This one doesnt allow you to get in the mud or water with the elephants but really why would you even want to do that..You can enjoy seeing them in a pretty normal environment and they also have plenty of snacks and the vegan lunch was delicious as well. Stay abreast of the latest Club Med HR news. So what are you waiting for, book a stay with us! After that, elephant trainers turned to the entertainment and tourism industry where they would train the animals to perform tricks such as painting and taking tourists on rides. I would highly recommend this. If you want to see more of them, it accepts volunteers for one, three or seven days; fees (4500B, 8000B or 16,000B respectively) go directly towards elephant care, and cover vegetarian meals and, if relevant, accommodation. surcharge (THB 250 for kids below 12, free for kids below 4). And Phuket is no different; the island has over 200 elephants, with many of them working in the tourism industry. Glad to know the tours help rescue elderly/disabled elephants. You also learn what life they had before the sanctuary; these people are doing a wonderful job of saving elephants and giving them a better life, well worth the money . Thank you!! Club Med Services (S) Pte Ltd (Reg No. Private transfers are also available. There are two tours daily, from 9:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and another from 1:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. You start your visit with a video presentation to help you understand more about the elephants and prepare you for the tour. What majestic creatures these elephants are. And it was t too hot in the morning so I recommend getting the morning tour. Search a destination, a resort or an activity Go back to Club Med Experience navigation, Phuket Elephant Sanctuary: What You Need to Know. Disconnect from your daily constraints: our GO teams got everything covered! 198601875R). By clicking Subscribe, you have agreed to our Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy. Not many elephants there currently but nice to see them in their own environment. Very informative and friendly staff. Definitely a must see. Besides the regular tour, you can book a private tour where you'll have a personal guide to take you through the elephant's regular morning or afternoon program. Q:What measures are being taken to ensure staff health & safety during A Morning with the Elephants at Phuket Elephant Sanctuary? The Phuket Elephant Sanctuary is one place you should visit when you're in Phuket, especially if you love wildlife and want to support the ethical treatment of local elephants. Q:What is the social distancing policy during A Morning with the Elephants at Phuket Elephant Sanctuary? Total review count and overall rating based on Viator and Tripadvisor reviews. The sanctuary is a sister project to Chiang Mai's respected Elephant Nature Park and, at the time of research, was home to eight female elephants. Seminars, incentive programs, privatised villages, With Meetings & Events by Club Med organize unforgettable events for colleagues. Looking to participate in the Club Med adventure? I enjoyed feeding the elephants and being so close to them. Because they are rescue elephants, many of them are advanced in age and have permanent injuries. The exploitation of these gentle giants still continues today. Club Med specializes in premium all-inclusive vacations packages for families with absolutely no hidden costs. The sanctuary provides these gentle giants essential care with daily medical attention and most importantly, freedom. There's no public access to the sanctuary except via a tour, which must be booked in advance and includes a tasty vegetarian lunch or afternoon tea. However, there's plenty of opportunities for photographs and selfies. I hadn't realised we had breakfast included, quite a bonus. This elephant sanctuary was so memorable and heartfelt. For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experiences start time. We were then able to feed the elephants fruit ourselves and take some great photos. Great and ethical alternative to the inhumane camps! All of the elephants here are rescued, being bought from elephant camps where they spent years working, performing, and often abused. I can unsubscribe any time using the unsubscribe link at the end of all emails. Since you'll be walking in the forest when on a tour through the sanctuary, there are some items that you need. Parking is available. The food was amazing and it was so nice to see these elephants being taken care of like theyre supposed to be. After a rewarding day with the elephants, there's nothing like satisfying your hunger at our exquisite restaurants and open bar to complete the day. My advice - ignore the others and visit here!! Skip the unethical elephant encounters in Phuket and visit a sanctuary where the animals are allowed to live their final years roaming freely without being harmed by tourists. Seeing the elephants in their natural habit. It's located in northeast Phuket and is situated in a 30-acre national park covered in lush greenery, pools, and rivers, perfect as an elephant's natural habitat. The whole experience was unreal I would definitely recommend! Friendly knowledgeable staff, beautiful exceptional creatures, delicious lunch. By keeping a respectable distance, you'll get to see the beautiful creatures behave naturally, which is a rewarding experience especially when they bathe and play in the river with no human distraction. Everything was great! Located on 30 acres of lush, tropical land bordering the Khao Phra Thaeo National Park in North East Phuket, visiting the Phuket Elephant Sanctuary helps support their mission of compassionate and ethical elephant tourism. Phuket's only genuine elephant sanctuary is a refuge for aged pachyderms who were mistreated for decades while working in logging and tourism. Great way to learn about elephant sanctuaries. And how the Sanctuary was started, and the need for the Sanctuary. Was interesting that the visitors were mainly ~30 years and younger, and we discussed our research and all came to the same conclusion - ethical tourism is important. The elephants are all rescued from horrible tourist trades. It's a rare, environmentally responsible opportunity that visitors rave about. Q:What is the policy on sanitization during A Morning with the Elephants at Phuket Elephant Sanctuary? Around Thailand and in Phuket, elephants have been used as manual labour in the logging industry until logging was banned in 1989. A must do when in Phuket. During the morning tour, you get to feed them, before tagging along a few metres away as they wander the forest, chomp on watermelons, bathe and hang out. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund. There are also no performances, rides, and bathing sessions here.

The answers provided below are based on answers previously given by the tour provider to customers questions. They also provide rain boots and socks for those of us who prefer to wear sandals there. After the tour, you can enjoy a vegetarian Thai buffet overlooking the lush forest and lagoon. To protect the elephants, this sanctuary doesn't put on elephant "shows" or lets visitors touch the animals, which makes for a more rewarding experience when you visit. Well worth the money knowing that youre helping elephants be rescued and looked after! Riding an elephant is something I always thought was cool until I saw the elephant with a permanent mark on her back from being used to pleasure those of us who just want to say we rode an elephant. Phuket Elephant Sanctuary, 100, Moo 2, Paklok, Phuket, Thailand. Exact pick-up time will be advised via email. They do fantastic work here. This operator has two meet-up options available. No part of this site may be reproduced without our written permission. Great experience.

This is a amazing experience! Supervision 4 months to 17 years, expertise for children and families, Lift passes, group lessons and aprs-ski included, No cost modification and flexible booking, Assistance and medical expenses included in case of COVID-19, Acting and contributing to local development, Diversity, inclusion and equal opportunities, Enjoy, everything is possible: try new activities or just relax, Reconnect with your loved ones and yourself: do family activities or take time just for yourself. You get to hand feed elephants, then walk around with them. You can either meet at the departure point below or select a location for pick-up. If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experiences start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded. First opened in 2016, the Phuket Elephant Sanctuary is the pioneer of ethical elephant tourism in Phuket. I would definitely do this again the next time I come back! It's even the country's national animal and is a popular attraction for tourists when they visit Thailand. Q:What is the policy on face masks and attendee health during A Morning with the Elephants at Phuket Elephant Sanctuary? I did research and this is the only truly ethical sanctuary in Phuket. My guide was very informative, about the history of elephants in Thailand. Club Med Property is delighted to offer you the opportunity to become owner on land adjoining its Resorts. If you're staying at Club Med Phuket, the sanctuary is only about 30 minutes away. The vegetarian buffet lunch was also absolutely delicious - so much choice, and a constant supply of free fruits, tea and coffee. 100% recommend. We had a really well-prepared lunch to finish off the morning. Less-interactive afternoon tours involve observing the elephants on a safari-like experience. No bathing, riding or chains here for sure! To protect the elephants, the sanctuary doesn't allow close interaction between them and visitors, except during feeding time when you can feed the elephants from behind a short barrier. We offer shared roundtrip transfers from anywhere in the Phuket Province at a THB 500 Baht I had a great time seeing all the happy rescued elephants. The staff at sanctuary were very friendly and have done a great job rehabilitating the elephants. Visit the Corporate Club Med site, to learn more about the Group, the ownership and sustainable development policy. Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experiences start time will not be accepted.

The organisation was impeccable from start to finish and lunch incredible. Its so clear that the elephants are very well-cared for and loved by the workers.

There is also a small store where you can buy items that will help the sanctuary. Choose between Chalets Apartments in the heart of the French Alps or Villas in Mauritius and enjoy an exceptional location while enjoying the services of Club Med. We felt great knowing we were giving our money to a sanctuary where they are treated humanely rather than a trecking camp. Fed the elephants and you can see them smiling. Lovely Morning out seeing the elephants in an ethical environment. 2022 Lonely Planet. Such a well managed and friendly environment for the elephants after the awful trials theyve been through in their lives. Pick-up and drop-off location must be identical. The Phuket Elephant Sanctuary is the first of its kind on the island where they rescue elephants and give them a home where they can truly live how they're supposed to. Great to get so close to these majestic creatures. However, Thai elephants differ from other Asian elephants as they have a stockier body, shorter front legs, and are generally smaller. Feeding the elephants was amazing especially because I have never seen one before visiting. Ask us on live chat! We went as a group of friends, and the tour started with a breakfast and an educational video. WHATEVER YOUR IDEA OF HAPPINESS IS, YOULL FIND IT AT CLUB MED. The place is a beautiful bit of jungle and they are building walk ways to minimise the impact on the elephants. Absolutely amazing!!! The sanctuary picks up visitors from its nearby office; you'll be dropped back there afterwards. There are over 60 award-winning resorts worldwide; choose between tropical island oasis, thrilling ski retreat, exotic adventure, and luxurious cruise aboard a sailing ship at Club Med, the best vacation deals are at your fingertips. The elephants found in Phuket and the rest of Thailand are classed as Indian elephants, a subspecies of the Asian elephant. AMAZING. See how elephants are rehabilitated into forest life at Phukets first ethical elephant sanctuary, Watch happy elephants splash around and enjoy their bath time, Get a chance to experience an up-close, non-intrusive interaction while feeding some of the elephants, Listen to the expert guide as they share the stories of each elephant and facts about Asian elephants, Get discounts worth up to 60% sent straight to your inbox, Meet rescued elephants at Phukets first ethical elephant sanctuary, a new home for retired working elephants, Observe elephants as they roam around, bathe, forage, and socialize freely in a 30- Beware copycat 'sanctuaries' and taxi drivers on commission to take you elsewhere. However, it's best for you to be prepared as well. They are so well looked after as were we, but they were more important (as it should be)! Learn how harmful elephant tourism can be, Watch elephants roam freely and have the chance to feed them, Your visit helps to support the mission of the elephant sanctuary, Welcome Snacks, Coffee, Fruits, Juices & Filtered Water, Boots, Socks, Umbrellas, Rain Coats, Mosquito Spray, Roundtrip Transfers - If option is not selected. Depending on where the elephants go, you can end up exploring the grounds with them or watch them from one of the many Observation Salas on site. Feeding elephants was so fun and seeing the conditions these elephants were saved from, makes it that much better. The sanctuary provides umbrellas for use under the sun and in case of rain, as well as wellie boots if it gets muddy. Don't wear flip-flops as you'll be working on dirt paths and sometimes even off the paths.Sunglasses, sunscreen, or a hat to protect you from the sun.Comfortable casual clothes. There are chilled filtered water dispensers on-site which you can use to refill your bottle.A copy of your passport to complete the insurance agreement for when you're in the sanctuary. All inclusive, bespoke business offers. Beautiful place for elephants(females).to spend the rest of their lives. A very professional and informative visit. All rights reserved. Cut-off times are based on the experiences local time. Things to do in Southern Thailand and Andaman Coast, Gibbon Rehabilitation Center Tours & Tickets, Temple of the Protruding Buddha (Wat Phra Thong) Tours & Tickets, Phi Phi Islands (Koh Phi Phi) Tours & Tickets, Phuket Simon Cabaret Show Tours & Tickets, James Bond Island (Ko Khao Phing Kan) Tours & Tickets, Racha Island (Raya Island) Tours & Tickets, Shore Excursions - Southern Thailand and Andaman Coast, 4WD Tours - Southern Thailand and Andaman Coast, Sporting Events - Southern Thailand and Andaman Coast, Hiking Tours - Southern Thailand and Andaman Coast, Extreme Sports - Southern Thailand and Andaman Coast, Ports of Call Tours - Southern Thailand and Andaman Coast, Half-day Tours - Southern Thailand and Andaman Coast, Nai Harn Beach (Naiharn Beach) Tours & Tickets, Phang Nga Bay (Ao Phang Nga) Tours & Tickets, Upside Down House Phuket (Baan Teelanka) Tours & Tickets, Phuket Weekend Market (Naka Market) Tours & Tickets, Promthep Cape (Laem Phromthep) Tours & Tickets, Face masks required for travelers in public areas, Face masks required for guides in public areas, Temperature checks for travelers upon arrival, Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff, Transportation vehicles regularly sanitized, Social distancing enforced throughout experience, Paid stay-at-home policy for staff with symptoms.