Elephant Jungle Sanctuary Phuket
Elephant Jungle Sanctuary Phuket is a wildlife refuge in Kathu where rescued elephants live and interact in natural surroundings. The grounds feature open spaces with trees, bathing areas, and water ponds where the animals move freely and engage in their normal behaviors.
The sanctuary was established to provide an alternative to older camps where elephants were exploited for rides and performances. It represents a shift in Phuket where traditional elephant camps are changing their practices to allow the animals a better life.
Visitors witness how staff care for the elephants daily, with hand-feeding showing a respectful approach that differs from commercial camps. The sanctuary demonstrates a gentler way of relating to these animals through everyday interactions rather than performances.
The sanctuary accepts only pre-booked visitors to protect the animals' well-being. Bring clothes that can get wet and muddy, a towel, sunscreen, and a change of clothes for comfort throughout your visit.
Many visitors report that the mud bath experience with the elephants becomes the highlight of their visit, watching the animals rub mud on their skin. This daily behavior serves the elephants as natural protection and self-care, showing visitors what genuine animal behavior looks like.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
