Viator Rating : 5 (444 reviews)
Phuket
Phuket Elephant Sanctuary: Small Group Tour
240
Overview
Experience the Elephant Sanctuary Small Group Tour in Phuket, a heartwarming journey to The Lake Phuket Elephant Nursery. This tour offers an intimate look into the lives of rescued elephants as they roam, forage, and bathe freely in their natural forest habitat in northern Phuket. Perfect for animal lovers and those seeking an ethical wildlife encounter, this walking tour provides a unique opportunity to connect with these gentle giants.
What to Expect: Guests will get to take an Elephant Care Class and stroll through the forest alongside the elephants, observing their natural behaviors up close. This experience also includes a hands-on Thai cooking class, where participants learn to prepare delicious local dishes, followed by a satisfying lunch. Key stops on this memorable tour include the Elephant Sanctuary, Elephant Hills, the Elephant Walking Trail, and Mud Pools and Ponds. To top it off, you'll get to take a Thai Cooking Class & Lunch.
Included in the experience are lunch, transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle, a cooking class, and coffee and tea. This tour is operated by a trusted provider known for excellent quality, a low supplier cancellation rate and a commitment to ethical animal tourism. Get ready to experience nature in an unforgetable way. 
Highlights
Elephant Care Class: Learn how to care for elephants from experienced caretakers.
Forest Walk: Stroll alongside elephants in their natural habitat.
Thai Cooking Class: Enjoy a hands-on Thai cooking class and delicious lunch.
Learn About Elephants: Discover the behavior and history of these gentle giants.
Sentiment Analysis
Customers love seeing the elephants happy and free in their natural home.
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Many people enjoyed feeding the elephants and getting close to them.
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The Thai cooking class and lunch were a fun and tasty part of the day.
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Visitors thought the guides were friendly and taught them a lot about elephants.
Some visitors mentioned that the mud pools were not always clean.
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A few people wished they could spend even more time with the elephants.
The Journey
Elephant Sanctuary
Begin your day with a scenic journey to the heart of the Thai jungle, home to a renowned elephant sanctuary. Here, rescued elephants roam freely in a safe and ethical environment. Upon arrival, learn about the sanctuary's mission and the individual stories of its elephant residents. Prepare to engage in a heartwarming experience as you gather bananas and sugarcane to offer these gentle giants, forging a unique connection as you learn about their past and present lives in the jungle's embrace. Experience the joy of ethical elephant tourism, supporting their well-being and conservation.
Elephant Hills
Venture into the rolling hills where the elephants find their peaceful haven. Follow your knowledgeable guide and observe these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat, resting and socializing. Hear captivating tales of each elephant's journey to the sanctuary, gaining a deeper understanding of their personalities and the challenges they've overcome. Witness firsthand the commitment to providing a sustainable and ethical environment where these rescued elephants can thrive, embodying responsible tourism and conservation efforts.
Elephant Walking Trail
Join the elephants on a leisurely stroll down from the hills, immersing yourself in their natural rhythm and observing their innate behaviors. Learn about their daily routines, social interactions, and the vital role they play in the jungle ecosystem. This intimate experience offers a unique perspective on these gentle giants, fostering a profound appreciation for their intelligence, grace, and the importance of protecting their habitat. Discover the essence of ethical wildlife encounters as you walk alongside these majestic creatures.
Mud Pools and Ponds
Witness the playful side of these magnificent creatures as they frolic in mud pools and bathe in refreshing ponds. Observe their joyful interactions, learning about their social dynamics and natural behaviors from your experienced tour guide. These moments offer unparalleled insights into the lives of the elephants, creating cherished memories and deepening your connection to the wild. Discover the therapeutic benefits of mud and water for elephants, as they revel in the simple pleasures of their natural environment.
Thai Cooking Class & Lunch
Conclude your enriching day with a delectable culinary experience. Savor a set menu lunch featuring authentic Thai flavors, and delight in a special dish prepared during an engaging Thai cooking class. Relish the seasonal fresh fruits as you reflect on the day's incredible encounters with these amazing elephants. Enjoy the serene atmosphere of the sanctuary, surrounded by the lush jungle scenery, before heading back to your hotel with cherished memories of your ethical elephant adventure. Experience the culinary arts of Thailand as a perfect culmination to your journey.
Know Before You Go
This experience includes a delicious lunch, transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle, an engaging cooking class, and complimentary coffee and tea. What is excluded is not specified. Please confirm pickup details directly with the tour operator after booking to ensure a smooth start to your adventure.
Hot Tip
Based on reviews, wearing comfortable shoes is a great idea since you'll be walking. Bringing extra clothes for the mud pools is also recommended so you can be prepared and have more fun. A reviewer also suggest taking lots of photos.
Review Summary
People usually say that this sanctuary tour delivers an authentic and ethical elephant experience focused on animal welfare rather than entertainment. Visitors consistently praise the knowledgeable and friendly guides, the opportunity to observe rescued elephants roaming freely in a natural forest setting, and the hands-on feeding experience that feels genuine and respectful. The small-group format, included meals, and convenient hotel transfers are frequently mentioned as convenient logistics. Some travelers note the sanctuary's distance from certain hotel areas (particularly near Karon Beach) requires a longer drive, but most find the journey worthwhile. Reviewers emphasize that the sanctuary prioritizes elephant freedom and well-being—no bathing, no riding, no performances—making it stand out as a truly ethical alternative to exploitative attractions. The combination of education about elephant conservation, comfortable pacing, and memorable interactions makes this a highly recommended experience for conscious travelers.
Frequently Asked Questions
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