Half day elephant encounter from Phuket

Activities

Phuket, Thailand

from 290 reviews
4.81/5
Free Cancellation
Language: German , English
Mobile voucher accepted
Duration: 4 Hours
Instant Confirmation
Guided Tour
e-Voucher
Group Tour

Do this because

You'll get to see Thailand's elephants up close
A chance to make eco-friendly mulberry paper
Watching elephants splash around in a mud bath is all part of the fun
You will finish your experience with a Thai cooking demo and buffet
Your local guide has plenty of insights to share with you on the day

What to expect

This tour is your backstage pass to the world of elephants in Thailand. The adventure kicks off at the elephant sanctuary with a refreshing welcome drink, setting the tone for the day ahead. After a short video on the history of domestic elephants, you'll learn about the camp's values and how it was founded. Plus, you'll catch a live feed from the Elephant Hospital – an emotional reminder of the care and commitment that goes into their well-being. Prasit, one of our expert local guides, says: "The elephant is Thailand's national animal and holds deep cultural significance - it symbolizes power, wisdom, and good fortune."Next, it's time to get hands-on. You'll roll up your sleeves, prepare nutritious food, and feed the elephants. Watch them as they enjoy their meals and observe their natural behaviours, including their playful mud baths – a vital part of their routine. The day continues with some creative fun. You'll try your hand at making eco-friendly mulberry paper from elephant dung – yes, it's as cool as it sounds – and take home a one-of-a-kind souvenir. Asian elephants can consume over 200 kilos of vegetation each day, so their dung is an abundant resource.Then, to wrap up, enjoy a live Thai cooking demo where chefs walk you through traditional dishes, before tucking into a buffet surrounded by lush nature and the peaceful presence of the elephants.

What's included

Transport
Guide
Lunch
Drinks

What to remember

Not suitable for those with reduced mobility due to uneven paths or steps
Not suitable for wheelchairs
Children must be supervised by an adult (over 18 years) at all time
Bring a hat
Bring insect repellent
Subject to weather conditions
Please note that all times are approximate and subject to change

Provider

TUI DESTINATION EXPERIENCES (THAILAND) LTD.

Booking Fee

Good news! No extra fees are applied to this booking.

Cancellation Fee

Receive a 100% refund if you cancel up to 1 day before the experience begins
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Reviews

Excellent

4.8/5
Based on 100 reviews from verified customers
All ratings (290)
90%
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J

Janine

March 2026
From United Kingdom
Traveled as Alone - 49 years old

Excellent

Very enjoyable guide was brilliant thanks
L

LuLa

March 2026
From Germany
Traveled as As a couple - 46 years old

Excellent

Die Abholung vom Hotel war pünktlich und vor Ort wurden wir vom deutsch sprechenden Guite in Empfang genommen. Super ausführliche Informationen über die Elefanten und deren Herkunft. Der Rundgang durch das gesamte Gelände war gut und die Fütterung der Elefanten war recht interessant für jedermann. Es wurde alles von den Helfern vorbereitet und beim Duschen der Elefanten konnten wir mithelfen. Abschließend gab es ein Buffet. Wir können den Ausflug weiter empfehlen. Preis Leistung dafür ok.
M

Mally

March 2026
From United Kingdom
Traveled as As a couple - 53 years old

Excellent

Everything was good
Z

Zazzu

March 2026
From United Kingdom
Traveled as As a couple

Excellent

Fantastic trip very safe to see the elephant amazing experience 🙏
I

Ilona

March 2026
From Germany
Traveled as As a couple - 48 years old

Excellent

Guter Umgang mit den Elephanten. Insbesondere ist die Aufteilung 1 eigener Pfleger für 1 Elephanten super. Deutschsprachiger Guide Pong war super!! Danke für das schöne Erlebnis!
H

Helene

March 2026
From Denmark
Traveled as With family - 19 years old

Excellent

Jeg synes hele oplevelsen var helt vild god. Vi blev hentet tidlig morgen af en transfer som TUI havde sørget for. Vi blev hele tiden informeret om hvad vi skulle og ikke skulle. Både af personalet på elefant turen og af guiden inden turen. Det var et dejligt sted for elefanter da man tydeligt kunne se de blev passet rigtig godt på og hele omdrejningspunktet var deres ve og vel. Det handlede ikke om at elefanterne skulle underholde os, hvilket var vigtigt for os at vide. Mega god tur!
M

Mark

March 2026
From United Kingdom
Traveled as As a couple - 48 years old

Excellent

There's nothing to not like. The staff are great and you get up and close to the elephants whilst being totally safe. The experience as a whole was superb and very informative.
A

Anne-Lie & Harald

March 2026
From Sweden
Traveled as As a couple - 51 years old

Excellent

Det var en fantastisk upplevelse, komma så nära elefanterna.Bra guide som lärde oss mycket om dem, väldigt bra info o upplägg och att man var aktiv på de olika momenten m dem. En av de bästa upplevelserna på resan!
P

PIRRE

March 2026
From Finland
Traveled as As a couple - 52 years old

Excellent

Puheosuuksia ehkä liian kauan. Lspset ei ainakaan jaksa pitkiä esityksiä. Muuten ihan loistava reissu.
K

Kim Williams

March 2026
From United Kingdom
Traveled as With friends - 47 years old

Excellent

We absolutely loved this experience , we enjoyed the information given about the elephants first after a welcome drink , then getting very up close and personal with the elephants , I was in awe of everything offered and we had a lovely lunch there and a Thai cooking class , nothing was too much trouble and we also got a free framed picture , we would definitely recommend this trip to anyone and there wasn’t anything we didn’t like , staff so friendly
J

Jono

March 2026
From United Kingdom
Traveled as As a couple - 32 years old

Excellent

Such a great experience Learning about the sanctuary and elephants. So much included in the price
N

Nadja und Mathias

March 2026
From Germany
Traveled as As a couple

Excellent

K

Kerstin

March 2026
From Germany
Traveled as As a couple - 35 years old

Excellent

Traumhaftes Erlebnis mit einem deutsch sprechenden Guide. Die ganze Anlage ist toll.
K

Katrin

March 2026
From Germany
Traveled as Alone - 33 years old

Excellent

Sehr schöner Ausflug eine schöne Anlage. Es wird verantwortlich und sehr gut mit den Elephanten umgegangen.
D

DG

March 2026
From Sweden
Traveled as As a couple - 39 years old

Excellent

Allt var utmärkt . Inget att klaga på.
J

Jeanine

March 2026
From Germany
Traveled as As a couple - 33 years old

Excellent

Alles super organisiert. Elefanten werden dort sehr gut behandelt. Waren alle sehr nett und zuvorkommend. Führung und Programm super gut
E

Ekerö

March 2026
From Sweden
Traveled as With family - 33 years old

Excellent

Fantastisk upplevelse för hela familjen, även för tonårssönerna! Möjligtvis kunde man ha kortat ner introduktionen, men väldigt intressant att höra om elefanterna. Fantastisk och engagerad kvinna som höll i allt! Barnen fick även lärandet att göra Pad Thai…
M

M.R.+F.R.

March 2026
From Germany
Traveled as As a couple - 44 years old

Excellent

Wir hatten schöne Stunden,Herr Pong gab uns sehr interessante Informationen und gestaltete die Zeit auch mit lustigen Anekdoten.Wir können diesen Ausflug gerne weiter empfehlen.
C

Conny

March 2026
From Germany
Traveled as With friends - 16 years old

Excellent

Ein Ausflug war super! Die Tiere scheinen glücklich und gepflegt zu sein. Unser Guide war toll. Er war sehr nett und hat viel erzählt. Essen war sehr gut und das selber kochen war lustig und interessant. Zur Begrüßung haben wir gleich etwas zum trinken bekommen und wurden freundlich empfangen. Am Schluss mussten wir zusammen warten, dass mehrere mit den Taxi fahren, doch das ist verständlich und in dieser Zeit konnten wir etwas im Shop einkaufen und uns mit unseren Guide unterhalten.
P

Petern

March 2026
From Germany
Traveled as As a couple - 52 years old

Excellent

Alles bestens vorbereitet. Wichtige Infos wurden mitgeteilt. Die Abläufe stimmten. Mit Pong hatten wir eine ausgezeichnete, kompetente Führungsperson.
A

Anna

March 2026
From Sweden
Traveled as As a couple - 33 years old

Excellent

Härligt att få följa med elefanterna o se deras vardag o hur dom tas omhand.
D

Deborah Jackson

March 2026
From United Kingdom

Excellent

K

Kate P

March 2026
From United Kingdom
Traveled as With family - 43 years old

Excellent

J

JaneC

March 2026
From United Kingdom
Traveled as As a couple - 42 years old

Excellent

Excellent trip the guide Melly was very informative and added humour to the tour, the elephants are generally there for rehab from employed service and it was interesting to learn how they are protected and monitored in the domestic setting and in the wild. The entire trip allowed for plenty of interaction with the elephants and unlike other trips you get the days photos for free, a framed photo and a small souvenir, well worth it, highly recommended.
G

G and K

March 2026
From United Kingdom
Traveled as As a couple - 51 years old

Excellent

The elephant sanctuary staff were excellent, very knowledgable. Lots of interaction with the elephants including feeding, washing, walking with them. The extra bonus being a Phad Thai cooking lesson. The lunch was very nice. Transport was efficient and it wasn’t a long time in the taxi/bus. Overall a very good half day trip.
M

Mel D

March 2026
From United Kingdom
Traveled as With family - 58 years old

Excellent

Enjoyed the whole experience. Meeting and learning about the elephants and what is being done for the elephants.
J

Julie - Peterborough

February 2026
From United Kingdom
Traveled as Alone - 44 years old

Excellent

I had a lovely day with the elephants. It was very informative and had a few extra activities to add to the day . The time spent with the elephants was not rushed at all and thoroughly enjoyable. The only down side I felt the talk at the beginning was pretty lengthy and could have been slightly shorter. The guides were lovely with lots of information.
M

Marco

February 2026
From Germany
Traveled as As a couple - 14 years old

Excellent

A

Andreas

February 2026
From Germany
Traveled as With family - 34 years old

Excellent

Es war ein sehr schöner Tag.
L

Lomailija

February 2026
From Finland
Traveled as As a couple - 44 years old

Excellent

Meitä tultiin noutamaan hotellilta tunti myöhässä. Ilmeisesti meidät oli unohdettu. Viestittelimme jonka jälkeen meidät noudettiin. TUI oppaaseen ei saa yhteyttä. Muutoin retki oli loistava.
J

Jan / Anneli

February 2026
From Sweden
Traveled as As a couple - 48 years old

Excellent

Det var det bästa jag gjort i Thailand har varit här 3 gånger
M

Mark Cockayne

February 2026
From United Kingdom
Traveled as As a couple - 32 years old

Excellent

Great day out seeing beautiful creatures in a safe and ethical environment.
G

Guy Devaux

February 2026
From France
Traveled as As a couple - 46 years old

Great

S

Suzie

February 2026
From United Kingdom
Traveled as As a couple - 47 years old

Excellent

We enjoyed the whole experience especially the guide we had she told information about Elephants we didnt even know..wasnt anything we didnt like.
F

Finn Yde-Andersen

February 2026
From Denmark
Traveled as As a couple

Excellent

V

VM

February 2026
From United Kingdom
Traveled as With family

Excellent

Fantastic trip - absolutely loved it !
F

French

February 2026
From France
Traveled as With family - 31 years old

Excellent

J’ai apprécié les explications précises du guide , l bienveillance envers les éléphants , l’atelier cuisine , le petit cadeau offert aux enfants . Le déjeuner était délicieux . Aucun avis négatif
J

JN Butter

February 2026
From United Kingdom
Traveled as With family - 32 years old

Excellent

Excellent family afternoon
R

Roope

February 2026
From Finland
Traveled as As a couple - 6 years old

Excellent

B

Brian

February 2026
From United Kingdom
Traveled as As a couple - 47 years old

Excellent

Well organised, from pickup being on time to the delivery of the experience at the Elephant Sanctuary. Milly was very informative and clearly cared passionately about the programme to protect elephants and provide much needed care
W

Winni & nini

February 2026
From Germany
Traveled as As a couple - 33 years old

Excellent

D

Donna

February 2026
From United Kingdom
Traveled as As a couple - 33 years old

Excellent

Was a very enjoyable day . Getting to know all about different elephant. Staff very friendly. Over all a very good day
L

Linda David

February 2026
From United Kingdom
Traveled as As a couple - 58 years old

Excellent

Staff were brilliant at sanctuary nothing too much trouble char was amusing and entertaining
S

Sean

February 2026
From United Kingdom
Traveled as As a couple - 38 years old

Excellent

One if the best day trips we have ever been on. Great interation with the elephants on their terms in a controled enviroment. Would recomend to anyone.
S

S crotty

February 2026
From United Kingdom
Traveled as As a couple - 48 years old

Excellent

Informative and hands on
A

Ange

February 2026
From United Kingdom
Traveled as As a couple - 40 years old

Excellent

Åsa

February 2026
From Sweden
Traveled as As a couple - 35 years old

Great

Mycket duktig och trevlig guide. God mat. Rolig och lärorik utflykt. Lite lång väg att åka.
H

Hughesy

February 2026
From United Kingdom
Traveled as As a couple - 34 years old

Excellent

This was an amazing experience being able to get up close to the elephants, as well as feed and wash them. The staff were wonderful with them too, you could see they were well looked after. Throughly enjoyable trip which I would highly recommend
R

Robert Newman

February 2026
From United Kingdom
Traveled as As a couple - 54 years old

Excellent

This was a very relaxed environment at an Elephant Sanctuary that is very ethical. It was so nice to see how well the animals were treated.
S

Steven Trenerry

February 2026
From United Kingdom
Traveled as Alone - 33 years old

Excellent

I didn’t not like anything. Loved the interaction from the staff and being able to interact with the elephants
S

Sandra

February 2026
From Netherlands
Traveled as As a couple - 36 years old

Excellent

Respect voor de verzorgers en de begeleiders van de olifanten. Je wordt zelf goed begeleid hoe je de olifanten mag benaderen. Kleine groepjes. Vanaf het moment dat we in de taxi stapte tot terugkomst bij het hotel, het was in een woord: geweldig!
S

Sandra

February 2026
From Germany
Traveled as With family - 22 years old

Excellent

Es war ein wahnsinnig tolles Erlebnis so sanften Tieren so nah zu kommen. Pong Unser guide war super nett und hat all unsere Fragen beantwortet. Wir können es nur weiterempfehlen.
H

Heli

February 2026
From Finland
Traveled as As a couple - 33 years old

Excellent

W

Walsh

February 2026
From United Kingdom
Traveled as As a couple - 33 years old

Great

Once you get to the actual elephants it was great but we had to sit through a presentation for far too long first, for that reason I would not do this trip again.
*

***

February 2026
From Germany
Traveled as As a couple

Excellent

B

BT

February 2026
From Germany
Traveled as Alone - 35 years old

Excellent

Alles Bestens, Vielen Dank.
M

Mark G

February 2026
From United Kingdom
Traveled as As a couple - 44 years old

Excellent

This was just a great experience and one of the highlights of our entire holiday. Being allowed up so close to the elephants is very special. I cannot recommend this excursion enough. I was happy to sit out on making pictures with elephant dung (which of course was not compulsory to participate) but the rest of the excursion was excellent.
S

Slonie w Phuket

February 2026
From Poland
Traveled as With family - 31 years old

Excellent

Niesamowita wycieczka, moglismy karmic, glaskac i przytulac slonie. Na koniec dostalismy buziaka od najfajniejszej mlodej slonicy. Z czystym sumieniem polecam. Pawel
L

Lokvogel

January 2026
From Germany
Traveled as As a couple - 37 years old

Great

T

Tolga

January 2026
From Germany
Traveled as As a couple - 10 years old

Excellent

G

Gabi

January 2026
From Germany
Traveled as Alone - 41 years old

Excellent

C

Chris Coker

January 2026
From United Kingdom
Traveled as As a couple - 53 years old

Excellent

The whole experience was great, I think some thought the pre talk was a little long but, I enjoyed the knowledge. The one to one with the elephants was wonderful.
K

KasparLee

January 2026
From Finland
Traveled as As a couple - 47 years old

Excellent

J

Jenny

January 2026
From United Kingdom
Traveled as Alone - 51 years old

Excellent

Absolutely lovely trip. The guide was very informative and it was wonderful to get so close to the elephants and learn all about the conservation centre.
P

Pamela

January 2026
From United Kingdom
Traveled as As a couple - 52 years old

Excellent

S

Serhan

January 2026
From United Kingdom
Traveled as As a couple - 14 years old

Excellent

A

Anna

January 2026
From Sweden
Traveled as As a couple - 44 years old

Excellent

Trevlig och engagerad guide. Bra upplägg med varierande aktiviteter. Helnöjda.
E

Elephant lover

January 2026
From United Kingdom
Traveled as With family - 27 years old

Excellent

Amazing experience, the elephants were looked after in a very ethical and professional way . All the staff were very knowledgeable and helpful
M

Michaela

January 2026
From United Kingdom

Excellent

It was a fantastic day and great to see the elephants being well looked after and not abused for the benefit of tourists.
A

Alison Woodward

January 2026
From United Kingdom
Traveled as As a couple - 44 years old

Excellent

We had an amazing afternoon x From the start to the finish everything was so well organised x The physical interactions with the elephants is something I will hold in my heart forever x The food served was wry good and the Thai cooking sow x It is definitely a must if you love and respect the elephant x
H

Helle

January 2026
From Denmark
Traveled as With family - 21 years old

Excellent

God fornemmelse med dyrerne, de så ud til at have det godt. Man fik en god forklaring på hvorfor stedet findes og hvilke opgaver og problematikker de har. De var ærlige omkring hvor nødvendigt det er at gøre det til en forretning for at kunne sørge ordentligt for elefanterne. Personalet var super flinke og der var god service.
J

John Hayden

January 2026
From United Kingdom
Traveled as With friends - 29 years old

Excellent

We enjoyed the overall experience with the elephants and the guide and everbody there. Once in a lifetime experience
J

John

January 2026
From United Kingdom
Traveled as As a couple - 41 years old

Excellent

Our host Melly was brilliant, she was very knowledgeable and clearly loves all the elephants, as do all the staff. The interaction with the elephants was an amazing experience, one which I will never forget. The pad thai cooking lesson was a hit and very successful. All the food was great and drinks are free. The only downside was that they filled the bus to maximum capacity for the way home, so various drop offs, which meant the journey home was 2 hours rather than the 1 hour trip there.
T

Tanja Normann

January 2026
From Denmark
Traveled as With family - 39 years old

Excellent

N

Neil Price

January 2026
From United Kingdom
Traveled as As a couple - 36 years old

Excellent

K

Klemens

January 2026
From Germany
Traveled as As a couple - 17 years old

Excellent

K

Kiimmy

January 2026
From United Kingdom
Traveled as As a couple - 40 years old

Excellent

From the private taxi to the day and events at the elephant encounter it was amazing
T

Therese Ström

January 2026
From Sweden
Traveled as Alone - 48 years old

Excellent

En turist blev sparkad av en elefant men hann med nöd och näppe undan från att få benet avsparkat. Personalen reagerade inte nämnvärt utan plåstrade om kvinnan. Det är ändå mycket stora djur och turisterna fick ovana gå alldeles inpå elefanterna. Bortsett från detta var det intressant och hukades mycket kunnig
S

Schubi770

January 2026
From Germany
Traveled as With family - 29 years old

Excellent

L

Leanne

January 2026
From United Kingdom
Traveled as With family - 34 years old

Excellent

Amazing experience encountering elephants during their daily routine of feeding, mud bathing and walk. Got to see where they lived and how well they are cared for. Pick up each end was seamless and on time. My only negative would be the amount of time drivers spend interacting with their phone.
L

Lynne Hallam

January 2026
From United Kingdom
Traveled as As a couple - 46 years old

Excellent

Well organised, lots of interaction with the elephants, really interesting morning and the meal provided was excellent
M

Marcel

January 2026
From Germany
Traveled as As a couple

Average

V

Vettie

January 2026
From Netherlands
Traveled as With family - 29 years old

Excellent

Echt top!
B

Barrie

December 2025
From United Kingdom
Traveled as As a couple - 38 years old

Excellent

Fantastic ethical experience
P

Peer Nielsen

December 2025
From Denmark
Traveled as Alone - 57 years old

Excellent

Super godt og god mad
N

Nicola Muggridge

December 2025
From United Kingdom
Traveled as With family - 38 years old

Excellent

Fantastic experience. Staff were very knowledgeable and friendly. Lots of activities. Nice to have lunch included too.
M

Melanie

December 2025
From Germany
Traveled as With friends - 28 years old

Excellent

P

Portsmouthfc1

December 2025
From United Kingdom
Traveled as With family - 43 years old

Excellent

It was an amazing experience being so close to the elephants. The guide was Very good explaining how they look after them on a structured daily routine and the reasoning behind it
H

Hans

December 2025
From Germany
Traveled as With family - 42 years old

Excellent

A

Alex

December 2025
From Sweden
Traveled as With family - 26 years old

Average

Fantastisk och mycket lärorik upplevelse som uppskattades av hela familjen. Att få vara nära elefanterna, mata dem, bada tillsammans och bara umgås var oerhört mysigt. Guiderna var kunniga och engagerade, och man märkte tydligt att elefanternas välmående stod i fokus. Rekommenderas varmt! Det som drar ner betyget är transporttiden – vi fick info om ca 45 min resa men det tog nästan 2 timmar enkel väg.
P

Pete

December 2025
From United Kingdom
Traveled as With family - 50 years old

Great

The welfare of the animals was top priority. The opening presentation could have been shorter. We watched a video, then the guide just repeated everything we’d just watched. Children were bored.
A

Amanda Tough

December 2025
From United Kingdom
Traveled as With family - 49 years old

Excellent

All staff were knowledgeable and friendly throughout the afternoon, ensuring every one had the full experience…… one of the best afternoons ever xx
T

Tbs

December 2025
From Sweden
Traveled as With family - 24 years old

Excellent

.

....

December 2025
From Netherlands
Traveled as As a couple - 43 years old

Excellent

Het is heel leuk en interessant om te zien en horen maar denk niet dat de excursie zo duur hoeft te zijn
S

syoun

December 2025
From United Kingdom
Traveled as As a couple - 40 years old

Excellent

D

Dee

December 2025
From United Kingdom
Traveled as As a couple - 47 years old

Excellent

Very informative.Most enjoyable experience.The staff and guides were friendly and entertaining.
N

Nokey37

December 2025
From United Kingdom

Excellent

Our guide Melly was fantastic, quite funny and really easy to talk to. You could see how everyone that worked there really enjoyed what they did. The elephants were amazing and it was great feeding them and giving them a shower 10/10
T

Thomas Hukken

December 2025
From Norway
Traveled as With family - 32 years old

Excellent

Fantastiske folk med god omtanke for dyrene. Utrolig flinke til å formidle, samt se oss gjester. Vi hadde med oss tre barn (tvillinger 8år og jente 10år), og de syntes dette var det kjekkeste vi har gjort i hele ferien. Ungene måtte lære å lage Pad Thai på slutten av dagen. Terningkast 6!
S

Steve

December 2025
From United Kingdom
Traveled as With friends - 49 years old

Excellent

All round excellent
M

Michel

December 2025
From Netherlands
Traveled as As a couple - 46 years old

Excellent

Onvergetelijke ervaring om zo dicht betrokken te worden bij deze prachtige dieren. Zeer interessante ontvangst en briefing, kennismaken met de dieren en hun begeleiders, samen korte wandeling, helpe met douchen en afkoelen....En alles respectvol naar de olifanten. Daarna nog zeer lekker gegeten.

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