Where to see elephants in Phuket?

Elephants are considered sacred animals in Thailand. In Phuket, you can see them in various roles — including some that we personally do not support. We recommend visiting ethical elephant sanctuaries instead. In these places, the animals live in conditions as close to their natural habitat as possible. The founders treat the elephants with respect and carefully monitor their health.

Traditional tourist activities like elephant rides and circus shows are not enjoyable for the animals — in fact, they can be harmful to their physical and mental health. Ethical sanctuaries, on the other hand, allow people to observe the happy lives of these majestic creatures from a respectful distance. We’ve collected such places in the Elephants section — we highly recommend checking them out. There, you can feed the elephants, help care for them, and watch them play and bathe in ponds. One of the most beloved activities is helping the elephants take mud baths, which protect their tough skin from parasites and sun.

If you’d like an organized trip, we can guide you to places where you can visit elephants in Phuket with a tour. These experiences typically include transfers, a guide, and sometimes lunch in scenic locations. You can submit a request in the Elephant Sanctuary section.

Elephants in Phuket can still be seen performing. At Phuket FantaSea Park, there is a show called “Fantasy of a Kingdom” featuring animals. The performance takes place in the Palace of Elephants — a specially built 3,000-seat theater. The scale is certainly impressive! Elephants perform alongside actors, acrobats, and dancers. While such shows are visually stunning and popular with visitors, it’s important to note that using animals in performances contradicts the principles of animal welfare. Ultimately, the choice is yours.

A common question from tourists is: where can you ride elephants in Phuket? We do not support or promote this activity. Many tour agencies still offer programs that include elephant rides, but such experiences harm the animals’ spines and mental well-being. We strongly encourage you to avoid these kinds of attractions and instead visit ethical sanctuaries. Trust us — connecting with these animals in a sustainable and compassionate way is just as rewarding as any “trendy” tourist entertainment.

To further explore Phuket’s wildlife, check out the Zoos Parks section.