Skip to main content
Visit Thailand Today

Krabi Elephant Local Project (Sanctuary)

An ethical elephant sanctuary in Ao Nang where visitors can feed and interact with rescued elephants in a relaxed, crowd-free setting.

4.9(439)
Directions

Plan your visit

Hours
Daily 09:00–17:00

Vet Elephant Sanctuaries

Only visit sanctuaries that prohibit riding, use no chains or bullhooks, and let elephants roam freely. Elephant Nature Park in Chiang Mai set the standard. If a place offers painting shows or circus tricks, walk away.

Details

Full opening hours
Monday09:00–17:00
Tuesday09:00–17:00
Wednesday09:00–17:00
Thursday09:00–17:00
Friday09:00–17:00
Saturday09:00–17:00
Sunday09:00–17:00

Is this your business?Feature it

Why go, and how to do it well

Located in Ao Nang, this relatively new sanctuary offers one of Krabi's more intimate wildlife encounters, with a clear commitment to elephant welfare at its core. Riding is not permitted, and the focus is instead on close, supervised interaction — visitors can feed and touch the elephants while knowledgeable, English-speaking staff explain animal behavior and the project's conservation approach. The setting is quiet and uncrowded compared to larger elephant camps in the region, making it a genuinely relaxed experience for families and wildlife-conscious travelers alike.

The atmosphere is unhurried and attentive. Staff monitor interactions closely to ensure both visitor safety and the wellbeing of the animals, and the experience is structured enough to feel educational without being overly formal. Guests are welcomed with drinks and snacks on arrival, and the overall pace allows for meaningful time with the elephants rather than a rushed group tour.

Written by Mac Kiley · Updated Aug 2026

Stay within reach of Krabi Elephant Local Project (Sanctuary)

Sponsored

Search Krabi hotels with your dates. Filter for free cancellation if you want to hold a room and decide later.

See hotels near Krabi Elephant Local Project (Sanctuary)

Opens Booking.com with your dates

Also compare on Expedia · Trip.com

Around here, on foot

Well-rated places within a short walk of Krabi Elephant Local Project (Sanctuary), nearest first. Minutes are at an easy pace in the heat.

Experience hints

Visitor favorite

Reviews from Google

An outstanding experience at this elephant sanctuary. We were initially greated with drinks and snacks. The experience prices were of good value unlike others. This place is still new, only 2 months old. They treat customers and their elephants very well. Ration and her team were very nice to us and showed us how to feed the elephants alongside taking our pictures. They certainly show a kind and welcoming attitude.

We had an amazing time here feeding the elephants! You can walk in without booking, it’s a quiet place out of the way so no crowds like other sanctuary’s we’ve been to. The staff here were amazing, very friendly and explained how the elephants are treated. The conditions the elephants are staying in look clean and ethical, NO RIDING ALLOWED. We would definitely recommend to check this place out.

I went to feed the elephants. Very nice experience, good price. They seem to take good care of the elephants here, no riding allowed. My quide spoke really good english and took nice pictures 😊 thank you!

A sample of visitor reviews from Google. Read all 439 reviews on Google.

57 8 Tambon Ao Nang, Amphoe Mueang Krabi, Chang Wat Krabi 81180, Thailand

Open in Google Maps

More activities & tours nearby

All within a 7-minute walk of Krabi Elephant Local Project (Sanctuary).

Giant Catfish Farm

Giant Catfish Farm

440 m walk3.8(600)
3RF2+HFC, Nong Thale, Mueang Krabi District, Krabi 81000, Thailand
A budget-friendly wildlife garden in Nong Thale with giant catfish, exotic animals, and tropical grounds for around 50 baht entry.
Ao Nang Elephant Sanctuary Krabi (Booking is needed)

Ao Nang Elephant Sanctuary Krabi (Booking is needed)

470 m walk4.4(1,154)
272 Tambon Ao Nang, Mueang Chang Wat Krabi 81180, Thailand
A hands-on elephant experience in Krabi where small groups feed, bathe, and bond with elephants.
Atv krabi gaoxing tour

Atv krabi gaoxing tour

510 m walk4.7(101)
83 Tambon Ao Nang, เมือง Chang Wat Krabi 81000, Thailand
ATV adventure tours through Krabi's rugged terrain, offering 30-minute and 1-hour guided rides for all experience levels.
Krabi Old Elephant HOME

Krabi Old Elephant HOME

570 m walk4.9(232)
228, Tambon Ao Nang, Amphoe Mueang Krabi, Chang Wat Krabi 81000, Thailand
A family-run elephant sanctuary in Ao Nang where rescued elephants roam freely in a riverside garden setting.

Tips for Visiting Activities & Tours

Book Popular Activities Online

Booking platforms like GetYourGuide give you instant confirmation and, on many activities, free cancellation — and you can read recent reviews before committing. Compare with local agencies for multi-day trips where negotiation might save more.

Do Outdoor Activities in the Morning

Heat and humidity peak from noon to 3 PM. Schedule jungle treks, cycling tours, and outdoor cooking classes for early morning. Water activities are more flexible since you're in and out of the sea.

Krabi Elephant Local Project (Sanctuary): Frequently Asked Questions

Is Krabi Elephant Local Project (Sanctuary) worth visiting?

Krabi Elephant Local Project (Sanctuary) holds a 4.9★ rating from 439 Google reviews, placing it among the highest-rated activities & tours in Krabi.

What are the opening hours of Krabi Elephant Local Project (Sanctuary)?

Krabi Elephant Local Project (Sanctuary) is typically open 09:00–17:00 — see the full day-by-day schedule in the location info on this page. Hours can change on Thai public holidays, so check ahead for holiday visits.

When is the best time to visit Krabi Elephant Local Project (Sanctuary)?

The best months to visit Krabi are November – April, with the most reliable weather. Crowds peak in December – February — going early in the day usually means fewer people. Months to think twice about: May – October (rough Andaman seas).

Where is Krabi Elephant Local Project (Sanctuary) located?

Krabi Elephant Local Project (Sanctuary) is at 57 8 Tambon Ao Nang, Amphoe Mueang Krabi, Chang Wat Krabi 81180, Thailand, in Krabi. Getting around Krabi: Long-tail boats (islands & Railay Beach); Songthaews in Ao Nang.

Also popular in Krabi

Ali Baba Restaurant

Ali Baba Restaurant

4.8(3,994)$$$$
693, Ali Baba Restaurant, Tambon Ao Nang, Krabi, Chang Wat Krabi 81180, Thailand
Halal Indian and Pakistani cooking in Ao Nang that people end up returning to night after night.
Wat Suwan Khuha

Wat Suwan Khuha

4.3(4,406)
36/1 Phet Kasem Rd, Tambon Krasom, Amphoe Takua Thung, Chang Wat Phang-nga 82130, Thailand
A gold reclining Buddha inside a cool limestone cave, plus a monkey troop that will mug you for corn.
Klong Muang Beach

Klong Muang Beach

4.6(2,716)
Klong Muang Beach, Nong Thale, Mueang Krabi District, Krabi 81000, Thailand
A long, quiet resort beach 15 to 20 minutes north of Ao Nang, facing the Hong Islands, with calm, shallow water from November to April.
100 Baht shop
Hidden Gem

100 Baht shop

4.8(163)
2RJF+VHX, 4203, Tambon Ao Nang, Amphoe Mueang Krabi, Chang Wat Krabi 81000, Thailand
A budget shop in Ao Nang stocking souvenirs, beauty products, cosmetics, and everyday essentials.

Similar Activities & Tours across Thailand

Elephant Jungle Sanctuary Phuket
Sponsored

Elephant Jungle Sanctuary Phuket

4.7(6,925)$$$$
2, 12, Tambon Kathu, Amphoe Kathu, Chang Wat Phuket 83120, Thailand
Elephant Jungle Sanctuary's Kathu camp and Phuket office, with programs from a one-hour feed to half days of feeding, a mud spa and bathing.
Following Giants Koh Lanta Ethical Elephant Sanctuary

Following Giants Koh Lanta Ethical Elephant Sanctuary

4.9(2,323)
Klong Chak Waterfall RD, Tambon Ko Lanta Yai, Amphoe Ko Lanta, Chang Wat Krabi 81150, Thailand
A no-touch sanctuary on a forested Koh Lanta hillside where 11 rescued elephants live free from work and you only watch them.
Mae Sin Elephant Camp

Mae Sin Elephant Camp

4.0(76)
MM7P+QJQ, Mae Sin, Si Satchanalai District, Sukhothai 64130, Thailand
An elephant camp in Sukhothai's Si Satchanalai District offering hands-on wildlife experiences daily.
Elephantstay

Elephantstay

4.4(674)
74, 1, Tambon Suan Plik, Amphoe Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, Chang Wat Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya 13000, Thailand
An ethical elephant sanctuary near Ayutthaya offering hands-on wildlife experiences focused on conservation.