Exotic Animals of Phuket
Phuket is an island rich not only in natural beauty and unique ecosystems but also in diverse exotic wildlife. Amazing marine creatures, exotic birds, and rare species of mammals make Phuket a place where everyone can immerse themselves in the world of tropical nature. Here, we’ll tell you about the exotic animals that inhabit Phuket, where you can see them, and how to interact with them when encountered.
Terrestrial wildlife of Phuket
Phuket is home to a variety of exotic animals that inhabit its lush landscapes. In the island’s forests, parks, and reserves, you can encounter different species of wildlife.
Monkeys
These playful animals are found everywhere, especially around temples and tourist attractions. For example, wild monkeys are abundant on the hill near Phuket Town, which is even nicknamed Monkey Hill.
Monkeys in Thailand are not random characters. In the Thai epic Ramayana, the hero Hanuman, leader of the monkey army, embodies strength, cunning, and nobility.
Interacting with wild monkeys requires caution and respect to avoid provoking aggression. Here are some recommendations:
- Do not feed the monkeys. Feeding can disrupt their natural habits, and monkeys may become dependent on humans, losing their ability to find food on their own.
- Do not get too close. Monkeys are wild animals, and even if they seem friendly, they can suddenly become aggressive and bite. The consequences can be serious, including the need for rabies shots.
- Avoid direct contact. Never try to pet monkeys or pick them up. Some animals may perceive this as a threat or an attempt to take over their territory, which can lead to an attack.
- Stay calm. If a monkey approaches you, don’t scream or make sudden movements. Try to remain calm and avoid showing fear.
- Be wary of aggressive monkeys. Sometimes monkeys can be aggressive, especially if they are protecting their young or if there’s food nearby. If a monkey bares its teeth or growls, slowly move away from it.
- Don’t carry food with you. Monkeys might try to snatch your food, increasing the risk of an attack.
Phuket has been home to the Gibbon Rehabilitation Center for many years. Founded in 1992, its mission is to rehabilitate and protect gibbons suffering from illegal wildlife trade, poaching, and habitat loss. The center is located in Khao Phra Theaw National Park, where gibbons live in conditions as close to their natural environment as possible. They receive medical care, training, and socialization to prepare them for potential reintroduction into the wild.
Elephants
Elephants are considered sacred animals in Thailand due to their connection with the Hindu god Indra, who rode the mighty Airavata, as well as the elephant’s role as a protector of the kingdom in ancient wars. White elephants hold a special place: they are not albinos but rare animals with light skin, regarded as signs of heavenly blessing. All white elephants belong to the monarch, and their presence has historically been seen as a confirmation of the ruler’s legitimacy.
You won’t encounter them in the wild in Phuket — elephants live in sanctuaries, zoos, or rescue centers.
There are several places where you can see elephants in Phuket, but we recommend visiting only those where the animals are not mistreated, not used for riding, and not forced to perform tricks. Such places are known as “ethical sanctuaries.”
One of them is Phuket Siray Elephant Care Camp, where elephants are cared for rather than exploited. You can purchase discounted tickets to Phuket Siray Elephant Care Camp from us via WhatsApp or Telegram. You can find other elephant sanctuaries on the island in the Elephants section.
Tigers and lions
Encountering a tiger in the wild in Phuket is impossible. These predators typically inhabit more remote regions of Thailand, such as national parks on the mainland. However, you can see tigers in Phuket at Tiger Park as well as in zoos.
Lions can also be seen in a special zoo in Phuket. Visitors have the opportunity to meet and see lion cubs up close, ranging in age from 2 months to 1 year.
Snakes and reptiles
Encountering venomous snakes in the tropical forests of Phuket is quite possible. We’ve written in detail about this and how to behave properly if you come across one here. However, most would agree that it’s much safer to observe these island inhabitants in designated areas. For this purpose, Phuket has a Snake Farm, where you can see a variety of exotic snakes and watch an impressive show featuring cobras and other venomous species.
Snakes — especially nagas, the mythical dragon-like beings who in Buddhism guard sacred places and protect the Buddha — hold a special place in Thai culture. In Thai legends, nagas dwell in the underwater realms of the Mekong and control the forces of nature.
Thais’ attitude toward real snakes is a mix of fear and respect: people try not to touch or kill them so as not to disturb the harmony.
Crocodiles
These large, predatory reptiles inhabit closed ecosystems in Phuket, such as farms and zoos, where they are kept under special conditions. You can see crocodiles in Phuket at the Crocodile Farm, where you can observe these fearsome reptiles, feed them, and even watch an exciting show.
Birds
Phuket is home to many exotic birds, both native and brought from other regions. Among them are colorful macaws, cockatoos, toucans, wild roosters, flamingos, and lorikeets. However, spotting these unusual birds in the wild can be quite challenging. For a closer look, it’s best to visit a dedicated sanctuary — Phuket Bird Park, where exotic birds are displayed in all their splendor.
Rare hornbills in Thailand are surrounded by symbolism. In Thai and Southeast Asian traditions, they are associated with royal majesty, longevity, and natural purity. For locals, seeing one in the forest is a sign of nature’s richness and a healthy ecosystem.
Marine wildlife of Phuket
Phuket is a true paradise for marine life enthusiasts. The waters of the Andaman Sea are home to a wide variety of marine creatures, from coral reefs to the deep sea. On and around the island, you can find:
Sea turtles
These ancient creatures are mainly found around Sirinat National Park, as well as near coral reefs and coastal rocks around the Racha and Similan Islands. Turtles usually come ashore at night to lay their eggs.
Particularly noteworthy is the leatherback sea turtle, which also inhabits Phuket’s waters. This turtle is considered one of the largest species — adults can reach up to 2.5 meters in length and weigh around 600 kilograms.
You can see turtles at the Marine Turtle Conservation Center in Khao Lak. Founded in 1985, this center focuses on the rehabilitation and release of injured sea turtles and the preservation of their population. The center has a total of 9 small stations, each equipped with a shelter and a pool for the turtles. In each pool, you can find 10 to 30 sea turtles of different ages swimming freely.
Another place where you can see turtles is Mai Khao Beach. Every year, one of the most touching natural events takes place here — the release of baby turtles. It usually happens in April, around the time of Songkran.
This is a traditional environmental initiative supported by foundations and hotels in Mai Khao. Visitors can watch as the little ones, already stronger and ready for the open sea, confidently crawl toward the waves. The moment is brief but very emotional — as if the entire shoreline holds its breath for a second.
Dolphins
These incredibly cute and intelligent mammals can sometimes be spotted during boat trips to nearby islands. If you don’t manage to see dolphins in the wild, you can observe them in special places like the Dolphinarium and the Oceanarium, where you can also see sharks and a variety of tropical fish.
Sharks
About 30 species of sharks inhabit the Andaman Sea and the Indian Ocean. In remote, deep-sea areas, you can find enormous whale sharks, while near the coast, you’re more likely to encounter less aggressive and dangerous reef sharks. We’ve covered this topic in detail in the article Dangerous Marine Creatures of Phuket. Spoiler: while it is possible to encounter a shark in the wild, it’s rare, so there’s no need to be overly worried about such encounters.
Spoiler: it is possible to encounter a shark in the wild, but it’s difficult, so there’s no need to be overly worried about such neighbors.
Whale sharks are the gentlest giants of the ocean, and many divers dream of seeing them near Phuket. The best time for encounters is from November to April, when the sea is calm, visibility is high, and large masses of plankton drift toward the islands. Sightings usually peak from February to April, especially in March, when the chances of finding yourself next to a giant spotted shadow underwater are the highest.
Most whale shark sightings happen not right off Phuket itself but slightly north or south — at the legendary dive sites Koh Bon, Koh Tachai, and around the reefs of Hin Daeng and Hin Muang. Boats and liveaboards head there in season, hoping to catch the moment of a meeting. Of course, there are no guarantees: whale sharks migrate on their own terms. But those who visit the Andaman coast at the right time of year often return with stories of a massive, spotted giant gliding slowly past them.
Thai attitudes toward animals are rooted in Buddhist ideas of karma and rebirth: any creature may have been a human in the past or may become one in the future, and therefore deserves compassion. This is why people here try to avoid cruelty, feed stray dogs and cats, release fish and birds during religious rituals, and treat even those animals with care that might inspire fear in other countries.
Thai culture teaches people to see each animal not just as a biological species, but as part of the great wheel of life — where every being matters, and where compassion toward the weak returns as good fortune to the one who shows it.
Popular Questions Tourists Ask About Animals in Thailand
1. Are the dogs on Phuket’s beaches dangerous?
Beach dogs in Phuket are generally not dangerous — most are sterilized, used to tourists, and spend their time napping in the shade or strolling along the shore. They rarely show aggression.
Caution is only needed in a few cases: if a dog has puppies, food, is guarding territory, or if you approach too abruptly, especially in the evening. Don’t pet unfamiliar animals, don’t wave food around, and don’t run if a dog barks — staying calm works best.
If you do get bitten, it’s easy to receive timely vaccination in Phuket. A list of hospitals can be found in the Hospitals section.
2. What should you do if bitten by a monkey or a snake?
If a monkey bites you:
- Immediately wash the wound with soap and water for at least 5 minutes.
- Apply an antiseptic.
- Go to the nearest hospital right away: you’ll need rabies shots and possibly tetanus as well.
- Don’t delay — monkey bites always require medical attention.
If a snake bites you:
- Stay calm and minimize movement — venom spreads faster with activity.
- Immobilize the limb, but do not apply a tourniquet.
- Do not suck out venom and do not cut the wound.
- Arrange transport to a hospital immediately — Thailand has antivenoms for local snake species.
- Try to remember what the snake looked like, but don’t attempt to catch it.
3. Is there rabies in Phuket?
Good news: rabies is virtually nonexistent in Phuket — the island is considered Thailand’s first rabies-free province. The risk is very low, but if you’re bitten by a dog or another animal, it’s still best to visit a hospital as a precaution.
4. Can you bring an animal home from Thailand?
Yes, but only with thorough preparation and compliance with regulations.
- You must obtain all documents: a veterinary certificate, vaccination records (especially for rabies), and a health certificate.
- Most countries require quarantine or certified export procedures, sometimes up to 30 days.
- Transport is usually possible only with specific airlines, using an approved carrier and the animal’s passport.
- Some species (exotics, rare birds, reptiles) are prohibited from export by Thai law — meaning you cannot take home a monkey or a lemur.
5. Is it safe to swim if there are monitor lizards nearby?
Yes, it’s generally safe. Monitor lizards in Phuket and Thailand are large lizards, but they are not aggressive toward humans if unprovoked.
6. Is it true that tokay geckos bring good luck?
Yes, in Thai culture tokay geckos are considered lucky.
- Their calls and appearance in the house are often seen as omens: the number of “croaks” may predict money, success, or upcoming events.
- Killing a gecko is a bad omen and is believed to bring misfortune or bad karma.
- That’s why Thais usually let them live in the house, don’t disturb them, and sometimes even feed them.
Be sure to explore Phuket, including its rich wildlife. Our website sections Zoo Parks, Elephants, Excursions, and Diving will help you with this.
