Phuket Elephant Sanctuary
100, Pa Klok, Thalang District, Chang Wat Phuket 83110, Thailand
A Gentle Encounter in the Wild
In Phuket, elephants are treasured as gentle giants and symbols of nature’s grace, making their care an important part of preserving the island’s beauty. Today, more travelers are embracing experiences that allow elephants to thrive freely in safe, natural environments—an inspiring shift that highlights respect and harmony between people and wildlife. There is a quiet power in watching elephants move freely, unburdened and unhurried, as though the world finally belongs to them again.
By supporting their wellbeing, we not only honor these magnificent creatures but also contribute to a healthier, more balanced ecosystem, ensuring future generations can continue to marvel at their presence in the wild. The elephants are not asked to perform or to serve; they are simply allowed to be. What makes this experience unforgettable is its simplicity. There are no theatrics and no staged moments—only the chance to walk alongside these gentle giants and see them as they are. The calm they carry lingers with you, a reminder that true beauty reveals itself when we step back and let nature breathe on its own terms.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Best Time to experience Phuket Elephant Sanctuary in Phuket?
The best time to visit is in the morning when elephants are most active.
What is Phuket Elephant Sanctuary’s Opening and Closing Time?
The sanctuary is open daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
What is the Distance of Phuket Elephant Sanctuary from City Center?
It is located about 20 kilometers from Phuket Town, roughly a 30-minute drive.
Is Phuket Elephant Sanctuary Kid-friendly?
Yes, it is safe and educational for children with guided supervision.
Is Phuket Elephant Sanctuary Elderly-friendly?
Yes, the sanctuary provides easy walking paths and supportive staff assistance.
What are the Other Inclusions You Can Get from Phuket Elephant Sanctuary?
Visits include guided tours, educational talks, light refreshments, and opportunities to observe elephants in their natural habitat.
ITINERARIES
Morning Program
Begin the day with an introduction to the sanctuary’s mission, followed by observing elephants as they roam, forage, and bathe in their natural environment.
Afternoon Program
Experience a quieter setting with fewer crowds, where you can walk alongside elephants and learn about their care and history.
Half-day Visit
Enjoy a guided tour through the sanctuary, combining educational talks with opportunities to watch elephants up close in their forest habitat.
Full-day Visit
Spend extended time exploring the sanctuary, with deeper insights into elephant rehabilitation, forest walks, and relaxed observation sessions.
Canopy Walkway Experience
View elephants from above on a treetop walkway, offering a unique perspective while minimizing disturbance to the animals.
QUICK FACTS
- It is located in Paklok, on the edge of Khao Phra Thaeo National Park in Phuket.
- It is the first ethical elephant sanctuary was established in Phuket.
- It focuses on rescuing and rehabilitating retired working elephants.
- No riding, shows, or forced interactions on elephants are allowed.
- Visitors can observe elephants roaming freely in their natural surroundings.
- Phuket Elephant Sanctuary offers guided tours that combine education with wildlife conservation.
Gallery
Features
Capacity per Tour:
Around 85 visitors per time slot.
Number and Types of Tours:
Half-Day Program (3.5 hours)
Full-Day Program (7.5 hours)
Canopy Walkway Tour (1.5 hours)
Volunteer Programs (1-day, 3-day, 1-week)
Private TourOption(s):
Private Guide for Half-Day, Full-Day, or Canopy Tour.
VVIP Exclusive Access with the sanctuary reserved for your group.
Shared Tour Option(s):
Join-in Half-Day, Full-Day, and Canopy Walkway tours.
Shared transfers and group meals included.
Tour Packages:
Half-Day: Canopy walkway + forest walk + elephant observation.
Full-Day: Extended elephant time, feeding, observation, and vegetarian Thai meal.
Canopy Walkway: Short program with treetop viewing.
Volunteer Programs: Multi-day hands-on experience.
Special Inclusions:
Vegetarian Thai meals (Full-Day and Private/VIP).
Elephant feeding opportunities.
Access to Thailand’s longest canopy walkway.
Extra Services:
Private lounge or sala for lunch/orientation (Private/VVIP).
Dedicated private guide.
Full sanctuary privacy for VVIP guests.
Essentials provided: mosquito spray, raincoats, boots, socks, umbrellas, and filtered water.
Types of INTERACTIONS
Half-Day Program
Full-Day Program
Volunteer Programs
Groups, Private & VIP Experiences
AWARDS
- Named Elephant Sanctuary of the Year 2023 by APAC Insider.
- Received the TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice Award (2023–2025).
- Accredited by SGS Thailand with a 98% score for animal welfare.
- Awarded distinction under Asian Captive Elephant Standards (ACES) with 86%.
- Certified for Good Animal Practices for Elephant Facility by the Phuket Provincial Livestock Office.
- Recognized by Klook (2024) for excellence in elephant welfare and visitor experience.
At The EXPERIENCE
Stepping into the sanctuary feels less like entering an attraction and more like being welcomed into a space of quiet reverence. At Phuket Elephant Sanctuary, time moves at a gentler pace, guided by the rhythms of nature rather than the pull of social media pressure. It is a place where observation takes precedence over activity and where the simple act of being present opens the door to a deeper kind of connection.
The experience is about perspective. It allows guests to witness the grace of these gentle giants in a way that is both humbling and restorative—reminding us of the balance between humanity and nature. What lingers is not a fleeting thrill, but a sense of calm—an impression that stays with you.
SPECIALTY
What sets the sanctuary apart is its unwavering commitment to ethical practices, ensuring that every encounter honors the elephants’ freedom and dignity. Guests are not offered performances or staged moments, but rather the chance to witness these animals in their natural rhythm—an approach that elevates the experience into something meaningful and enduring.
What To Expect
Expect a serene environment where the sanctuary is surrounded by lush greenery, creating a peaceful space for both visitors and elephants. The atmosphere is calm and reflective, allowing nature to set the tone for the experience. Guests can watch elephants moving freely, foraging, and interacting with their surroundings. The focus is on observation rather than activity, offering an authentic view of the animals in their natural rhythm.
The overall experience unfolds slowly and without pressure, encouraging visitors to appreciate small details. It is less about fad and more about intent and awareness.
The Welcoming Experience
The sanctuary’s welcome is distinguished by its quiet rawness, designed to draw guests into an atmosphere of respect and stillness. Rather than overwhelming visitors with activities, it encourages a slower rhythm, allowing the natural presence of the elephants to speak with subtle authority. From the outset, the overall vibe of the place is contemplative, creating a seamless transition from the city to a place of reflection.
The orientation also radiates with purpose—offering thoughtful insights into the sanctuary’s philosophy and the lives of its locals. It provides context without intrusion by framing the experience as more of an observation and understanding rather than interaction or amusement display. The Phuket Elephant Sanctuary establishes a sense of reverence, ensuring that each moment is approached with awareness and intention.
Visiting and immersing yourself with the elephants should feel less procedural and more transformative. It should elevate the intention beyond a simple encounter—setting the stage for an experience defined not by spectacle—but by authenticity and meaning.
Getting There
Phuket Elephant Sanctuary is located in Pa Klok, on the edge of Khao Phra Thaeo National Park in Thalang District. Easily accessible by car, it is about a 30-minute drive from Phuket Town and 40 minutes from the island’s main resort areas.
Address
100, Pa Klok, Thalang District, Chang Wat Phuket 83110, Thailand
Transport Links
Hong Kong International Airport, nearest subway and ferry stations