Elephants have played an essential role in the history of Thailand. However, they have also been mistreated over time, which is why in recent years, sanctuaries have opened up across Phuket.

Elephant sanctuary day trips in Phuket enable you to see how these tender and trusting beings interact with each other in the wild. From bathing and feeding the mammals to learning about their cruel past, elephant sanctuaries provide you with an experience like no other.

Here's everything you need to know about visiting an elephant sanctuary, one of the most popular and endearing activities for day trips from Phuket.

How to get to elephant sanctuaries in Phuket?

There are many elephant sanctuaries dotted about the island of Phuket. Whichever one you choose, you can expect the journey to an elephant sanctuary to be short as the island is very accessible.

From Phuket to elephant sanctuaries by car

If you decide to make the jaunt to an elephant sanctuary by car or moped, you'll enjoy a scenic ride. You can drive from the north to the south of the island in around an hour, meaning you'll never be stuck driving for long.

The most popular park is the Phuket Elephant Sanctuary on the northeast of the island, along the 4027 road.

Guided tour to elephant sanctuaries in Phuket

Those without a car can choose to book a guided excursion to an elephant sanctuary, in order to get a taste of the wild. These vary from short 1.5-hour tours to 2-day experiences. Hotel pickups are usually included in the cost and you can choose from several time slots throughout the day.

How much does the entrance ticket to an elephant sanctuary cost?

You will not pay an upfront entrance fee to visit an elephant sanctuary in Phuket.

However, you need to be booked on to an experience, which can range from US$20 to US$260 depending on several factors including length and mode of transportation.

What is the typical itinerary of a day tour to an elephant sanctuary in Phuket?

Regardless of which reserve you visit on a day trip, you'll find your itinerary follows a similar pattern. After a convenient hotel pickup, your elephant sanctuary day tour begins with a drive through the scenic landscape of Phuket to reach your desired park.

Once you arrive on-site, you'll learn all about the colossal mammals, including their difficult history in the logging and tourist trades. You may also find out about different conservation efforts that are underway to preserve these beasts in the wild.

You'll take a stroll through the grounds alongside a guide, learning about elephant behaviors as you go. Grabbing handfuls of bamboo and grass, you'll have the opportunity to feed one or more elephants straight from your hand.

While you might find this to be a strange sensation, it will certainly be a memorable tale from your Phuket vacation. At this point, you may indulge in a traditional Thai lunch, depending on the length of the tour.

Once you've regained your energy, you'll head to the water to watch the elephants bathe. It's impossible to stifle a giggle as you watch these solemn-looking mammals play and spray each other with water. Some sanctuaries allow you to wash the giants yourself before the end of your elephant sanctuary day tour.

What kinds of tours are available to go to elephant sanctuaries?

There are several types of elephant sanctuary day trips you can participate in at various establishments across Phuket.

Day tour to Phuket Elephant Sanctuary in Phuket

This full-day tour of Phuket Elephant Sanctuary enables you to spend over seven hours getting up close with the gentle giants. You'll learn about the grueling history of Asian elephants in the logging trade before feeding the majestic beasts right from your hand.

Then, you'll take a guided walk through the sanctuary to see the peaceful haven that’s been created for them. You'll discover the complex ways elephants communicate with each other and have the opportunity to watch them playing in the hydrotherapy pool.

Guided tours to Phuket Elephant Sanctuary plus canopy walk in Phuket

If you have less time to spare, you should choose this 1.5-hour elephant adventure.

You'll participate in a guided tour over the Phuket Elephant Sanctuary's canopy walkway, which allows you to see the gigantic mammals in their natural habitat.

There is also the opportunity to feed the elephants, which creates an unforgettable ending to your day trip.

2-Day tour to Elephant Jungle Sanctuary in Phuket

Those who want to further their knowledge of elephants in the wild should consider a 2-day tour from Phuket. You'll spend a full day feeding and playing with the elephants, as well as learning all about the mammals.

You'll stay at the sanctuary overnight, and if you're lucky, you'll hear a chorus of trumpets as you drift off to sleep. The following morning, you'll find out how elephant dung can be recycled to make soap and paper.

How much does a tour to an elephant sanctuary in Phuket cost?

Canopy walkway day tours of Phuket Elephant Sanctuary cost approximately US$50 and last 1.5 hours. At the end of your excursion, you'll be presented with a t-shirt to remember your experience.

Elephant sanctuary day trips cost between US$140 and US$190. These are longer tours than most, lasting around eight hours, and include meals.

You can expect to pay around US$260 for elephant sanctuary tours that last 2 days. You'll spend the night in a luxury tent and have all your meals included.

What will you see and do on an elephant sanctuary day trip in Phuket?

There are over a dozen elephant sanctuaries on the small island of Phuket. While each one has its own agenda, they all aim to educate tourists about the gentle beings that have been abused for centuries in Thailand.

Thailand has a long history with elephants. For centuries, they have been an important part of Thai culture, appearing in artwork, literature and even as national symbols.

Today, there are thought to be less than 4,000 wild elephants remaining in the country. This is a sharp decline from the early 19th century when there were estimated to be over 100,000 captive elephants alone. The decrease is due to a number of factors, including habitat loss, deforestation and poaching.

The elephants themselves have also historically been used for logging and warfare, as well as for tourism purposes.

Recently, there has been a renewed effort to protect elephants in Thailand. Several sanctuaries have opened in Phuket to save the mammals from their hardships and allow them to spend their final years roaming freely, away from abuse.

While at one of these elephant sanctuaries, you will discover the barbaric practices used to make elephants comply with human orders. You'll also learn about conservation efforts and how we can best respect the enormous, yet gentle creatures.

You may have the opportunity to feed the elephants from your hand. They generally eat bamboo and grass, although they also enjoy other shrubs, and greenery, as well as bananas.

You'll be able to watch the elephants as they bathe and frolic about in their own man-made watering hole. Depending on the type of refuge you visit on your elephant sanctuary day trip, you might be able to get your hands mucky and bathe them.

What are the opening times?

All elephant sanctuaries in Phuket have different visiting hours. However, they generally open between 7 AM and 9 AM, and close around 5 PM. Check the individual opening times of your preferred reserve before booking.

When is the best time to visit an elephant sanctuary?

The best time to book a day tour to an elephant sanctuary is during the morning when the animals are most active. You can begin a tour around 6:30 AM if you choose. This enables you to interact with the elephants before the heat of the day kicks in.

Travel tips

In order to ensure you are acting in the best interest of the magnificent beings, never participate in an elephant ride.
Wear old clothes on your elephant sanctuary day trip. It's inevitable that you will get covered in mud, and possibly even elephant slobber!
Remember that elephant sanctuaries are focused on providing respite for the creatures, over tourism. This means that depending on the elephant's moods, you may or may not have the chance to get close to them.

Phuket Elephant Sanctuary: Day Trips and Tours from Phuket