Elephant sanctury, Phuket
The elephant sanctuary in Thailand has been on everyone’s bucket list recently as this is an ethical touristy place where elephants are given no harm except love and affection. Unlike the famous tiger reserve in Phuket where the indigent tigers are injected to play with the visitors, which boosts the tourism of that place. But recently when people got an idea of a faux scheme, the visitors list has been narrowed down. With the bubbling tourism, excitement to know more about these rescued elephants’ habitat and awareness from all over the world doesn’t mean that they are focusing more on tourism, instead this kind of involvement is helping them to improve the keeping of these gigantic creatures. With all the buzz with ethical sanctuary, these are not just the safe place for them, they signify the commitment to their welfare, dignity, joyful and fulfilling life after all that they have gone through. So, yeah it is true that here elephants roam around as per convenience without any forceful human contact and the ethnicity pure as they do not breed elephants.
To experience nature and gentle giants so closely in its immersive way in Phuket, Thailand, then you should visit 4 Elephant sanctuary, as this is the place where you will wander around in the deep jungle and will have a one-to-one sessions about the elephant vegetation, how they were rescued and their natural habitat with the consideration of welfare experts. Clicking on the picture is again unforgettable but do not forget if they are well-fed. Besides this, you’ll learn about the elephant behavior, patterns and characteristics and bonding better with them is quite often, visitors will also get the chance to have some good clean up session by taking a big mud spa with the elephants and helping them wash off afterward in the elephant shower room.
Phuket Elephant sanctuary

This concept of ethical elephant sanctuary is introduced by the place which lies just besides the border of Khao Phra Thaeo national park. The Phuket Elephant sanctuary is among the elephant sanctuaries in Phuket that is dedicated to creating nature friendly environment for both the animals and those who visit here. This sanctuary works as an elevated retirement center, it provides refuge for elephants that have endured challenging situations with their earlier custodian, having been relocated here and rescued. This Phuket sanctuary is spread over 30 acres, and the funds collected through tourism are used as an aid money for residents and caring of elephants. If you are opting for a day tour to this elephant sanctuary then you’ll witness the magnificent giants taking a stroll around the lush green jungle in their natural essence plus they are wild but at hearts. Well visitors here are strictly prohibited from riding on them, but if they feel like bonding, one can take up the opportunity to feed them or take a lazy stroll. If that scares you a bit, then you can observe them, being in these beautiful surroundings, bathing, playing, foraging and roaming. Another interesting fact about this jungle adventure is, you’ll get to meet Cattleya, Sai Tong, Sroy Fah, Tong Kwaw, Jan Jao, Gaew Ta, Madee, Dok Gaew and Kannika – these are the elephants of different age groups who reside here and has back story that is very intriguing.
Timings: 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Location: Collection from Monkey Pod Café, Paklok
Price: 3000 Baht for adults, 1500 Baht for children below 12 years old
Elephant jungle sanctuary
Elephant Jungle Sanctuary at Naithon Beach, Phuket, stands out as one of the pioneering elephant tourism spots in the region. Initially established as one location, the overwhelming response it garnered has led to its expansion, now boasting three venues in Chiang Mai, Phuket, and Pattaya. Among the various elephant sanctuaries in Phuket, this particular one is renowned for providing the most budget-friendly half-day visits in the area. Engaging in the distinctive experience of giving elephants a mud bath and assisting in their river wash is truly unforgettable. Visitors are also permitted to feed and interact with the resident elephants, offering ample opportunities to capture cherished moments with these majestic creatures.
The tour cost encompasses hotel pick-up, ensuring a pleasant journey from your accommodation to the Elephant Jungle Sanctuary, approximately an hour away. The scenic route takes you through beautiful agricultural areas, beaches, and hills, enhancing the overall experience. Upon reaching the sanctuary, an English-speaking guide will be assigned to familiarize you with the animals’ behavior and habits. Sugarcane and bananas will be provided for feeding the elephants. Your guide will lead you on a sanctuary tour, sharing stories about each elephant along the way. After spending quality time with your newfound friend, you’ll be escorted to an impressive Thai buffet, allowing you to relish a variety of delicacies.
Timings: 08:30 AM – 06:30 PM
Location: Hills behind Naithon Beach
Price: 2500 Baht for adults, 1,900 Baht for Children below 10 years olds
Pha Nga Elephant park
This beautiful elephant park is a family run business, handled by generations of generations since 150 years and till now they have left no possibilities to shower them with love and affection. The generations of families who managed this small elephant park got a lot to learn about these Asian elephants. Phang Nga is located 1 hour away from Phuket by road, the area this park is situated is a very tiny traditional Thai village where more than 30 people resides with there respected families and obviously our lovely and magnificently big creature. The owners here take utmost precautions to save and take care of these precious as they think by practicing ethical tourism they are saving the mother nature. Also, they have very close relations with all the other elephant sanctuaries in Thailand.
Living in this natural element with these elephants since ages, the values from there family and forest has taught them that the use of any unnatural product which might be harmful for the well being of the elephants also they take every little step to enlighten the people and world about the actual importance of why they are doing what they are doing. Phang Nga park allows visitors to feed and bath with the inhabitants. Additionally, they offer the opportunity to ride on the elephants’ necks, a practice deemed less harmful than the traditional method of individuals sitting on the animal’s spine. This particular riding service is exclusively available for those aged seven and above. For children under seven years old, the facility provides the ‘Kids Elephant Experience,’ a notably gentler option. Furthermore, visitors can participate in a Thai cooking lesson and indulge in a delicious Thai meal during their visit.
Timings: 09:30 AM – 06:00 PM
Location: Route 3059, Phang Nga
Price: 4900 Baht for adults, 2900 Baht for children below 14 years old
Elephant retirement park

Serving as a sanctuary for rescued and retired elephants, as implied by its name, Elephant Retirement Park at Bangtao Beach in Phuket offers a refuge where these creatures can enjoy freedom in an environment resembling their natural habitat. Visitors have numerous opportunities to engage with the delightful residents on a physical level, participating in various activities such as providing mud baths and feeding them their favorite foods. Distinguished among the elephant sanctuaries in Phuket, Elephant Retirement Park is committed to maintaining an optimal living space for the elephants, allowing visitors in small groups.
If tourists are expecting a merry ride on the elephants then this might not be the place for them, as in simple words it is illegal for the village and for elephants also the facility team is strict with their guidelines against riding. Well there are several packages available for visitors to choose from, each offering a variety of activities to explore. Options include the Half-Day Elephant Care, Private VIP Elephant Care, Honeymoon Elephant Care, Volunteer Elephant Training, and Corporate Team Building packages. Additionally, these packages encompass the convenience of hotel pick up, regardless of your accommodation’s location in any part of Phuket.
Timings: 07:30 AM – 05:00 PM
Location: Soi Cherngtalay 1, Bangtao
Price: 2600 Baht for adults, 1800 Baht for children below 10 years old
All of the Phuket elephant sanctuaries in are an attempt and a promise to bring humans closer to nature in every way possible. Observation of the elephants leading their natural lifestyle helps people overcome their fear of these enormous beings who are incredibly gentle and friendly in their ways. Considered to be among the most intelligent animals, sadly, elephants are often ill-treated by not-so-friendly humans. These elephant sanctuaries in Phuket are a wildlife refuge for the rescued and retired elephants. Not only it will be an eye-opening experience to visit an elephant sanctuary, but it will also be an informative session that will enable you to know unique things about them. So, if you are planning a trip to Thailand, make sure that you add ‘visit the best elephant sanctuary’ to your list.