We visited the sanctuary as a family in April 2024. We booked directly with the sanctuary and were picked up on a transfer from our hotel. We absolutely loved this sanctuary. The work they are doing is incredible and I cannot recommend a visit enough. The elephants are so well cared for and the guide was brilliant - he had so much information on the individual elephants and really got their story and the work the sanctuary is doing across. I cried during the introductory video due to the stories of the animals prior to coming to the sanctuary and it really brought it home how important the work they are doing is and how well cared for the animals are. The stories of how they were helping each elephant overcome their individual circumstances were amazing. Aside from that the sanctuary itself is absolutely beautiful. The tranquility of sitting with a coffee overlooking the jungle and seeing the elephants walking past is something I will never forget. We were provided with cooling towels halfway through our tour (much needed) and there were plenty of opportunities to hear about each elephant and a photo opportunity at a distance with them. On arrival we were offered our choice of fresh juices, coffee and so many snacks that we could help ourselves to. We were also provided with lunch and they catered specifically for me being gluten free, which was amazing. They were so generous with the lunch that I wasn't able to eat it all even though it was delicious! The gift shop was a good price and had lots of souvenirs. I'm only sad now that although I purchased a bag and a lamp, I'm jealous of my daughters t-shirt and wish I'd bought one of those too! Everyone should visit this sanctuary and I know if I return to Thailand, it'll definitely be on our list. I'll be keeping an eye on how the sanctuary develops and watching all their stories as well. Thank you so much for what was the best day of our entire 3 week trip! Loved it and thank you for all the work you are doing.

The work of this rescue and rehabilitation sanctuary as well as the tour were both laudable. The guide was quite knowledgeable and the facility was more than we expected. The elephants and their caregivers gave us a a great learning experience. Did not even realize that lunch was included and it was a wonderful surprise with fresh juices and nice Thai food. This is a tour you should do.

The sanctuary itself is fantastic, it’s so great to see the elephants being cared for and allowed to enjoy their lives without being harmed or forced to work. The canopy is great to walk across seeing the elephants below, and the views across the park are a joy. But I didn’t like the tour. Simply put, there’s too much hanging around and too much talking - and not enough seeing elephants. Let me explain - We picked the morning half-day tour. We were picked up at 8am from our hotel and arrived at the checkin for the sanctuary about 840am. The driver was great. After resolving the outstanding payment due on the day we were bused into the sanctuary - merely five minutes away. This is still not 9am yet we were then we were just left for an hour until the tour was due to begin at 10am. Yes there were snacks available but we had already had breakfast before leaving the hotel. So it was an hour sat around doing nothing. An absolute waste of my families time. Then we had to watch a video which felt far too long, about 15 minutes total, when it was clear everyone was eager to get out. Some of that information would be better fed to people on the tour, not whilst watching the TV! Our tour group was the last to leave the reception area because the tour guide (ironically named Tour) liked chatting far too much. Finally we were on our way about 1025am but we were back into the reception for lunch at 1130am - the second group back. So all this faffing around for barely an hour. Yeah it was great to see the elephants but there was a distinct lack of information from the guide, too much talking about food. This isn’t what I came here for. Then just to compel the misery, we left the sanctuary and sat in the waiting area for approx. 20 minutes waiting for the bus back to Karon. No coordination at all. It would make far more sense for those who travelled together to stay together…apparently no such sense is applied here, though. It’s a very expensive tour by Thai standards for a very short visit to see actual elephants with far too much waiting around. I’m very disappointed and disappointed to have paid so much for the displeasure especially with other sanctuaries to choose from.

Great experience. Knowledgeable group doing very good work. Great elephant interaction. The lunch buffet afterwards was really amazing. A must do when on Phuket

One of the most beautiful and breathtaking experiences I’ve had! Having been on a Big-5 safari in South Africa 🇿🇦, this experience walking with and feeding the elephants was magical.

What a lovely, compassionate, and well-run sanctuary. The tour guides were very knowledgable and the staff was considerate. And the elephants were beautiful and funny and regal. Lunch was the best meal we have had in Thailand. I didn’t want to leave. I’m happy that these great creatures now have such a loving home.

Great family day out. Friendly and funny guides who were knowledgeable about the elephants and their exploitation. The highlight was feeding the elephants.

We were beyond happy with this experience! I would highly recommend anyone for this tour not only because it's great, but it's supporting such an important cause to rescue these elephants. After prompt shuttling to the site, the tour started with feeding the elephants that came up for snacks. Then we were pleasantly surprised to get to walk amongst the elephants for the bulk of the tour. Our guide took us to visit each elephant and shared beautiful stories about each of their lives. Along the way, there were plenty of photo ops that the keepers helped us capture. At the end, we were fed an incredible vegetarian buffet that was probably some of my favorite foods I had my whole trip. This has been such a highlight and I hope PES can continue to provide Sanctuary to elephants in need.

Amazing experience. Definitely worth the visit. I would definitely visit again as the entire experience from beginning to end was organized, the elephants were friendly and the food was really tasty.

Elephant retirement home (sanctuary) all these elephants were rescued from the tourist industry or logging had a hard life and suffering and all have some disability due to the torture they have endured to be tamed .now get to just be elephants roam around their jungle with friends it was the most magical thing I’ve ever done I was this close to..no zooming in and we fed two of them court guide IC (apologies if spelt incorrect ) was very knowledgeable for the price we got transported to and from our hotel breakfast and a stunning buffet style lunch which was all vegetarian or vegan so no worries for me and what I was eating. As you walk around you get could bottled water and ice clothes to help with the heat .. I would highly recommend if want to experience seeing elephants up close without adding to the cruelty they have already had to endure all funds form the tour and shop go towards the sanctuary too

LOVED THIS! When going somewhere new you can never be sure how true the description is until you get there. We were so impressed by this facility. The experience was top notch and we were able to leave knowing we had a positive impact. Our visit exceeded all expectations. From the moment we arrived, it was evident that this sanctuary was something special. The care and dedication of the staff were apparent, and the well-being of the elephants was clearly their top priority.

Informative and knowledgeable staff. Ability to get up close with the elephants and to walk with them.

This is the only ethical elephant sanctuary in Phuket endorsed by the world wildlife foundation (from the WWF website). Absolutely amazing experience, the guides were so informative and it is obvious everything they do for the elephants are for the good of the animals and not just for tourist entertainment. Highly recommend, an absolute highlight

What an amazing experience! We were collected from our hotel and when we got to the sanctuary snacks and drinks were provided. We were then split off into smaller groups to go for an hour trek around the sanctuary to see the elephants in their natural environment. All of which were rescued from the tourism trade. They seem to pair up with a bestie in different areas of the sanctuary alongside a career who wonders around with them all day. We were surprised how close you could get and how ethical the whole tour was. No bathing, no touching apart from when you feed one elephant and close distance observed at all times. The tour guide and the guy who runs the place were the best and so knowledgable about every single elephant. Once the tour was done, an amazing spread was provided for lunch and ride back to hotel. Do not hestitate so worth the money!

Such a great morning walking through the park with the elephants. Very informative and love that they have rescued the elephants and returning them to a sense of freedom. Our guide was funny and had a lot of stories about each of the elephants. Highly recommend the tour. My teenage children also loved it.

What an amazing place. Our guide Alex was truly inspirational & very knowledgeable about the elephants, the tourist industry & the treatment of these sentient beings. The elephants all had tragic stories but have now found peace in this wonderful sanctuary & have full care from vets & carer’s. Highly recommend this place. Please make sure you do your homework and visit this sanctuary (check logos & addresses) as it is the real deal & highly educational.

Great family activity with excellent tour guides and staff. Lunch was also fantastic. Very much recommend it for your trip to Phuket

100% recommend this sanctuary, the only tourist interaction is getting to feed a couple of elephants which is an amazing experience. The guides are fantastic, telling you all about each elephant and their story. The lunch provided afterwards is delicious and they give out water bottles and cold face towels to help with the heat. It's the most ethical way of getting to see elephants as they don't like bathing with humans and at this place they are happily in their natural habitat and very well cares for.

We would thoroughly recommend a visit to Phuket Elephant Sanctuary. Thomas our guide was extremely informative, we loved every moment. A wonderful retirement home for rescued mistreated elephants.

It is truly an ethical tour as the tour focuses on educating people , first with a video on how the status of elephants diminished in Thailand from fighting alongside kings to being tortured into playing all the tricks in circuses, logging or trekking industry. We are sad to know that in circuses, elephants are tamed and chained up so that they will lose their elephant spirit and have their strong wills crushed before submitting to human to be trained for tricks. The elephants were all rescued from either of the three industries. The tour guides then brought each of the small groups on a walking tour around the sanctuary, introducing us to their ‘bedroom’, the new elephant hospital that they are building and observing the elephants at a close distance (but not disturbing them) their natural behaviours like eating and playing in the pool. The only more interactive experience is feeding them with bananas and melons. We did our research before joining the tour, we realised that bathing with elephants is not ethical even those other sanctuaries said they are. We also talked to a Thai chef at a restaurant the other day and when we asked him if he knows any truly ethical sanctuary, he mentioned Phuket Elephant Sanctuary and that the unethical ones are apparently run by mafias like from Russia/Sweden. It is good to know that it is regarded by the local as an ethical sanctuary too. The elephants looked old and we could see scarred skin, broken ears, cracked toes (from logging) and blinded eyes (from flashlights in circuses). They have tear tracks around their eyes. We cannot imagine how much pain and torture they had gone through in the past, we are happy to see them being free in the nature taken care by the carers as they might have lost full ability to take care of themselves at their old age. If anyone wants to be close to this kind-hearted animals, go to an ethical sanctuary but not any of those sanctuaries that allow you to bathe with elephants or those cruel circuses and give some support to ethical sanctuaries. The tour started and ended with snacks, lunch and beverages, so overall it is a pleasant and meaningful experience.