Which is the Best Elephant Sanctuary to Visit in Phuket?

In southern Thailand, Phuket is the best place to experience elephants. While Krabi and Koh Samui offer some alternatives, Phuket stands out with its numerous options.

Here, you can engage in hands-on activities like feeding elephants, all while enjoying the island's beautiful beaches and vibrant nightlife.

Choosing an ethical sanctuary is essential for a meaningful experience. Read on to discover the top sanctuaries we've carefully selected based on our on-site inspections and customer feedback.

How to Choose an Elephant Sanctuary in Phuket?

With over 20 elephant sanctuaries in Phuket, finding the right one can feel overwhelming. Here's a guide to help you make an informed choice:

1. Is the Sanctuary Ethical?

Unfortunately, some places labeled as "sanctuaries" don't operate ethically. If a sanctuary offers activities like elephant riding or performances, it's best to avoid it.

Many ethical sanctuaries provide hands-on activities, such as feeding and bathing elephants. If you prefer a completely hands-off experience, that's also available. We've put together a list of the top ethical sanctuaries below to make your search easier!

2. Consider the Location of the Elephant Sanctuaries

Most elephant sanctuaries in Phuket are concentrated in the central and northern regions of the island.

Whether you're staying in central areas like Patong Beach or northern beaches such as Bang Tao, Surin, and Kamala, you'll find plenty of sanctuary options, with travel times ranging from 15 to 60 minutes.

If you're on the southern beaches, like Kata and Karon, be prepared for a longer journey—approximately 1 to 2 hours, depending on the sanctuary you choose.

Fortunately, most sanctuaries offer convenient pickup services from popular beach areas.

3. Consider Your Schedule: Full-Day vs. Half-Day Options

If you're short on time, most sanctuaries offer half-day tours or even shorter programs like a 1.5-hour feeding session or observation.

For a more immersive experience, consider a full-day tour (only available in a few sanctuaries), especially if you're traveling from the southern beaches like Kata or Karon, where a full day can make the journey more worthwhile given the travel times.

Top 7 Ethical Elephant Sanctuaries in Phuket

Based on our field inspections and customer feedback, we've selected the following sanctuaries that prioritize the welfare of the elephants. These sanctuaries do not offer riding or performances, ensuring a truly ethical experience while guaranteeing a memorable visit.

1. Phuket Elephant Sanctuary: Canopy Walkway for 100% Hands-off Experience

• Location: Paklok, Thalang, on the east coast of Phuket
• Elephant number: 20
• Programs available: Half-day/full-day/canopy walkway tours
• Price: from 1900 THB
• www.phuketelephantsanctuary.org

Phuket Elephant Sanctuary is Phuket's first and most ethical elephant sanctuary, pioneering Thailand's no-riding policy and endorsed by National Geographic and World Animal Protection.

This sanctuary is home to 20 rescued elephants, one of the largest groups in Phuket.

You can join a half-day or full-day program, where you'll feed, observe, and walk with the elephants—no bathing involved.

The sanctuary also features Thailand's longest canopy walkway, offering a fully hands-off experience that lets you observe these gentle giants from above.

2. Elephant Jungle Sanctuary Phuket: Diverse Elephant Programs

• Location: Three branches in Kathu, Thalang, and Bangtao
• Elephant number: 15+
• Programs available: "Feed Me"/"Feed & Shower"/"Watch Me"/"Walk With Elephants"/half-day tour
• Price: from 900 THB for "Feed Me"; 2900 THB for a half-day tour
• https://elephantjunglesanctuary.com/phuket/

Elephant Jungle Sanctuary Phuket offers a range of programs to match different interests, including "Feed Me," "Feed & Shower," "Watch Me," "Walk With Elephants," and a half-day tour. You can enjoy interactive experiences like feeding, bathing, walking with elephants, and even a mud spa.

With three branches in Phuket—Kathu, Thalang, and Bangtao—each location hosts a herd of at least five elephants. The Kathu branch is especially convenient for those staying near Patong, as it's only about 15 minutes away.

3. Green Elephant Sanctuary Park: Serene Jungle Setting

• Location: Close to Surin Beach
• Elephant number: 6
• Programs available: Half-day tour
• Price: from 2500 THB
• https://www.green-elephantsanctuarypark.com/

Green Elephant Sanctuary Park, true to its name, is nestled in a serene jungle setting, covering 40,000 m² with a tranquil stream and small lake.

Founded by a Swiss visionary, the sanctuary upholds European animal protection standards, providing a haven for elephants.

It offers half-day visits, where you can feed the elephants, enjoy a fun mud spa with them, and cool off under an adventure shower.

The park also operates the Vision Green Elephant Clinic, which provides affordable healthcare for elephants.

4. Phuket Elephant Nature Reserve: Private Half-Day Adventure

• Location: Close to Bang Tao Beach
• Elephant number: 3
• Programs available: 90-Minute Experience / private or group half-day tour
• Price: from 1200 THB
• https://phuketelephantnaturereserve.com/

If you're looking for a private elephant experience, Phuket Elephant Nature Reserve is a great option. It's one of the few sanctuaries that offers private programs, allowing you and your group exclusive time with the elephants. You'll enjoy feeding them, observing as they roam, play, and bathe, and even a private Thai cooking lesson.

The reserve also offers 90-minute and half-day join-in tours. For a shorter visit, the 90-Minute Experience lets you meet and feed the elephants, join them on a jungle walk, and watch them play in ponds or mud—no bathing involved.

5. Phuket Elephant Care: Unique Experiences Across Three Locations

• Location: Three branches—one near Naithon Beach, two near Patong Beach
• Elephant number: 25 in total across three branches
• Programs available: Feed and Spa, Feed Only, half-day, and full-day tours
• Price: from 1250 THB
• https://phuketelephant.care/

Phuket Elephant Care is an ethical sanctuary with three unique locations across Phuket, each offering a distinct experience.

While the three branches share programs like Feed and Spa, Feed Only, and half-day tours, each also has its own unique offerings. The Naithon Sanctuary stands out as the island's largest sanctuary, providing an immersive full-day tour where guests can feed, observe, and connect with elephants in a spacious natural setting.

The Loch Palm Sanctuary, nestled in a lush, mountainous area, is perfect for those wanting to interact with elephants amidst beautiful landscapes.

For guests staying near Patong, the Mum Muang Lung Sanctuary in Kathu is easily accessible and offers unique combo packages that include a Phuket city tour alongside the elephant experience.

6. The Lake Phuket Elephant Home Ethical Sanctuary: Small Group Tour

• Location: Close to the Phuket Airport
• Elephant number: 3
• Programs available: Half-day/full-day tours
• Price: from 3500 THB
• www.thelakephuketelephanthome.com/

The Lake Phuket Elephant Home Ethical Sanctuary is tucked away in northern Phuket, a bit farther from popular beaches like Patong and Kata. This distance, however, makes it a peaceful escape from the busy tourist areas. Its beautiful lake setting adds to the calm atmosphere, making it an ideal place to enjoy nature and connect with these gentle giants.

If you're looking for a more intimate experience, their Private Group Visit is capped at just nine people (unlike other sanctuaries, which often have groups of 15-20). For honeymooners, they even offer a romantic, exclusive adventure just for two.

They provide both half-day and full-day programs, where you can feed, bathe, and walk with the elephants for a truly hands-on experience.

7. Phang Nga Elephant Park: Family-Run Eco-Park

• Location: Near Thung Ka Ngok, a small village in Phang Nga Province
• Elephant number: 9
• Programs available: Half-day/Dawn or Dusk Elephant Experiences
• Price: from 3900 THB
• https://phangngaelephantpark.com/

Though technically outside Phuket, this special, family-run eco-park is well worth a visit. Phang Nga Elephant Park operates like a traditional Thai village where around 30 people live and work with their elephants.

Its unique "Dawn" and "Dusk" Elephant Experiences allow you to join the Kwan-chang (elephant handler) in their daily routine, including more immersive activities like trekking into the jungle to find the elephants, walking through the forest alongside elephants and assisting with them a bath in the river, and learn about their health check process.

For added convenience, it provides complimentary transfers from Phuket.

Best Time to Visit Elephant Sanctuaries – Is It OK During Rainy Season?

The ideal time to visit elephant sanctuaries in Phuket is from November to April, offering cooler temperatures and pleasant weather. This is the high season for tourism in Phuket, so you can expect vibrant activities and a lively atmosphere at the sanctuaries.

However, sanctuaries are open year-round, and visiting during the rainy season (May to October) can still be enjoyable.

Lighter showers rarely disrupt activities, and the rain makes mud baths more enjoyable for the elephants. They may even wander to new, fresh muddy spots in the forest, creating a magical experience as you watch them play surrounded by the fresh smell of rain.

Plus, you'll enjoy fewer crowds and the island's lush, vibrant scenery.

Practical Tips for Visiting an Elephant Sanctuary

Plan Your Visit: Consider the time of day for your visit. Early morning or late afternoon can be cooler and more pleasant, plus you may see elephants more active during these times.

Book in Advance: Reservations are often recommended, especially during peak tourist seasons from November to March.

Check for Special Programs: Many sanctuaries offer unique experiences, like sunrise or sunset tours, feeding sessions, or workshops. Explore these options to make your visit even more memorable.

Consider Transportation: If your sanctuary is further from your accommodation, check if they offer pickup services or arrange transportation in advance to avoid any last-minute hassles.

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