If you’re an animal lover visiting Thailand, a trip to Elephant Sanctuary Phuket is an absolute must. These ethical sanctuaries are a joint effort of Karen Hill tribes and Chiang Mai locals to provide a safe haven for rescued elephants, offering visitors a chance to interact with these gentle giants in a responsible way. Unlike traditional elephant tourism, there’s no riding, just feeding, bathing, and observing elephants in their natural environment. Whether you opt for an Elephant Jungle Sanctuary Phuket tour, it’s an unforgettable experience that supports conservation efforts while giving you a deeper appreciation of these incredible animals.
Location
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There are 3 elephant jungle sanctuaries in Phuket. They are located in Kathu district, Thalang district, and Choeng Thale. The Elephant Sanctuary Phuket is located in the tropical forests of Phuket, Thailand. They are easily accessible from popular tourist areas like Patong Beach, Phuket Town, and Kata Beach. The sanctuary’s scenic location offers a peaceful escape from the city, making it a perfect day-trip destination for those looking to experience ethical wildlife tourism in Thailand.
How To Reach
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By Air: Fly into Phuket International Airport (HKT) and take a taxi or private transfer (40-50 minutes) to the sanctuary.
By Road: Tuk-tuks, taxis, and rental scooters are available from Phuket’s main areas. Many hotels also arrange transport.
By Public Transport: You can hop on local buses to reach the elephant jungle sanctuary in Phuket.
Elephant Jungle Sanctuaries Phuket
There are 3 Elephant Jungle Sanctuary Phuket branches that you can visit and have fun with the gentle giants at.
1. Elephant Jungle Sanctuary Phuket
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At Elephant Jungle Sanctuary Phuket, you’ll meet gentle giants up close in a responsible and ethical way. Watch them roam freely, play in the mud, and splash in the water as you feed and interact with them in their natural surroundings. Knowledgeable guides share heartwarming stories about their rescue and care, making your visit both meaningful and unforgettable. This is more than just a visit—it’s a chance to connect, learn, and make a difference!
Location: 2, 12, Kathu, Kathu District, Phuket 83120, Thailand
Timings: 9 AM – 4 PM
Cost: ฿3,000 / ₹7734
2. Phuket Elephant Sanctuary, Thalang
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At Phuket Elephant Sanctuary, rescued elephants roam freely in dense green forests, splashing in mud pools and enjoying their natural habitat. This ethical sanctuary offers a rare chance to observe these gentle giants up close, learning their stories of resilience and recovery. Walking alongside them, you’ll witness their playful nature and deep bonds. For an unforgettable encounter, Elephant Jungle Sanctuary Phuket promises a heartwarming experience rooted in care and conservation.
Location: 100, Moo 2, Paklok, Thalang, 83110, Thailand
Timing: 8:30 AM – 5 PM
Cost: ฿1,200 / ₹3,093
3. Green Elephant Sanctuary Park
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At Green Elephant Sanctuary Park, rescued elephants roam freely, enjoying a life of care and kindness. This ethical haven lets you interact with these gentle giants up close—feed them, bathe them, and watch them play in the mud, all while learning about their rescue stories. Unlike traditional elephant tourism, no riding is allowed here, making it a truly compassionate experience. Visit Elephant Jungle Sanctuary Phuket and be part of their journey to a better life!
Location: 4 Soi Cherngtalay 1, Choeng Thale, Thalang District, Phuket 83110, Thailand
Timing: 8 AM – 5 PM
Cost: ฿2,900 / ₹7,476
Things To Do
Here are a few things to do at Elephant Sanctuary Phuket that you can take part in.
1. Learn About Elephant Conservation
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Elephant conservation is all about protecting these gentle giants while giving people a chance to connect with them in a meaningful way. At Elephant Jungle Sanctuary Phuket, visitors can feed, bathe, and walk alongside rescued elephants, learning about their stories and the importance of ethical tourism. Watching them play in the mud and splash in the water makes for an unforgettable experience, while every visit helps support their care and protection.
2. Feed The Elephants
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At Elephant Jungle Sanctuary Phuket, feeding the elephants is a heartwarming experience where you get to bond with these gentle giants up close. Watch their eyes light up as you offer them bananas and sugarcane, feeling their playful trunks reach out in excitement. Each bite brings happy rumbles, and as you stand among them, you’ll sense their gratitude. It’s more than just feeding—it’s sharing a moment of pure joy in their natural haven.
3. Bathe The Elephants
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Bathing elephants at Elephant Jungle Sanctuary Phuket is a joyful and immersive experience where you interact with these gentle giants in their natural habitat. As you pour water over their backs, they splash playfully, roll in the mud, and trumpet with delight. It’s a rare chance to connect with them up close while learning about their care and conservation, making it both a fun and meaningful adventure.
Where To Stay
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Phuket has stayed for every traveller, from budget-friendly hostels to ultra-luxurious beachfront resorts. Budget travellers can enjoy Lub d Phuket Patong, a lively hostel near Patong Beach, or Baan Suay Hotel, offering comfort at a great price. Midrange options include Amari Phuket, with stunning sea views, and Chanalai Garden Resort, a family-friendly gem. Luxury seekers can indulge at The Nai Harn, which has panoramic ocean views, or Rosewood Phuket, which features private pool villas and world-class service.
Where To Eat
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Phuket’s food scene is a delicious blend of tradition and creativity, with restaurants that turn every meal into an experience. Raya Restaurant is famous for its rich Phuket-style crab curry, while Mor Mu Dong serves fresh seafood in a charming, rustic setting. One Chun Café impresses with its aromatic massaman curry, and Kan Eang@Pier offers grilled seafood by the ocean. Suay reinvents Thai classics, La Gaetana brings Italian comfort, ICC Indian Curry Club serves fragrant biryanis, and Torry’s Ice Cream offers sweet, local-inspired treats.
Best Time To Visit
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The best time to visit the sanctuary is from November to April, when the weather is cool and dry, making it perfect for spending time with these gentle giants. Beautiful greenery surrounds the sanctuary, creating a peaceful escape where you can observe elephants roaming freely. The tour offers a chance to feed, walk alongside, and learn about these rescued animals, making it a truly heartwarming experience.
Tips For Travellers
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Book In Advance: Sanctuaries have limited slots, so secure your Elephant Jungle Sanctuary Phuket tickets early.
Wear Comfortable Clothes: Expect to get muddy, so wear lightweight clothing and bring a change of clothes.
Bring Eco-Friendly Sunscreen & Bug Spray: Protect yourself while keeping the environment safe.
Respect The Elephants: Follow the sanctuary’s guidelines—no riding or forcing interactions.
Carry Cash: Some sanctuaries only accept cash for donations or souvenirs.
Elephant Sanctuary Phuket offers a heartwarming and ethical way to interact with these gentle giants. Spending time at either Elephant Jungle Sanctuary Phuket or Phuket Elephant Sanctuary lets you witness their playful nature while contributing to their well-being. From feeding to mud baths, every moment is special and rewarding. Plan a trip with TripXL and create memories that truly make a difference.
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