Costs
1,400 THB p.p.
(≈ 36,85 EUR)
Opening hours
Daily 08:00 - 17:00
Elephant sanctuaries Phuket
There are several elephant sanctuaries on Phuket where you can observe these fascinating animals up close and see them in their natural environment. We have visited two of these camps on our travels and we can really recommend them to you: The Bukit Elephant Park and the Green Elephant Sanctuary Park. Both camps stand for animal welfare and position themselves against chains or riding. Unfortunately, even today you can still see many elephants in Thailand and throughout Asia that are kept on chains, have to carry heavy things and are abused by paying tourists for an "unforgettable" riding experience. We are clearly against such methods and can therefore highly recommend the protected areas mentioned. The elephants are safe here and have been bought free for very high sums of money in some cases. They can move freely in the wild and only come out when they really feel like social interaction.
💡 Did you actually know that every elephant has a own protective person who takes care of the animal all its life and lives with it until it dies? In Thailand, these people are called "mahout" and they often live in small huts right next to the enclosure, so that the elephant always feels its proximity.
Bukit Elephant Park at a glance:
- Hike through beautiful nature trails
- Watching and feeding elephants
- Half-day tour including transfer and lunch. Costs 1400 THB p.p. (≈ 38 €)
Green Elephant Sanctuary Park at a glance:
- Watch elephants, feed them, massage them with mud and shower them off
- Half-day tour including transfer and lunch. Costs approx. 2500 THB p.p. (≈ 67 €)
- Great souvenir photos included! (While you pose with the elephants, 2-3 photographers take photos of you the whole time and upload everything to Dropbox for free)
ConclusionBoth parks have their advantages and offer a unique natural area for the elephants. Bukit Elephant Park pays more attention to ethics and space for the elephants. You can explore the park and spot elephants from a distance in their natural habitat. In the Green Elephant Park, you can get much closer to the elephants, as you can even bathe with them, rub them with mud and shower them off again later. It is important to note that not all elephants always take part, but only those that are in the mood for a bathing session that day!
Map
More Phuket highlights
Karon Beach
At over 3 kilometers, Karon Beach is one of the longest and widest beaches on Phuket. It is particularly popular with families, as the shallow water slopes gently and is therefore ideal for children to splash around in. There are many sun loungers on the fine sandy beach, which can be rented for a fee. Alternatively, there are also green areas with shady trees where you can relax and read a book all day long. In contrast to Patong, Karon is somewhat quieter and more family-friendly and offers a relaxed atmosphere and beautiful sunsets both during the day and in the evening.
Promthep Cape
At the southernmost tip of Phuket is the so-called Promthep Cape - a wonderful vantage point with a view of the islands to the south and the vast sea! The entire area is lovingly designed, decorated with flowers and is completely paved. There is free parking on site and admission to the viewpoint is free. There is an impressive Bodhi tree on the site, which is certainly several hundred years old and has a considerable diameter. In addition to a Hindu temple with numerous colorful elephant statues that are hard to miss, there is also a lighthouse on the square, which you can enter free of charge.
Elephant sanctuaries Phuket
There are several elephant sanctuaries on Phuket where you can observe these fascinating animals up close and see them in their natural environment. We have visited two of these camps on our travels, which we can really recommend to you: Bukit Elephant Park and Green Elephant Sanctuary Park. Both camps stand for animal welfare and take a stance against chains or riding. Unfortunately, even today you can still see many elephants in Thailand and throughout Asia that are kept on chains, have to carry heavy things and are abused by paying tourists for an "unforgettable" riding experience. We are clearly against such methods and can therefore highly recommend the protected areas mentioned. Here, the elephants are safe and have been bought free, sometimes for very high sums of money. They can move freely in the wild and only come out when they really feel like social interaction.
Three Monkeys Restaurant
Three Monkeys is an upscale jungle restaurant right next to Hanuman World, probably the most famous place for ziplining on Phuket. Compared to other places, the prices here are significantly higher, but it offers a unique ambience. The interior consists mainly of wood, rattan furniture, lots of green plants and cozy warm lights. The lovingly decorated rooms are all different and offer popular photo spots, which is why a visit is worthwhile both during the day and in the evening. The menu includes Thai & international dishes as well as delicious cocktails. Upscale prices for food & drinks, around 600 THB per person. Remember to book in advance - the places are very popular, especially in the evening!
Windmill Viewpoint
The Windmill Viewpoint is a breezy viewpoint in the south of Phuket and offers you a great view of the surrounding beaches of Yanui and Nai Harn Beach. Buy yourself a delicious fruit smoothie and simply enjoy the view with a fresh sea breeze. You can reach the viewpoint either by scooter or car. Even though the viewpoint doesn't have much to offer on site, we still think it should be on every Phuket bucket list. The landscape is truly unique and very different from the rest of the island! Nearby is Promthep Cape, the southernmost point of Phuket, which is also well worth a visit.
Naka Weekend Market
The Naka Weekend Market is a huge covered market in Phuket Town and our number one tip if you're looking for vacation souvenirs for your loved ones! On over 12,000 m², you can find absolutely everything from clothes, bags, jewelry, care products and souvenirs to electronics - and of course lots of food! At the food stalls you will find a wide selection of dishes, snacks, fruit, delicious smoothies and freshly squeezed sugar cane juice. As the name suggests, the market only opens at weekends: every Saturday and Sunday between 4 and 10 pm. Entry and parking are free. There are toilets on site and a large street food area with plenty of seating.
Karon Viewpoint
The view from Karon Viewpoint is one of Phuket's most famous postcard motifs! The best way to reach this spot is by scooter or rental car. From there you can see a wonderful panorama of the three beach sections Karon Beach, Kata Beach and Kata Noi Beach. Entry is free of charge. Especially at
Naiyang Beach
Naiyang Beach is a quiet beach in the north of Phuket & a real insider tip for anyone looking for relaxation, nature and authentic island flair. Despite its proximity to the airport (only 5-10 minutes by car), the place is surprisingly relaxed and not very crowded. The wide, fine sandy beach offers plenty of shady spots and a shallow transition into the turquoise sea. To the north, the beach borders the Sirinat National Park, which offers an equally idyllic atmosphere for a relaxing day of reading. The best place to watch airplanes is from the southern section of the beach, which should appeal to younger guests in particular! There are numerous food stalls and mini stores on the promenade.
Tunk-Ka Café
If you are planning a trip to Monkey Hill or Khao Rang Viewpoint on your Phuket trip, then you should definitely visit the beautiful Tunk-Ka Café. The small café-restaurant has a charming interior with lots of green plants and lovely decorations. The menu includes traditional Thai dishes, delicious juice spritzers and milkshakes, which you can enjoy on the covered terrace with a view of Phuket Town. Prices are around 200-300 THB per person. Further down there is a panoramic platform where you can take great photos, especially at sunset!
Nui Beach (Phuket)
A hidden bay in the south of Phuket that you should definitely visit: Nui Beach. The entrance fee is 300 THB per person and includes transportation to and from the beach. We recommend using the shuttles and not driving down on your own on a scooter, as the road is really steep, uneven and winding! There is plenty to discover in the bay, including a swing, lovingly decorated photo spots, a bar & a restaurant. Further up there is a small café and a souvenir store. At the two beach sections, you can make yourself comfortable with a towel or rent a sun lounger for 100 THB. Toilets and a shower are available on site.
Paradise Beach (Phuket)
The beautiful Paradise Beach is located very close to Patong. Its name is justified, as the beach shines with fine, white sand and crystal-clear water. As it is a private beach, there is an entrance fee (200 THB per person), but in our experience it is worth every penny. We really can't understand the many negative reviews, as we were totally enchanted by this place. It's best to see for yourself and plan a day at Paradise Beach - just relax, order a few cool drinks & enjoy the quiet moments in a paradisiacal atmosphere!
Freedom Beach (Phuket)
Freedom Beach is one of the most beautiful and quietest private beaches on Phuket, very close to Patong. Due to its seclusion and adventurous route, the beach is particularly popular with young vacationers. You can either take the shuttle to the beach (cost: 300 THB per person; note: the path is quite steep and uneven, making the ride very action-packed) or you can pay 100 THB entrance fee and hike through the dense jungle down to the beach yourself. We spontaneously opted for the hike and even if it's only 100 meters, you shouldn't underestimate the distance. Take mosquito spray with you and always watch your step as it is really steep and the paths are overgrown. After around 10 minutes, you will discover a beautiful stretch of beach with white sand, turquoise sea, a small water sports rental shop and a beach bar. At high tide, the waves at Freedom Beach are sometimes huge, which is why it is also a popular spot for surfers.
