Ethical elephant sanctuaries in Phuket: what to expect
No riding, no shows: how a visit to an ethical elephant sanctuary in Phuket works, what to wear and which program to choose.
4 min read
Meeting elephants is one of the highlights of a stay in Thailand. More and more travellers want to do it responsibly — and that is exactly what an ethical sanctuary offers.
What does “ethical” mean?
- No riding and no seats on the elephants’ backs.
- No shows or tricks.
- Elephants live in a natural environment and are observed and cared for by their mahouts.
How does the visit work?
After hotel pick-up, a guide explains the history of the elephants and how to behave around them. You then prepare their food, feed them, walk alongside them and — depending on the program — watch or join the mud bath and the shower. A meal is usually included.
See the programs and prices: Elephant Sanctuary.
What to wear
- Clothes you don’t mind getting dirty (mud!) and a swimsuit underneath
- Closed shoes or sandals that hold well
- Insect repellent, sunscreen and a change of clothes
Which program to choose?
Half-day programs (morning or afternoon) suit most travellers and families with young children. Choose the morning for cooler temperatures. For a complete day in the green hills, combine it with a city tour or an adventure activity.
Frequently asked questions
What makes an elephant sanctuary in Phuket ethical?
An ethical elephant sanctuary offers no riding, no seats on the elephants’ backs and no shows or tricks. The elephants live in a natural environment and are observed and cared for by their mahouts.
Can you ride elephants at an ethical sanctuary in Phuket?
No. Riding is not allowed in an ethical elephant sanctuary: visitors feed the elephants, walk alongside them and watch or join the mud bath instead.
What happens during an elephant sanctuary visit in Phuket?
After hotel pick-up, a guide explains the history of the elephants and how to behave around them. You then prepare their food, feed them, walk alongside them and, depending on the program, watch or join the mud bath and the shower. A meal is usually included.
What should I wear to an elephant sanctuary in Phuket?
Wear clothes you don’t mind getting muddy with a swimsuit underneath, and closed shoes or sandals that hold well. Bring insect repellent, sunscreen and a change of clothes.
Should I choose a morning or afternoon elephant sanctuary program?
Half-day programs, in the morning or the afternoon, suit most travellers. Choose the morning for cooler temperatures.
Is an elephant sanctuary in Phuket suitable for children?
Yes. Half-day elephant sanctuary programs suit families with young children, who can feed the elephants and walk with them in a respectful setting with no riding and no shows.
By Phuket Experience · Tour business licence No. 32/01870 (Department of Tourism) – Bike It Phuket Co.,Ltd · 1 Oct 2026
