What‘s Included

Reviews

• A Fun/Unexpected Experience

  Chukyan L,

  May 2, 2025

  - Viator

  4.00

  4/5 because the description on Viator's website didn't explicitly state that we would be petting the elephants, feeding them, and that we had the option to go into the water and brush them - which threw us for a loop when we got a notification to bring a swimsuit, a change of clothes, and a towel. We should have looked closer at the photos from other reviewers. As for the actual experience itself, we received an email the day before telling us the pick up window and what to bring. Forecast that morning showed that some rainshowers were expected, so it was going to be a really muggy day. Bug spray is an absolute must! When we arrived at the sanctuary, they were kind enough to let us borrow umbrellas during the brief downpour. We started off the day with the cooking class. We made payaya salad in our individual groups, which we then proceeded to eat with our buffet lunch. Afterwards, we given a lesson on the different types of elephants as well as the specific elephants at the sanctuary. Next, we were given the opportunity to cut sugar cane, which we then carried over and fed to their elephants. After a scenic walk, where we saw more elephants, we headed back to the starting point, where we had the option to go into the water and brush the elephants (or observe from a distance). There were many photo opportunities throughout the experience. The day ended after people had the chance to shower and change their clothes. Overall, we had a pleasant experience and everyone at the sanctuary was lovely. They also took their own pictures, which they shared via whatsapp if people wanted a copy. Other notes: water, wifi, and lockers are available.

• Genuine ethical compassion and care. Highly recommended

  Michael K,

  May 2, 2025

  - Viator

  5.00

  This is an amazing opportunity to spend quality time with these magnificent creatures. Daeng and his team are passionate about the elephants they care for. Go early as fewer people go in the morning. We chopped sugar cane , fed the elephants, walked with them and bathed them in the lake. We also had a quick cookery lesson and made Thai salad to go with our lunch which was really tasty and plentiful. I recommend this as a genuine ethical compassionate elephant experience. One I will never forget. Please ignore the others and book this, no elephant riding but respect and compassion for their rescued elephants. Daeng is knowledgeable and funny and has excellent English so you learn a lot.

• A must do in Phuket!!

  Lee M,

  Apr 30, 2025

  - Viator

  5.00

  This was our favorite experience in Thailand, hands down. Deng, the man who runs the sanctuary is so knowledgeable and the way he and the other employees love and respect the elephants is a thing of beauty. You get to feed the elephants, bathe and play with them and you get a delicious lunch. Don't hesitate, book this experience!!!

• A close but responsible encounter with majestic animals, you would never have elsewhere. A must do if in Phuket.

  Ivanna B,

  Apr 22, 2025

  - Viator

  5.00

  It was a wonderful experience overall. We were lucky and were only 6 people in total which made it even better. As a family of 4 we had two elephants for us, and one in the water. Mr. Yu was wonderful as a guide, very friendly and easy going and he clearly loves elephants. The elephants also seem to like him and be very much at ease - or at least one Lulu. He also took amazing photographs, so we not only have precious memories from the experience itself but also great keepsakes! We learnt many things about elephants and about these sanctuaries. It took as over an hour to get to the sanctuary (please do not underestimate travel time to different places on the island!) and we were ready to walk and interact with the elephants. So, at the beginning when Mr. Yu started talking to us and explaining everything, we got a bit restless. However, it made a difference and as mentioned, we learned a lot. We got to be close to majestic animals without hurting them and it is an experience we will never forget. In case you are wondering, these animals were all rescued so they have not been taken from the wild. They are in a way already domesticated and they seem to be treated VERY well. You get a small cooking class in the package which was a lot of fun, and the salad was actually REALLY good, and then a Thai buffet lunch which was very tasty. This was my daughter's birthday gift, and it could not have been better. It is an experience none of us will forget. I highly recommend coming to this sanctuary. I cannot compare it to others, but I did read bad reviews at least about trekking. Again, these elephants having been rescued, seem to be well treated and taken care of. They roam free on the property and have a mahout each (a keeper) who basically lives with - and for - the animal.

• Family tour 4/2025

  Lisa H,

  Apr 22, 2025

  - Viator

  5.00

  A once in a life time experience with much care and consideration for the Elephants as well as guest. The entire team of Mr. Yu, All Care takers, and staff were wonderful. The cooking class was a definite plus, and fun! The additional lunch provided was Excellent! It’s Easy to support this wonderful sanctuary. Highly recommend all ages.