Phuket Elephant Sanctuary

Amazing experience! we booked tickets in advance and were picked up/dropped off from our accommodation in Phuket old town. We went for the half day tour which included feeding the elephants. This however is stopping soon as they are looking to make the experience more inline with their ethical values. While the feeding was fun, the rest of the tour was a far greater experience. The staff were very knowledgeable and obviously have a deep care for elephants. Arrival drinks/snacks and a veggie/vegan lunch was included which was very nice. I’d highly recommend a trip here.

Wonderful elephant sanctuary 🐘 This is a true rescue center where elephants are not used for riding or shows, but are genuinely cared for. All elephants were rescued from hard conditions such as circuses or forced labor. We fed the elephants, did mud spa treatments, and bathed them — everything was calm, respectful, and full of care. You can really feel that the elephants are safe and treated with love. I also appreciated that there are no marketing tricks here: towels are provided for free, and they even give you a bag for a wet swimsuit — a small detail, but so thoughtful. At the end, we received a cute little clay elephant to paint ourselves. A very warm, honest, and meaningful experience. Highly recommended.

So fun! The only ethical elephant sanctuary on Phuket island! National Geographic recognized. Even the actors from the White Lotus came to support PES haha. Extensive canopy walk and nature walk allowing immersive elephant experience. Learn and observe the beautiful asian elephants. We were allowed to indirectly feed the elephants and walk near them. Love their mission and happy to support their continued efforts to open an elephant hospital and rescue more increasingly rare elephants.

Absolutely amazing experience which I will remember forever, everything organised seamlessly, along with the transport (if you'll choose that option when booking), loved the no contact approach (no baths, riding, tricks, etc.), the information video being played before the activity can really educate you and put things you know or don't know about elephants nowadays into perspective, loved to see the elephants roaming in the green terrain, being near them. The guide for our group Ice was very knowledgeable. If you're looking to see elephants while being in the Phuket area and have on your mind that this is real ethical place where elephants have perfect care, conditions and can grow old being happy, this is the place to book a visit to, definitely worth it.

A truly unforgettable and meaningful experience! I visited Phuket Elephant Sanctuary on October 2, and everything was well-organized from hotel pick-up to drop-off. We were welcomed with snacks and an informative video that taught us about elephant history and ethical tourism in Thailand. Feeding two elephants was such a special moment, and our guide was amazing – knowledgeable and passionate. The sanctuary provides thoughtful touches like water bottles, umbrellas, and after the tour, we were given cooling towels, drinks, snacks, and even a small gift, which was such a nice surprise. The stories of the rescued elephants were emotional, but it’s heartwarming to see them finally living in peace. The caregivers clearly love what they do. I highly recommend this experience to anyone visiting Phuket – it’s ethical, educational, and inspiring.

Visiting the Phuket Elephant Sanctuary was one of the most memorable and meaningful experiences of my trip to Thailand. The sanctuary is beautifully run, and you can really feel the love and respect they have for the elephants. It’s amazing to see these gentle giants finally living freely, without chains or forced labor. The guides were knowledgeable, kind, and clearly passionate about animal welfare. We learned so much about each elephant’s story and how they’re being cared for. Watching them roam, bathe, and eat in their natural environment was simply magical. I truly admire the sanctuary’s commitment to ethical tourism and conservation. This place is doing incredible work to protect and rehabilitate elephants. Highly recommended for anyone who wants an authentic and compassionate experience!

What an incredible experience from start to finish. Booking was easy and then we were so well looked after. We did the half day experience and our guide Tour (that’s his name) was so fun as well as insightful. Other “sanctuaries” say they’re ethical and respectful of the beautiful elephants but this is the only true sanctuary. We got to feed the elephants but apart from that observed from a good distance, letting them do their thing. An absolute must if you’re in Phuket.

Great experience. Highly recommend Phuket Elephant Sanctuary. The elephants are cared for and roam freely, and interactions with guests are intentionally kept to a minimum. We got to feed the elephants and then enter the sanctuary to appreciate these gentle giants in their natural habitat from a safe and respectful distance. The whole experience felt educational and respectful. The service was excellent as well. Pick-up was on time and smooth, and light snacks were provided on arrival. We were given umbrellas, bottled water, and rain boots before entering the sanctuary grounds. The visit ended with an excellent vegetarian buffet, with allergens clearly listed. Overall, I highly recommend the Phuket Elephant Sanctuary for an ethical and family-friendly experience. Shoutout to Rudi, who was an excellent guide and answered all of our 5-year-old’s inquisitive questions.