4WD Tours
3–4 hours
Free cancellation
Not sure? You can cancel this booking up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Recommended by 98% of travellers
98% of reviewers gave this product a bubble rating of 4 or higher.
from
HK$718
per adult
Phuket Elephant Sanctuary
Phuket Elephant Sanctuary
5
Full view
About
Phuket Elephant Sanctuary is the first ethical elephant sanctuary in Phuket. We put the welfare of our elephants first and do not offer bathing, rides, shows, mud bathing, trunk hugging, elephant kisses, sitting on or lying on the elephants, loud noisy groups, or people constantly crowding around the elephants. If you think of an elephant living life in the forest surrounded by the sounds of nature then this is what we offer. Our tours offer Education, Interaction, and Observation. Visitors enjoy an up-close encounter with our beautiful elephants during the feeding program, then we walk with the elephants, stand back and observe as they roam, bathe, play, and socialise naturally, free from human touch. We give our elephants back their lives and their dignity, and in doing so, our guests get to learn about how incredible the largest land mammal on earth truly is. We look forward to welcoming you. Morning and Afternoon visits, reservations required, transportation available.
Phuket, Thailand
Meets animal welfare guidelines
Awards
Travellers' Choice
2024
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Improve this listingTours and Tickets by Phuket Elephant Sanctuary
4WD Tours
3–4 hours
Free cancellation
Not sure? You can cancel this booking up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Recommended by 96% of travellers
96% of reviewers gave this product a bubble rating of 4 or higher.
from
HK$718
per adult
4WD Tours
1–2 hours
Free cancellation
Not sure? You can cancel this booking up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Recommended by 98% of travellers
98% of reviewers gave this product a bubble rating of 4 or higher.
from
HK$455
per adult
4WD Tours
6+ hours
Free cancellation
Not sure? You can cancel this booking up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Recommended by 97% of travellers
97% of reviewers gave this product a bubble rating of 4 or higher.
from
HK$1,675
per adult
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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.
Popular mentions
5.0
2,666 reviews
Excellent
2,483
Very good
114
Average
32
Poor
22
Terrible
15
AmyLaba
London, UK222 contributions
Feb 2020 • Family
I visited the sanctuary in February 2020 with my mum and dad. I got in touch with the team at PES online via their website a month or so in advance to book our slot and paid a deposit via PayPal. We were able to arrange a transfer from our hotel with PES directly and we paid the rest when we arrived on the day.
This place was incredible and I would highly recommend a visit if you want to see these beautiful elephants up close, in a humane and sustainable way. The team at PES are the only ethical elephant sanctuary in Phuket, so please do choose them if visiting elephants is on your agenda and support this amazing cause. The elephants can roam freely, bathe and socialise as they wish without hindrance from humans. All elephants are rescued and the guides all have incredible knowledge about each individual elephant and their history. You also get the chance to feed the elephants at the start of the tour. The buffet lunch they serve is brilliant too!
A highlight of our trip to Phuket. Thank you so much and keep up the amazing work!
This place was incredible and I would highly recommend a visit if you want to see these beautiful elephants up close, in a humane and sustainable way. The team at PES are the only ethical elephant sanctuary in Phuket, so please do choose them if visiting elephants is on your agenda and support this amazing cause. The elephants can roam freely, bathe and socialise as they wish without hindrance from humans. All elephants are rescued and the guides all have incredible knowledge about each individual elephant and their history. You also get the chance to feed the elephants at the start of the tour. The buffet lunch they serve is brilliant too!
A highlight of our trip to Phuket. Thank you so much and keep up the amazing work!
Written 14 May 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 AmyLaba,
We appreciate your visit earlier this year, and your support in helping us rescue sick, injured and overworked elephants from Thailand's logging and tourism industry to give them a new and carefree life here at Phuket Elephant Sanctuary.
It is encouraging to hear how much you and your parents enjoyed your visit, and that you appreciated seeing the elephants in as natural a habitat as possible.
We are very excited to share that thanks to your support we have been able to welcome 2 elephants in May this year. Their names are Dee Lerd and Sri Nual. Hopefully you will be able to meet them during a future visit to our sanctuary.
Thank you once again, and best wishes from all of us here at PES.
Written 23 July 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
E H
Caerphilly, UK6 contributions
Mar 2020 • Couples
This sanctuary is so refreshing. These captive animals now get to experience as close as to what their natural environment would be at peace away from neglect and abuse. The tour guide was amazing and she made sure to answer any questions. She was full of knowledge and her English was really good. The elephants’ back stories are heartbreaking but seeing them doing what they chose to do now is heartwarming. The buffet at the end of the day was so tasty as well, loved that it was vegetarian/vegan as went with what the sanctuary is all about. Please give this place a visit - it will open your eyes up about all the horrible animal tourism that goes on and make you really appreciate the work that is done here.
Written 12 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 EMHAM16,
We appreciate your visit earlier this year, and your support in helping us rescue sick, injured and overworked elephants from Thailand's logging and tourism industry to give them a new and carefree life here at Phuket Elephant Sanctuary.
It is encouraging to hear how much you enjoyed your visit, and that your tour guide was so knowledgeable.
We are very excited to share that thanks to your support we have been able to welcome 2 elephants in May this year. Their names are Dee Lerd and Sri Nual. Hopefully you will be able to meet them during a future visit to our sanctuary.
Thank you once again, and best wishes from all of us here at PES.
Written 23 July 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Reka W
Budapest, Hungary12 contributions
Nov 2022 • Solo
I booked a whole day program and it worth every penny. (Complementary t-shirt, lunch and dinner included on top of the welcome coffee and snacks) My guide Jeffy was great and knowledgeable. I was very impressed by the whole concept. You are only allow to approach elephants if they approach you. You can only feed certain elephants who doesn't scared of humans. With some of them you can just pose and take photo but don't approach. Their keepers watching them from distance, never got any physical when giving instructions.
Someone here said that after a while it got repetitive. Yes it's true, but what else you wanna do in an elephant sanctuary then observe and feed them? For me it was a dream come true.
Obviously you can't ride or bathe them, you can observe them. The canopy walkway is an amazing experience too, you can watch them from above.
Your guide always gives you instructions how close you can go, and if you can pet them.
I highly recommend the whole day program: in the afternoon you can make food for the elephants, and cut Bamboo in the jungle and it all ends with you feeding it to the elephants. Some points I was in tears, I was so happy. Truly magical experience.
Great gift shop, they take card. Profits go towards the sanctuary.
(Jeffy if you read this, I hope you had a great birthday 🎉)
Someone here said that after a while it got repetitive. Yes it's true, but what else you wanna do in an elephant sanctuary then observe and feed them? For me it was a dream come true.
Obviously you can't ride or bathe them, you can observe them. The canopy walkway is an amazing experience too, you can watch them from above.
Your guide always gives you instructions how close you can go, and if you can pet them.
I highly recommend the whole day program: in the afternoon you can make food for the elephants, and cut Bamboo in the jungle and it all ends with you feeding it to the elephants. Some points I was in tears, I was so happy. Truly magical experience.
Great gift shop, they take card. Profits go towards the sanctuary.
(Jeffy if you read this, I hope you had a great birthday 🎉)
Written 1 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.
E F
5 contributions
Feb 2023 • Friends
We had a wonderful time at Phuket Elephant Sanctuary, and our tour guide Tor (apologies if I have spelt your name wrong) was fantastic!
We did our best to look for the most ethical way we could visit and see the elephants in Phuket, and this sanctuary is definitely leading the way for ethical elephant tourism in Thailand. The elephants at this sanctuary have been rescued from the logging and exploitative tourism industry to live out the rest of their lives cared for by their mahouts, dedicated veterinarians, and enjoy thirty acres of lush land. They are not forced to interact with visitors, and we, as the visitors are asked to respect them and their personal space.
You may think the experience is rather expensive, but it is worth it because you know the money you’ve paid is helping the elephants to enjoy the rest of their lives.
We did our best to look for the most ethical way we could visit and see the elephants in Phuket, and this sanctuary is definitely leading the way for ethical elephant tourism in Thailand. The elephants at this sanctuary have been rescued from the logging and exploitative tourism industry to live out the rest of their lives cared for by their mahouts, dedicated veterinarians, and enjoy thirty acres of lush land. They are not forced to interact with visitors, and we, as the visitors are asked to respect them and their personal space.
You may think the experience is rather expensive, but it is worth it because you know the money you’ve paid is helping the elephants to enjoy the rest of their lives.
Written 7 March 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.
ritaten2017
Sudbury, Canada11 contributions
Oct 2022 • Friends
Upon arrival PES provided clean socks & rubber boots for the tour and a locker. A light breakfast , water and tasty snacks were also available. Our guide spoke excellent English. Our first stop was to feed an elephant, we continued walking to interact with a total of 10 elephants and we learned the history of each individual elephant. The entire tour was professionally conducted with the animal’s and visitor’s safety front and centre. The walk was definitely doable for anyone with challenges and the educational component will stay with me. Interacting with the elephants was inspirational and a must do to add to anyone’s bucket list. At the end of the tour PES provided an exceptional lunch served by volunteers.
Written 2 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.
Jeroen S
Chiang Mai, Thailand36 contributions
Aug 2021 • Family
My son and I had a wonderful afternoon at the sanctuary. It was a private tour since we were the only visitors that afternoon which made it even more enjoyable. The enthusiasm and love for the elephants that’s shown by all the people working at the sanctuary and the good cause made us return within a week for the second visit.
It’s a good experience for the whole family, educational and great fun. Visitors contribute to the future freedom of other elephants with their entrance fee. One very big reason to say go there!
It’s a good experience for the whole family, educational and great fun. Visitors contribute to the future freedom of other elephants with their entrance fee. One very big reason to say go there!
Written 3 August 2021
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 JeroenS304,
Thank you for your incredible support to our project. We are glad you enjoyed the VIP experience during your first visit and decided to return for a second visit. Thank you very much!
Best wishes from all of us here at PES!
Written 17 August 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Stephanie S
28 contributions
Jan 2024 • Couples
All of the staff are so well informed and passionate about elephant rescue and well-being. This is an extremely well-organized organization from the time of check in all the way through lunch. Guests were organized in small groups with a knowledgeable guide. The welcome buffet with fruit, juice, coffee, etc and the buffet lunch lunch was exceptional. Just and overall wonderful experience.
Written 8 January 2024
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.
Steven S
18 contributions
Mar 2023 • Friends
Great organization doing great work for amazing creatures. Are you going to ride an elephant? NO. Are you going to see elephants perform tricks? NO. Are you going to bath an elephant? NO. And that is exactly how the Phuket Elephant Sanctuary wants it and what any eco-conscious visitor should expect. You will have the opportunity to feed a few elephants, walk among them in their natural habitat, and learn about these gentle giants. Some visitors might argue the entrance fee is high. Sure. However, do you know how much an elephant eats in a day and how much that costs the Sanctuary? Do you know how much it costs to rescue an elephant, which means buying the elephant from its current owners? Millions of Thai Baht. So, take the tour and know that the entrance fee is going to a great cause. You won’t regret it.
Written 2 April 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.
Rachael H
9 contributions
Mar 2023 • Couples
Our tour started badly. We booked and paid for a hotel transfer with our sanctuary tickets but they picked us up 2 hours late. Our hotel had to call them twice and I emailed 3 or 4 times before the driver finally turned up. We got to the Sanctuary an hour and a half after our scheduled tour was supposed to begin. The Sanctuary was apologetic when we got there and gave us a private tour with a guide. However, we didn't get to watch the informational video that the tour is meant to begin with and the whole thing was quite rushed because the elephants needed to go to bed. As a result, our tour was definitely shorter than what it would have otherwise been.
The Sanctury itself is wonderful and they clearly look after the elephants well. It was amazing being so close to the elephants and getting to hear about each of their rescue stories.
Overall, I would highly recommend the Sanctuary but I'd suggest finding your own way their because relying on their drivers didn't turn out well for us.
The Sanctury itself is wonderful and they clearly look after the elephants well. It was amazing being so close to the elephants and getting to hear about each of their rescue stories.
Overall, I would highly recommend the Sanctuary but I'd suggest finding your own way their because relying on their drivers didn't turn out well for us.
Written 21 March 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.
AllyB
London, UK47 contributions
Feb 2021 • Family
I visited with my teenage daughter, this is a genuinely ethical elephant camp. It might be more Expensive than other sanctuaries but the money is obviously going towards the welfare of the elephants. It’s basically a retirement place for older female ele’s.... there aren’t any males. Anyway we had a lovely morning watching these magnificent animals and fed them. Sadly due to Covid, there weren’t any other visitors so we were warmly welcomed. After our tour we had the most amazing Thai Veggie lunch. Highly recommend this Place
Written 28 February 2021
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 DianneFossey,
Thank you so much for your visit, and for supporting us during these very difficult times. We are happy to know you had an inspiring experience and enjoyed our Thai vegetarian lunch as well.
Stay safe, and best wishes from us all.
Written 10 June 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Hi, is a morning tour suitable for children and are you able to feed the elephants? Thanks
Written 27 August 2024
Hi
Would you pick up from Chanalai Romantica near Kata beach?
Written 1 September 2023
How many elephants are in residence at the moment? Thank you
Written 28 February 2023
11 currently. I was just there 2 days ago.
Written 2 March 2023
Hi, how far is the sanctuary from the Cruise port in Phuket please? Thanks
Written 15 January 2023
Hi, is it suitable for children 3 and below? If it rains (heavily), would families with young children be able to visit still?
Written 11 October 2022
Hi ,would anyone know if it is possible to visit Phuket Elephant Sanctuary from La Flora Khao Lak as a day trip , or does anyone know if La Flora run this trip themselves , failing that is there a pick up point in khao lak for the Sanctuary. Apologies lots of questions.
Written 16 March 2021
Hello Kate! We'd be delighted to welcome you. Our shared roundtrip transfers currently only cover the Phuket Province, however private roundtrip transfers from and to La Flora Khao Lak can be arranged at THB 5,000 per van. Alternatively, you may check with transportation providers in Khao Lak directly. We hope to welcome you soon for an ethical elephant experience at Phuket Elephant Sanctuary.
Written 18 April 2021
HI - I am thinking of visiting next month but concerned about the amount of reviews saying there are 100's of people there every day. Do you limit the number attending per day? This cannot be good for the elephants if everyone gets a proper chance to feed them??
Written 26 February 2020
There were very few of us when we visited, I believe they do limit the numbers and there are only a certain amount they can take. I would say there was no more than 12 in our group, which meant we had plenty of turns to feed the elephants. This sanctuary is different, they really do care about the elephants, this isn't an attraction for hoards of people and the welfare of the elephants is very much put first. I hope this helps.
Written 27 February 2020
Travel59238885286
Yekaterinburg, Russia
Здравствуйте! Экскурсия ведется только на английском языке, или возможно прослушать её на русском?
Written 20 February 2020
Hello, if you let us know in advance we can help to arrange a Russian translator for you at a small surcharge. We also have printed information cards about each elephant in Russian language so you can read the stories while you meet the elephants.
Written 25 February 2020
Hello. Can you visit without booking a tour? What is the entry cost?
Written 27 January 2020
Hello, we only offer guided tours, both half day and full day. The cost is THB 3,000 per adult or THB 1,500 for kids between 4-12. Kids below 4 are free. For more info please visit our website. We hope to welcome you soon.
Written 27 January 2020
Hello We come out in Feb 2020 do you pay in £s or Baht TIA
Written 31 December 2019
Hello, you can book your visit through our website using PayPal. This is to pay a 30% deposit. The balance can be paid upon arrival in cash (Thai Baht, GBP, EUR or USD) or by credit card (Visa or Master). There is a 3% charge for credit card payments. We hope to welcome you soon!
Written 2 January 2020
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