Private Tour

A Morning with the Elephants at Phuket Elephant Sanctuary

Overview

Available languages

English

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.

3 hours • Admission 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

Roundtrip Transfers - If option is not selected

Pickup points

Select a pickup point

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

Reviews

4.94

1,832 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

1758

Amazing!
Elaina M,May 5, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00
Amazing experience! Highly recommend visiting if you want to see healthy and happy elephants taken care of! Staff could not be more wonderful! Close to elephants but not to bother them! Lunch was so delicious!!! Book this!!
Must do visit in Phuket
978pennyw,May 3, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
We had a fabulous morning at PES, particularly knowing it is the most ethical elephant sanctuary in Phuket. The whole experience was very professional, and we were able to see and learn so much from the experienced guides. The love for the rescued elephants was wonderful, and we were very lucky to have been able to see the animals in a natural environment. I urge people looking for a meet with elephants not to go to the operators who use the animals for tourist rides, baths and feeds. Please choose an ethical operator and see these magnificent beasts enjoying their lives in nature.
Amazing experience with the elephants and wonderful guides
tomfulfordbrown79,May 2, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
This is our third visit and it did not disappoint. Alex was an excellent guide and very special to see the elephants that they’ve rescued
An actual ethical sanctuary
nickdO2840XY,May 1, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
It was an amazing experience, the Hospital is a brilliant idea and to see the elephants do what they want to do is just how I'd want to see them, a must go and see for yourself. They also catered to my allergy and the staff were lovely & friendly. More animal places need to be like this.
Beautiful Elephant Sanctuary
Nancy W,May 1, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Such an incredibly memorable morning spent visiting the Phuket Elephant Sanctuary. To see these massive creatures roaming free was truly amazing. Their relationships with the mahouts is one of mutual respect. Our guide, Thomas, was very knowledgeable and taught us so much about how the elephants are treated and how their behaviors with one another is truly unique. The elephant hospital was something to observe as well. Our morning was so well spent observing the elephants and learning about the sanctuary. I would highly recommend this activity!
Beautiful Peaceful Elephant Encounter without Gimics!
Susan C,Apr 30, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
A fabulous morning walking amongst the elephants at a suitable distance. They are well cared for and living their best retirement in a peaceful caring environment. There is also the start of an elephant hospital where elephants from outside the sanctuary can come to be cared back to health for free to the owners, unfortunately they have to be returned. No personal contact or feeding which for us, seeing the elephants living in peace, was most important.
Surpassed my expectations.
Companion49469674437,Apr 29, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Fantastic opportunity to get up close but also hear stories about the elephants and the ethical treatment at the sanctuary. From the jeeps that took us to the walkway to the refreshments before our walk, the excellent educational video, umbrellas to shade from the heat, plus cold towels half way round, and finally the excellent buffet lunch- I couldn’t fault it. Our guides were so knowledgeable and helpful. Fully able to respond to questions and knew all the elephants and their history. We walked saw the new hospital and animals being treated there, walked among the elephants, were lucky enough to see one bathing, and then watched from above on the canopy. Beautiful experience, especially having heard the poor conditions they come from at places where you can swim or ride them. Please don’t go to those places- they are cruel and you’ll learn so much more here.
Great experience
Scenic11658217147,Apr 27, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Good ethical elephant experience. They care for the animals and give them a nice life. Please support this business.
Beautiful Sanctuary
kylep846,Apr 24, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Lovely ethical sanctuary and nice and spacious for the elephants. Worth visiting
Visit to Phuket ethical Elephant Santuary
LLDLJ,Apr 22, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Wow! Brilliant!! I was really looking forward to visiting the elephant sanctuary in Phuket and boy did it not disappoint. In fact it was so much better. Pick up was smooth. Welcome calm and organised. Drinks and snacks. Information video did bring a tear to my eye as what the sanctuary is doing is so important. Guide was outstanding and I learnt so much!! Lunch fantastic And the elephants and their home - amazing!! For anyone thinking of seeing elephants only come here. Don’t be seduced into thinking riding, hand feeding, petting or being picked up by these gentle giants is acceptable. As visitors and tourists to this beautiful country we must help with what is right. And, please believe me when I say you will not be disappointed.

From THB 3,000.00

4.94

(1,832 reviews)

Free cancellation

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Related Experiences

Operated by Phuket Elephant Sanctuary

Private Tour

A Morning with the Elephants at Phuket Elephant Sanctuary

Overview

Available languages

English

3 hours 30 minutes

Mobile ticket

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

3 hours • Admission 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

Roundtrip Transfers - If option is not selected

Pickup points

Select a pickup point

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

Reviews

4.94

1,832 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

1758

Amazing!
Elaina M,May 5, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00
Amazing experience! Highly recommend visiting if you want to see healthy and happy elephants taken care of! Staff could not be more wonderful! Close to elephants but not to bother them! Lunch was so delicious!!! Book this!!
Must do visit in Phuket
978pennyw,May 3, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
We had a fabulous morning at PES, particularly knowing it is the most ethical elephant sanctuary in Phuket. The whole experience was very professional, and we were able to see and learn so much from the experienced guides. The love for the rescued elephants was wonderful, and we were very lucky to have been able to see the animals in a natural environment. I urge people looking for a meet with elephants not to go to the operators who use the animals for tourist rides, baths and feeds. Please choose an ethical operator and see these magnificent beasts enjoying their lives in nature.
Amazing experience with the elephants and wonderful guides
tomfulfordbrown79,May 2, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
This is our third visit and it did not disappoint. Alex was an excellent guide and very special to see the elephants that they’ve rescued
An actual ethical sanctuary
nickdO2840XY,May 1, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
It was an amazing experience, the Hospital is a brilliant idea and to see the elephants do what they want to do is just how I'd want to see them, a must go and see for yourself. They also catered to my allergy and the staff were lovely & friendly. More animal places need to be like this.
Beautiful Elephant Sanctuary
Nancy W,May 1, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Such an incredibly memorable morning spent visiting the Phuket Elephant Sanctuary. To see these massive creatures roaming free was truly amazing. Their relationships with the mahouts is one of mutual respect. Our guide, Thomas, was very knowledgeable and taught us so much about how the elephants are treated and how their behaviors with one another is truly unique. The elephant hospital was something to observe as well. Our morning was so well spent observing the elephants and learning about the sanctuary. I would highly recommend this activity!
Beautiful Peaceful Elephant Encounter without Gimics!
Susan C,Apr 30, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
A fabulous morning walking amongst the elephants at a suitable distance. They are well cared for and living their best retirement in a peaceful caring environment. There is also the start of an elephant hospital where elephants from outside the sanctuary can come to be cared back to health for free to the owners, unfortunately they have to be returned. No personal contact or feeding which for us, seeing the elephants living in peace, was most important.
Surpassed my expectations.
Companion49469674437,Apr 29, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Fantastic opportunity to get up close but also hear stories about the elephants and the ethical treatment at the sanctuary. From the jeeps that took us to the walkway to the refreshments before our walk, the excellent educational video, umbrellas to shade from the heat, plus cold towels half way round, and finally the excellent buffet lunch- I couldn’t fault it. Our guides were so knowledgeable and helpful. Fully able to respond to questions and knew all the elephants and their history. We walked saw the new hospital and animals being treated there, walked among the elephants, were lucky enough to see one bathing, and then watched from above on the canopy. Beautiful experience, especially having heard the poor conditions they come from at places where you can swim or ride them. Please don’t go to those places- they are cruel and you’ll learn so much more here.
Great experience
Scenic11658217147,Apr 27, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Good ethical elephant experience. They care for the animals and give them a nice life. Please support this business.
Beautiful Sanctuary
kylep846,Apr 24, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Lovely ethical sanctuary and nice and spacious for the elephants. Worth visiting
Visit to Phuket ethical Elephant Santuary
LLDLJ,Apr 22, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Wow! Brilliant!! I was really looking forward to visiting the elephant sanctuary in Phuket and boy did it not disappoint. In fact it was so much better. Pick up was smooth. Welcome calm and organised. Drinks and snacks. Information video did bring a tear to my eye as what the sanctuary is doing is so important. Guide was outstanding and I learnt so much!! Lunch fantastic And the elephants and their home - amazing!! For anyone thinking of seeing elephants only come here. Don’t be seduced into thinking riding, hand feeding, petting or being picked up by these gentle giants is acceptable. As visitors and tourists to this beautiful country we must help with what is right. And, please believe me when I say you will not be disappointed.