Phuket Elephant Sanctuary
ศูนย์อนุรักษ์ช้างภูเก็ต
Phuket's first ethical elephant sanctuary, caring for retired elephants from logging and performing work. Visitors only observe, with no riding and no elephant bathing.
The sanctuary sits on the edge of the Khao Phra Thaeo forest in northeast Phuket and cares for older elephants that once worked in logging and tourism. Its model is observation only, with no riding and no forced interaction. The half-day program lasts about 3 hours. A guide explains elephant behavior, and from the viewing platform you can watch the elephants feed and take mud baths, and help prepare their food. Tickets cost about 3,000 baht, including hotel pickup, and spaces are limited, so book in advance on the official website. Note that other places on the island call themselves 'sanctuaries', so make sure to tell them apart.
Opening hours
By reserved slot (morning/afternoon)
Nearby sights
- Khao Phra Thaeo Wildlife Sanctuary & Bang Pae Waterfall
- Heroines Monument
- Bang Tao Beach
- Nai Yang Beach
- Andamanda Phuket
- Surin Beach
- Carnival Magic Phuket
- Phuket FantaSea