4WD Tours
3–4 hours
Free cancellation
Not sure? You can cancel this reservation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Recommended by 98% of travelers
98% of reviewers gave this product a bubble rating of 4 or higher.
from
$91
per adult
Phuket Elephant Sanctuary
Phuket Elephant Sanctuary
4.9
Full view
About
Phuket Elephant Sanctuary is the first ethical elephant sanctuary in Phuket. We put the welfare of our elephants first and do not offer bathing, rides, shows, mud bathing, trunk hugging, elephant kisses, sitting on or lying on the elephants, loud noisy groups, or people constantly crowding around the elephants. If you think of an elephant living life in the forest surrounded by the sounds of nature then this is what we offer. Our tours offer Education, Interaction, and Observation. Visitors enjoy an up-close encounter with our beautiful elephants during the feeding program, then we walk with the elephants, stand back and observe as they roam, bathe, play, and socialise naturally, free from human touch. We give our elephants back their lives and their dignity, and in doing so, our guests get to learn about how incredible the largest land mammal on earth truly is. We look forward to welcoming you. Morning and Afternoon visits, reservations required, transportation available.
Phuket, Thailand
Meets animal welfare guidelines
Awards
Travelers' Choice
2024
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Improve this listingTours and Tickets by Phuket Elephant Sanctuary
4WD Tours
1–2 hours
Free cancellation
Not sure? You can cancel this reservation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Recommended by 98% of travelers
98% of reviewers gave this product a bubble rating of 4 or higher.
from
$58
per adult
4WD Tours
3–4 hours
Free cancellation
Not sure? You can cancel this reservation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Recommended by 97% of travelers
97% of reviewers gave this product a bubble rating of 4 or higher.
from
$91
per adult
Day Trips
6+ hours
Free cancellation
Not sure? You can cancel this reservation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Recommended by 97% of travelers
97% of reviewers gave this product a bubble rating of 4 or higher.
from
$212
per adult
Travelers talk about
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.9
3,096 reviews
Excellent
2,901
Very good
126
Average
36
Poor
22
Terrible
17
These reviews have been automatically translated from their original language.
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Philippa W
28 contributions
Jan 2025 • Solo
I did the One Day Volunteer program on my own and had a great day. I had done the half day tour with my husband the previous year and had promised myself I’d volunteer if we returned. My husband decided he’d have (another) lazy day by the pool and I was happy to go solo. The day was great from start to finish - I was transported to and from my hotel in the price and was offered three meals throughout the day. I was also gifted a branded bottle bag and t-shirt which was unexpected and very kind.
The actual visit included a morning tour of the centre which reminded me of all the good work this place does and how well looked after the elephants are. The afternoon was spent with a friendly and knowledgeable guide called Oum. She gave me some tasks to do (chopping fruit and veg - feeding the elephants) and we went out of the centre in an electric cart to the rainforest to pick bamboo leaves for the hungry elephants. It was such an enjoyable day and Oum was a great companion who was very happy to answer any questions . I was the only one volunteering that day so I felt like a VIP guest and was treated very well.
This elephant sanctuary is such a calm, beautiful place to visit where elderly elephants come to retire and be loved and cared for by empathetic staff and their mahouts. I can highly recommend this activity- such a lovely way to spend a day. Hopefully I’ll be back next year and be able to see the new elephant hospital that’s being built.
The actual visit included a morning tour of the centre which reminded me of all the good work this place does and how well looked after the elephants are. The afternoon was spent with a friendly and knowledgeable guide called Oum. She gave me some tasks to do (chopping fruit and veg - feeding the elephants) and we went out of the centre in an electric cart to the rainforest to pick bamboo leaves for the hungry elephants. It was such an enjoyable day and Oum was a great companion who was very happy to answer any questions . I was the only one volunteering that day so I felt like a VIP guest and was treated very well.
This elephant sanctuary is such a calm, beautiful place to visit where elderly elephants come to retire and be loved and cared for by empathetic staff and their mahouts. I can highly recommend this activity- such a lovely way to spend a day. Hopefully I’ll be back next year and be able to see the new elephant hospital that’s being built.
Written February 2, 2025
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Charlie P
1 contribution
Mar 2025 • Solo
I had the most amazing 3 day volunteer experience! The days consisted of cleaning elephants rooms, cutting fruit, chopping bamboo/banana leaves, rice ball making/feeding and observation around the sanctuary. My guides KT and Rita were fantastic, as were the drivers and other staff. You also get breakfast, lunch and dinner included. I was throughly impressed with the ethical experience and it’s clear the mahouts care so much about their elephants. I will definitely be returning.
Written March 5, 2025
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Coastal34643495798
2 contributions
Feb 2025 • Family
The best place with elephants in Puchket! Maybe even all of Thailand... I wanted to see a place like this where they don't exploit such beautiful animals.
We had a programme all day and we didn't regret it!
In the morning we went as part of a morning group, and in the afternoon there was already a personalized program for us) my husband and I were lucky, it was just the two of us on this day, usually recruit a group of up to 10 people full time
We managed to get a little closer to the elephants. Cooking them food, rice balls with pumpkin, chopping fruit, picking leaves. Well, then directly fed the inhabitants of the reserve)
I managed to watch elephants swim without human intervention, just in the company of their relatives)
It was a beautiful day, a 10/10 experience.
I hope to come back here one more time.
We had a programme all day and we didn't regret it!
In the morning we went as part of a morning group, and in the afternoon there was already a personalized program for us) my husband and I were lucky, it was just the two of us on this day, usually recruit a group of up to 10 people full time
We managed to get a little closer to the elephants. Cooking them food, rice balls with pumpkin, chopping fruit, picking leaves. Well, then directly fed the inhabitants of the reserve)
I managed to watch elephants swim without human intervention, just in the company of their relatives)
It was a beautiful day, a 10/10 experience.
I hope to come back here one more time.
Automatically translated
Written March 2, 2025
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Az & Gabz
Yealmpton, UK363 contributions
This was an absolutely amazing experience, this sanctuary has recused elephants from different places in Phuket where they have been used for entertainment such as for elephant rides, the circus, people bathing with them and many other things. The sanctuary is beautiful and the elephants are all flapping their ears and wiggling their tail in happiness. The elephants have a person assigned to them each day who ensure their safety in the park and of course to keep us safe when walking around. Some of the elephants have daily medications and need special treatment due to the horrible things they have been through. I like that the sanctuary protect their elephants and don’t allow people to close to the elephants who struggle with other elephants or people. The staff at the sanctuary were well informed and seem to really care about the elephants. The food at lunch time was also so delicious and the gift shop is lovely and fairly priced. If you want to do the elephant thing in Phuket this is the place to go!!
Written November 8, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Stephanie S
43 contributions
Jan 2024 • Couples
All of the staff are so well informed and passionate about elephant rescue and well-being. This is an extremely well-organized organization from the time of check in all the way through lunch. Guests were organized in small groups with a knowledgeable guide. The welcome buffet with fruit, juice, coffee, etc and the buffet lunch lunch was exceptional. Just and overall wonderful experience.
Written January 8, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
E F
5 contributions
Feb 2023 • Friends
We had a wonderful time at Phuket Elephant Sanctuary, and our tour guide Tor (apologies if I have spelt your name wrong) was fantastic!
We did our best to look for the most ethical way we could visit and see the elephants in Phuket, and this sanctuary is definitely leading the way for ethical elephant tourism in Thailand. The elephants at this sanctuary have been rescued from the logging and exploitative tourism industry to live out the rest of their lives cared for by their mahouts, dedicated veterinarians, and enjoy thirty acres of lush land. They are not forced to interact with visitors, and we, as the visitors are asked to respect them and their personal space.
You may think the experience is rather expensive, but it is worth it because you know the money you’ve paid is helping the elephants to enjoy the rest of their lives.
We did our best to look for the most ethical way we could visit and see the elephants in Phuket, and this sanctuary is definitely leading the way for ethical elephant tourism in Thailand. The elephants at this sanctuary have been rescued from the logging and exploitative tourism industry to live out the rest of their lives cared for by their mahouts, dedicated veterinarians, and enjoy thirty acres of lush land. They are not forced to interact with visitors, and we, as the visitors are asked to respect them and their personal space.
You may think the experience is rather expensive, but it is worth it because you know the money you’ve paid is helping the elephants to enjoy the rest of their lives.
Written March 7, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Reka W
Budapest, Hungary12 contributions
Nov 2022 • Solo
I booked a whole day program and it worth every penny. (Complementary t-shirt, lunch and dinner included on top of the welcome coffee and snacks) My guide Jeffy was great and knowledgeable. I was very impressed by the whole concept. You are only allow to approach elephants if they approach you. You can only feed certain elephants who doesn't scared of humans. With some of them you can just pose and take photo but don't approach. Their keepers watching them from distance, never got any physical when giving instructions.
Someone here said that after a while it got repetitive. Yes it's true, but what else you wanna do in an elephant sanctuary then observe and feed them? For me it was a dream come true.
Obviously you can't ride or bathe them, you can observe them. The canopy walkway is an amazing experience too, you can watch them from above.
Your guide always gives you instructions how close you can go, and if you can pet them.
I highly recommend the whole day program: in the afternoon you can make food for the elephants, and cut Bamboo in the jungle and it all ends with you feeding it to the elephants. Some points I was in tears, I was so happy. Truly magical experience.
Great gift shop, they take card. Profits go towards the sanctuary.
(Jeffy if you read this, I hope you had a great birthday 🎉)
Someone here said that after a while it got repetitive. Yes it's true, but what else you wanna do in an elephant sanctuary then observe and feed them? For me it was a dream come true.
Obviously you can't ride or bathe them, you can observe them. The canopy walkway is an amazing experience too, you can watch them from above.
Your guide always gives you instructions how close you can go, and if you can pet them.
I highly recommend the whole day program: in the afternoon you can make food for the elephants, and cut Bamboo in the jungle and it all ends with you feeding it to the elephants. Some points I was in tears, I was so happy. Truly magical experience.
Great gift shop, they take card. Profits go towards the sanctuary.
(Jeffy if you read this, I hope you had a great birthday 🎉)
Written December 1, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Getaway_Canuck
Ottawa, Canada107 contributions
Nov 2023 • Couples
We had an amazing visit to this sanctuary to see the elephants in their natural habitat. All the elephants here were rescued from hard labour and/or carnival shows where they endured decades of abuse. 😢 This place is a truly ethical sanctuary where the elephants can live in peace, socialize and wander freely. No bathing, hugging or riding, but you can feed them baskets of fresh fruits.
Our guide K.T. was fun and entertaining; he introduced us to each elephant and told us some interesting things about each one. We learned a lot about how they take care of the animals here and that each individual elephant is treated differently according to their needs. It was a humbling experience to be in the presence of these intelligent and majestic creatures. 🐘🩷
Our guide K.T. was fun and entertaining; he introduced us to each elephant and told us some interesting things about each one. We learned a lot about how they take care of the animals here and that each individual elephant is treated differently according to their needs. It was a humbling experience to be in the presence of these intelligent and majestic creatures. 🐘🩷
Written November 15, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lotte v
London18 contributions
Jan 2024 • Friends
Amazing half day, lovely to see the elephants in their natural habitat being free to behave naturally without being used for human entertainment. The guides are friendly and helpful, we really feel like we got to know the elephants. The lounge with a view and food are great as well. I was temporarily injured and they had an eletric golf cart available so I didn't have to walk. It's more expensive than other places but the funds are clearly spent well, on rescuing other sick old or injured elephants.
Written January 1, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Chala69
Dubai, United Arab Emirates51 contributions
Aug 2023 • Family
We had been waiting for years to visit the sanctuary, and we were definitely very impressed when we finally made it there!! Our tour guide Alex is amazing! We did the canopy walk tour along with our 6 year old son and 10 month old baby girl. It was pouring down with rain, but nothing could dampen our spirits! It is amazing to see the care they provide for these gentle giants! If you love elephants and animals in general then please support this amazing sanctuary! Spread the awareness about captive elephants and encourage everyone to visit PES!! Bonus, our kids absolutely loved the bag and elephant toy they received!
Written October 2, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi, I'm planning a trip to Phuket soon. I definitely will be stopping at your sanctuary. How can I volunteer!!!!
Written March 7, 2025
Sadly I would say no, most of the terrain at ground level has tree roots and is rather bumpy, the canopy walkway is expanded metal with steps up to it.
Written February 28, 2025
Hi, is a morning tour suitable for children and are you able to feed the elephants? Thanks
Written August 27, 2024
Definitely child friendly morning or afternoon 2 both sessions start the feeding 2 of the elephants.
Written February 3, 2025
Hi
Would you pick up from Chanalai Romantica near Kata beach?
Written September 1, 2023
How many elephants are in residence at the moment? Thank you
Written February 28, 2023
11 currently. I was just there 2 days ago.
Written March 2, 2023
Hi, how far is the sanctuary from the Cruise port in Phuket please? Thanks
Written January 15, 2023
Hi, is it suitable for children 3 and below? If it rains (heavily), would families with young children be able to visit still?
Written October 11, 2022
Hi ,would anyone know if it is possible to visit Phuket Elephant Sanctuary from La Flora Khao Lak as a day trip , or does anyone know if La Flora run this trip themselves , failing that is there a pick up point in khao lak for the Sanctuary. Apologies lots of questions.
Written March 16, 2021
Hello Kate! We'd be delighted to welcome you. Our shared roundtrip transfers currently only cover the Phuket Province, however private roundtrip transfers from and to La Flora Khao Lak can be arranged at THB 5,000 per van. Alternatively, you may check with transportation providers in Khao Lak directly. We hope to welcome you soon for an ethical elephant experience at Phuket Elephant Sanctuary.
Written April 18, 2021
HI - I am thinking of visiting next month but concerned about the amount of reviews saying there are 100's of people there every day. Do you limit the number attending per day? This cannot be good for the elephants if everyone gets a proper chance to feed them??
Written February 26, 2020
There were very few of us when we visited, I believe they do limit the numbers and there are only a certain amount they can take. I would say there was no more than 12 in our group, which meant we had plenty of turns to feed the elephants. This sanctuary is different, they really do care about the elephants, this isn't an attraction for hoards of people and the welfare of the elephants is very much put first. I hope this helps.
Written February 27, 2020
Travel59238885286
Yekaterinburg, Russia
Здравствуйте! Экскурсия ведется только на английском языке, или возможно прослушать её на русском?
Written February 20, 2020
Hello, if you let us know in advance we can help to arrange a Russian translator for you at a small surcharge. We also have printed information cards about each elephant in Russian language so you can read the stories while you meet the elephants.
Written February 25, 2020
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