4.9 (1.9 k) · Phuket · By Phuket Elephant Sanctuary ▶ Watch the videoFree cancellation Private tour
Phuket Elephant Sanctuary is the first ethical, 100% hands-off elephant sanctuary in Phuket where elephants roam around, bathe and socialize 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.
✓ Shared roundtrip transfers (if option selected)✓ Bottled water provided (refillable bottles encouraged)✓ Guided walk through the 30-acre sanctuary and across the Canopy Walkway✓ A delicious Thai vegetarian lunch buffet with over 15 choices✓ Educational video documentary✓ Access to socks, boots, umbrellas, raincoats, and mosquito spray✓ Welcome snacks and beverages✕ Roundtrip transfers (if option not selected)1 Morning Elephant Experience
Your visit begins with a scenic drive through a local village, leading you to the Phuket Elephant Sanctuary. This picturesque jungle setting features ponds, open fields, and hillsides for the elephants' enjoyment.
At our Tree Top Lounge, you'll watch a presentation and an educational video to prepare you for your encounter and to understand the importance of elephant protection.
We then follow the elephants into the jungle. By observing from our Salas at a safe distance, we allow the elephants to express their natural behaviors, such as bathing, playing in the pond, and socializing.
The program concludes with a delightful Thai vegetarian meal.
· 3 h · Admission included
Your mobile or paper ticket is accepted. One ticket is required per booking.
If you have selected the 'Program Only (No Transfer)' option, please meet us at our office in Paklok 30 minutes prior to the program's start. Parking facilities are available.
If you have selected the 'Program Only (No Transfer)' option, please meet us at our office in Paklok 30 minutes prior to the program's start. Parking facilities are available.
(Pickup can be scheduled up to 90 minutes before the tour!) We offer shared roundtrip transfers from any location within Phuket Province. To book a tour that includes shared roundtrip transfers, please select the "Program + Transfer" option. Your pick-up and drop-off location must be the same. The exact pick-up time, scheduled up to 90 minutes before the tour, will be confirmed via message or email shortly after your booking is completed.
Kindly complete your registration upon arrival at our meeting point in Paklok.
This activity ends back at the meeting point.
The venue is wheelchair accessible. Infants and young children can be accommodated in prams or strollers. Specialized infant seats are available upon request. This experience is suitable for all levels of physical fitness. Italian-speaking guides are available for the Half Day “A Morning with the Elephants” program on Wednesdays and Fridays only. French-speaking guides can be requested as a preference, subject to availability, but cannot be guaranteed. Italian-speaking guide Includes an Italian-speaking guide. Program Only (No Transfer) Transfer is NOT included. Please meet at the Phuket Elephant Sanctuary office in Paklok. Select the Transfers option for transportation for pick-up/drop-off. Program + Shared Transfers Includes pickup service. Book in advance, especially if you require a specific language guide. Consider the "Program + Transfer" option for convenience. Bring a refillable water bottle to minimize waste. Wear comfortable clothing and shoes suitable for walking. Be prepared for a natural environment; insect repellent is provided. This is a hands-off experience, focusing on observation and respect for the animals. For a full refund, please ensure your cancellation is made at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Product code: 171127P4
Activity offered by Phuket Elephant Sanctuary via Viator.
WizardTrip Help Center Families Animal lovers Eco-tourists Travelers seeking ethical experiences Ethical elephant sanctuary experience Observe elephants in their natural habitat Hands-off, respectful interaction Support rescued elephants Beautiful natural surroundings Delicious Thai vegetarian meal included
Population 418,785 (2021)
Elevation 529 m
Currency baht
Official language Thai
Driving on the left
Power plugs A, B, C, F · 220 V
Emergency number 191
Capital city Bangkok Average temperatures 27° Jan 28° Feb 28° Mar 29° Apr 29° May 28° Jun 28° Jul 28° Aug 27° Sept 27° Oct 27° Nov 27° Dec Sources: Wikidata; climate: NASA POWER, 2001-2025 averages.
What is the duration of the "A Morning with the Elephants" program? + The program lasts for 3 hours and 30 minutes.
Can I interact directly with the elephants? + This is a 100% hands-off sanctuary. You will observe the elephants from a distance to allow them to behave naturally and freely.
What is included in the program? + The program includes transfers (if selected), a guided walk, an educational video, welcome snacks and beverages, and a Thai vegetarian lunch buffet.
Is transportation included? + Transportation is included only if you select the "Program + Shared Transfers" option. Otherwise, you need to meet at the sanctuary's office in Paklok.
Are there any specific requirements for visiting? + The sanctuary is wheelchair accessible and suitable for all physical fitness levels. Infant seats are available.
★★★★★ Viator review
Well worth the time and effort
Julie_R, October 2026
The experience is well organised, allowing small groups to get very close to the elephants without invading their space and peace. Our guide, Yaya, was very knowledgeable and was able to guide our group of nine ivery close to the beautiful elephants.
A delicious lunch was provided. All staff encountered seemed happy to be involved in this fantastic sanctuary. Definitely a highlight of my trip.
★★★★★ Tripadvisor review
Heartwarming experience
A4829GWalisonw, October 2026
What a beautiful experience seeing these retired ladies! So happy to have picked a truly ethical elephant sanctuary. We will NEVER forget our time here!
★★★★★ Tripadvisor review
A wonderful experience centered on the elephants
Happiness45877837453, October 2026
I loved my morning at Phuket Elephant Sanctuary. The team's care and respect for the elephants felt genuine. You could see it in the way they carried themselves throughout the visit. The elephants' wellbeing seemed to come first, which made the experience especially meaningful. I cannot recommend it highly enough to anyone looking for a thoughtful elephant experience in Phuket.
★★★★★ Tripadvisor review
A beautiful but emotional experience with the elephants
daniellemQ7494NS, October 2026
Thank you so much for a life changing experience. I had the most amazing morning and was moved to tears hearing the awful stories of the beautiful rescued elephants. Our guide Siri was so kind and informative, and you can tell everyone deeply cares about the wellbeing of the elephants. It was extremely sad and disappointing when two tourists in my group demanded a refund for not being allowed to ride the elephants, but Siri handled this with such grace and said this unfortunately happens all the time. I Please continue rescuing elephants and giving them the life they deserve. Thank you!
★★★★★ Tripadvisor review
Highlight of Our Trip!
kyrar976, October 2026
An incredible experience! I thoroughly enjoyed the educational video before the tour. The guide was incredibly friendly, full of energy, and hilarious. He had an impressive knowledge of elephants and shared amusing stories about each one. All the employees were great and welcoming. The lunch buffet was incredibly delicious! I felt like I gained a deeper understanding of elephants, developed a greater respect for them, and am so glad we chose an ethical sanctuary. I highly recommend this place; it was an unforgettable 11/10 experience.
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