Phuket: Hidden Forest Elephant Reserve With Meal & Transfer

Phuket’s Hidden Forest Elephant Reserve offers a unique opportunity to connect with rescued pachyderms in their natural habitat. Visitors can observe the gentle giants roam, socialize, and play in a serene forest setting, guided by knowledgeable staff. The sanctuary prioritizes the elephants’ welfare, providing a safe and nurturing environment for these magnificent creatures. Beyond the intimate elephant encounters, the experience also includes a scenic forest trail and a vegetarian meal by a tranquil pond. Whether you’re an animal lover or seeking a memorable culture, this ethical sanctuary promises an enriching and unforgettable experience.

Key Points

Explore the Ethical Elephant Sanctuary, a hidden forest reserve in Phuket, offering a unique opportunity to interact with and observe rescued elephants in their natural habitat.
Enjoy a guided tour of the sanctuary’s scenic forest walking trails, providing elevated viewpoints to observe the elephants roam, socialize, and engage in their natural behaviors.
Participate in a hands-on experience to meet and feed the rescued elephants, with knowledgeable staff ensuring a safe and enriching encounter.
Savor a delicious meal during your visit, complementing the overall immersive experience of connecting with the gentle giants in their protected forest home.
Convenient round-trip transportation is provided, making it easy to access this unique eco-tourism attraction in Phuket.

It's also worth checking out some other tours and experiences nearby.

The Ethical Elephant Sanctuary

The ethical elephant sanctuary in southern Phuket is home to four rescued elephants that roam freely, socialize, and play naturally in their hidden forest habitat.

This sanctuary provides a safe and nurturing environment for these magnificent creatures, allowing them to thrive in their natural state.

Visitors can meet and feed the elephants, taking a scenic walk through the lush forest and observing them from observation huts.

The sanctuary’s commitment to ethical practices ensures that the elephants are treated with the utmost care and respect, prioritizing their well-being above all else.

Roam, Socialize, and Play

At the sanctuary, the rescued elephants roam freely through the hidden forest, socializing and playing naturally with one another.

Visitors can observe the elephants’ natural behaviors from observation huts. The elephants engage in mud baths, dust baths, and foraging as they freely explore their expansive habitat.

They interact with one another, forming strong social bonds as they’d in the wild. The peaceful forest setting allows the elephants to express their natural instincts and engage in unrestrained physical activity.

This intimate experience gives guests a glimpse into the lives of these magnificent creatures and their ability to thrive in a protected, ethical environment.

Meet and Feed the Elephants

Visitors have the opportunity to directly interact with the rescued elephants by meeting and feeding them at the sanctuary. Guided by knowledgeable staff, guests can approach the elephants and offer them their preferred treats, fostering a unique and memorable connection with these magnificent creatures. This hands-on experience allows visitors to appreciate the gentle nature of the elephants while learning about their individual personalities and dietary preferences.

Elephant Name	Favorite Food
Bua Loy	Bananas
Lani	Sugar Cane
Tong Kham	Pineapple
Thong Dee	Watermelon

The sanctuary’s commitment to ethical and responsible elephant care ensures a safe and enriching experience for both the visitors and the elephants.

Scenic Forest Walking Trail

Winding through the hidden forest, a scenic walking trail offers guests a chance to enjoy the sanctuary’s lush, natural environment.

Guided by knowledgeable staff, visitors can explore the serene surroundings and catch glimpses of the elephants roaming freely in their habitat.

The trail winds through dense foliage, allowing guests to observe the elephants in their natural setting without disrupting their routine.

Along the way, observation huts provide elevated vantage points to view the majestic creatures in their element.

This guided trek provides a peaceful and educational experience, offering a unique opportunity to connect with the sanctuary’s mission of elephant conservation and welfare.

Observe Elephants in Nature

One can observe the elephants roaming freely and interacting with one another within their natural forest habitat.

Guests can visit observation huts that provide a prime vantage point to watch the elephants in their element. From these secluded spots, visitors can quietly observe the elephants socializing, playing, and engaging in their natural behaviors.

The elephants aren’t confined or restrained, allowing guests to see them living as they’d in the wild. This experience offers a unique opportunity to witness the elephants’ natural behaviors and gain a deeper appreciation for their well-being in the protected sanctuary.

Vegetarian Meal by the Pond

The tour’s vegetarian meal is served by the tranquil pond, allowing guests to enjoy a relaxing dining experience surrounded by the serene forest environment.

The freshly prepared vegetarian dishes are made using locally-sourced, seasonal ingredients, offering a healthy and delicious meal.

As visitors savor their food, they can take in the sights and sounds of the hidden forest, with the elephants roaming freely in the distance.

The peaceful setting by the pond provides a perfect opportunity for guests to recharge and reflect on their experience at the ethical elephant sanctuary.

The meal is a fitting conclusion to the tour, leaving visitors feeling nourished and connected to the natural surroundings.

Inclusions and Transportation

The tour package includes an English-speaking guide who accompanies visitors throughout the experience. Transportation to and from the elephant sanctuary is provided via air-conditioned van, ensuring a comfortable journey.

Guests also receive entrance tickets and access to water refill stations during the tour. An educational introduction video is included, providing valuable information about the sanctuary and the rescued elephants.

The all-inclusive nature of the package makes it a convenient and hassle-free way to enjoy the elephant reserve. With these inclusions, guests can focus on seeing the natural habitat and observing the elephants without worrying about logistics.

The tour’s thoughtful design enhances the overall experience for visitors.

Cancellation and Additional Details

For this tour, visitors can benefit from a flexible cancellation policy, as the provider offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

The tour recommends that guests wear comfortable shoes, a sun hat, and bring sunscreen and their own water bottle, as the experience takes place in a natural, plastic-free setting. Touching the animals isn’t permitted, as the focus is on observing the elephants in their natural habitat.

To ensure a comfortable and enriching experience, guests are advised to dress appropriately for the outdoor environment. The tour is designed to be eco-friendly, so participants are encouraged to bring their own reusable water containers.

The ethical sanctuary prioritizes the well-being of the elephants, and visitors are expected to respect the animals and their natural behaviors during the tour.

Here's a few more nearby tours and experiences we think you'll like.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Ride the Elephants During the Tour?

No, guests cannot ride the elephants during the tour. The sanctuary’s focus is on the elephants’ well-being, and elephant riding is not allowed as it can be harmful to the animals.

Are There Any Discounts or Package Deals Available?

The sanctuary offers various discounts and package deals. Guests can inquire about group rates, multi-day packages, or bundled experiences to save on the total cost. Combinations may include hotel stays, additional activities, or exclusive experiences at the elephant reserve.

How Long Does the Entire Tour Take?

The entire tour typically takes around 4-5 hours. This includes time to meet and feed the elephants, go on a scenic walk, observe the elephants in their natural habitat, and enjoy a vegetarian meal by the pond.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Snacks?

Yes, visitors can bring their own food and snacks. However, the sanctuary encourages guests to enjoy the included vegetarian meal as it promotes its eco-friendly and animal-welfare focused mission. Outside food may not be permitted inside certain areas.

Are There Any Restrictions on Taking Photos/Videos?

Visitors can take photos and videos during the tour, but they must not disturb or interact with the elephants. Photography is allowed in designated areas to minimize disruption to the animals’ natural behavior.

Not for you? Here's more of our most recent tour reviews happening neaby