Elephants are extremely important to the Thai people, with the animal even being used as the official symbol of the country. The reason for this veneration dates back to a time when elephants played an important role in Thailand's agricultural, economical and military landscape.

Today, far fewer of these majestic animals call the Country of the White Elephant their home — with only 4000 elephants left, half of which live in the wild. One of the best — and most ethical — ways to interact with these gentle giants is during a day trip to Ao Nang Elephant Sanctuary Park from Krabi.

During this excursion, you’ll learn what steps have been taken to help protect elephants and why they are so important to Thai culture. You’ll also be able to interact with these beautiful creatures in a non-obtrusive way — adding to an already unforgettable day.

Here's all you need to know about Ao Nang Elephant Sanctuary Park, one of the most exciting day trips from Krabi.

How to get to Ao Nang Elephant Sanctuary Park from Krabi?

Ao Nang Elephant Sanctuary Park is located about 20 kilometers west of Krabi, just inland from the beautiful Phang Nga Bay.

From Krabi to Ao Nang Elephant Sanctuary Park by motorbike

We don’t suggest that you travel to the Ao Nang Elephant Sanctuary Park on your own. This is because you will still have to buy a tour ticket on your arrival, which includes a pickup and drop-off service from Karbi, as well as insurance.

Guided tour to Ao Nang Elephant Sanctuary Park from Krabi

The best way to travel to the park and interact with the elephants is with a day trip tour from Krabi. Transport to and from your place of residence is included, and you’ll prepare the elephant’s meals, feed them and even give them a mud bath.

How much does the entrance ticket to Ao Nang Elephant Sanctuary Park cost?

Tickets to the Ao Nang Elephant Sanctuary Park will grant you entrance to the park and its animals — as well as the unforgettable opportunity to interact with them. The ticket also includes pickup and drop-off service from Karbi.

Adults (aged 11 and above): THB2500 (US$75)
Children (aged 4-10): THB2000 (US$60)
Infants (below 3): Free

What is the typical itinerary?

A typical tour to Ao Nang Elephant Sanctuary Park starts with a pickup from your place of residence in Krabi. The drive to the park takes approximately 30 minutes and the excursion is available twice daily at 9 AM and 2 PM.

Once you arrive at the park, you will meet your guide and learn about the historical and cultural role that elephants played in Thai society. You’ll also learn more about the conservation efforts and the plans to protect these animals going forward.

Finally, you’ll get to spend the largest chunk of your time interacting with these majestic creatures — providing you with a truly unforgettable memory.

What kinds of tours are available to go to Ao Nang Elephant Sanctuary Park?

When it comes to traveling to the Ao Nang Elephant Sanctuary Park there is only one tour available — the official half-day trip to the park from Krabi. This tour is offered and operated directly by the park, and it’s available on a number of activity booking platforms.

Half-day guided tour to Ao Nang Elephant Sanctuary Park from Krabi

This tour leaves twice daily (9 AM and 2 PM) from your preferred pickup point in Krabi. Your qualified guide will illuminate the 30-minute drive to the park by proving some history and context about the conservation efforts.

The tour is limited to a maximum of 30 participants per time slot to help manage the effects of mass tourism on the animals. Because of this, travelers to the park should consider booking well in advance in order to avoid the dreaded “sold-out” sign.

How much does a day trip to Ao Nang Elephant Sanctuary Park from Krabi cost?

While there is only one type of Ao Nang Elephant Sanctuary Park day trip available — the official tour offered directly by the park — the excursion is offered on a number of platforms, usually at a discounted price.

It’s well worth exploring all of the options offered to find the best price.

The half-day guided tour to Ao Nang Elephant Sanctuary Park from Krabi costs about US$75 per adult and US$60 per child. This includes all of the activities at the park, as well as a pickup and drop-off service from Krabi.

What will you see and do?

Once you’ve arrived at the park and finished the briefing from your guide, you’ll be able to explore the facilities and interact with the elephants. First, you’ll meet the individual animals, and learn about their subsequent personalities and quirks.

Next, it’s feeding time — and you have an important role to play. You’ll help prepare individual protein balls and then feed them to these wonderful animals.

Following lunch, you’ll head to the elephant mud spa, where the giants will enjoy some welcome creature comforts.

Next, it’s time for their baths and you’ll walk with the elephants along the banks of a river, on your way to their bathing pool. Watch them frolic in the waters, and if you’re lucky they may even include you in their activities — usually with a splash of their trunks.

Finally, you’ll enjoy some fruit with the elephants, and say goodbye while drinking coffee or tea. A welcome photo opportunity will help you cement this unforgettable day before heading back to Krabi.

It should be noted that you will not be allowed to ride the animals at this park — the training associated with elephant rides is quite violent and leads to the animals being abused. Elephant riding, as well as organizations propagating the practice, should be avoided.

When is the best time to visit Ao Nang Elephant Sanctuary Park?

The best time of year to visit Ao Nang Elephant Sanctuary Park is from November to March — but this is also the area’s most busy time for tourists. To avoid the crowd, you should consider going in late February and early March.

Travel tips

Wear flip-flops or shoes that can easily be taken off.
Wear old clothes, the elephants sometimes include visitors in their mudbath activities.
Bring a towel and a change of clothes
Make sure electronic devices are kept in waterproof bags when interacting with the animals.
Always consider wearing sunscreen when outside.
Always be cognizant of the fact that these are still wild animals.

Ao Nang Elephant Sanctuary Park: Day Trips and Tours from Krabi