No riding
There's no saddle, no seat, and no hook. The elephants are in the open, and visitors come to them.
Elephant sanctuary in Phuket
You feed, bathe, and walk alongside elephants that came out of working camps, without riding, without a show, and without a hook.
Check availability and pricePrices
From 850 THB, booked in advance.
Important information:
- You don't ride the elephants. This is the point where a rehabilitation farm differs from an elephant camp, and that's the reason this place exists.
- Ages: adult from age 11, child 4–10. For younger children, ask us before booking.
- The camp rotates between Thalang, Bang Tao, and Kathu depending on the number of visitors. The exact address comes with the booking confirmation.
- Booking at least 3 hours in advance for the day itself, and the activity departs every half hour between 09:00 and 16:00.
- Cancellation: 100% refund up to two days before the visit date.
- A meal isn't included in any program.
What is a rehabilitation farm, and how is it different
The difference isn't a marketing one
Most of the elephants at camps in Thailand came from the logging industry, or from riding tourism. A rehabilitation farm is a place that takes in elephants like these and stops working them.
The practical difference is simple: you don't ride. There's no saddle, no seat on the back, and no hook. The elephants roam in the open, and visitors come to them, not the other way around.
This also means that No show. There's no painting, no soccer, and no standing on the hind legs, these things require training that isn't part of this place.
What you actually do: They feed them with bananas and sugar cane, Bathing them in mud and the river, and simply You stand next to them. The elephants are very large up close, and that itself is the experience.
The caretakers are mostly members of The Karen, an ethnic group that has lived with elephants for many generations. In the half-day program there's time to hear about them and about the method.
Those looking for elephant riding, this isn't the place. We have a separate page for that.
Feeding
Bananas and sugar cane, by hand. This is the first part in every program.
Bathing
Mud and then the river. The part where you really touch them, and where you get completely dirty.
The Karen
The caretakers are mostly members of the Karen. In the half-day program there's time to hear about them.
The four programs: the difference is time
and not different content
Feeding It's an hour, and it's the basis: you feed, take photos, and hear a short explanation. It has two versions, one No transfers at 850 THB, and one With transfers at 1,400.
The difference between the two is only the transfer. Those who rent a car in Phuket save 550 THB here; those who don't, the transfer is worth it, because the camps are far.
Feeding and bathing adds the wet part. You spread mud on the elephants and then go down with them to the river to wash it off. This is the part children remember.
Half day It's the long one, and it adds time, not a different activity. It includes a longer stay with the elephants and learning about the Karen.
Most visitors choose one of the two middle options. Feeding only, short for those who traveled an hour to get there, and A long half-day for those who have other plans the same day.
Pickup, Hours and location
and the camp rotates: this isn't a mistake
The activity departs every half hour between 09:00 and 16:00. In programs with transfer there are two departures: morning pickup around 07:00 to 09:15, or noon pickup around 12:00 to 13:15, depending on the program.
The drive from the hotel to the camp takes About an hour.
There are several camps, Thalang, Bang Tao, and Kathu, and they rotate according to the number of visitors that day. The exact address comes with the booking confirmation, and that's how the place prevents overload on the same group of elephants.
Arrive five minutes before the scheduled time. The groups depart on time, and the elephants don't wait.
In the program without transfers you get there yourselves, and then It's important to confirm the address with us the day before.
Who this suits
And what to consider
This suits those who want to meet elephants up close and aren't comfortable with riding. This is the central experience, and it works both for adults alone and for families.
Very suitable for children From age 4 and up. Bathing is exactly the kind of thing they enjoy, and the encounter itself is safe with the caretakers accompanying.
Think twice If you don't like getting dirty or if you have mobility issues, the terrain isn't paved and the ground is muddy.
Elephants are very large animals, and even at a rehabilitation farm you keep a distance according to the caretaker's instructions. This isn't a petting zoo.
Those who want a full day in the area can combine the visit with Rafting in Phang Nga or with an island day; ask us and we'll build the day for you.
What to wear and what to bring
You'll get dirty, and that's on purpose
Swimsuit under your clothes In every program that includes bathing, and a change of clothes in your bag. There's a place to change at the camp.
You'll get muddy from head to toe. Don't wear anything you care about, and don't wear white shoes.
Hat, Sunscreen and insect repellent, the camps are located in green, humid areas, and the mosquitoes there are real.
A photo of the passport page, the operator requests it, and it's worth having it ready on your phone.
Photography is completely allowed, and most camps also offer a photographer. Your phone will get dirty, a sealed bag solves that.
Frequently asked questions
What to know before you book
Do you ride the elephants at the rehabilitation farm?
No. At a rehabilitation farm you don't ride, you feed the elephants, bathe them, and walk alongside them. Those looking for elephant riding need a different product, and it has a separate page with us.
What is the difference between the plans?
time, not different content. Feeding is an hour, feeding and bathing adds the mud and the river, and half-day adds a longer stay and learning about Karen culture.
Why are there two prices for the same feeding?
The difference is only the transfer. 850 THB without transfers and 1,400 with pickup and drop-off at the hotel. The camps are far, so most people choose the version with the transfer.
What does the price include?
Food for the elephants, a welcome drink, insurance, and an English-speaking guide. In every program except the cheapest, also round-trip transfers from the hotel. A meal isn't included.
From what age is it allowed?
The adult price applies from age 11, and the child price from age 4 to 10. For younger children, ask us before booking.
What time is pickup?
The activity departs every half hour between 09:00 and 16:00. In programs with transfer, pickup is in the morning around 07:00–09:15 or at noon around 12:00–13:15, depending on the program. The drive takes about an hour.
What should you bring?
A swimsuit under your clothes, a change of clothes, a hat, sunscreen, mosquito repellent, and a photo of the passport page. You'll get completely muddy.
Where is the camp located?
There are several camps, Thalang, Bang Tao, and Kathu, and they rotate according to the number of visitors. The exact address comes with the booking confirmation.
How far in advance should you book?
At least three hours for booking on the day itself. It's recommended to book earlier, because spots on each departure are limited.
Can it be cancelled?
Yes. A full refund up to two days before the visit date.
Suitable for children?
very, from age 4. Bathing in the mud and river is exactly what children enjoy, and the encounter happens with the caretakers accompanying.
Is there an elephant show?
No. There's no painting, no soccer, and no standing on the hind legs. These things require training that isn't part of this place.
More attractions in Phuket
Recommended hotels in Phuket
Banyan Tree Phuket
Villas with pools · luxury spa · gourmet restaurants
Mövenpick Myth Hotel Patong Phuket
A new luxury hotel in Patong combining modern design with traditional Thai elements.
Hyatt Regency Phuket Resort
A luxury hotel overlooking Kamala Bay, offering flawless service and breathtaking views.
Anantara Layan Resort
A luxury resort on Layan Beach, offering complete privacy and service of the highest level.
Keemala
A luxury hospitality experience with unique villas overlooking the tropical forest. A stunning boutique hotel
