
An Afternoon with the Elephants at Phuket Elephant Sanctuary
Traveler rating
4.9/5
Based on 433 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is An Afternoon with the Elephants at Phuket Elephant Sanctuary worth booking?
An Afternoon with the Elephants at Phuket Elephant Sanctuary is a 3.5-hour experience in Phuket, Thailand, from $92 per person. It scores 87 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Exceptional”, based on a 4.9/5 rating across 433 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 87 / 100
- Rating
- 4.9/5 (433)
- Duration
- 3.5 hours
- From
- $92 per person
Phuket Elephant Sanctuary is the first ethical elephant sanctuary in Phuket where elephants roam around, bathe and sozialize freely across 30 acres of lush, tropical land bordering the Khao Phra Thaeo National Park in North East Phuket. We buy all rescued elephants to ensure that Phuket Elephant Sanctuary is their final home, and we offer professional veterinary care for old and injured elephants. By visiting us, you are supporting a sustainable, ethical and compassionate approach to elephant tourism where elephants have the freedom to live naturally. National Geographic, Lonely Planet and The Guardian have all endorsed our ethical approach.
What you get
About this experience
Phuket Elephant Sanctuary is the first ethical elephant sanctuary in Phuket where elephants roam around, bathe and sozialize freely across 30 acres of lush, tropical land bordering the Khao Phra Thaeo National Park in North East Phuket. We buy all rescued elephants to ensure that Phuket Elephant Sanctuary is their final home, and we offer professional veterinary care for old and injured elephants. By visiting us, you are supporting a sustainable, ethical and compassionate approach to elephant tourism where elephants have the freedom to live naturally. National Geographic, Lonely Planet and The Guardian have all endorsed our ethical approach.
What's included
Included
- Umbrellas, Rain Coats, Mosquito Spray
- Guided Walk across the Canopy Walkway
- Bottled water
- Educational Video Documentary
- Vegetarian Dinner Buffet
- Signature Iced Soda & Unlimited Snack Bar
- Welcome Snacks and Beverages
Not included
- Roundtrip Transfers - If option is not selected
What you'll see and do
Skip the unethical elephant encounters in Phuket and visit a sanctuary where the animals are allowed to live their final years roaming freely without being harmed by tourists. Located on 30 acres of lush, tropical land bordering the Khao Phra Thaeo National Park in North East Phuket, visiting the Phuket Elephant Sanctuary helps support their mission of compassionate and ethical elephant tourism.
210 minutes here · Admission included
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Phuket
If you selected Program Only (No Transfer), please meet us at our office in Paklok 30 minutes before the start of the program. Parking is available.
Hotel pickup
Pickup is available for selected locations. Pickup begins about 90 minutes before departure.
Ends at
If you selected Program Only (No Transfer), please meet us at our office in Paklok 30 minutes before the start of the program. Parking is available.
Options you can book
Program Only (No Transfer)
Transfer NOT included: Please meet in Paklok office at Phuket Elephant Sanctuary. Select Transfers option for transportation for pick-up/drop-off
Program + Shared Transfers
Shared Transfers: Shared roundtrip transfers from specified places in the Phuket Province included. Pickup included
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 30 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Phuket Elephant Sanctuary
Know before you go
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 430 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
Knowledge and storytelling
6 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
The guide
5 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Food and drink
4 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Traveler reviews
430 verified traveler reviews for An Afternoon with the Elephants at Phuket Elephant Sanctuary. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Amazing time with the elephants
Amazing experience seeing how well the elephants are looked after here. It was sad to hear their stories but lovely to see they will remain here for the rest of their days cared for. We were picked up from our hotels and transported there, they explained the afternoons activities. They looked after us well. Food, drinks and snacks provided. I do think for a few hours excursion it was a bit too much food, snacks etc. when we arrived we were invited to sit and have a snack drinks etc then waited for a video explaining how the sanctuary was created which was informative, we then got to go and spend time with the elephants then back for more food and drinks, then transported back to the hotel. I would definitely recommend it and to know the money is to keep the sanctuary going is well worth a visit
via Viator
This was such a great way...
This was such a great way to see the elephants in their natural habitat! You can really tell how much they care about the well being of the animals. Our guide, KT, was THE BEST. So fun to talk to and listen to, he told us stories about each elephant and knew everything about them. Highly recommend!
via Viator
Ethical elephant sanctuary is a must!!
Highly recommend!! We were searching for an ethical elephant sanctuary after seeing the sad and cruel riding camps, this one was perfect! The elephants could roam freely, were looked after by their mahouts with no bull hooks, it offered a hands off experience but as tourists we could still get close to observe the elephants without disturbing them. The tour guides were so informative about where each elephant had been resuced from and we watched a short video at the start (very emotional). This sanctuary is more expensive but for a reason, as the elephants are genuinely looked after - please choose to support these ones not the riding camps or performative / bathing ‘sanctuary’s’. We also had a lovely meal at the end and welcome snacks and drinks. There is also an elephant hospital (the only one in Phuket) that support elephants all over Phuket. We were given wellies and lots of water and cold towels.
via Tripadvisor
Well, take animals without bothering them
It's wonderful to see how elephants in Thailand can live. Without being busy with forced labour for tourists. Just wonderful to see it like this
via Tripadvisor
Amazing Experiance
Fantastic experience with a wonderful tour and great guides. Most guide groups with no more than 4/5 people. The meal at the end was a real bonus and would highly recommend as an experience not to be missed
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 3.5 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $92 to $3,500
- Hotel pickup
- Available for selected locations
- Booked in 30 days
- 152
- Verdict
- Exceptional
Who runs this experience
Operated by Phuket Elephant Sanctuary, who run 4 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 92.4 and 3 in the 90+ Club.
See everything Phuket Elephant Sanctuary runsWhy this scores 87
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
An Afternoon with the Elephants at Phuket Elephant Sanctuary: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Phuket.
How much does An Afternoon with the Elephants at Phuket Elephant Sanctuary cost?
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Prices start at $92 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Phuket usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does An Afternoon with the Elephants at Phuket Elephant Sanctuary take?
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Plan for about 3.5 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Phuket is not rushed.
Is An Afternoon with the Elephants at Phuket Elephant Sanctuary worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 87 out of 100, which we label "Exceptional". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.9/5 across 433 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable most highly reviewed in Phuket, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule An Afternoon with the Elephants at Phuket Elephant Sanctuary?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is An Afternoon with the Elephants at Phuket Elephant Sanctuary suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 3.5-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book An Afternoon with the Elephants at Phuket Elephant Sanctuary?
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Around 152 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Phuket can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Phuket and add a light layer if any part of the 3.5-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does An Afternoon with the Elephants at Phuket Elephant Sanctuary start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Phuket within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Phuket?
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On Outty we rank every Phuket experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Southern Flavors Phuket Food Tour with 15+ Tastings, James Bond Island by Big Boat w/ Sea Cave Canoeing and Lunch, Phuket Thai Cooking Class with Market Tour Option. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Phuket?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Phuket?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in An Afternoon with the Elephants at Phuket Elephant Sanctuary?
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Included: Umbrellas, Rain Coats, Mosquito Spray; Guided Walk across the Canopy Walkway; Bottled water; Educational Video Documentary; and Vegetarian Dinner Buffet. Not included: Roundtrip Transfers - If option is not selected. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Does An Afternoon with the Elephants at Phuket Elephant Sanctuary include hotel pickup?
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Yes, pickup is offered, or you can meet at the start point instead from 1737 listed pickup locations in and around Phuket. Be ready about 90 minutes before the start time. You can also enter a custom pickup address when booking.
What languages is An Afternoon with the Elephants at Phuket Elephant Sanctuary offered in?
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It runs in English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for An Afternoon with the Elephants at Phuket Elephant Sanctuary?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is An Afternoon with the Elephants at Phuket Elephant Sanctuary wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Wheelchair accessible; Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller; and Specialized infant seats are available. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to An Afternoon with the Elephants at Phuket Elephant Sanctuary if the weather is bad?
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It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in Phuket. Standard cancellation terms apply: free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.
What do travelers say about An Afternoon with the Elephants at Phuket Elephant Sanctuary?
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Across 433 reviews averaging 4.9 out of 5, recurring themes include knowledge and storytelling, the guide, food and drink. Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
What booking options are available for An Afternoon with the Elephants at Phuket Elephant Sanctuary?
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There are 2 options to choose from, including Program Only (No Transfer), Program + Shared Transfers. Prices and start times differ by option, so compare them on the booking screen.
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