Elephant Jungle Sanctuary Phuket Tickets, Programs & Ethical Experience Guide

The Elephant Jungle Sanctuary Phuket was established in partnership with the local communities and the experts on the management of elephants as a safe and retirement home for the formerly working elephants. The sanctuary guarantees medics to the elephants, the liberty of the jungle, healthy feeds, mud baths, and extensive forested areas to graze.

Located in several locations of Phuket (the main site: Kathu), the sanctuary offers visitors the chance to acquire knowledge about the behaviour of the elephants, feed, walk with them, and participate in other ethical activities that consider the welfare of the herd.

The sanctuary is different from the rest of the classic elephant attractions since it has a no-riding policy, open animal care, and community-based sustainability initiatives.

Fun Fact: Elephant Jungle Sanctuary Phuket spends thousands of baht in a month on elephant food alone, which consists of bananas, sugarcane, fruits, and supplements.

Seasonal Advice: The church is in the open air. The dry season (November-March) has the best weather conditions when one wants to walk with an elephant, and April-October is the rainy season, excellent for muddy elephant games.

• Walk alongside elephants in their natural habitat.
• Learn about their history, health, habits, and personalities.
• Participate in mud spa sessions and river bathing.
• Feed elephants fresh fruit and help prepare herbal vitamin balls.
• Support ethical tourism and elephant conservation in Thailand.

A day at the sanctuary is immersive, educational, and deeply rewarding.

Location: Kathu, Phuket, Thailand
 Phone: +66 (0)95 615 1469
 Elephant Jungle Sanctuary Phuket Opening Hours 2026: 6:30 AM – 5:30 PM (timings vary by package)
 Suggested Duration: 3–7 hours, depending on half-day or full-day program

Nearby Phuket Attractions:

• Phuket Elephant Care Centres
• Kathu Waterfall
• Patong Beach
• Big Buddha Phuket
• Tiger Park Phuket (non-riding activities only recommended)

Day Trip Tip: Combine a morning sanctuary visit with an afternoon trip to Big Buddha or Patong Beach for a full eco-cultural day.

The sanctuary offers multiple ethical programs to suit different budgets and time preferences.

Morning Program – Interactive & Educational

Timings: Approx. 6:30 AM–12:00 PM
 Experience Includes:

• Feeding elephants bananas and fruits
• Walking with elephants in the jungle
• Mud spa session
• Bathing elephants in freshwater pools
• Learning about elephant diets and rescue stories

Why Choose This: Cooler weather & active elephant behaviour in the morning.

Afternoon Program – Relaxed & Scenic

Timings: Approx. 12:00 PM–5:30 PM
 Experience Includes:

• Elephant feeding and walking
• Mud spa and bathing
• Scenic photography time
• Educational talk by handlers

Seasonal Note: May–October rains create perfect muddy play sessions.

Full-Day Program – The Ultimate Elephant Experience

Timings: 6–8 hours
 Includes:

• All morning and afternoon activities
• Extended jungle walks
• Elephant wellness preparation (making vitamin balls)
• Thai buffet lunch (vegetarian options available)

Why Choose This: Maximum interaction and deeper understanding of elephant behaviour and conservation.

Kids & Family-Friendly Activities

Suitable For: Families with children
 Features:

• Safe feeding interactions
• Handler-assisted walks
• No riding, no aggressive activities
• Gentle elephants accustomed to human presence

Safety Note: All programs include trained mahouts, clean facilities, and strict safety guidelines.

Prices may vary by operator, but below are standard sanctuary rates:

Where to Book: Official Elephant Jungle Sanctuary website or trusted travel partners like Pickyourtrail. 

Pro Tip: Book online for discounts and guaranteed slots, especially in the high season (Nov–Mar).

Sanctuary Hours: 6:30 AM – 5:30 PM
 Best Visiting Tips:

• Morning programs offer cooler temperatures.
• November–March is ideal (dry season).
• April–October is more affordable, with lush greenery and occasional showers.
• Wear light clothing and bring a towel and sandals.
• Pre-book transfers as sanctuaries are located in hilly areas.

Pro Tip: Always choose ethical no-riding sanctuaries with transparent welfare policies.

From Patong

• Taxi: 20–30 minutes
• Tour Transfer: Included in most packages
• Motorbike: Possible but not recommended during the rainy season

From Phuket Town

• Taxi: 30–40 minutes
• Shared Transfer: Included with full-day tours

From Kata / Karon

• Taxi: 30 minutes
• Tour Bus: Included in most bookings

Yas Express-style Note: The sanctuary provides its own pickup/drop-off service across major Phuket locations.

• Wear a swimsuit or clothes you don’t mind getting dirty.
• Bring biodegradable sunscreen and insect repellent.
• Do not bring large bags into interaction zones.
• Respect elephant space—no loud noises or sudden movements.
• Support the sanctuary by purchasing local crafts or donating to elephant food.
• Book morning slots for the best lighting and cooler weather.
• Always choose responsible tourism—no riding activities involved.

Dining:

• Thai buffet meals (rice, curries, fruits, vegetarian options)
• Fresh coconut water is available for purchase.

Shopping:

• Fair-trade hill-tribe handicrafts
• Eco-friendly souvenirs
• Small elephant-themed local products

Your purchases support local communities and elephant care costs.

Morning:

• Elephant Jungle Sanctuary interactive program
• Mud spa and bathing sessions
• Photography and feeding

Afternoon:

• Thai buffet lunch
• Visit Big Buddha or Phuket Elephant Hospital
• Explore Karon Viewpoint

Evening:

• Relax at Kata Beach or Patong Beach
• Dinner at a local beachfront restaurant

1. Walk side-by-side with elephants in the jungle.
2. Learn about elephant rescue stories and health care.
3. Participate in mud spa and bathing activities.
4. Feed elephants fruits, vegetables, and vitamin balls.
5. Capture memorable photographs and support ethical wildlife conservation.

The Elephant Jungle Sanctuary Phuket provides one of the most fulfilling and moral experiences with wildlife in Thailand. The sanctuary is offering an immersive day of animal welfare, prioritising education, family-friendly, or conservation-oriented eco-tour. If you need an educational eco-tour, a family-friendly adventure, or a conservation-oriented one.

If you’re planning a Phuket holiday in 2026, combining your Elephant Jungle Sanctuary experience with a curated travel package can make your trip smoother and more memorable. Pickyourtrail offers several customisable Phuket tour packages that include flights, hotels, transfers, and sightseeing — perfect for solo travellers, couples, families, or honeymooners.