Private Tour
A Morning with the Elephants at Phuket Elephant Sanctuary
Overview
Available languages
3 hours 30 minutes
Mobile ticket
Phuket Elephant Sanctuary is the first ethical, 100% hands-off 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.
Additional Info
Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Specialized infant seats are available
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
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 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
Roundtrip Transfers - If option is not selected
Pickup points
Select a pickup point
Options
Program + Shared Transfers
Pickup included
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
Reviews
1,823 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
A must do experience!!
M9144SRhannahs,Apr 20, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00An absolute must experience trip in Phuket. Initially felt the admission fee was quite pricey compared to other options for elephant tourism, however was worth every dollar spent. The money goes back into the sanctuary, and the experience is truly priceless. The informative guides and short video viewing sets the scene of the unjust and unfair conditions and circumstances most experiences with elephants entail. But experiencing this natural beauty in their own habitat, at their own pace, allows a unique and special encounter that is unlike we could have imagined. Supporting this organisation does in fact feel like we have given back, but also gained an experience of a lifetime
5* Phuket elephant sanctuary
Scott Y,Apr 20, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00We went to Phuket elephant sanctuary where they take working elephants, nurse them back to health, and set them free in a safe natural environment. It’s so peaceful and ethical, the work they do is incredible and it’s a must see in Phuket
Beautiful
Dream15887522652,Apr 18, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Amazing place, beautiful set up for elephants.
Great to be with the...
Robert L,Apr 18, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Great to be with the elephants as they try to adjust back to a “normal” non-working life. Tour guide, KT, was very knowledgeable.
Ethical, inspiring and worth every penny?
413louise,Apr 17, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00what a wonderful experience, to be able to be so close to such majestic animals and to know that our visit is supporting their rehabilitation. I cannot recommend this enough. All of the elephants are rescued from logging, tourist attractions and riding and the sanctuary plans to expand and save more. We did a morning visit which starts with some snacks and an educational video on the history of the sanctuary and its mission. We then spent (a very hot) hour following our wonderful guide Ice around getting to know the elephants and their stories. This was followed by a delicious vegetarian lunch back at the centre. The visit was heartbreaking and inspiring in equal measure. These people do such wonderful work, I would urge anyone to visit. Just to caveat, this is not really suitable for people with limited fitness or mobility as there is a lot of walking on rough terrain. Thank you for a wonderful morning all at the sanctuary!
Beautiful Morning at The Elephant Sanctuary Phuket
Sightsee598029,Apr 17, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This hike through the sanctuary was so peaceful. The guides are so helpful and knowledgable and the experience was once in a lifetime. If you are ever in Phuket, you must visit the elephant sanctuary. Minnie was so sweet and funny. She is the best!
Really amazing...
Michael A,Apr 16, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Really amazing experience! Thomas was super informative and you could tell he really loves the elephants! 10/10
Amazing Family Experience in an Ethical Sanctuary
G7894MMcristinaf,Apr 16, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Such a wonderful experience for the entire family. We usually don’t like to visit this places as we are concerned on how the animals are being treated. We don’t want to promote any business made on the account of animals but after reading the reviews we decided to visit and we are so glad we did! They DON’T allow you to swim with the elephants, feed them or touch them. Elephants are walking around in complete freedom, on their own terms, and without any pressure to interact with visitors. You are able to walk around them and simply observe. The entire place is well looked after and is beautiful. Everyone working there seems to really care about making sure that the rescued elephants are living their best life. Definitely recommend the experience!
Very good, ethical sanctuary. Well worth a visit.
Kimeuk,Apr 15, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I chose this tour due to it being a hands off and ethical experience. The tour was just what we wanted. We were collected from our hotel, by a driver in a nice car, and taking us to the check in point, around 40 minutes away fro. Our hotel. After check in, we were taken up the hill to the sanctuary in a truck with bench seating in the back, with other guests, only a 5 minute journey. We were then given little rubber boots to wear, to save our shoes, and offered drinks and snacks. Our tour guide was allocated to our group. They were very knowledgeable and took us to feed one of the elephants fruit (after being told how to stand and feed them from one side). Then we went around the sanctuary to see the different elephants, and being given their name and history.(some stories are a bit upsetting). We were also taken to the elephant hospital, where they were treating one of their own elephants, who wasnt well, and one from another site with a broken leg. We then went up to the canopy to see them from above, and lastly back to the start for a very nice buffet vegetarian lunch. After this we were taken back to the check in point, where our driver was waiting for us. There are good toilet facilities beforehand after the tour, and also a little shop for souvenirs, which goes a little way towards the upkeep. (Also, it receives government funding.) Overall the experience was exceptional and I would definitely recommend it.
Great morning
Companion44108091658,Apr 15, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Fantastic morning staff we very informative and friendly Can’t fault the hard work they do for these elephants food was amazing also Please buy some souvenirs from the shop to support these
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