The island of Phuket, located in the Andaman Sea, is known for its stunning beaches, bustling nightlife, and rich cultural heritage. But hidden beyond the popular tourist spots lies a gem that will take your breath away – the Green Elephant Sanctuary.
Nestled in the lush green hills of Phuket, this sanctuary is a haven for elephants rescued from abusive environments, providing them with a safe and natural home to live out their days. But it’s not just the elephants that make this place special; it’s also the way they are cared for and the deep connection with nature that the sanctuary promotes.
As you enter the sanctuary, you will be greeted by the sight of these majestic creatures roaming freely in their natural habitat. Unlike other tourist attractions that offer elephant rides and shows, the Green Elephant Sanctuary encourages ethical and responsible interactions with the animals. Visitors are allowed to observe, feed, and bathe the elephants, all under the guidance of experienced mahouts (elephant trainers).
One of the best ways to start your day at the Green Elephant Sanctuary Park is by joining the three and a half hour “Morning with the Elephants” tour. This tour begins with an educational video about the park’s history and mission, followed by an introduction to the elephants and their individual stories. You will get the chance to watch the elephants in their natural environment, all while learning about their behavior and conservation efforts.
A delicious Thai lunch buffet, welcome snacks, coffee, fruits, juices, filtered water, boots, socks, umbrellas, rain coats, and mosquito spray are all included on this tour.
Or take a walk on the park’s 500 meter long “Canopy Walkway Tour”, where you can get a bird’s eye view of the stunning surroundings and the elephants roaming below. This one and a half hour tour offers a unique perspective of the park and allows you to appreciate the lush greenery and breathtaking views. You will also have an opportunity to feed some of the elephants at a dedicated & safe area. This tour includes umbrellas, rain coats, mosquito spray, signature iced soda, bottled water, unlimited snack bar, and PES souvenir.
If you prefer a tour later in the day then consider the “Afternoon with the Elephants” tour. This three and a half hour tour offers similar opportunities as the “Morning With The Elephants” tour but includes a dinner buffet instead of lunch. Welcome snacks, coffee, fruits, juices, filtered water, boots, socks, umbrellas, rain coats, and mosquito spray are also included.
For a more intimate experience, you can opt for the four and a half hour “Sanctuary Small Group Tour” which allows for a maximum of six guests per group. This tour offers a more personalized and exclusive encounter with the elephants, where you can spend more time bonding with them and learning about their daily care and routines. Finally, enjoy a delicious set menu lunch and a dish from the included Thai Cooking Class.
The ultimate Green Elephant Sanctuary Tour is the seven and a half hour “Full-Day Phuket Elephant Sanctuary Tour”. The first activity of the tour is an educational session about the elephants, their behavior, and their history in Thailand. Next, you will embark on a nature walk through the lush forests with the elephants, where you will see them exhibiting their natural behaviors, such as foraging for food and taking a bath in the river. The knowledgeable guides will share interesting facts about the elephants, their habitat, and the importance of conservation efforts.
After the walk, you will experience a traditional Thai lunch, including vegetarian and vegan options, while enjoying the stunning views of the surrounding mountains and the sea. The food is prepared using locally sourced, organic ingredients, adding to the sustainability factor of the tour.
In the afternoon we will teach you about the intricate communication patterns of the elephants. You will also have an opportunity to meet them at the fresh water pool and observe them enjoying their time in the water. You can also prepare and feed the elephants dinner. This tour includes lunch, dinner, welcome snacks, soft drinks, water, juices, coffee, boots, socks, umbrellas, rain coats, mosquito spray, and a souvenir t-shirt.
When visiting the Green Elephant Sanctuary Park in Phuket, Thailand you have a chance to experience the love and beauty of elephants in a responsible and ethical manner. Whether it’s for a few hours or a full day, a visit to this sanctuary park is a must for any animal lover and a truly special addition to your travel itinerary.
Where to Stay
VILLA ALANNA Phuket
An upscale villa offering modern design, private pools, and lush surroundings, perfect for a tranquil getaway in Thailand.
Banyan Tree Phuket
This upscale resort features luxurious villas, private pools, and serene lagoon views, ideal for a relaxing retreat in tropical surroundings.
THE SURIN PHUKET HOTEL
An upscale beachfront resort offering stylish cottages, pristine beaches, and lush tropical gardens for a serene escape in Thailand.
