A Morning with the Elephants at Phuket Elephant Sanctuary
5
A Morning with the Elephants at Phuket Elephant Sanctuary
By Phuket Elephant Sanctuary
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About
Lowest price guaranteeReserve now & pay laterFree cancellation
Ages 0-120, max of 85 per group
Duration: 3h 30m
Start time: Check availability
Mobile ticket
Live guide: English
More
Travellers’ Choice Best of the Best
2024
- A delicious Thai vegetarian lunch buffet with over 15 choices.
- Welcome Snacks, Coffee, Fruits, Juices & Filtered Water
- Boots, Socks, Umbrellas, Rain Coats, Mosquito Spray
- We provide bottled water but appreciate if you bring a refill bottle.
- Air-conditioned vehicle
- Entry/Admission - Phuket
What's not included- Roundtrip Transfers - If option is not selected
- Start:Multiple pickup locations offered.
- Phuket Elephant Sanctuary, 100, Moo 2,, Paklok, Thalang, ภูเก็ต 83110, ThailandIf you selected Program Only (No Transfer), please meet us at our office in Paklok 30 minutes before the start of the program. Parking is available.
Pickup details- (Pickup up to 90 minutes before the tour!) We offer shared roundtrip transfers from anywhere in the Phuket Province. To book a tour including shared roundtrip transfers, please select the "Program + Transfer" option. Pick-up and drop-off location must be identical, and the exact pick-up time, up to 90 minutes before the tour, will be advised via message or email shortly after completing your booking.
Hotel pickup offeredDuring checkout you will be able to select from the list of included hotels.Airport pickup offeredDuring checkout you will be able to select from the list of included airports.- Phuket Intl Airport, Mai Khao, Phuket 83110 Thailand
Port pickup offeredDuring checkout you will be able to select from the list of included ports.- Patong Port
- Ao Makarm Port
- Ao Por Pier
- Rassada Pier
End:This activity ends back at the meeting point. - Wheelchair accessible
- Pushchair accessible
- Infant seats available
If you have questions about accessibility, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 171127P4- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Most travellers can participate
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 85 travellers
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.
- If you have questions about this tour or need help making your booking, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 171127P4
From
₹7,761.95
per adult
Select date and travellers
Similar experiences
Itinerary
- 1A morning with the elephants is an eye-opening and inspiring experience. Following a scenic drive along a local village you will arrive at Phuket Elephant Sanctuary, a picturesque jungle dotted with ponds, wide open fields and hillsides for the elephants to roam around. Your visit starts at our Tree Top Lounge, where we will show you a presentation and educational video to prepare you for your encounter with the elephants, and to help you understand why they need to be protected. Next up, the elephants are fed. While they enjoy their baskets of bananas, pineapples and cucumbers, you have a chance to learn from our guides about the background of each elephant. Once the elephants are fed, we follow them down into the jungle. By keeping a safe distance and watching them from our Observation Salas, the elephants have the freedom to express their natural behavior, from bathing and playing in our pond to socializing with each other. The program ends with a delicious Thai vegetarian meal.
About the operator
Don’t take it from us – here’s what people have to say about this operator:
- stilltilly0 contributionsElephants in the sanctuaryWonderful morning walking amongst the elephants with an informative and friendly guide, breakfast served upon arrival and video about the sanctuary downtown by over an hour wandering through the forest and then back along raised canopy for a delicious buffet lunchWritten 18 January 2025
- Sam L0 contributionsAmazing ethical sanctuaryAmazing sanctuary where they rescue elephants from working lives and provide a free space for them to live and recover. The walkway was an amazing chance to watch them living their own lives, the tour guide was very knowledgeable and really nice! The feeding experience was gentle and the most amazing thing ever, and they had a really good selection of snacks and drinks for before and after for us! 100% recommend coming here and supporting their efforts!Written 18 January 2025
- 392hannak0 contributionsAmazing and ethical experience!Perfect experience and ethical too! Many elephants here are sick or injured, because of their earlier owners but now they seems to be happy, free and good cared. Elephants are number one here and tourists number two, which were great. Trip were very organized and everything works just like promised and even better. Guides were great and we learn a lot of elephants while visiting here.Written 16 January 2025
- colh4290 contributionsGenuinely the only ethical and respectful elephant sanctuary on PhuketThis is an amazing and respectful elephant sanctuary that really balances the care of the elephants with the wishes of visitors. Our tour guide Nong was really knowledgeable about each of the elephants, and spoke brilliant English. The sanctuary goes beyond expectations with refreshments and excellent facilities for guests. This is a genuine sanctuary, so be cautious with what others may claim.Written 16 January 2025
- brettsP6338KD0 contributionsBest way to see elephants while in ThailandThe sanctuary was a great experience. They take good care of the elephants and you can tell when you see how happy they are. The guides spoke great English and answered a lot of in-depth questions about the elephants care. You also get to feed the elephants fruit. The buffet they offer afterward was all vegetarian and really good food.Written 14 January 2025
- cassiet2770 contributionsYou NEED To Experience This Place!!This was such a beautiful experience! My friends and I even shed a tear in the introduction video. This place is beautiful and ethical. Our guide Rita was phenomenal. She was engaging and funny. I would recommend this place 1,000 times!!Written 13 January 2025
- Freedom227845237210 contributionsWonderful, must seeThe facility was absolutely beautiful and humongous. I loved that it was an ethical elephant sanctuary where the staff truly cares about these beautiful creatures and helping them by working to create an elephant hospital for rehabilitation. Definitely recommend visiting this place while you’re in Phuket!Written 13 January 2025
- PamandHarv0 contributionsAwesome lifetime experience!Do not go anywhere else to see and interact with the elephants this place is awesome! The staff and sanctuary are doing amazing things for the elephants and the programs are definitely worth the price, they are so organized, you can take as many pics, feed them and lunch was excellent. A once in a lifetime experience you don’t want to miss!Written 13 January 2025
- 433elisabethe0 contributionsA must, ethical sanctuary.Fantastic. An amazing sanctuary dedicated to rescuing old and disabled elephants to give them a great retirement. We chose it as there is no human bathing or washing elephants and it is ethical. The canopy walkway was excellent, they served us delicious drinks and snacks and the guides were so friendly and knowledgeable. Highly recommend.Written 12 January 2025
- megantX2905PZ0 contributionsBeautiful elephants in their natural habitatThis place is amazing!!!! Rescuing sick, injured and older elephants and allowing them to be free in their natural habit. The tour itself is fantastic with opportunities to feed the elephants and walk around the park with your guide as the elephants wonder around. The love for these animals is truely evident. I highly recommend Phuket Elephant Sanctuary to anyone wanting to support an ethical elephant tourism experience.Written 11 January 2025
- Olivia_A23720 contributionsGreat time at elephant sanctuary!Had a wonderful time at the sanctuary! Anny our tour guide was so informative and great company. So great to be able to visit the elephants in a place they’re taken such good care of.Written 11 January 2025
- tonyD5402QW0 contributionsFantastic experienceIf you visit Phuket and you want to see elephants (and you should) the Phuket Elephant Sanctuary is the only way you should do it. Please don’t go to a show where the elephants are treated cruelly. The Elephant Sanctuary is the most ethical choice. We absolutely loved our experience here. The organisation was so smooth, everyone here is so friendly and the guide was so informative. They really look after these amazing creatures and you will leave with a sarm heart and a happy glow.Written 11 January 2025
- Karen D0 contributionsAmazing experienceWhat a brilliant experience,we watched the elephants bathe themselves and walk around in their natural environment. We were told about their lives and how they had been treated. The elephants had been brought here to retire in peace. It is an amazing facility. The guides are extremely knowledgeable.Written 10 January 2025
- eced20250 contributionsGreat day!Had great time, everyone was so friendly. We got to see the elephants close by and feed them!! Also lots of snacks and beverages were included.Written 7 January 2025
- hvenegaard740 contributionsAmazing experienceWe had the best day with the most amazing guide Kati with his catching story telling and kind nature he made our experience extra special.Written 2 January 2025
These reviews are the subjective opinions of Tripadvisor members and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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5.0
853 reviews
Excellent
818
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23
Average
10
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Chrissie C
Macclesfield, UK36 contributions
We were advised to visit the sanctuary in the morning, to avoid the excessive heat in the afternoon. This was a good idea! We were taken by bus from our hotel to the elephant sanctuary offices to pay for our visit and then we were taken by truck to the sanctuary itself. On arrival we were given Wellington boots to wear and there was the opportunity to go to the toilet and lock our belongings away. After a video that introduced us to the reasons behind the elephant century (not for the fainthearted – examples of abuse of animals) we were taken to feed the first two elephants that had been rescued by the sanctuary. We were asked to wash our hands to get rid of insect repellent and sunscreen because it is harmful to the elephants.
We then went on a walking tour of the sanctuary across grassland and under trees and each time we saw an elephant the guide explained the story that brought the elephant to the sanctuary. Each time we saw an elephant they were supported by a mahout, who was keeping an eye on their welfare. We had lots of opportunity to take photographs but we were advised not to approach the elephants. This is not the kind of place where you will bathe with the elephants, ride on them, or even stroke them. You get the opportunity to see elephants in their natural habitat, living life as they would. Some of the elephants are injured as a result of the abuse that they have suffered in the past, but they are recovering with care and treatment. There are dogs that quietly accompany the group, they are no trouble, and look well looked after.
The whole experience was wonderful! When you realise how horrible their lives have been it is an absolute pleasure to see them in peace and quiet with lots of love and care. The guides are very knowledgeable and their English is good.
We then went back to the main building and had a really good lunch. There was lots of choice, or vegetarian and most of it vegan. It was delicious and it was lots of it. We then got the truck back to the office and then were taken by bus back to our hotel.
The whole trip was from about 8:30 in the morning until about 1:30. Lots of water and insect repellent was supplied. We also had opportunity to make a donation or buy some of the gifts from the gift shop which provide funds for the sanctuary.
Thank you so much it was wonderful
We then went on a walking tour of the sanctuary across grassland and under trees and each time we saw an elephant the guide explained the story that brought the elephant to the sanctuary. Each time we saw an elephant they were supported by a mahout, who was keeping an eye on their welfare. We had lots of opportunity to take photographs but we were advised not to approach the elephants. This is not the kind of place where you will bathe with the elephants, ride on them, or even stroke them. You get the opportunity to see elephants in their natural habitat, living life as they would. Some of the elephants are injured as a result of the abuse that they have suffered in the past, but they are recovering with care and treatment. There are dogs that quietly accompany the group, they are no trouble, and look well looked after.
The whole experience was wonderful! When you realise how horrible their lives have been it is an absolute pleasure to see them in peace and quiet with lots of love and care. The guides are very knowledgeable and their English is good.
We then went back to the main building and had a really good lunch. There was lots of choice, or vegetarian and most of it vegan. It was delicious and it was lots of it. We then got the truck back to the office and then were taken by bus back to our hotel.
The whole trip was from about 8:30 in the morning until about 1:30. Lots of water and insect repellent was supplied. We also had opportunity to make a donation or buy some of the gifts from the gift shop which provide funds for the sanctuary.
Thank you so much it was wonderful
Written 15 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dear 450chrissiec,
Thank you so much for taking the time to write in such detail about your recent visit. This is really helpful for travellers considering to visit us and gives them a very good idea of what to expect during our tour. So thank you for that! It is great to hear how much you enjoyed the experience including all amenities, and that your tour guide was knowledgeable about all the elephants and their backgrounds.
It would be a pleasure to welcome you back in the future so you can meet the many more elephants we hope to rescue thanks to your support.
Best wishes from the entire team here at Phuket Elephant Sanctuary!
Written 3 March 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Hannah E
Caloundra, Australia38 contributions
We were first sceptical when we made the booking for this tour as you can never be quite sure how “ethical” anything is when it comes to animals, however, we were pleasantly surprised!
Our morning with the elephants highlighted the need for more of these sanctuary’s for the animals to get them out of tourist traps.
The tour showed us to all of the elephants they currently have and educated us about the back story of each individual elephant and everything they’ve been through in their lives.
Highly recommend visiting to spread awareness and help provide funds to care for the animals there
Our morning with the elephants highlighted the need for more of these sanctuary’s for the animals to get them out of tourist traps.
The tour showed us to all of the elephants they currently have and educated us about the back story of each individual elephant and everything they’ve been through in their lives.
Highly recommend visiting to spread awareness and help provide funds to care for the animals there
Written 8 April 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Carla_mich84
St. Albans, UK81 contributions
Really enjoyed our morning at the sanctuary. Very well organised, driver arrived on time and once at the sanctuary everything ran efficiently. There are a lot of people to organise so you do need a little patience but you are kept occupied with plenty of drinks & snacks which is a nice touch.
All the facilities were immaculate and bug repellent & hand sanitiser is provided. It does feel as they have thought of pretty much everything.
All the staff were welcoming & friendly and I particularly liked our tour guide Jeffery ( excuse the spelling)
All in all you spend approximately one hour observing the elephants & learning about their history etc.
The tour was followed by a great lunch and refreshing drinks. The cold towel after the tour was appreciated & a nice touch.
There are a few negative reviews on here, what you need to remember is 30 acres isn’t huge and it is not secure enough for the elephants to be completely free. They have a keeper who’s sole responsibility to care for them and take them from one place to another. I only observed all communication with the elephant was verbal, no sticks no hooks.
These elephants have spent their whole life’s up until reaching the sanctuary in the tourism trade, you can’t expect them to all just be put in a facility all together and behave like a heard and be comfortable. They also have a lot of issues they don’t behave like elephants in the wild, they still require a certain amount of human contact, care & protection including going into pens at night (which are huge).
I enjoyed the experience it was nice to see the elephants relaxed in comfortable surroundings in as natural environment as possible given their past. The keepers and guides are strict on how close you can get, the elephants are the priority & that’s nice to see.
This is definitely a big step in the right direction well done phuket elephant sanctuary 🐘🇹🇭🐘
All the facilities were immaculate and bug repellent & hand sanitiser is provided. It does feel as they have thought of pretty much everything.
All the staff were welcoming & friendly and I particularly liked our tour guide Jeffery ( excuse the spelling)
All in all you spend approximately one hour observing the elephants & learning about their history etc.
The tour was followed by a great lunch and refreshing drinks. The cold towel after the tour was appreciated & a nice touch.
There are a few negative reviews on here, what you need to remember is 30 acres isn’t huge and it is not secure enough for the elephants to be completely free. They have a keeper who’s sole responsibility to care for them and take them from one place to another. I only observed all communication with the elephant was verbal, no sticks no hooks.
These elephants have spent their whole life’s up until reaching the sanctuary in the tourism trade, you can’t expect them to all just be put in a facility all together and behave like a heard and be comfortable. They also have a lot of issues they don’t behave like elephants in the wild, they still require a certain amount of human contact, care & protection including going into pens at night (which are huge).
I enjoyed the experience it was nice to see the elephants relaxed in comfortable surroundings in as natural environment as possible given their past. The keepers and guides are strict on how close you can get, the elephants are the priority & that’s nice to see.
This is definitely a big step in the right direction well done phuket elephant sanctuary 🐘🇹🇭🐘
Written 13 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dear mexy84,
Thank you so much for your support to our project, both through your actual visit and by sharing your experience and knowledge with other travellers here on TripAdvisor. We particularly appreciate your effort to explain some of the realities that come with captive elephant management.
Thank you once again and best wishes from all of us here at Phuket Elephant Sanctuary!
Written 3 March 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Monica N
2 contributions
We went while it's still sorta Covid time for our anniversary. We enjoyed a peaceful sanctuary environment for ourselves with few people. Our group was only about 8 people, which is less than their normal size of 15. So, we didn't feel crowded. There were other small groups there as well but still a lot of open space in the restaurant and grounds.
Very professional in how everything is carried out for the guests. Very clean vans for transport, clean facilities and roomy bathroom if you need your kids in there with you. Also have lockers for your shoes, purse, etc, as they provide boots, socks, umbrellas (was a rainy day for us, which helped reduce the heat). Wonderful cold refeshing towel provided on return from walk. That was a great surprise!
The guide was great at answering questions and sharing info on his own. English was understandable. We weren't rushed along either. Took pics of us with elephant along walk.
The snacks before the walk were sufficient... would have liked some healthier packaged items, though they did prepare good fresh fruit and variety of beverages. The dinner buffet was good.
The walk itself doesn't cover that large of an area, but you do go up on the canopy for a little bit which is nice. Path isn't as "jungley" as we thought. But jungle all around for sure.
The answers to the 1 star reviews are very insightful and show how much the sanctuary is concerned about their integrity and the care of the elephants.
Though it may seem pricey, I think that is what helps to maintain a very pleasant environment for the elephants, guests and staff.
Very professional in how everything is carried out for the guests. Very clean vans for transport, clean facilities and roomy bathroom if you need your kids in there with you. Also have lockers for your shoes, purse, etc, as they provide boots, socks, umbrellas (was a rainy day for us, which helped reduce the heat). Wonderful cold refeshing towel provided on return from walk. That was a great surprise!
The guide was great at answering questions and sharing info on his own. English was understandable. We weren't rushed along either. Took pics of us with elephant along walk.
The snacks before the walk were sufficient... would have liked some healthier packaged items, though they did prepare good fresh fruit and variety of beverages. The dinner buffet was good.
The walk itself doesn't cover that large of an area, but you do go up on the canopy for a little bit which is nice. Path isn't as "jungley" as we thought. But jungle all around for sure.
The answers to the 1 star reviews are very insightful and show how much the sanctuary is concerned about their integrity and the care of the elephants.
Though it may seem pricey, I think that is what helps to maintain a very pleasant environment for the elephants, guests and staff.
Written 13 May 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Clare f
4 contributions
Mar 2020 • Couples
Would highly recommend this provider over any other. In terms of direct physical contact with elephants, you have more than enough time to pay and feed the elephants. You are then able to walk around the nature reserve to get up close to elephants. Just by seeing them you can see they are relaxed and not scared/stressed.
By way of comparison, I drove past some other non-humane elephant camps around Phuket and it was very upsetting to see how they were being treated. The elephants at the other camps looked visibly distressed!!
Please make the right choice and endorse an elephant experience that is the best for the elephants. There are less than 10,000 elephants in the world now so we need to take care of them.
An added bonus of this tour is unlimited chilled water, excellent toilet facilities, cold face washers after the tour and a very generous delicious vegetarian lunch. Well worth the money.
By way of comparison, I drove past some other non-humane elephant camps around Phuket and it was very upsetting to see how they were being treated. The elephants at the other camps looked visibly distressed!!
Please make the right choice and endorse an elephant experience that is the best for the elephants. There are less than 10,000 elephants in the world now so we need to take care of them.
An added bonus of this tour is unlimited chilled water, excellent toilet facilities, cold face washers after the tour and a very generous delicious vegetarian lunch. Well worth the money.
Written 1 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dear Clarebf48,
Thanks a lot for this detailed and encouraging feedback with regards to your visit earlier this year. We are delighted you enjoyed our program including the many amenities we provide.
We pride ourselves on a very high elephant welfare standard, and we are glad you recognised how happy our elephants at the sanctuary are.
Thank you once again, and best wishes from everyone here at Phuket Elephant Sanctuary.
Written 24 July 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Bethany R
4 contributions
Aug 2022 • Solo
After having driven around Phuket and catching glimpses of the conditions that some elephant tourist attractions keep their animals in, it was important to me that I found somewhere that treats its elephants better. I wasn't disappointed when I got to PES!
I booked the hotel pickup option and had a private driver come pick me up from my hotel. After a short wait at their office, they transfer you in jeeps to the sanctuary. When you first arrive, they have a lovely complimentary snacks and drinks buffet for you to relax while people gear up for the walk. The hygiene and selection were both great. I also found all the workers to be very friendly. It was raining the whole time I was there, but they provide rain coats, boots, and socks, and umbrellas, so I didn't find it to be a problem; I actually kind of enjoyed wading through the streams! I would, however, recommend you bring a spare pair of trousers if its raining! The elephants look well taken care of, and we always maintained a reasonable distance from them. When I visited they had 10 elephants, but they have the capacity to rescue up to 25 in the future. Our tour guide (Hannah) was awesome and very well informed, always ready to answer our questions. The stories she shared about some of the elephants' backgrounds were heartbreaking. Our last stop was feeding the elephants, which was great fun, and they provided everyone with multiple fruit baskets each to feed them as much as you like! After this, you get a lovely buffet meal, which didn't have a huge selection, but everything I tried tasted amazing. Would definitely recommend the experience to any and all Phuket travelers out there! It certainly felt like a much more ethical approach to elephant tourism. Will be returning again if I have the opportunity! 5*
I booked the hotel pickup option and had a private driver come pick me up from my hotel. After a short wait at their office, they transfer you in jeeps to the sanctuary. When you first arrive, they have a lovely complimentary snacks and drinks buffet for you to relax while people gear up for the walk. The hygiene and selection were both great. I also found all the workers to be very friendly. It was raining the whole time I was there, but they provide rain coats, boots, and socks, and umbrellas, so I didn't find it to be a problem; I actually kind of enjoyed wading through the streams! I would, however, recommend you bring a spare pair of trousers if its raining! The elephants look well taken care of, and we always maintained a reasonable distance from them. When I visited they had 10 elephants, but they have the capacity to rescue up to 25 in the future. Our tour guide (Hannah) was awesome and very well informed, always ready to answer our questions. The stories she shared about some of the elephants' backgrounds were heartbreaking. Our last stop was feeding the elephants, which was great fun, and they provided everyone with multiple fruit baskets each to feed them as much as you like! After this, you get a lovely buffet meal, which didn't have a huge selection, but everything I tried tasted amazing. Would definitely recommend the experience to any and all Phuket travelers out there! It certainly felt like a much more ethical approach to elephant tourism. Will be returning again if I have the opportunity! 5*
Written 1 August 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
AndyandEm
Rushton Spencer, UK18 contributions
We did a half day visit as a family (daughters are 8 and 10) and we all absolutely loved it. The girls were fascinated by the elephants and the information shared by our guide - it was heart warming to see how the elephants are cared for and how the sanctuary seeks to make their lives happier.
We couldn’t recommend this visit highly enough and hope that in future all animal tourism is to such ethically high standards.
We couldn’t recommend this visit highly enough and hope that in future all animal tourism is to such ethically high standards.
Written 28 October 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Colin F
Dubai, United Arab Emirates11 contributions
Amazing experience and very well organised. If you visit Phuket and you get the opportunity, I highly recommend that you visit this place. You will not regret it and you’ll never visit those shows /circuses with performing elephants again. Even the so called ‘elephant friendly’ trekking tours are not ethical.
These people have found a perfect way to combine tourism with giving old or injured elephants a compassionate retirement in a natural environment. With a capacity for maximum 25 elephants in a 30 acre, jungle area. At the time of our visit they have just thirteen, but the entrance fee goes towards their funds for buying and rescuing more from torture or death if they cannot work any longer. They only permit a maximum of 85 visiting tourists per day. So it is really unrushed and close to nature.
Transfer to and from hotel to the venue was very professional. They even provided a delicious Thai vegetarian lunch.
Please support it if you can.
These people have found a perfect way to combine tourism with giving old or injured elephants a compassionate retirement in a natural environment. With a capacity for maximum 25 elephants in a 30 acre, jungle area. At the time of our visit they have just thirteen, but the entrance fee goes towards their funds for buying and rescuing more from torture or death if they cannot work any longer. They only permit a maximum of 85 visiting tourists per day. So it is really unrushed and close to nature.
Transfer to and from hotel to the venue was very professional. They even provided a delicious Thai vegetarian lunch.
Please support it if you can.
Written 4 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Stephanie
9 contributions
Nov 2022 • Friends
Before heading to Phuket we made sure to research for ethical sanctuaries and this was the clear winner. The elephants are all rescued and are free to go about their day without being forced to interact with us. Some of the elephants were fairly curious and approached our group as we walked through the sanctuary to observe the elephants. Aside from the elephants, the entire sanctuary team had amazing hospitality and our guide was super interactive with the group and very knowledgeable. The facilities are also very modern and well cared for. The sanctuary is located quite far from the main tourist resort areas but I highly recommend you take advantage of the sanctuary’s pickup/drop off service (very reasonably priced) and visit.
Written 14 December 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
JenLyn
San Diego, CA291 contributions
I cannot express enough how happy I was to see a real ethical sanctuary treating animals with dignity! Phuket Elephant Sanctuary does this completely. All the elephants are rescued from their past lives as circus acts, loggers, or in the tourism industry. You will learn about their pasta and story behind each beautiful elephant and how they came to the sanctuary.
A video is shown at the beginning to explain how PES came about and the details. The only time you touch an elephant is to feed them. That is all that's needed. I'm so happy they aren't ridden or bathed by tourists. These elephants looked so happy and content being here to retire.
A video is shown at the beginning to explain how PES came about and the details. The only time you touch an elephant is to feed them. That is all that's needed. I'm so happy they aren't ridden or bathed by tourists. These elephants looked so happy and content being here to retire.
Written 7 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dear LoveLifeTravel2011,
We would like to thank you for your visit earlier this year, and for continuing your support to our project by sharing your experience with other travellers.
It is a pleasure to read how much you appreciated our ethical approach to elephant tourism, and that you enjoyed the experience of simply observing the elephants in their natural habitat while learning about their stories.
Thanks to your support we have been able to welcome 2 more elephants in May this year. Their names are Dee Lerd (60 years) and Sri Nual (43 years), and we hope to introduce them to you during a future visit.
Once again, our heartfelt thanks, and best wishes from all of us here at Phuket Elephant Sanctuary.
Written 23 July 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Devidutta Sahoo
Odisha, India
What is the usual time of pickup and drop from Patong Beach area phuket?
Written 29 December 2024
Hello, how do we book a return transfer please back to our hotel. I cannot see the option for a return. Thank you ☺️
Written 14 September 2024
I'm really not sure, we just booked transfer and it was return! You could email them or us WhatsApp! They were extremely helpful!
Written 16 September 2024
What is the difference between shared transfer and no transfer? Is the pick up and drop off from and to hotel free? Scott 1-862-432-8441 on whatsapp
Written 31 December 2023
The transport for our tour was extra, they collected us from Patong Bay Thailand, waited for us and returned us to the ship tender. It wasn't shared because the two of us were the only people on that tour. They don't consolidate tour parties.
Written 31 December 2023
Guten Tag wir würden gerne den Elefanten Tripp machen , fragen uns aber was die geteilte Übertragung bedeutet ? Wir sind in Khok kloi , wäre hier eine Abholung auch möglich ? Liebe Grüße Elena
Written 25 December 2021
Need to be picked up from khao lak do you do this service and return to hotel how much for 3 of us please
Written 11 April 2021
donna
Preston, United Kingdom
Do you do afternoon visits? How far away are you from Khao Lak?
Written 13 February 2020
Hello! Tried to book this tour on Tripadvisor but every time some payment mistake occurred. Tried different credit cards. How can I pay for the tour without PayPal?
Written 20 January 2020
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