Skip to main content
Visit Thailand Today
The Elephant Sanctuary Krabi Thailand
Temples & Culture
Krabi

The Elephant Sanctuary Krabi Thailand

4.9(1,767 reviews)

Situated in the Nong Thale district of Krabi, this sanctuary offers a meaningful and ethical alternative to traditional elephant camps, providing a permanent home for rescued and retired elephants in a natural, open environment. The focus is squarely on animal welfare, making it a compelling choice for travellers who want a genuine connection with these animals without compromising on responsible tourism values. Visits are immersive and hands-on, typically spanning several hours and including feeding, bathing, and walking alongside the elephants in their natural surroundings. The setting is entirely outdoor, with ample opportunity for close encounters and photography throughout the experience. The sanctuary operates seven days a week from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, offering good flexibility for travellers working around a broader Krabi itinerary. Families are welcome, though young children should remain under close supervision at all times given the nature of the experience. Good to know: visitors should wear comfortable, waterproof clothing and sturdy closed-toe shoes, as the bathing activities involve getting wet and moving across uneven terrain. The cooler months between November and February tend to offer the most comfortable outdoor conditions, though the sanctuary operates year-round. Booking in advance through the official website is strongly recommended to secure a preferred time slot.

Experience hints

Visitor favorite

Pair your visit. After The Elephant Sanctuary Krabi Thailand, round out your day in Krabi with contrasting stops nearby.

Location Info

165 หมู่4 หนองทะเล Tambon Nong Thale, เมือง Chang Wat Krabi 81000, Thailand+66 91 826 5498www.theelephantsanctuarykrabi.com/
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

Visitor Information

Best time to visit

November – April

Avoid: June – September (rough Andaman seas)

Rainy season

May – October

Avg. temperature

23°C – 33°C(73°F – 91°F)

Crowds

High

Peak: December – February

Getting there

Krabi Airport (KBV) has direct flights from Bangkok (1.5 hrs). Ferries connect to Koh Lanta, Koh Phi Phi, and Phuket. Bus/minivan from Phuket takes ~3 hrs.

Getting around

  • Long-tail boats (islands & Railay Beach)
  • Songthaews in Ao Nang
  • Grab (limited, mainly Ao Nang)
  • Motorbike rental

Where to stay near The Elephant Sanctuary Krabi Thailand

Find hotels in Krabi on the booking sites travellers trust most.

We may earn a commission from bookings made through these links — at no extra cost to you. Learn more.

Tips for Visiting Temples & Culture

Dress Modestly

Cover shoulders and knees at all temples. Carry a light scarf or sarong — some temples lend wraps, but not all. Shoes come off before entering any building with a Buddha image.

Mind Your Feet

Never point your feet at a Buddha image or a monk — it's considered deeply disrespectful. When sitting inside a temple, tuck your feet behind you or to the side.

Ask Before Photographing

Exterior photos are almost always fine, but some interior halls prohibit photography. Look for signs, and never pose irreverently with Buddha images — it's a legal offense in Thailand.

Also Popular in Krabi

Ko Lanta
Featured

Ko Lanta

4.6(1,091)
Ko Lanta District

A laid-back island in Krabi offering coral-fringed beaches, diving, and a genuinely local atmosphere.

Ko Phi Phi Don
Featured

Ko Phi Phi Don

4.6(912)
Ao Nang, Mueang Krabi District

The largest island in the Ko Phi Phi archipelago, balancing vibrant beach life with dramatic natural scenery.

Emerald Pool

Emerald Pool

4.3(13,256)
W7G9+27J, Khlong Thom Nuea, Khlong Thom District, Krabi 81120, Thailand

A mineral-rich natural swimming pool deep in Krabi's rainforest, famous for its striking emerald-green water.

Kodam Kitchen branch 1

Kodam Kitchen branch 1

4.7(9,477)$$$$
228 หมู่ที่ 3 Thanon Khlong Hang, Tambon Ao Nang, Amphoe Mueang Krabi, Chang Wat Krabi 81180, Thailand

Beloved budget Thai restaurant in Ao Nang serving consistent classics daily from 11am to 10:30pm.

Similar Temples & Culture Across Thailand

Wat Phra Kaew
Featured

Wat Phra Kaew

4.6(85,000)
Na Phra Lan Rd, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok 10200

Bangkok's most sacred temple sits within the Grand Palace complex, home to the revered Emerald Buddha.

Doi Suthep Temple
Featured

Doi Suthep Temple

4.6(58,000)
Doi Suthep, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 50200

A sacred mountaintop Buddhist temple from 1383, offering a golden chedi and sweeping views over Chiang Mai.

The Grand Palace

The Grand Palace

4.6(76,723)
Phra Borom Maha Ratchawang, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok 10200, Thailand

A breathtaking 18th-century royal palace complex showcasing centuries of Thai history, gold-adorned architecture, and sacred temples.

Pattaya Walking Street

Pattaya Walking Street

4.3(51,994)
Walking St, Muang Pattaya, Amphoe Bang Lamung, Chang Wat Chon Buri 20150, Thailand

Pattaya's iconic pedestrian nightlife strip, buzzing nightly with bars, clubs, seafood, and neon lights.