elephant trip phuket

Top 4 Best Ethical Elephant Sanctuaries In Phuket, Thailand

Over the years, Phuket's elephant sanctuaries have garnered attention from all over the world. Your Thailand trip would become even more adventurous and appealing by adding at least one elephant sanctuary to your itinerary.

These elephant sanctuaries in Phuket have evolved to be a popular tourist destination as people's compassion for animals has grown through time. Since elephants are among the most sociable animals, spending time with these magnificent creatures may be soothing.

Visiting a sanctuary could be a wonderful chance to learn about elephant behavior, the significance of elephants in Thai culture, the individual histories of the elephants, and how they came to be housed in the sanctuary.

Experience the magic of these gentle giants at the best ethical elephant sanctuaries in Phuket , where compassionate care, conservation, and unforgettable encounters come together for a truly meaningful adventure.

4 Best Ethical Elephant Sanctuaries in Phuket

What’s with ‘ethical’ elephant sanctuaries.

Are you wondering why we have added the word ‘ethical’ to the elephant sanctuary in our article?

Well, that is because not all sanctuaries in Phuket are ethical.

At present, there are roughly 3,500 farmed elephants and 3,340 wild elephants in Thailand.

However, despite being the national symbol, most elephants have to go through morally unacceptable tourist interactions. You might accidentally support animal cruelty without even realizing it if you are not careful.

There are over a hundred elephant parks scattered all around Thailand. In most of these parks, elephants are abused, injured, and used to perform stunts and transport tourists.

These parks label themselves "eco-friendly," "ethical," or "sanctuaries," but it is just an attempt to attract customers.

What Are Ethical Elephant Sanctuaries?

Ethical Elephant Sanctuaries are the places that properly care for these wonderful creatures, as opposed to regular elephant camps that focus emphasis on animal displays.

The majority of elephants are retired or saved from the businesses of elephant trekking or animal exhibitions.

Animal care and proper treatment of animals are the main concerns of all sanctuaries. You won't be able to ride elephants or watch them do tricks at a sanctuary.

However, you will have the opportunity to connect with them through activities that are enjoyable for both of you!

Your actions will be recorded, and All Sanctuary will give you free round-trip transportation and images!

Best Ethical Elephant Sanctuaries in Phuket

1. phuket elephant sanctuary.

It is the pioneer of ethical sanctuaries that introduced the concept of ethical elephant tourism in this region. Phuket elephant sanctuary borders Khao Phra Thaeo National Park.

It is an ethical elephant sanctuary in Phuket that work diligently to create an environment that is as natural-friendly as possible for visitors and the animals.

The Sanctuary is more like a luxurious retirement home for the elephants that had to endure difficult times with their captors before being saved and brought here.

If you choose to go on one of their regular tours, you may catch a glimpse of the majestic giants roaming around the verdant surroundings and recapturing their untamed sides.

Alternatively, you can watch them bathe, play, forage, and roam freely in their natural habitat. New elephants get added each year to this ever-growing family.

If you plan a visit here, you’ll get a chance to make friends with Dok Gaew, Cattleya, Sai Tong, Tong Kwaw, Jan Jao, Gaew Ta, Madee, and Kannika.

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

2. Elephant Retirement Park

A refuge for retired and rescued elephants, Elephant Retirement Park Phuket, offers natural settings where elephants are free to wander, graze, and swim.

3.5 hours of activities are dedicated to treating elephants in the Half Day Elephant Care program. The activities here include feeding the elephants their preferred meal or giving them a mud bath.

You will educate yourself about them, cook for them, feed them, give them sand baths, and take care of them.

The sanctuary is solely committed to preserving an ideal living environment for the elephants; as a result, they only permit tourists to travel in small groups.

One can choose from a few packages to explore the many activities offered here. You may choose from the following packages: Half-Day Elephant Care, Private VIP Elephant Care, Honeymoon Elephant Care, Volunteer Elephant Training, and Corporate Team Building.

There is a buffet lunch for both vegetarian and non-vegetarian visitors s part of the package.

Additionally included in these packages is a pick-up service from your accommodation, which may be located anywhere in 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

3. Elephant Jungle Sanctuary

Elephant Jungle Sanctuary offers the most affordable pricing for Half Day Elephant Care Programs.

With the overwhelming response they received over the years, they have expanded to three venues - Chiang Mai, Phuket, Koh Samui, and Pattaya.

The sanctuary offers a breathtaking view of the beaches and woods and is situated close to Naithon beach.

You will enjoy swimming, tubing, and bathing the elephants in their habitat, along with learning about their history and behaviors.

Giving an elephant a mud bath and then helping them wash off in the river is surely a unique experience that you can get here.

Visitors are also permitted to feed and pet the inmates of this facility. Make sure to take a tonne of special photos with these enormously attractive creatures.

Pickup from your accommodation is also included in the tour's cost.

Due to the short distance and the scenic surroundings, including beautiful agricultural regions, beaches, and hills, the trip to the Elephant Jungle Sanctuary will be enjoyable.

You will be paired with an English-speaking guide upon arrival at the sanctuary, who will teach you about the behavior and habits of the animals.

To feed the elephants, you will receive sugarcane and bananas. Your tour guide will gladly tell you the history of each elephant you pass while leading you around the sanctuary.

You will be brought to an excellent Thai buffet after spending a lot of time with your new friend, where you may enjoy the well-known Thai specialties.

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

4. Phang Nga Elephant Park

Phang Nga Elephant Park is a tiny family-run park that has been operating for the past 150 years.

Every generation of the family that has cared for elephants has had the chance to learn something new about them.

Of all the elephant sanctuaries in Phuket, this one has the most attention to detail. The park is an hour's drive from Phuket.

It is a mini traditional Thai village where over 30 individuals live with their families and friends.

The owners take every measure to safeguard these priceless individuals with the belief that ethical elephant tourism will rescue the species.

They take all necessary measures to educate people around the globe about the beasts and are vehemently opposed to any unnatural methods that can jeopardize the welfare of elephants.

Visitors are permitted to bathe and feed the elephants at Phang Nga Elephant Park. They are also given the option of riding on their necks, which is seen to be far less destructive than the custom of humans sitting on the animal's spine.

Only individuals over the age of seven are permitted to use the riding-on-the-neck service. The institution offers a much softer "Kids Elephant Experience" for youngsters below seven.

While visiting, you may participate in a Thai cooking class and have a delectable Thai lunch.

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

Final Words

The goal of each and every one of the Phuket elephant sanctuaries is to bring people as near to nature as possible.

People may get past their fear of these giant creatures, which are extraordinarily peaceful and compassionate in their ways, by seeing elephants live their natural lives.

Elephants are thought to be among the most intelligent creatures, yet tragically, unfriendly humans frequently mistreat them.

The rescued and retired elephants can find safety in these elephant sanctuaries in Phuket. A visit to an elephant sanctuary will not only be eye-opening, but it will also be educational and provide you with the chance to learn interesting facts about them.

Besides elephant sanctuaries, there is a plethora of different sightseeing and recreation options in Phuket that you must definitely check out!

The Phuket Elephant Sanctuary is a non-profit organization located in Phuket, Thailand, that provides a sanctuary for retired, injured, or sick elephants who have been working in the logging and tourism industries.

The Phuket Elephant Sanctuary is considered one of the best elephant sanctuaries in Phuket as it provides a natural environment for elephants and allows visitors to observe and interact with them without harming or exploiting them.

The Phuket Elephant Sanctuary has received numerous positive reviews from visitors who have praised the organization for its ethical treatment of elephants and educational programs. Visitors have also appreciated the opportunity to feed and bathe the elephants and learn about their behavior and history.

There are several reputable elephant sanctuaries in Thailand, but the best one depends on the visitor's preferences. However, the Elephant Nature Park in Chiang Mai is a highly recommended sanctuary that provides a natural and ethical environment for elephants.

It's not recommended to look for the cheapest elephant sanctuary in Phuket, as many of them may not provide ethical treatment of elephants. The cost of visiting a reputable elephant sanctuary can vary, but it's important to prioritize the well-being of the elephants and choose an ethical sanctuary.

The Phuket Elephant Care program allows visitors to interact with elephants in a natural and ethical environment. Visitors can feed the elephants, observe their behavior, and participate in bathing them. The program also includes an educational component that teaches visitors about elephant conservation and the challenges they face in Thailand.

Tickets for the Phuket Elephant Sanctuary can be purchased online through their official website or through third-party travel agencies. It's important to ensure that the tickets are purchased from a reputable source and that the sanctuary has availability on the desired date.

The Elephant Nature Park in Chiang Mai is a highly recommended elephant sanctuary in Thailand. They provide a natural environment for elephants, have a no-riding policy, and prioritize the well-being of the elephants. Other recommended sanctuaries include the Boon Lott's Elephant Sanctuary and the Elephant Hills sanctuary.

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Welcome at Elephant Wildlife Sanctuary

Elephant "Save & Care" and "Feeding & Bathing" programs for the whole family

Our inspiration for establishing Elephant Wildlife Sanctuary is to bring elephant encounters closer to humans. Once in a lifetime opportunity to impress elephant lovers with the ultimate experience at Elephant Wildlife Sanctuary. Our elephant care program has emphasized the importance of elephant happiness, health, and how they interact with people. With over 50 years of experience, we believe that good health and mental health always begin with good care and living with kindness, which can bring our elephants’ physical and mental integrity.

In the past, elephants were the largest animals in and the most important to Thailand. In human society, elephants perform various functions, such as a means to travel to religious ceremonies and as a symbol of status. In war elephants were used as horse and tanks are used in other cultures and in modern warfare. In peacetime some elephants were used to haul logs and were also a vehicle for traveling in the forest. It can be seen that in the past, the elephant had a strong relationship with human society. In more recent history through social, economic, national, religious, cultural.

Environmental has changed and advances, developments in modern materials, and more convenient modes of transportation, the role and status of elephants has diminished. In 1989, the government ordered the closure of forests in order to reduce the environmental problems caused by logging and burning of forests for agriculture. After the government ordered the forests to be closed without considering the impact on idled and dispossessed elephants and the elephant raising community, villagers lost a major source of income. As a result some villagers have brought elephants into the city to carry the food they sell to raise money to support their lives and families. Some elephants have been so unlucky as to have suffered the misfortune of dying in road accidents. Increasing the burdens and problems for the nomadic elephants a number of villagers have organized tourist attractions featuring elephant riding, elephant training, trained elephant entertainment performances, and serve the role of bulldozers. Removing the elephant from his natural environment.

As mentioned above, the inspiration to create Elephant wildlife Sanctuary will bring experience with the elephants. Once in life to impress with the ultimate experience of elephant lover at Elephant Wildlife Sanctuary. Our elephant caring program’s been emphasized best for elephant good mood good health and how kindly interaction with people. With our over 50 years experience, we believe good health and mental always start with good care living with kindness which can bring the physical and mental integrity of our elephants.

Elephant Wildlife Sanctuary

Our Programs

Save & care program.

The elephant therapy treatment program which starts from hair, skin, and heart caring by special spa mud that’s deeply emphasized for elephant.

Adults: 1800 Baht (9 years+) Childs: 1400 baht (5-9 years) Under 4 years old free

Half Day Elephant Care

Fulfill your Phuket trip with impressive stories about you and elephants. Walk with elephants in the Jungle at the Highlight of Elephant Wildlife Sanctuary, Phuket.

Adults: 2600 Baht (9 years+) Childs: 1800 baht (5-9 years) Under 4 years old free

Our Short Programs

Feeding program, 30 mins.

Enjoy feeding the elephants with your own hands. Here you will get the special experience to embracing the elephant closely.

Adults: 1000 Baht (9 years+) Childs: 500 baht (4-9 years) Under 4 years old free

Bathing Program, 30 mins

Do you know that elephants do not have sweat glands? Therefore, the best cooling is to swim which both helps the elephant to heal stress and ventilate heat.

Adults: 1200 Baht (9 years+) Childs: 600 baht (5-9 years) Under 4 years old free

Feeding & Bathing Program, 1 Hrs

Fulfill you and elephant happiness by feeding food for elephants and bathing with elephant. Fully spending your time to enjoy with elephants for 1 hour.

Adults: 1500 Baht (9 years+) Childs: 700 baht (5-9 years) Under 4 years old free

Our VIP / Special Programs

Private vip elephant care program.

Our Private VIP Elephant Care Program is the right choice for those who like to get a better experience in our elephant care programs.

Adults: 7,000 Baht (9 years+) Childs: 4,600 baht (5-9 years) Under 4 years old free

Honeymoon Elephant Care Program

Celebrate your special occasion with our awesome Honeymoon Elephant Care Program and Collect memories to last a lifetime.

Elephant Wildlife Sanctuary Phuket operates by Elephant Retirement Phuket Co., Ltd. According to “Phuket Sandbox Project” strict measures to prevent Covid-19 and safety in our services.

We’ve applied both standards of “Amazing Thailand Safety and Health Administration (SHA)” and “Amazing Thailand Safety Health Administration Plus: (SHA Plus+)” under the Tourism Authority of Thailand certification.

We adjusted services based on new normal while our staff 100% got vaccinated. Not only impress and happiness you can take from visiting, but you can also get more relaxed with us.

Elephant Retirement Phuket Co., Ltd. SHA Plus+ No. : C0246

You can visit and take service with our elephants every day from 8.30 am. – 5.00 pm.

Impressions / Customer experiences

• COVID-19 SUPPORT
• Terms & Conditions
• Meet the Herd

PHUKET’S FIRST & MOST ETHICAL ELEPHANT SANCTUARY

No posts here!

EXPLORE THAILAND’S LONGEST CANOPY WALKWAY

Our new, 600-metre-long and 6-meter-tall canopy walkway is the only one of its kind in Phuket and takes ethical elephant tourism to new heights – literally! To provide the elephants with maximum freedom to naturally roam, forage, bathe and socialize in the jungle below, visitors can now observe them both from above as well as from a safe and respectful distance whilst hiking through our 30-acre sanctuary as part of our guided tours. .

We also offer a dedicated PES Canopy Walkway Program. Watch a trailer below and click here for more info.

Welcome to Phuket Elephant Sanctuary

Phuket's first & most ethical sanctuary, where elephants roam & bathe freely.

Bordering the Khao Phra Thaeo National Park, the Phuket Elephant Sanctuary offers a true final home for overtired elephants who have suffered from working long hours in the logging and tourism industry. As the first ethical elephant tourism experience in Phuket, we rescue sick, injured and old elephants, welcoming them back into their indigenous habit.

The Freedom and Happiness for the elephants are our top priorities. We offer full-time veterinary care, 30 acres of lush, tropical land for the elephants to roam, forage, bathe and socialize, and a dedicated team to prepare supplementary food and look after the wellbeing of the herd.

Your visit supports our work and guarantees to leave you inspired, transformed and in awe of these majestic animals.

WHY WE DO NOT OFFER BATHING

Elephants love to swim, cool off and splash in the water, and to cover themselves with thick mud. They like to do so alone or with fellow elephants. However, if people crowd around or interact with them during this bathing ritual, it becomes stressful for the elephants, preventing them from enjoying their time in the water and displaying their natural behavior.

To give the elephants the privacy they need and to enjoy their day as much as you, we built an Observation Sala overlooking our fresh water pond, from where you can witness the elephants enjoying their bathing time alone or with other elephants. This is a great photo opportunity and educational experience as you can observe the elephants behave naturally.

We do offer a brief interaction between visitors and our elephants during a feeding moment as part of the tour. This is a rare opportunity to get up close with the elephants and to capture some incredible photographs as they enjoy a few watermelons, pineapples, bananas or cucumbers.

MEET THE HERD

Introducing our beautiful elephants; get to know who they are, where they came from, and how they transformed into sanctuary life.

Rescued on 14 December 2023

Meet Than-Tawan, a brave 70-year-old elephant with a story of strength and resilience. Originally from the Surin province, she faced challenges after being sold to one of Phuket’s largest riding camps in 2015. However, on December 14, 2023, we rescued her, offering a new beginning at Phuket Elephant Sanctuary.

Rescued on 20 April 2023

Meet Mali, a resilient elephant in her 40s whose incredible journey led her from the challenges of the logging and tourism industries to Phuket Elephant Sanctuary.

Rescued on 29 June 2023

Passed away 18 october 2023.

Daw-Reung, a beautiful female elephant in her sixties, had a remarkable journey, and her time at Phuket Elephant Sanctuary was unfortunately brief.

Rescued 4 May 2023

Meet Chaba, a 46-year-old elephant whose journey has been as remarkable as her spirit.

8 September 2022

Jao Thong is a 68-year-old tuskless bull, and our second male elephant rescue since Ampan’s arrival in May 2022.

12 May 2022

Shortly after Thailand’s post-Covid reopening and us having been able to welcome back tourists to Phuket Elephant Sanctuary,we were able to rescue Ampan, the first elephant bull to call PES his new home.

Rescued 28 May 2020

Sri Nual is 44 years old and grew up working in the tourism industry here in Phuket. In 2017 she was initially rescued by a smaller sanctuary on the island, but during Covid-19 the sanctuary decided to close and we had an opportunity to adopt Sri Nual. She arrived together with Dee Lerd, who previously lived at the same park.

Passed away 2 April 2023

Dee Lerd is 61 years old and had a hard life. She worked in the logging industry in Southern Thailand until 2017 and has a broken ankle on her left front leg as well as several scars to show for it.

Rescued 12 December 2019

Vanda, previously known as Somboon was born in the Nakhon Si Thammarat province of Southern Thailand

Rescued 4 APRIL 2019

Fah Mui is the Thai name of a very rare, blue-purple coloured Vanda Orchid. A fitting name for Fah Mui as we travelled 900 kilometers to find her in the bustling city of Pattaya in April, 2019.

Rescued 22 NOVEMBER 2018

In October 2018, Cattleya’s previous owner contacted our mahout Benz, expressing his concerns for the well-being of his elephant.

Rescued 19 APRIL 2018

Passed away 14 january 2022.

Sai Tong’s journey to Phuket Elephant Sanctuary started with a message from a visitor who spotted the poor elephant in February 2018, tied to a tree in the blistering heat.

Rescued 8 FEBRUARY 2018

Named after the fragrant purple-blue flower, Sroy Fah (previously known as Tangmo) was rescued on Thursday, 8 February from a trekking camp in Phuket.

Rescued 25 January 2018

Passed away 22 september 2018.

Richy was known as our “grandma” at Phuket Elephant Sanctuary. Originally from the Ranong province bordering Myanmar, she spent decades in the logging industry carrying logs as heave as her own body. the logging industry carrying logs as heave as her own body.

Rescued 15 December 2017

Tong Kwaw means beautiful orange flower in Thai. After more than 20 years of hauling and working in elephant riding camps, the 39-year-old elephant Tong Kwaw started her new life with us on December 15, 2017.

Rescued 14 December 2016

Passed away 16 march 2017.

Baan Yen was a very clever elephant, named after the 'Four o'clock' flower. After working in elephant camps for tourists for more than 20 years

Rescued 30 August 2017

Aside from the moon in Thai, Jan Jao is also the name of our lovely 40 year-old elephant at the sanctuary.

Rescued 8 December 2016

Passed away 12 november 2021.

Gaew Ta means “Darling”, and a darling she is! This polite, peaceful and beloved elephant is in her 50s and most notably, she is blind.

Rescued 30 August 2016

Passed away 26 march 2022.

Madee is a true gentle giant. Peaceful and calm, she is 69 years of age and together with Kannika the first elephant to call Phuket Elephant Sanctuary home.

A 36-year-old cheerful, playful & energetic girl who loves to eat and is friendly to everyone who gives her food.

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Phuket Elephant Sanctuary

• Safety Rules
• Covid-19: Health & Safety
• How to Support Us
• Morning Program
• Afternoon Program
• In The Footsteps of Giants Program
• Private Program
• Volunteer Program
• What do I need to Bring
• Why we do not offer bathing with our elephants

Phuket Elephant Sanctuary Co.,Ltd.

100, Moo 2, Paklok, Thalang, Phuket Thailand

https://goo.gl/maps/yHK3La8v7MdJWYqP9

Email : [email protected]

++66 76 529 099 (08.30am - 17.30pm)

++66 62 767 7111 (08.30am - 17.30pm)

Elephant experiences for the whole family

Welcome at elephant family phuket.

Elephant Family Phuket invites you to join them with feeding, interacting and learning about these gentle giants.

We build this elephant park in November 2018, with the mission, to bring our culture, the culture from the Karen people, and how we live together with elephants, closer to the tourism here on Phuket Island.

15 years ago we started this project, with the “ Kerchor Eco Elephant Park ” in Mae Wang, Chiang Mai. We are proud to present the elephant lives, and how Karen people’s lives in our Elephant Family Park, in Phuket. We want to raise the lives of elephants and their owners families (Karen families) to be better.

Actually we are having 5 elephants, Tubtim and her 3 elephant babies 3. Namchok, Yokfah and Hansa. Fah Mai is our latest orphan elephant.

Learning, feeding, walking, playing in the mud and taking a bath with these gentle giants is an incredible and unforgettable experience.

Elephant Family Phuket is a caring wildlife sanctuary for elephants that are free to wander, eat & swim in their natural habitat.

Karen hill tribe has a long relationship with elephants. This relationship has passed on from generation to generation as there is a elephant blessing ritual every year. In the past, elephants are trained for transportation, logging, irrigation, building houses. After the ban of logging in Thailand, elephants and their mahouts turned to tourism. Elephants were to give rides in the past, however, because of elephant conservation and campaign against riding elephants, that has stopped. We would like to invite you to come and spend time with karen mahout to learn how they raise their elephants as a part of their family.

Our Programs

Feed & Shower Program

Elephant​ Care​ Program

Pick-up times:

Morning programs: 08:00-08:30 a.m. Afternoon programs: 01:00-01:30 p.m.

What Our Customers says

Latest News

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• Meet Our Elephants

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Welcome to phuket elephant nature reserve.

An Accredited, Sustainable, Award-winning, and Ethical Elephant Sanctuary in Phuket

Over 1,000 5 Star Reviews

An absolutely unforgettable experience! The outstanding staff made our experience even more enjoyable! 

Absolute gem of a place!! Wonderful to observe the rescue elephants in such a relaxed atmosphere, just being elephants.

An unforgettable and relaxing day with elephants in an amazing camp to protect them – no riding (and) no plastic!

Elephant care in Phuket is our priority

Located on 30 Rai of lush jungle land, near the tropical beaches of west Phuket, we are an ethical elephant sanctuary with a strong focus on high welfare standards for our elephants. Feed, meet, and observe our rescued elephants as they play in the mud, splash in the water, and roam our land.

Our elephant activities in Phuket aren’t just unforgettable — they’re an enlightening journey of learning, care, and adventure. Please don’t hesitate to get in touch if you have any questions about our experiences or how we operate.

Half-Day Elephant Adventure in Phuket

Short 90-Minute Elephant Adventure in Phuket

Private Half-Day Phuket Elephant Adventure

Elephant welfare is our top priority, so we follow strict guidelines for welfare, nutrition, & vet care set out by international standards.

Educational

Learn about making biodegradable paper & biogas on our elephant dung recycling program, our hydroponic vegetable & herb gardens, strict recycling policies, & utilisation of solar power.

Sustainable

We have a strong focus on visitor education, providing love and care to our rescued elephants in a sustainable manner that eliminates stress while allowing visitors to enjoy a genuine connection & experience.

No riding! No chains! No bathing! No bull hooks!

Experience elephants as nature intended.

Welcome to the Most Ethical Elephant Sanctuary in Phuket

The Phuket Elephant Nature Reserve is an accredited and sustainable elephant sanctuary located on the west coast of the tropical island of Phuket, Thailand. Founded in 2019, elephant conservation is of the utmost importance to us, and the welfare of our rescued animals is our primary focus.

What to Expect at Phuket Elephant Nature Reserve

• Meet & feed our rescued elephants
• Beautiful nature jungle hike with the elephants
• Amazing natural photo opportunities
• Lush 30 rai protected sanctuary
• Strong focus on elephant welfare & education
• Vitamin Ball preparation and cooking area. Learn about the elephant's diet and why we need to supply supplementary vitamins to our elephants (Half-Day Elephant Adventure)
• Natural water features for our elephants to enjoy
• A truly ethical experience as nature intended!
• Learn all about the anatomy of elephants, their daily lives, and how we care for them in the Elephant Life & Vet Care area (Half-Day Elephant Adventure)
• Learn how to convert dung into paper in our Elephant Dung Recycling Centre (Half-Day Elephant Adventure)
• Enjoy the Observation Deck Ban Chang Restaurant Phuket
• Complimentary Thai cooking demonstration (Half-Day Program)
• Bathrooms & lockers available
• And of course, a truly amazing experience!

Why Phuket Elephant Nature Reserve doesn’t allow bathing with our elephants

In the wild, elephants love to bathe in rivers, ponds, streams, and muddy wallows. They need space to splash, roll around, submerge, and cover themselves in mud. Elephants like peace and quiet, not loud groups of visitors throwing mud or buckets of water at them.

When people crowd around elephants, they find it very stressful. And to allow this to happen in the first place, the mahout needs to control the elephant by forcing it to stand still or lie down. this denies the elephant’s natural behaviour, instincts, and freedoms.

Bathing is also unhygienic for visitors as the elephants urinate and defecate when entering the water, which may cause eye infections and sickness. There are also accidents with people slipping in the mud which is dangerous when there is a three-tonne elephant close by.

Our elephant activities in Phuket limit contact for many reasons, but mostly so our elephants can be free of constant human touch. We want our elephants to enjoy their day just as much as you.

By standing back, you can take the most amazing photos and videos, allowing you to remember your special day with our elephants while playing your part in promoting better standards for elephant care in Phuket.

Read more on this topic in our blog Why Bathing with Elephants is Unhygienic and Unethical .

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Ethical Elephant Sanctuary Home

Visit The Lake Phuket Elephant Nursery – a forest home for elephants in north Phuket where visitors can interact with the elephants as they forage and bathe in natural surroundings.

About Our Sanctuary

• Take an Elephant Care Class
• Stroll through the forest with the elephants
• Bathe in the lake, help clean the elephants and take a refreshing swim
• Enjoy a Thai cooking class and lunch
• Learn about the elephants, their behavior and prepare their food

Ethical tourism! Forest and lake home, sanctuary & nursery for rescued elephants. Free roaming elephants. No chains. No hooks. No riding. Feed and bathe with the elephants in their natural habitat. Choose to join the Daily Group visits or book a Private Group Visit (max 9 people) for a more intimate experience. If you’re on your honeymoon, why not enjoy an exclusive adventure for two?

The Lake Elephant Sanctuary is a family owned business committed to help elephant. Our sanctuary is located on North Phuket. We learn from our clients and adapt swiftly to fulfilling their needs. Our strict business ethics have created long standing relationships and have earned us the respect of the local and national business community.

The Unforgetable Experience

A Half Day Elephant Sanctuary Interactive

Visit the Lake Phuket Elephant Nursery, a forest home for elephants in northern Phuket. Interact with the rescued elephants as they forage and bathe in their natural surroundings.

Guides and Tips

Meet Maya – Your Elephant Care Guide

Multi-lingual Elephant Care guide, May, is a wealth of knowledge about elephants and the surrounding flora and fauna.

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People Also Ask About Phuket

Where can you ride elephants in phuket.

1. Patong Beach:  For wildlife enthusiasts, the area around Patong Beach is one of the most sought-after spots for elephant trekking. Being one of the longest-running trekking routes you will ride across forested hills that overlook the stunning Patong Bay. Another special feature of this safari is you can take pictures and selfies with baby elephants. 2. Chalong:  The excursions take you through the areas of northern Phuket in Chalong and Khao Sok and allow you to get an insight into the local culture of the Thai people. From short 30-45 minutes’ hurricane tour to full-day tours (4 in 1 safari) and overnight safaris (Elephant Hill Safaris), all are combined with several enjoyable activities for the adventurous tourists. 3. Kata Noi:  The exotic location of the camp in close proximity to the Kata Viewpoint with great mountain and forest views in the backdrop draws hoards of adventure lovers during the high season. The elephant safaris allow you to know about Thai culture and the history of Thailand’s national animals through interactive sessions with them. You can go for short treks on the elephant’s back into the core jungle through scenic trails and ocean views. 4. Kathu: Trek along the Chalong Bay on an elephant's back and experience the unfiltered charm of tropical forests. There are twelve healthy elephants that are taken good care of and will take you comfortably through the scenic jungle terrain. Must Book -  Phuket Packages From Bangalore

Which are the famous hiking trails in Phuket?

1. Kathu waterfall:  A series of small tarns and a short waterfall which gushes with water during monsoon is the highlight of Kathu. It is the hike up to the waterfall through forest trails and drop pools which draws tourists to visit the place. Atop the waterfall the stunning panorama of the forestland bewitches every eye that beholds the sight. 2. Khao Sok National Park:  Go for a hike along a forest terrain with thriving flora and fauna and several scenic lakes and reach the core jungle area. The biodiversity of the park consists of Rafflesia gibbons, tigers and others which offers a visual treat to the hikers. 3. Samet Nangshe Viewpoint:  Located in the outskirts of Phuket, Samer Nangshe offers views of Phang Nga Bay like no other place in Phuket. You can feast your eyes on limestone islets surrounded by mangrove forests throughout your hike. If you start your journey in the wee hours, you can witness one of the best sunrises of your life from this viewpoint. 4. Kata Beach to Big Buddha: A steep hike from the Kata Beach takes you to the Big Buddha statue which is perched atop the Nakkerd Hill. The unique feature of this statue is it is visible from various points of the island. The sunrise and sunset views from the hilltop are simply breathtaking and worth capturing in your camera. Book Now -  Phuket Packages From Delhi

What is the best time to visit Phuket?

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Phuket Top Attractions

Phuket Big Buddha is one of the most significant and admired landmarks in Phuket, Thailand. It is the third tallest statue in Thailand after Luangpho Yai and the Great Buddha of Thailand.  If you're planning a Thailand trip from India, exploring iconic sites like the Phuket Big Buddha can be a captivating part of your itinerary. The marvelous statue of the Great Buddha of Phuket is nestled on top of the Nakkerd Hills between Kata and Chalong. The Big Buddha Statue is structured to a height of 45 meters, while the lap of the statue is around 25 meters wide.The Big Buddha built during the year 2004 is devoted to the late King of Thailand, His Majesty Bhumibol Adulyadej. There is a tiny Buddha placed beside the large statue made from brass, which is dedicated to Her Majesty Queen Sirikit.The entire body of the Big Buddha has a layer of magnificent Burmese white jade marble that glistens in the sun. A tiny Buddha sits next to the Phuket Big Buddha which is completely made of 20 tonnes of brass. However, it has a golden color to it. Popularly known as Phra Phutta Ming Mongkol Eknakiri, the massive statue offers a 360-degree view of the island with extensive vistas of Kata, Karon, Chalong Bay, and Phuket town, thereby providing a meditative atmosphere for the tourists.The surrounding atmosphere of the Phuket Big Buddha is relatively peaceful. You can only hear the tinkling of tiny bells and the large bell going after every 7 minutes. Soft Dharma music fills the entire background of the serene atmosphere of Phuket Big Buddha. The funds of this tourist destination come entirely from the heavy donations by the visitors. At the base of the Big Buddha Statue, there is a hall that displays the history of the construction, some teachings of Buddhism, and plenty of donation boxes. You are not allowed to visit the site in beachwear, short skirts, and T-shirts containing offensive images as it is a religious place. You can also witness the novice ordination of the son of the family. It is a sign of pride for the entire family. Thus, the visitors also feel mesmerized to watch the ceremony of leaving the worldly things of life and attain Nirvana.

Old Phuket Town happens to be a place that takes you down in the memory lane on a cultural walk through some of the beautiful traditional architectures and marketplaces. The township is located on the eastern side of Phuket Island and is considered to be the capital of various shades of culture. Adding this place to your Thailand travel packages, you will get a chance to enjoy the traditional and Sino-Portuguese architecture. The township was brought into being in the 19th century and it has been able to earn a good name from the tin trade. Old Phuket township is also very much famous for being home to a number of cafes and restaurants that delight the taste buds of visitors with unique local delicacies like Dubik, Ranong, Rasada, Yaowarat, Krabi and Thalang. You will truly be amazed by the rich flavour of Thailand as well as get a chance to explore the exquisite combination of fresh ingredients and species. Old Phuket town can also be considered as a paradise for history and photography buffs. The township is home to some of the age-old structures and heritage sites giving a chance to the visitors to trace facts and capture some of the best pictures to cherish the moments.

Phuket Fantasea is located on Kamala beach and is known for its fine dining options, Thai theatre, and colorful events. This award-winning park is built over an area of 140 acres. With a Thailand trip package from India visitors can get a unique opportunity to experience Thai culture and traditions through mind-blowing and spectacular performances. The show is inspired by Thai mythology, folklore, and legends which forms the main attraction of the park. It offers a combination of 4-dimensional theatre effects, magnificent audio-visual effects, and magical illusion. The exhibition of the Legend Of Kingdom leaves you amazed with its fantastic blend of fireworks, music, and dance. The Phuket Fantasea is also quite well-known for its live street performances, cultural parades, and pageants. The carnival mascots are a main attraction of the street performances and are often seen chatting with the visitors and their kids. The park also features a plethora of exhibitions featuring traditional arts and crafts, organized by local craftsmen. The place offers a great shopping experience for the visitors at its Festival Village, participating in various exciting games while exploring the park. They can have a marvelous dining experience at the various restaurants, including the Golden Kinnaree, Asia’s biggest restaurant that has a seating capacity of 4000 people.

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Elephant Sanctuary in Phuket & Elephant Trekking

Prices for elephant sanctuary & elephant trekking in phuket, description of elephant tours in phuket, phuket safari tour with elephants.

A journey to Phuket offers many enjoyable choices – to sunbathe in gentle sun light, swim in the clean turquoise water which softly touches your skin like fresh milk and of course, to meet local inhabitants. If you choose this tour, you will make friends with big but good-natured animals and find out how intelligent and friendly they are.

Elephant Trekking lasts from 30 to 60 minutes depending on the chosen itinerary. It is possible to combine Elephant Trekking with hiking in the jungles, rafting or quad biking. There are a lot of options to choose from.

If you are not indifferent to the elephants’ fates, we offer to visit an elephant sanctuary where the elephants aren’t ridden, but taken care of, bathed, fed and treated.

What to bring

• Swimming Suit
• Shorts & light T-shirt
• Mosquito lotion and towel
• Comfortable shoes

The Elephant trekking is not recommended

For kids under 3 y.o., pregnant women and people over 70 y.o.

All tours include 2-way transfer from your hotel in Phuket. You will be taken to Chang Kalim village by tuk-tuk. For all the rest tours transfer is organized on Toyota Commuter cars.

Changing the program

The program can be partially changed by the supplier unilaterally. Some items may be excluded from the program due to weather conditions.

Cancellation policy

It is possible to cancel your reservation free of charge at least 24 hours before the start of the tour.

Frequently asked questions about tours in Phuket

1. How can I pay?

Payment can be made by:

1.1. VISA or MasterCard.   

1.2. Transfer to a Thai bank account in baht (via a cash machine, bank branch or any Thai bank mobile app).

1.3. Cash in the Phuket office by pre-arranging the time of the visit and the service(s) to be paid for in Online Support . You can pay in the office only in Thai baht and at least 3 days prior to the date of the tour.

2. How does the booking process work?

Book online and we will check availability for the selected date and send the payment link in WhatsApp or Email. If you need an alternative method of payment (in the office, by courier or to Thai account), please write about it in the "Additional information" field or in the Online Support .

3. What is the difference between group and private tours?

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The 4 Best Places to See Elephants in Phuket

If you are travelling to Phuket, Thailand, and want to see elephants roaming around freely in their natural environment, head to one of the island’s elephant sanctuaries. One can spend a morning or an afternoon walking amongst these majestic giants, learning about their important link to Thai culture. 

The best places to see elephants in Phuket are the Phuket Elephant Sanctuary, near Paklok, the Elephant Retirement Park, near Bangtao Beach, the Elephant Jungle Sanctuary, near Naithon Beach, and the Phang Nga Elephant Park. Do not support places that offer elephant rides or shows.

Many places in Thailand have elephants, but not all of the places offering tourists elephant experiences are ethical to visit. When booking your elephant encounter, make sure you support a place that puts the welfare of these beautiful animals first. It is magical spending time with elephants in a quiet, peaceful environment. 

Elephants in Phuket

The Asian elephant is indigenous to Thailand. A century ago, when Thailand was still called the Kingdom of Siam , there were around 100 000 elephants . Elephants were domesticated and used for work and for war. They played a key role in Thai society.

Today, Thailand has about 3800 domesticated elephants and about 3000 wild elephants. Phuket is home to 235 of these elephants – the exact number is known because the large pachyderms all need to be registered on a government database. 

Visit an Elephant Sanctuary or Retirement Park

One will see elephants everywhere you go in Thailand. They are, after all, the national symbol of the country. Elephants have played an essential role in Thai culture and society for hundreds of years. 

When visiting Phuket, one should definitely plan to experience an encounter with these majestic beasts because it is fascinating to learn about the mahouts’ – traditional elephant keepers – deep relationship s with their elephants. 

Unfortunately, the popularity of elephant tourism has led to animal rights issues , so one needs to be very selective about which places you go to spend time with elephants. 

It is best to visit elephant sanctuaries or retirement parks , where riding and shows are not offered, and the animals’ welfare is the top priority. These places strive to educate people from around the world about ethical elephant tourism, elephant poaching and the plight of elephants in the logging and trekking industries .

What to Do at an Elephant Sanctuary

All the elephant sanctuaries and retirement parks in this article offer either half-day or whole-day tours. Visitors can choose to spend either a morning or afternoon with the elephants.

There are many different, interesting activities to do at elephant sanctuaries:

• Observe elephants and their fascinating behaviors while they play together, feed on vegetation, bathe in the mud, or go for a swim.
• Go on jungle walks alongside the elephants .
• See how mahouts prepare the elephants’ daily feed .
• Help feed the elephants and give them their dietary supplements.
• Observe the mahouts perform health checks on the elephants .
• Volunteer to help the sanctuary by planting banana trees for the elephants to eat .
• Pose for photos alongside the elephants (strictly no flash photography).

Some but not all places allow visitors to bathe the elephants with mud and swim with the elephants.

Sanctuaries and parks offer the following educational activities:

• Video presentations teach visitors about the history of elephants in Thailand.
• English-speaking mahouts and park guides talk to visitors about the plight of Asian elephants and one can learn individual rescued elephants’ stories.
• Guides and mahouts also teach guests about the key role that elephants play in natural ecosystems and the importance of elephant conservation.

If you get hungry after all the activities, all the sanctuaries and parks offer guests a buffet-style lunch consisting of traditional home-cooked Thai foods, snacks, and refreshments (coffee, teas, water, soft drinks). 

Things to Bring to an Elephant Sanctuary

Remember to take the following items with you when you visit the elephants:

• A hat and sunscreen . You will be spending a lot of time in the sun, so come prepared with protection.
• Insect repellent . There are loads of mosquitos in the jungle.
• Comfortable walking shoes . Wear shoes that are good for walking around on uneven terrain. They might get muddy, so avoid wearing your white sneakers!
• Bathing suit and towel . Depending on where you visit, you may have the opportunity to bathe the elephants or swim with them. 
• Change of clothes . You will get really messy if you join the elephants for a mud bath, so it is best to pack a second outfit.
• Camera . Elephant sanctuaries and parks have photographers available to get the perfect shot of you and the elephants, but it is always nice to bring your own camera so that you do not miss out on any photo opportunities. Do not use your flash! 

The Four Best Places to See Elephants in Phuket

The following places provide wonderful experiences with elephants and are 100% committed to ethical elephant tourism practices:

• The Phuket Elephant Sanctuary , near Paklok.
• The Elephant Retirement Park , near Bangtao Beach .
• The Elephant Jungle Sanctuary , near Naithon Beach.
• Phang Nga Elephant Park in the small, rural village of Phang Nga.

The Phuket Elephant Sanctuary

Dedicated to the ethical treatment of elephants, Phuket Elephant Sanctuary is a fantastic place to see elephants that are at peace in their environment. Tourists can watch the animals from a safe distance , playing, bathing, and relaxing in the forest.

This sanctuary strictly prohibits touching the elephants, flash photography , and does not offer elephant rides or shows . The welfare of the animals is of the utmost importance, and guests to the sanctuary need to respect the animals.

The Phuket Elephant Sanctuary’s residents have all been rescued from abusive lives in the elephant trekking, logging, or circus industries. The sanctuary’s operators genuinely care about creating a tranquil habitat for the retired elephants to live out their days in dignity. 

One can spend either a morning or an afternoon exploring the 30-acre sanctuary. Admission fees are $45 for children under 12 and $91 for adults . This includes 3.5 hours of exploring the sanctuary, observing the elephants, walking alongside them, feeding them fruits , and enjoying some refreshments and snacks at the Tree Top reception area.

The sanctuary also offers whole-day tours , private tours , and they run a volunteer program for tourists who want to spend a lot more time with the elephants and actively contribute towards their conservation. 

The Elephant Retirement Park

This Park offers tourists the opportunity of seeing and spending time with their rescued elephants in a wonderful, natural environment where the animals’ welfare is the top priority .

The Park is home to eight elephants that were all rescued from lives in working captivity. They can now live out the remainder of their lives in peace and dignity at the Elephant Retirement Park, where they will never experience abuse or riding again. 

Visitors can roam around the park with the elephants for either a whole day or for half a day , watching them graze on the lush jungle vegetation, and go for a swim in their spacious pond. Tourists can also experience feeding the elephants their favorite treats.

The admission fees for a half-day tour are $55 for children under 10 and $79 for adults . This includes 3.5 hours of time with the elephants, lunch, snacks, and refreshments, access to knowledgeable, English-speaking guides, transfer to and from your accommodation and a free Elephant Retirement Park T-shirt. 

One can opt for longer tours. There is a day-long program , an overnight program , and even a weekend-long elephant volunteering experience where one can be fully immersed in the elephants’ world.

The Elephant Jungle Sanctuary

Started in 2014, Elephant Jungle Sanctuary is an eco-tourism project that is dedicated to ethical elephant tourism in Thailand. They use their platform to educate tourists and local people about the Asian elephant’s plight.

The sanctuary is located in a beautiful part of the island, with jungle and beach views . They use all the money made from visitors and donations to rescue more elephants, care for them, and provide them with a safe environment in which to spend their lives.

Visitors to the sanctuary will be guided by mahouts, who speak English, and can tell one about how the elephants are cared for, elephants’ role in Thai culture, and the histories of individual animals.

Half-day tours are $58 for children under 10 and $76 for adults . These prices include pick up and drop off at your hotel or accommodation, a buffet meal and refreshments, and fruits to feed the elephants. 

There are also overnight packages , and a day-long tour where one can hike through the jungle with the elephants while they forage. 

On the tour, one can watch the elephants go about their daily business, feed them, bathe them, and even go swimming with the elephants ! There us a professional photographer who can snap pictures of you while you fully immerse yourself in the experience. 

Phang Nga Elephant Park

Phang Nga Elephant Park is about an hour’s drive outside Phuket . This relatively small, family-operated elephant park is located in the tiny rural village of Phang Nga where people have been living alongside elephants for 150 years . Here, thirty mahouts live with their elephants and their families, caring for them and promoting elephant welfare.

Phang Nga Elephant Park supports ethical elephant tourism . Their animals live in a relaxed, quiet environment and visitors are invited to experience the elephants in a respectful way. They use their education center to teach tourists and locals about the importance of elephant conservation.

Admission fees are $88 for children under 14 and $149 for adults for a 4 to 5-hour tour of the park. A traditional Thai lunch, and transfers to and from your accommodation are included in this price. Shorter 2-hour tours are also available . There are no overnight stays offered.

Visitors get the whole elephant care experience, including preparing their food , and learning about traditional Thai herbal medicine used to keep the elephants healthy. 

One can walk alongside the animals through the jungle, feed the elephants, swim with them in a rock pool , and help them by planting trees and other food crops for the elephant. 

The Importance of Ethical Elephant Tourism

It extremely expensive to keep elephants in captivity. Due to their large size, they require a lot of vegetation to graze on. They cost about $40 per day to feed – that is more than 3 times the minimum wage in Thailand. Elephants also need veterinary care and space to live.

In the past, the only way that mahouts could afford to keep their elephants was to send them to work in the logging or trekking industry , or to take them to urban areas to perform and beg for money . 

As the tourism industry in Thailand boomed, so did the popularity of elephant tourism . People from all over the world wanted to go to Thailand to experience these giant animals face-to-face and ride on their backs. 

Mahouts offered tourists elephant rides, jungle treks, and circus-like shows where elephants would be dressed up and made to perform tricks. While this work covered the cost of feeding the elephants, it also involved cruel training practices to ensure that elephants are safe around tourists. 

In recent years, these animal rights abuses have been highlighted in the media and tourists now shy away from elephant tourism in Thailand , which is deemed unethical and undignified for the animals. 

While increased awareness regarding the cruel treatment of elephants is positive for the species, the loss of income from tourism has meant that many mahouts are forced to send their elephants back into the logging and trekking industries . The additional impact that the Covid-19 pandemic had on the Thai tourism industry is causing widespread joblessness for many domesticated elephants. 

Elephant sanctuaries and retirement parks, that rescue elephants from a hard life of working captivity rely on the income from tourists to care for their residents and to rescue more elephants . By visiting these places, paying to spend time with the animals, and even donating money, one can support elephant welfare and conservation in Thailand. 

Elephants in Captivity 

It is cruel for any wild animal to be forced to live in captivity, but especially for highly intelligent and emotional mammals, like elephants. However, due to widespread deforestation and destruction of the jungle – the elephants’ natural habitat – there is nowhere to release the animals back into the wild. 

It is illegal to capture wild elephants for domestication and illegal to release domesticated elephants into the jungle where they will compete with wild populations. However, wild baby elephants are still routinely poached in the jungles of Myanmar and smuggled over the border into Thailand to be sold into captivity. 

Elephant sanctuaries and retirement parks are the kindest, most natural places for domesticated elephants to live in Thailand. They keep elephants safe from the cruelty and abuse of the logging and trekking industries. 

To contribute towards elephant conservation and support their ethical treatment, do not support any elephant parks or camps that offer riding, bathing in the ocean, or elephants performing any unnatural behaviors .

The island of Phuket is home to 235 magnificent Asian elephants. These creatures are indigenous to Thailand, but sadly the species has been exploited by the logging, trekking and tourism industries. 

There are four highly reputable, 100% ethical elephant sanctuaries and parks in Phuket that tourists are encouraged to visit:

All these places offer guests the experience of seeing elephants up close in a natural, tranquil setting where they are not required to perform any tricks or give people rides . 

Visitors can go on half-day, day-long, overnight, and even weekend-long tours of the sanctuaries. One can see how the mahouts care for the animals, help to feed them, bathe them, and even swim with them. 

Tourists need to be very selective of the elephant parks and camps they visit in Thailand. Many do not uphold the values of ethical elephant tourism and these places should not be supported.

By visiting ethical elephant sanctuaries and parks, one can contribute to the elephants’ welfare and to the conservation of Asian elephants in Thailand. The elephant sanctuaries and parks rely on admission fees to pay for the animals’ food, housing, and medical care, so by visiting them you directly support the elephants .

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Elephant Jungle Sanctuary Phuket

• Animals , Elephants , Family Travel , Kathu , What to Do?
• by Phuket 101

Where to bathe with elephants in Phuket?

The Elephant Jungle Sanctuary Phuket gives visitors a unique chance to get close to elephants in a fun way. Here, no one rides the animals; the old controversial elephant trekking time is over. In an Elephant Sanctuary, you feed, play and bathe adults and baby elephants in a way you never experienced before.

Yes, there are still many elephant trekking camps in Phuket, too many, but this new kind of rehabilitation camp is successfully showing the way. Old fashion trekking camps are changing fast because visitors have already changed. The trend seems to be working as more and more elephant trekking camps seized that golden opportunity and recycled themselves into elephant sanctuaries.

When you arrive at the Elephant Jungle Sanctuary Phuket camp in Kathu , you first get a short briefing. Usually, people book the morning or afternoon visit and are picked up directly from their hotels, which is very convenient. First, you will get a rather rehearsed briefing about the rehabilitation camps and their purpose. Learn about the elephants and their burden with old-fashioned tourism, which is unfortunately still well alive in Phuket and many parts of Thailand.

What will you do at the Elephant Jungle Sanctuary Phuket?

• Learn about the Sanctuary mission
• Prepare food
• Feed the elephants
• Prepare medicine
• Have a mud bath
• Shower the elephants

Learn how the Elephant Jungle Sanctuary Phuket is trying to change mentalities while offering a unique experience. In their approach, this sanctuary invites you to bathe with those gentle giants because they are not wild but domesticated animals, allowing people to show them affection.

Feeding the elephants

Guests are then shown how to prepare food for the animals. It’s a bit messy but fun, and everyone seems to enjoy being useful. Once the food is ready, a small group of elephants arrive and eat from people’s hands. Kids are usually hesitant at first but quickly enjoy the playful baby elephants who look just as happy as human children are.

The Mud Bath

The food is gone much faster than you think, and the group then walks to a nearby muddy water pond. Elephants run into the very brown water and start enjoying themselves. Visitors are hesitant to jump into the water, but it doesn’t last long. Soon everyone is in it, splashing and rubbing the mammals with handfuls of mud.

The group later moves to a ‘cleaner’ water pond where everyone can rinse the mud away and have another round of fun (not to mention memorable photos). Visitors seem to enjoy the moment splashing and making lots of loud noise. The Elephant Jungle Sanctuary Phuket is one of the most popular elephant sanctuaries open all around Phuket. The common mindset is that there will be less trekking with more sanctuaries.

Elephant Jungle Sanctuary Phuket Photos

Elephant Jungle Sanctuary Phuket Info

Location: Kathu

Address: 2/12 Kathu, Kathu District, Phuket 83120 Visits: – Morning: 6:30 am – 12.30 pm – Afternoon: 11.30 am – 5.30 pm Phone: 094 663 6592 Prices: – Adults: 2,900 Baht – Children 4-10 : 1,900 Baht

Elephant Jungle Sanctuary Phuket Map

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FAQs about Elephant Jungle Sanctuary Phuket

Q. what is elephant jungle sanctuary phuket.

a. Elephant Jungle Sanctuary Phuket is an ethical and sustainable elephant sanctuary located in Phuket, Thailand. It provides a natural environment for elephants rescued from the tourism and logging industries.

Q. What kind of experiences does Elephant Jungle Sanctuary Phuket offer?

a. Elephant Jungle Sanctuary Phuket offers visitors the opportunity to interact with elephants in a safe and ethical way. Visitors can feed, bathe, and play with the elephants, while learning about their behaviour, habits, and needs

Q. Is it safe to interact with elephants at Elephant Jungle Sanctuary Phuket?

a. It is safe to interact with elephants at Elephant Jungle Sanctuary Phuket. The sanctuary has trained staff and safety procedures in place to ensure the safety of both visitors and elephants.

Q. How are the elephants at Elephant Jungle Sanctuary Phuket treated?

a. The elephants at Elephant Jungle Sanctuary Phuket are treated with care, respect, and dignity. They are not used for riding, performing, or any other activities that are harmful to their physical or mental well-being. The sanctuary provides them with plenty of food, water, and medical care, as well as a natural environment where they can socialize and exercise.

Q. Can I visit Elephant Jungle Sanctuary Phuket without a tour?

a. No, visitors are required to book a tour to visit Elephant Jungle Sanctuary Phuket. This is to ensure the safety of the elephants and to provide visitors with a structured and informative experience.

Q. What should I bring with me to Elephant Jungle Sanctuary Phuket?

a. Visitors should bring a change of clothes, a towel, sunscreen, insect repellent, and a camera. The sanctuary provides visitors with traditional clothing to wear during their visit, as well as snacks and drinks.

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• 7 Places For Elephant Trekking In Phuket That Must Be On The List For Your Next Vacay!

23 Mar 2023

Unwinding ourselves in between busy work schedules is essential for all of us. What better than traveling to unwind and untangle your thoughts and mind, right? And while we are on the subject, there is no better place than Phuket to explore. Busy markets, monks, tuk-tuks, pink sunsets sea-side spas, and tranquility embrace the aura of Phuket. Phuket is an island in the Andaman Sea filled with rainforests, mountains, and beaches. The clear-waters of the ocean comfort you in the day and the peppy nightclubs and discos help you channelize your inner beast at night! But Phuket is much more than what meets the eye. The city is also famous for its elephant trekking experiences which offer a fun opportunity to see a side of Phuket you may have never seen before. Listed below are the best places to enjoy elephant trekking in Phuket. Take a look@

7 Best Places For Elephant Trekking In Phuket, Thailand

The best thing to put on your bucket list would be the exciting elephant trekking in Phuket, Thailand. Elephants are worshipped in Thailand as holy creatures, and excellent care is given to these animals in the land of Phuket. To ride on an elephant and to view the scenery from the top of it can be rightfully labeled as an experience of a lifetime. Some of the best places for elephant trekking in Phuket are provided below:

1. Kokchang Safari

Image Source Kokchang safari is a 20-year-old elephant camp in the Karon area in Phuket and is also known as the first elephant camp in that location. There are four timings for the departure, and the prices are up to INR 3275 for one and a half hours.

Address: 287 Moo2, Tambol Karon, Ampur Muang, Phuket Contact: +66 89 591 9413 Price: Adults: INR 3252.30 and for children between the age of 4-11 it will cost around INR 2105

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2. Phuket Elephant Trekking Tours

Image Source Phuket elephant trekking is the nearest from the Phuket sanctuary park in Patong beach. This tour will pick you up from your hotel and start trekking from seven in the morning, though they have other timings for the convenience of the travelers.

Address: Muangthong-Kaokard Road, Muang Mueang, Phuket District, Phuket- 83100, Thailand Contact: +66 84 184 5805 Price: INR 6003, which also includes elephant feeding, bathing, and other activities.

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3. Kalim Elephant Camp

Image Source Kalim elephant camp opens at 8 AM and is in Kathu district. This elephant trekking is thirty minutes long and the endpoint is a small hill. Taking a ride in the city on these friendly animals will give you an adventurous experience of a lifetime and who knows, if everything goes well, you might also befriend the animal!

Address: 163/2 Pa Tong, Kathu, Phuket Contact: 065 547 8961 Price: For adults, it is around INR 1360. The children may enjoy the same at INR 680.

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4. Seaview Elephant Camp

Image Source Seaview elephant camp is near Kathu and will give you one of the best experiences of elephant trekking in Phuket, Thailand. Sit on comfortable seats as you trek around the camp on the elephant. This activity will surely an experience of a lifetime for you.

Address: 81 Wiset Rd, Rawai, Phuket Contact: +66 80 393 4388 Price: The price for a half an hour tour can cost 2040 for adults. For kids, the same time duration will cost INR 1360.

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5. Traveliss Elephant Trekking

Image Source Twenty years of experience makes Traveliss a well-trusted tourism guide for your adventures in southern Thailand. The reason why Traveliss is one of the best elephant trekking in Phuket is that not only does it give its customers a splendid trekking experience but the tour also includes an elephant show for those interested in meeting the baby elephants and feeding them. The trek is 60-minutes long.

Address: 81/22 Moo 7 Chalong, Muang, Phuket, 83130 Thailand Contact: +66 7662 6626 Price: INR 2105

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6. Green Elephant Sanctuary Park

Green Elephant Sanctuary Park is where you can observe the best of the large mammals and enjoy short treks around the park. You can book between two slots offered by them – morning and afternoon slots. Trekking on elephants at this park would be a unique experience for you, one that you will cherish forever.

Address: No. 4 Soi Cherngtalay 1 Road Si Sunthon, Choeng Thale, Phuket Contact: +66 (0)96 651 38 88 Price: INR 8549

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7. Kinnaree Elephant Trekking

Image Source While you trek on elephants around, you will be able to observe these largest land mammals on earth in this sanctuary park in their most instinctive form. The beautiful elephants can be found roaming around freely and even bathing. The sanctuary is located near Patak road in Karon and is worth all your time and money!

Address: 143/7 Patak Rd, Karon, Mueang Phuket District, Phuket 83100, Thailand Contact: +66 76 281 050 Price: The cost of the activity may vary for adults and children.

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Tips For Elephant Trekking In Phuket, Thailand

• Book your tour in advance as it is difficult to get bookings in a short-time notice
• Get the full information and details before booking with any of the tourism groups
• Keep the whole budget of the travel in your mind before booking
• Choose a tourism guide near your hotel which provides a round trip to drop you at your hotel
• Keep your health in check before indulging in such activity
• Prepare beforehand with necessities like suitable boots and safari clothes while trekking through the jungle
• Always sit bareback or with one more traveler at your back
• Avoid any metal chair or wooden chair on the top of the elephant because it puts on extra weight on riding an elephant
• Lastly, pay attention to the elephants, whether they are mistreated or led by any chain bondage as this is harmful to any wild creature

Further Read: 7 Attractive Cruises In Thailand For A Wonderful Trip To The Land Of Smiles

If you are an animal lover and want to spend some time with the most exquisite and beautiful land mammal, then you should visit these sanctuary parks and experience a delightful ride of the jungle safari. Many people opposed to the concept of riding an elephant because it hurts the animal is considered cruel. Still, if you research effectively, then you can find some of the parks that do not mistreat the elephants but give them proper training to execute the elephant trekking in Phuket, and our list corresponds to animal safety. So, go plan your trip to Thailand with TravelTriangle and unleash adventure!

Disclaimer:  TravelTriangle claims no credit for images featured on our blog site unless otherwise noted. All visual content is copyrighted to its respectful owners. We try to link back to original sources whenever possible. If you own rights to any of the images, and do not wish them to appear on TravelTriangle, please contact us and they will be promptly removed. We believe in providing proper attribution to the original author, artist or photographer.

Please Note:  Any information published by TravelTriangle in any form of content is not intended to be a substitute for any kind of medical advice, and one must not take any action before consulting a professional medical expert of their own choice.

Frequently Asked Questions About Elephant Trekking In Phuket

Are elephants sacred in Thailand?

Elephants in Thailand have historically been sacred and there have been references of elephants to literature, artworks, and national emblems.

What should one wear to the elephant sanctuary park?

Wear something comfortable for the warm and humid weather in Phuket. Do wear a sock to protect your feet from direct contact with mud. The sanctuaries usually provide an umbrella and rubber boots for extra protection. Apply sunscreen or wear something full sleeves.

Where can one see elephants in Phuket?

You can see elephants almost anywhere in Phuket. Visit any nearby elephant sanctuary park for a great day between the wild elephants, watching them play, bath and roam around freely. Visit Phuket national sanctuary park for the best view.

How much does it cost to ride an elephant in Phuket?

The cost depends on the chosen tourism guide. The fee also varies between the child and the adults. But approximately, the sanctuary parks charge a thousand in the Thai currency for an elephant ride of 30-45 minutes.

Can one swim with elephants in Thailand?

You have to visit the elephant jungle sanctuary which lets you swim with the elephants and bath with them.

Do elephants roam freely in Thailand?

Now, elephants roam freely in parks and sanctuaries without ropes and hooks.

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Great experience - Phuket Elephant Nature Reserve

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• Phuket Elephant Nature Reserve

We had a wonderful time visiting this genuinely ethical sanctuary. I wanted my 4 year old daughter... read more

Incredible place. They really put animal welfare first and it was amazing to see these beautiful... read more

Great experience

We had a very enjoyable time on the 90 minute experience. The guides are very knowledgeable and are genuinely invested in the wellbeing of the elephants. A must visit in the Phuket area.

Second visit here. Did the half day option last time two years ago but opted for 90 mins this time to check out Bow and Lotus. Now have two more elephants one being a youngster at only 8 years old bless! These elephants are so loved and looked after. I endorse everything this ethical reserve do. Please book your visit

What an amazing experience. The staff are so knowledgeable. Would recommend a visit to help contribute to more rescues Amanda Western Australia

We did a lot of research to find an elephant sanctuary that is truly ethical and where the elephants' welfare is really the main focus. Unfortunately, there aren't that many of such truly ethical sanctuaries we had to find out while researching. So, we were very lucky to have found this place. We took the 1,5 h tour and had a great time. The 4 elephants that are currently living at the reserve are amazing and very well cared for. The guides are doing a great job and are very knowledgable. Overall, we can highly recommend going there and supporting the great work these people are doing!

Absolutely brilliant day! Could not recommend enough the elephants are so well cared for and you can see how much the staff love them. It is completely ethical no bathing ( as that stresses the elephants out 😔) riding or touching apart from feeding them which the elephants loved.

Great place! You can tell the elephants are very happy. They don’t try to overpopulate the sanctuary, as they said they can only support 6. No riding or bathing with them, which is good because it stresses them out. Highly recommend!

Phuket Elephant Sanctuary

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A Morning with the Elephants at Phuket Elephant Sanctuary

An Afternoon with the Elephants at Phuket Elephant Sanctuary

Phuket Elephant Sanctuary Canopy Walkway Tour

Full-Day Phuket Elephant Sanctuary Tour with Lunch and Dinner

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 waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

PHUKET ELEPHANT SANCTUARY - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go

• Easy & Relaxing Trips

Elephant Cares Half Day Trip

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WELCOME TO PHUKET ECO ELEPHANT SANCTUARY PARK

Phuket Eco Elephant Park, we do concern and emphasize on Elephants ’s welfare as our core policies and first priority, No Riding, No Chains , No Abuses !!! At elephant park is where elephants can live happily and enjoy the rest of their life time, you are going to see how lovely and friendly they are.

At elephant care parks, you and family will enjoy your days like no one others because of, we do limit the amount of visitors per day, this is good for you, your family and good for our lovely elephants either, because of elephants will not get stressful by a lot of people . You and your family will have a chance to gel close to elephants and their herd , to discover how lovely they are , learn to take care them properly guided by our team meanwhile get informations about their behavior, daily life to understand them much more.

• Learn and get information, elephant ’s daily life, observing what they are happy to do during a day.
• Enjoy preparing & feeding elephants their favorite fruits, bananas water melons, pine apples.
• Learn how to take care elephants likes an elephant keeper, cool their body temperature down by shower or bath with elephants

* Our trusted elephant care park applied the “Amazing Thailand Safety Health Administration Plus: (SHA Plus+)” standards under the Tourism Authority of Thailand certification.

Easy & Relaxing Trips Happy Elephant Cares Package ( Approximately time 1 - 2 Hours )

Why do we have to take care captive or house elephants properly and we shall not ride them?

Do you know, elephants they spend time over 10 hours for getting foods everyday. For mature elephants they can eat up to 100 - 150 Kilograms per day they spend time almost 10 hours just for consuming and sleep only few hours. During a day after eating foods, elephants really enjoy bathing with their herd, the main purpose of bathing just to cool off and to enhance their skin. As they have minimal hair and sweat glands, they find it difficult to cool off under the harsh sun, take them to have a bath, it is a must do for every elephant care keepers or owners must do to ensure elephants will feel most comfortable during the day and yes this will be your unforgettable experience to try this once in your life time.

Learn and enjoy how to take care elephant properly to make the, being happier and healthier in each day, let elephants be elephants, enjoy learning how to take care elephants as an elephant keeper in a proper ways. Live Learn & Fun !!!

Suits for all ages , special for children, who would you like to experience and take care elephants. Our program available for both morning and afternoon slots. The morning program starts from 09.00 -11.00 A.M. and the afternoon program starts from 01.00 - 04.00 P.M.

Enjoy having bathing with elephants to cool them down in hot weather, it is a must do. Elephants need to cool off during a day, they do not have sweat gland on their massive body. Have bathing or get showering is the quick way to cool them off and make our big gentle giants friends are being more comfortable. This program is highly recommended for family with children, or small kids.

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Have you been dreaming of bathing or swimming with elephants in the sea ? Here at elephant park we can make your dream come true and do not worry we do not do only bathing and get pictures, you are going to help us to take care them properly as well, this will be one of your unforgettable experience s in Phuket.

Do you know ? during a day after eating foods, elephants really enjoy bathing , to cool off and to enhance their skin. Elephants may look like they are having a lot of fun rolling in the water or around in the mud, it also serves a critical purpose for them. As they have minimal hair and sweat glands, they find it difficult to cool off under the harsh sun, take them to have a bath, or mud spa it is a must do for every elephant keepers or owners must do to ensure elephants will feel most comfortable during the day.

If you do not want to go into the water or do water activities with elephants this is the easiest trip for you.

Experience and enjoy your unforgettable time with our elephants . Enjoy learning how to prepare foods for elephants , feeding, preparing them special supplements, enjoy watching elephant enjoy their eating time without going into the water. If you are looking for the trip where you and family can spend time with elephants in the easiest way of taking care elephants.

How wonderful to spend time for 3 hours with big gentle giants and their herd, you are going to discover how clever they are, and you are going to take care your big gentle giant friends properly. All the activities you do , are necessary for elephants they need it during the day. Come and spend time with us, being as elephant keepers for unforgettable experience.

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Wander With Alex

Phuket: A Vacationer's Guide to Thailand's Island Playground

Posted: March 31, 2024 | Last updated: March 31, 2024

Phuket is the largest island in Thailand. It has beautiful beaches, a bustling nightlife, a vibrant culture, and many attractions. From Patong's lively streets to Kata and Karon's relaxing beaches, you can be as adventurous or chill as you like on your island adventure.

While beaches and nightlife are Phuket's main attractions, the gorgeous landscapes and surrounding islands offer many options for day trips and exploration. Want to see elephants without chains in an ethical sanctuary or visit the place where James Bond was filmed? Then Phuket is for you!

Best Time to Visit Phuket, Thailand

Like the rest of Thailand, Phuket enjoys a tropical climate with two main seasons - the dry and wet seasons.

During the dry season, which runs from November to April, you can expect clear skies, warm temperatures, and minimal rainfall, making it an ideal time for beach activities, water sports, and exploring the island's attractions. Due to the excellent weather, December to February are the best times to visit.

The wet season in Phuket lasts from May to October, with the highest rainfall between June and September. Although the weather can be unpredictable during this time, it also brings lush green landscapes and fewer crowds. You'll also find excellent deals on accommodations in Phuket and fewer tourists, although outdoor activities may be limited due to the weather.

The dry season is the ideal time to visit for the best weather. If you don't mind the occasional rain shower and want to avoid the crowds, the wet season can offer a more budget-friendly and peaceful experience.

Hit The Beaches

You can't mention Phuket without talking about the incredible beaches. The island's sheer size means there aren't just one or two beaches but over 30 in total! There are many places to swim, snorkel, and laze in the sun.

Each beach and surrounding area also has its own personality to match. Head to Kata or Karon Beach for some of the prettiest stretches of beach, or Kamala Beach for a quiet, chilled getaway.

Go Temple Hopping

Why not go on a temple-hopping adventure in Phuket and explore its rich cultural heritage? Of course, you can't compare the temple here to the ones you saw when you were staying in Bangkok , but does the capital offer you beaches and stunning limestone landscapes all in one place?

There are many smaller temples around the island, each offering its own unique history and architecture. Wat Chalong is Phuket's most important temple, and it is not to be missed.

Visit The Big Buddha

A trip to Phuket isn't complete without visiting the iconic Big Buddha (Ming Mongkol Buddha)! Perched at Nakkerd Hill, the Buddha symbolizes peace and spirituality, towering over the island. The gleaming white marble statue is impressively 45 meters tall. You can visit the temple and enjoy the amazing panoramic views of Phuket and the surrounding Andaman Sea.

Go Island Hopping

Phuket is an excellent base from which to embark on an island-hopping adventure ! From here, you reach Krabi and the breathtaking Railay Beach and explore the stunning Phi Phi Islands with their massive limestone cliffs and turquoise waters. Find your inner Leonardo DiCaprio and visit Maya Bay - the slice of heaven used in the movie 'The Beach.'

Visit The Night Markets

Explore Phuket's atmospheric night markets for a taste of local culture. There are markets everywhere, from Patong to Kata, but the Naka Market is a must-visit. It's packed with stalls selling everything from street food to souvenirs.

Check out the Phuket Walking Street Market in Old Town for a laid-back vibe. Live music and cultural performances make it a great spot to chill and soak in the local atmosphere.

Enjoy The Nightlife

When night falls, Phuket comes alive with a buzzing nightlife scene, and Bangla Road in Patong is where the party takes place. Filled with bars, clubs, and street performers, the neon lights and lively atmosphere make it the perfect place to party until dawn.

If you prefer a more relaxed vibe, check out a beach club like Café del Mar. Dance under the stars or chill in a cabana with a cocktail while enjoying the ocean views.

Phuket Elephant Sanctuary

For an unforgettable experience, visit the Phuket Elephant Sanctuary. This sanctuary provides a safe space for rescued elephants to roam freely in their natural habitat. You can learn about their behavior and participate in activities like feeding and bathing them in the nearby river.

By supporting ethical initiatives like the Phuket Elephant Sanctuary, you contribute to the welfare of these gentle giants and promote responsible tourism practices focused on animal welfare and conservation.

Explore Phuket Old Town

Phuket Old Town offers a unique glimpse into the island's rich history and cultural heritage. With its colorful Sino-Portuguese buildings, you'll be transported back to Phuket's golden tin mining age.

Explore the bustling markets, narrow alleyways, landmarks like the Clock Tower, and the beautifully restored Thalang Road. Dive into the island's past and taste authentic local life in Phuket.

Where to Eat in Phuket, Thailand

Street Food: Phuket's street food scene is a must-try, from Pad Thai to grilled skewers and sweet mango sticky rice. You can find some of the best street food at Phuket Weekend Market and Phuket Walking Street Market.

Floating Restaurants: Phuket's floating restaurants offer a unique way to enjoy fresh seafood while enjoying ocean views. Restaurants such as Khru Vit Seafood Raft are accessible via a short longtail boat ride on the East Coast.

Cafes: Phuket boasts a thriving café culture. One popular spot is Bookhemian Café in Old Town, known for its cozy atmosphere and extensive book collection. Check out the decor at Delico Decoration Coffee and Dessert in Phuket Town for something classy.

Naughty Nuri's: A popular spot for barbecue enthusiasts. It offers tasty grilled dishes and a lively ambiance. With its famous ribs and delicious cocktails, this restaurant brings the flavors of Bali to Patong Beach.

Bill Bentley Pub: This cozy British-style pub offers a relaxed atmosphere and a wide selection of drinks. Located in Turtle Village, this pub is the perfect spot to chill with friends after a day of exploring Phuket.

Three Monkeys Restaurant: Located in the rainforest, this sophisticated eatery is known for its fusion of Thai and international cuisines, including tasty Pad Thai and wood-fired pizzas. It is served in a cozy and welcoming setting.

Phang Nga Bay Day Trip

Phang Nga Bay is famous for its stunning limestone cliffs, green waters, and James Bond Island! The 1974 Bond film, 'Man With The Golden Gun,' featured the bay and is a highlight for many visiting Phuket. Day trips usually include Koh Panyee floating village stop-offs, some caves, kayaking, and snorkeling.

Khao Sok National Park Day Trip

Khao Sok National Park, a lush haven filled with natural wonders, is another popular day trip from Phuket. Nature is the main attraction here, with dense jungle trails, while spotting exotic wildlife like gibbons and hornbills is commonplace. Then, unwind on a relaxed bamboo raft ride along the Sok River, immersing yourself in the park's incredible beauty.

Similan Islands Day Trip

Did you think the beaches in Phuket were lovely? Wait until you see the Similan Islands! Famous for its clear waters and marine life, day trippers can snorkel among clear coral reefs, relax on white-sand beaches, and explore hidden coves for an unforgettable experience in this untouched paradise.

Vacationing in Phuket, Thailand

With its refined balance of relaxation and adventure, it's easy to see why Phuket is one of the most visited destinations in Thailand . The range of experiences, from tranquil beaches to vibrant nightlife, makes it one of the ultimate island destinations in the world.

So pack your bags and dive into all that Phuket has in store for you! This tropical paradise eagerly awaits your arrival. Get ready for an epic adventure in Phuket!

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