Khaolak Elephant Sanctuary, Cooking Class and Waterfall Tour

From THB 3900

4.71

14 reviews

Check availability

Overview

Available languages

English

4 hours 30 minutes

Mobile ticket

We offers a unique and authentic experience that focuses on learning about and observing the special bond between elephants and their mahouts. Unlike other elephant sanctuaries, we do not allow bathing or feeding the elephants to ensure their safety and well-being. Instead, you will have the opportunity to watch the mahouts as they interact with the elephants, learning about their communication and trust-building techniques, and see how they care for and feed the elephants.

During the tour, you will have the opportunity to visit local markets to purchase food for the elephants and even make herbal vitamin snack balls for them. You'll also learn about the communication and trust-building techniques used by the mahouts, and see firsthand how they care for and feed the elephants.

The highlight of the tour is undoubtedly the close-up interaction with the elephants, where you can take photos and observe them in their natural environment.

Additional Info

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Public transportation options are available nearby

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Bath and feed with elephant is not permitted

The rescued elephants at the sanctuary are not forced to do activities they do not wish to participate in.

The sanctuary will not force the elephants to pose for photos.

Cancellation Policy

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

What‘s Included

Lunch

Hotel Transfer

Tour Guide

Insurance

Coffee and/or Tea

Options

Ex. Khaolak Morning Tour

Activity: Experience to learn how to be an elephant caretaker or ‘Mahout’ in a half-day adventure.
Buffet Lunch
Pickup Car
Pickup included

Ex. Phuket Afternoon Tour

Activity: Experience to learn how to be an elephant caretaker or ‘Mahout’ in a half-day adventure.
Duration: 5 hours 30 minutes
Buffet Lunch
Car/Van Pickup: The duration of the transfer from your hotel in Phuket to Khaolak Elephant Sanctuary is approximately 2 hours.
Pickup included

Ex. Khaolak Afternoon Tour

Program: Experience to learn how to be an elephant caretaker or ‘Mahout’ in a half-day adventure.
Duration: 2 hours 55 minutes
Buffet lunch is include
Pickup Open Air Vehicle
Pickup from Khaolak
Pickup included

Ex. Phuket Morning Program

Activity: Experience to learn how to be an elephant caretaker or ‘Mahout’ in a half-day adventure.
Duration: 5 hours 30 minutes
ฺBuffet Lunch
Car/Van from Phuket: The duration of the transfer from your hotel in Phuket to Khaolak Elephant Sanctuary is approximately 2 hours.
Pickup included

Reviews

4.71

14 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

Bad experience
Faiva W,
May 24, 2025
- Viator
1.00
Terrible experience. We were very excited to attend but we were unable to make it due to extremely bad storms and flooding on the roads making them impassable. At times, the flooding was so bad that vehicles were stalled and the water level reached up and into our rental car. We even passed cars that were abandoned on the road and motorbikes that were pulled off to the side hoping that the storms would subside. Khao Lak was 2 hours from our hotel so we decided to be safe and turn around. I was past the 24 hour window for a refund but I thought the tour event would be understanding of the situation we were in and at least give a 50% refund. They claimed that since they “arranged” a pick up for us that they couldn’t refund my payment of $400. This was either a mistake or a lie as they initially sent us a note stating that since our hotel was too far, they couldn’t pick us up. Initially not a problem since we rented a car. I know that the policy indicates no refunds within 24 hours of the event starting but I would’ve also hoped this tour company would have understood that we made every reasonably safe attempt to make it but the storms and flooding were just too bad to chance. I thought that a 50% refund was more than fair considering that they did not lose any revenue or provide any service for our reservation. I’m sure the experience is wonderful but I would never rebook this event.
Fantastic Family Tour
Cassandra N,
Feb 21, 2025
- Viator
5.00
Wow! We had an incredible experience caring for the elephants— we made their food, fed them, walked with them, helped to give them a bath in the river and went to cut down more bananas and sugar cane in the jungle to feed them more. The whole experience was surreal and the staff was so kind and friendly. Our 3 kids were so enthusiastic about the entire experience! We also learned how to make Pad Thai! The staff was so helpful with our younger children and we all had the best time. I can’t recommend this trip enough….one tip, bring bug spray and wear good shoes for hiking!
A truly magical...
Zoe S,
Dec 20, 2024
- Viator
5.00
A truly magical experience! Loved making their food and feeding them bananas, but my fave part was watching the interactions as they bathed - hilarious! Tony was a great guide and we had an amazing day :)
Intense and fulfilling experience for kids
Adriana M,
Jan 6, 2024
- Viator
5.00
We enjoyed the elephants encounter excursion and mostly because of Ve Vi, Me Mi and Tiger 🙏 they have been so patient and careful with me and my two children and I cannot thank them enough for the beautiful experience! Thank you and see you next time!
Fun with the elephants
Lorraine D,
Nov 25, 2023
- Viator
5.00
Washing elephants was an incredible experience. They were so big and gentle. The water was good to swim intoo