without shrimp and fish sauce)

Tom Yum Goong

A spicy and sour shrimp soup with lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, galangal, and chili.

Lunch/Dinner Can be made with chicken or tofu for vegetarians

Massaman Curry

A rich and mildly spicy curry with potatoes, onions, and tender pieces of meat (usually chicken or beef), cooked in a fragrant coconut milk sauce.

Lunch/Dinner Vegetarian options available (with tofu and vegetables)

Mango Sticky Rice

Sweet ripe mango served with sticky rice cooked in coconut milk and topped with coconut cream and sesame seeds.

Dessert Vegetarian and vegan options available (ensure no fish sauce is used in the sticky rice)

Popular Activities

Snorkeling Diving Kayaking Zip-lining Beach relaxation Spa treatments Yoga Meditation

Best Time to Visit

November to February

This is the peak tourist season with the best weather conditions. The skies are clear, and the sea is calm, making it ideal for beach activities and island hopping.

24°C to 32°C 75°F to 90°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Thai
Widely spoken: English
English: Moderately spoken

Currency

Thai Baht (THB)

Time Zone

GMT+7

Electricity

220VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Phuket is generally safe for travelers, with a low crime rate and friendly locals. However, petty crimes and scams can occur, especially in tourist areas.

Important Precautions:

• Be cautious of aggressive street vendors and touts.
• Use reputable tour operators and transportation services.
• Avoid unlicensed taxis and tuk-tuks.

Getting there

By air

Phuket International Airport • 32 km from Phuket City

By bus

Phuket Bus Terminal 1, Phuket Bus Terminal 2

Getting around

Public transport

The bus system is affordable and covers most areas of the island. However, schedules can be unpredictable.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Grab

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Patong Phuket Town Karon Kata Rawai

Day trips

James Bond Island

50 km from Phuket • Full day trip

James Bond Island, located in Phang Nga Bay, is famous for its stunning limestone karst formations and appearance in the James Bond film 'The Man with the Golden Gun.'

Similan Islands

80 km from Phuket • Full day trip

The Similan Islands are a group of nine islands known for their pristine beaches, clear waters, and excellent snorkeling and diving opportunities.

Phi Phi Islands

46 km from Phuket • Full day trip

The Phi Phi Islands are a group of six islands known for their stunning beaches, clear waters, and dramatic limestone cliffs.

Festivals

Phuket Vegetarian Festival • Late September to early October Loy Krathong • November (full moon night) Songkran • April 13-15

Pro tips

Learn a few basic Thai phrases to enhance your experience and interact with locals.
Bargain for better prices in markets and with street vendors, but do so politely and with a smile.
Try local street food and dishes to experience the authentic flavors of Thai cuisine.
Visit popular attractions early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds and the heat.
Use reputable tour operators and transportation services to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.