10 Best Ethical Elephant Sanctuaries in Phuket

The elephant rescue mission in Thailand has resulted in a growing interest in ethical elephant sanctuaries in Thailand especially ethical elephant sanctuaries in Phuket, to stop unethical practices such as using elephants for entertainment and laborious tasks. With more and more visitors coming to Thailand to see these beautiful, innocent creatures, separating an unethical elephant sanctuary from an ethical one is important.

We recently compiled a list of ethical elephant sanctuaries in Chiang Mai, but for this article, we are taking you to the southern coast of Phuket, where it is also home to retired elephants saved from various circuses and logging sites.

At these elephant sanctuaries in Phuket, you will not find elephant trekking, elephant shows, or any elephant-abusing activities; instead, visitors will get to spectate the elephants as they live harmoniously in the wild, feed the elephants, and give them mud baths. If you are interested in visiting these lovely creatures and contributing to the sustainability of the parks, read on to discover the many ethical elephant sanctuaries in Phuket.

Check Elephant Sanctuary Availability in Phuket

Tips

All elephant sanctuaries in Phuket offer pickup-dropoff from accommodations in Phuket already included in the ticket.

1. Bukit Elephant Park - natural elephant sanctuary in Phuket

Locating next to Khlong Kata reservoir, the Bukit Elephant Park is rich in greeneries and water sources in ponds and streams that elephants can bathe in whenever they desire accompanied by grassy fields and big luscious trees in a wide stretch of land, giving the elephants a chance to mingle like they would in their natural habitat.

Highlights:

Vast natural park with various greeneries for elephants to roam
A panoramic view of Klong Kata reservoir while observing elephants in their natural habitat
Experience harmoniously living with elephants in an animal-friendly manner
The park does not offer elephant rides or bathing activity
Rubber tapping activity
Making coconut milk and a brief cooking session of Thai food.

Location: Cha-long sub-district, Phuket, Thailand

2. Freedom Elephant Reserve Phuket

Experience truly ethical elephant tourism at Freedom Elephant Reserve in Phuket. This genuine sanctuary rescues elephants from exploitative riding camps, bathing shows, and hotel gigs, giving them happier, freer lives with plenty of space to roam.

Activity follows the elephants' schedule: feeding, walking, mud baths, or just chilling—nothing forced. If one isn't in the mood, we respectfully observe, fostering natural interactions based on trust and patience.

Highlights:

Truly Ethical: No riding, shows, or chains—pure welfare focus.
Genuine Rescues: Elephants saved from riding camps, bathing attractions, and hotels.
Freer Lives: Visible happiness and natural thriving post-rescue.
Ample Space: Vast areas for unrestricted roaming.
Elephant-Led: Activities only when they want; respectful observation otherwise.

Location: Cha-long sub-district, Mueang Phuket, Thailand

3. Lily Elephant Camp @Phuket

Visit Lily Elephant Care Camp in Phuket for a cruelty-free elephant experience amid stunning island scenery. Walk alongside well-cared-for elephants through lush green forests down to the beach—perfect for natural photos and memorable views.
No riding, no circus-style performances—just respectful interactions in a tropical paradise. Watch these gentle giants roam freely in a beautiful coastal setting. Ideal for travelers wanting ethical wildlife encounters with Phuket's iconic beach vibes.

Highlights

Cruelty-Free: Completely no riding or performances.
Well-Cared Elephants: Healthy and properly looked after.
Stunning Scenery: Lush forests with island vibes.
Beach Walk: Stroll with elephants to the shore for photos.
Respectful Only: Natural, non-intrusive interactions.

Location: Thalang District, Phuket, Thailand

4. Elephant Jungle sanctuary in Phuket

Through its elephants' rescue mission, the Elephant Jungle Sanctuary organization has set up camps in many provinces across Thailand, like Phuket, Pattaya, Koh Samui, and Chiang Mai. The Elephant Jungle Sanctuary in Phuket offers visitors to Thailand's coast a glimpse into how the retired elephants in Thailand are rescued and given a new home as well as a fantastic view of the beaches.

Highlights

Learning about the history of elephants at the elephant sanctuary in Phuket
Engage in preparing medicine for the elephants
Learn about elephant physical examination
Feeding and showering with elephants
Enjoying Thai traditional food

Location: There are 3 branches of Elephant Jungle Sanctuary: Kathu, Thalang, and Bangtao branches where your visited location is largely determined by your accommodation's proximity to the closest branch.

For more details book a ticket for a day tour to Elephant Jungle Sanctuary Phuket

5. Phuket Elephant Nature Reserve

Another must-visited elephant sanctuary in Phuket is the Phuket elephant nature reserve. Locating in the lush jungle, visiting the Phuket elephant nature reserve allows you to see scenic landscapes of the beach and jungle while getting the chance to interact with rescued elephants at the sanctuary through feeding, and jungle walking with the elephants to view the beautiful lush forest.

Highlights

Free roaming and foraging elephants
No riding, chaining, and bathing of elephants
Educating on elephant welfare
Preparing elephant herbal medicine
Environmental Conservation Practices with Elephant Dung Recycling
Complimentary Thai cooking demonstration

Location: Thalang, Phuket, Thailand

Phuket elephant nature reserve

For more details or book a ticket for a day tour to Phuket Elephant Nature Reserve

6. Phuket Elephant Sanctuary

Similar in name, the Phuket elephant sanctuary is another sanctuary that is worth visiting especially if visitors are looking for 100% hand-off activities. Endorsed by National Geographic and World Animal Protection, the Phuket Elephant Sanctuary's mission is to give Thai elephants that have undergone abuse a chance at life in a natural environment free from humans mingling.

Highlights

First ethical elephant sanctuary in Phuket
100% hand-off activities
Short and non-intrusive feeding
Thailand’s longest canopy walkway to observe the elephants roam, forage, and bath
Vegan/vegetarian Thai buffet to relax on their Tree Top Reception
Volunteer Program

Location: Paklok, Thalang, Phuket Thailand

7. Phuket Elephant Care Sanctuary

Phuket Elephant Care Sanctuary is another elephant sanctuary that offers elephants a big space to roam around with many activities for visitors to be able to participate with these gentle giants.

Highlights

English, Cantonese, and German-speaking guide
There are 3 camps that visitors can visit based on where their accommodation is.
Free towel service for borrowing.
Elephants feeding and making nutritional food ball
Giving the elephants a mud bath and cleaning them up in a big pond.
Enjoying home-cooked traditional Thai food

Locations: Thalang and Kathu, Thailand

For more details or book a ticket for a day tour of Phuket Elephant Care

8. Tonsai Elephant Care Camp Phuket

The Tonsai Elephant Care Camp is a family-owned elephant sanctuary in Phuket where you are welcomed by the owners into a sanctuary that is not as crowded. On a good day, you might even find yourself on a private day tour to the elephant camp where you get to interact with the elephants aged 4-70 years old each with their adorable personality.

Highlights

It is one of the few sanctuaries in Phuket that allows elephants to roam around
Family-run sanctuary that cares for elephants' well-being
Pad Thai cooking class at the camp (for specific package)
1 km walk to Patong beach

Location: Patong, Phuket Thailand

For more details or book a ticket for a day tour of Tonsai Elephant Care Camp Phuket

9. Elephant Wildlife Sanctuary Phuket

Another elephant sanctuary in Phuket is the Elephant Wildlife Sanctuary in Phuket where visitors get to witness elephants being taken care of with the utmost love by staff. The elephants are lovely and respond excitedly to visitors.

Highlights

The sanctuary emphasizes the mental and physical well-being of elephants
Feeding and bathing activity
Giving elephants a mud spa
Take part in an aromatic oil massage for elephants

Location: Choeng Thale, Thalang, Phuket Thailand

For more details or book a ticket for a day tour of Elephant Wildlife Sanctuary Phuket

10. Phuket Elephant Conservation

Phuket Elephant Conservation is a small, family-run eco-friendly center emphasizing generational care and sustainability. It differentiates from larger/more interactive sanctuaries by its intimate scale, natural bamboo-built facilities, and optional cooking class—offering a low-key, authentic experience rather than high-volume activities or strict observation-only

Highlights