Phuket Elephant Sanctuary - Full Day
7 hrs 30 min
48 hours before the tour
English
Included
Phuket
By Email
Phuket Elephant Sanctuary - Full Day
Join us for a meaningful and immersive experience at our sanctuary, where you'll spend the day observing rescued elephants in their natural environment. Learn about their unique communication methods, behaviors, and the vital role they play as a keystone species in the ecosystem. This full-day program includes shared roundtrip transfers, a light breakfast, vegetarian lunch and dinner buffets, along with cold drinks and refreshments throughout the day.
The morning begins with light refreshments and an educational video that highlights the history and challenges faced by Asian elephants. You'll have the chance to feed one of our rescued elephants (available until 31 March 2026), followed by an insightful talk from our guide on elephant behavior and communication. Then, explore our 30-acre sanctuary where the elephants roam, forage, and bathe freely. A vegetarian Thai lunch is served in a peaceful jungle setting.
In the afternoon, continue your journey through the elephants' natural habitat, deepening your understanding of their importance to the environment. You'll also help prepare nutritious food and feed the elephants again (included until 31 March 2026), before ending your day with a wholesome vegetarian dinner.
Video of Phuket Elephant Sanctuary - Full Day
Committed to Elephant Wellbeing
At Phuket Elephant Sanctuary, every elephant is given individual attention and compassionate care. Experienced mahouts, many with over two decades of expertise, work closely with each elephant to support their physical and emotional healing. Our dedicated on-site team provides continuous monitoring to ensure their health and comfort.
Visitor contributions play a vital role in sustaining our mission—helping fund rescue operations, nutritious food, ongoing veterinary care, and the safe, natural environment our elephants deserve.
A Meaningful Experience at Phuket Elephant Sanctuary
Phuket Elephant Sanctuary is widely praised for its ethical approach and heartfelt mission. More than just an encounter with wildlife, a visit here is a deeply moving experience rooted in respect, compassion, and conservation. Guests frequently highlight the professionalism of the staff, the peaceful natural surroundings, and the genuine sense of connection that comes from witnessing elephants living freely and naturally.
Every aspect of the sanctuary—from the attentive care provided by experienced mahouts to the thoughtfully curated visitor programs—is designed with elephant welfare as the top priority. There is no riding, no chains, and no forced interaction—just elephants being elephants: walking, foraging, bathing, and socializing in a safe and natural environment.
Visitors are also invited to learn about each elephant’s unique background, the hardships they’ve endured, and the care that supports their recovery. Whether you’re offering a basket of fruit, watching them enjoy a refreshing rain shower, or quietly observing from a distance, each moment is an opportunity to reflect, connect, and contribute to responsible tourism in Thailand.
Phuket Elephant Sanctuary offers one of the island’s most authentic and compassionate wildlife experiences—ideal for those who seek meaningful travel and want to make a positive impact.
Full Day Program Itinerary
09.30 AM: Welcome at Discovery Lounge
Meet at our office in Paklok for registration, then enjoy a scenic transfer in our 4×4 vehicle to the Tree Top Reception. Upon arrival at the Discovery Lounge, you’ll be welcomed with light refreshments including tea, coffee, and snacks. An educational video presentation follows, providing insight into our sanctuary's mission, elephant welfare, and important safety guidelines for your visit.
10.30 AM: Elephant Feeding & Sanctuary Exploration
Begin this special part of the program by offering nutritious treats to one of our rescued elephants. Feeding allows you to interact in a gentle, respectful way while learning about their dietary needs and preferences.
After feeding, set out on a guided walk through our expansive 30-acre sanctuary. Here, you’ll observe the elephants as they roam freely, forage in the jungle, play in mud pits, and bathe in natural pools—all without chains or pressure. Our knowledgeable guide will share fascinating insights into their behavior, individual stories, and the sanctuary's ongoing efforts to ensure their wellbeing.
12.00 AM: Vegetarian Thai Lunch Buffet
Enjoy a delicious and wholesome Thai lunch buffet featuring a variety of vegetarian and vegan dishes, freshly prepared with local ingredients. The meal is served in a peaceful jungle setting, offering the perfect opportunity to relax and reflect on the morning’s experience. Complimentary filtered water, coffee, tea, and soft drinks are available throughout the lunch. A flavorful and nourishing break in your day with the elephants.
01.00 PM: Elephant Insights & Jungle Safari Observation
Return to the Discovery Lounge for an engaging learning session focused on elephant communication and behavior. Discover how these intelligent animals interact through sound, body language, and social cues, guided by our expert team.
Next, venture into the jungle for a guided safari-style observation. As you explore the elephants’ natural habitat, you’ll learn about their critical role as “gardeners of the planet”—helping shape and maintain the health of tropical ecosystems.
The session is followed by a short break at the Discovery Lounge (15–20 minutes), where you can enjoy refreshments and take in the serene surroundings before continuing your experience.
2.30 PM: Elephant Food Preparation & Feeding
Take part in an interactive session where you’ll help prepare nutritious treats for the elephants, including fresh fruits and specially made rice balls packed with natural supplements. This hands-on activity gives you a deeper appreciation for the care and attention that goes into supporting each elephant’s health.
Once the food is ready, you’ll have the opportunity to feed the elephants once again—an unforgettable and rewarding moment that highlights the gentle bond between humans and these magnificent animals. (Feeding included until 31 March 2026.)
4.00 PM: Thai Vegetarian Dinner at Tree Top Reception
End your day with a flavorful Thai vegetarian buffet served at our Tree Top Reception, surrounded by the peaceful sounds and sights of the jungle. Enjoy a variety of freshly prepared plant-based dishes while taking in the tranquil views from above the forest canopy. It’s the perfect way to reflect on your experience and unwind in nature’s embrace.
5.00 PM: Return Transfer & Farewell
At approximately 5:00 PM, we’ll begin the return journey from the sanctuary. You’ll be transferred back to our office in Paklok, where your visit concludes. From there, we provide comfortable transport back to your accommodation. As you depart, take with you meaningful memories and the knowledge that your visit has supported the ethical care and protection of Thailand’s elephants.
What's included
- Shared hotel transfer in Phuket province
- Food & beverage throughout the day
- Insurance
- Tour guide (TH, ENG)
- Mosquito Spray
- Umbrellas
- Feeding the elephants (until 31 March 2026)
- Wellies boots & socks
- Raincoats
What's excluded
- Alcohol
- Tips