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Phuket

Elephant Jungle Sanctuary Phuket

4.7(6,925 reviews)$$$$

Sponsored feature. Elephant Jungle Sanctuary paid for this write-up and supplied the photography and factual detail. We wrote it, and it does not affect this listing's position in any of our ranked lists. How we make money.

No riding, no tricks. What you get here is a briefing on where each elephant came from, then a few hours of feeding watermelon, mixing up their food, mud bathing and rinsing them off in clean water. Guides do a lot of the heavy lifting, and reviewers keep naming theirs, which tells you something about how personally they take it. Some tours include a pad Thai cooking lesson and lunch. Half-day and full-day options both run, so you can build it around a flight or a beach day.

One honest note from the reviews: not every elephant wants to be touched, and at least one visitor felt that wasn't made clear enough at the start. Listen to the mahouts, watch the animal in front of you, and don't assume a green light applies to the whole herd. The admission works as a donation towards the sanctuary's rescue work, and there are gift shops if you want to add to it.

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Experience hints

Visitor favorite
Mid-range

Pair your visit. After Elephant Jungle Sanctuary Phuket, round out your day in Phuket with contrasting stops nearby.

Reviews from Google

I booked the half-day tour. It was my first time experiencing elephants up close. The elephants are very well cared for here and seemed peaceful. At the beginning, the tour itinerary was explained. Sky, who explained everything at the start, was a really friendly and humorous person. Afterwards, we were allowed to feed the elephants watermelons, then prepare food and take mud baths with the elephants, followed by bathing with them in clean water. The elephants were very peaceful and let us stroke them without any problems. I had the impression that they really enjoyed it and the staff treated the animals with great sensitivity. Afterwards, there was a cooking class on how to prepare Pad Thai. I really recommend it and it was a wonderful morning.

K was INCREDIBLE! The elephants were absolutely majestic. The entire experience was magical and unforgettable. This sanctuary is exactly what you’re looking for, to be up close and connect with these beautiful mammals. We fed them, we bathed them, we rinsed them off, we made their food and then learned how to make pad Thai! The lunch they serve is delicious. K was our guide and really made the experience complete with his humor and passion for the elephants. Thank you K Love, your NY spice girls

Staff were very well informed about the elephants and gave a large background before we were even able to see the elephants, which was appreciated as you really understood where the elephants were coming from. Only thing I would say that personally should’ve been prewarned, we were told that we could touch the elephants if they are feeding I.e. feed them a bit of watermelon and you can touch the trunk. However, it was not noted that some elephants were aggressive and not to be touched, I seen many people going to feed a certain elephant then going to touch it’s face or trunk and being scolded by one of the people working with the elephants. Appreciate the worker telling people not to touch as they could be injured if the elephant is aggressive, however to stop him from repeating himself this really should’ve been revealed in the briefing.

A sample of visitor reviews from Google. Read all 6,925 reviews on Google.

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Elephant Jungle Sanctuary Phuket: Frequently Asked Questions

Is Elephant Jungle Sanctuary Phuket worth visiting?

Elephant Jungle Sanctuary Phuket holds a 4.7★ rating from 6,925 Google reviews, placing it among the highest-rated activities & tours in Phuket.

What are the opening hours of Elephant Jungle Sanctuary Phuket?

Elephant Jungle Sanctuary Phuket is typically open 09:00-16:00 — 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.

How expensive is Elephant Jungle Sanctuary Phuket?

Elephant Jungle Sanctuary Phuket is moderately priced (฿฿) relative to other activities & tours in Phuket.

When is the best time to visit Elephant Jungle Sanctuary Phuket?

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

Where is Elephant Jungle Sanctuary Phuket located?

Elephant Jungle Sanctuary Phuket is at 2, 12, Tambon Kathu, Amphoe Kathu, Chang Wat Phuket 83120, Thailand, in Phuket. Getting around Phuket: Grab (widely available); Tuk-tuks (fixed routes, negotiate).

Location Info

2, 12, Tambon Kathu, Amphoe Kathu, Chang Wat Phuket 83120, Thailand+66 94 663 6592elephantjunglesanctuary.com/phuket/
Opening Hours
Monday09:00–16:00
Tuesday09:00–16:00
Wednesday09:00–16:00
Thursday09:00–16:00
Friday09:00–16:00
Saturday09:00–16:00
Sunday09:00–16:00

Visitor Information

Best time to visit

November – April

Avoid: June – September (rough seas)

Rainy season

May – October

Avg. temperature

24°C – 33°C(75°F – 91°F)

Crowds

Very High

Peak: December – January

Getting there

Phuket International Airport (HKT) receives direct international flights. Ferries connect from Krabi and Koh Phi Phi.

Getting around

  • Grab (widely available)
  • Tuk-tuks (fixed routes, negotiate)
  • Motorbike rental
  • Airport bus to Phuket Town
  • Ferry & speedboat to nearby islands

Where to stay near Elephant Jungle Sanctuary Phuket

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Tips for Visiting Activities & Tours

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.

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.

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