The Elephant Sanctuary You SHOULD Visit!

Phuket Elephant Sanctuary
February 2019 | Phuket, Thailand

When planning a trip to Thailand, for most people, elephants are on the top of the list. But after spending some time in Phuket, talking to tourists and locals, doing some research and personally witnessing what many forget to mention in their “Insta-worthy” posts with elephants, I figured I’d save you the time and share our experience!

The Sanctuary

Co-Founded and supported by world-renowned elephant rescuer and conservationist Lek Chailert, founder of Save Elephant Foundation, the Phuket Elephant Sanctuary is the first and only ethical refuge for elephants in Phuket. Rescuing suffering elephants from both the logging and entertainment industry, the Phuket Elephant Sanctuary provides a long term home for recovery to sick, old and injured elephants. An oasis where they can freely roam, graze and bathe.

Did you know…

Did you know that crowding an elephant during their bathing ritual was STRESSFUL? Now that I think about it, it seems like common sense.
Just like you and me, elephants prefer to bathe in privacy. Having a bunch of people staring and splashing around you is just counterproductive when you’re trying to relax and enjoy the water. That’s why the Phuket Elephant Sanctuary does not make them bathe multiple times a day to please spectators. Elephants are free to bathe naturally among themselves as we observe and give them space to display their natural selves.

Our Day Among the Elephants

So I know what you might be thinking. No mud-baths or elephant riding, where’s the fun in that?
Well firstly, remember that this kind of “fun” is actually animal abuse. So let’s focus on the amazing feature about this space which is that while hiking the 30-acre sanctuary, the elephants get to roam freely all around you. You get to see them in their natural splendor, completely relaxed, and UNCHAINED.
Isn’t that better?
Plus if you really want that picture,
from a safe distance or from one of their multiple observation decks,
you totally can! We did.

Now, about our experience.
We began the morning with a jungle cruise where we got to meet the others in our group who were just as excited for the day as we were. Upon arrival, we were welcomed with coffee, tea, some fruit, and treats.
As we settled in the beautiful Tree Top Observation Deck, we were introduced to our guides and briefed with a short video that was actually great for the kids. Our Nina (5)
especially enjoyed the animations explaining the do’s & don’ts around the elephants. With that said, this experience is welcoming for all ages! Both our 5-year-old and 9-month-old had a great time. And for those of you visiting with young children, the sanctuary even provides golf carts for easy access to the grounds!

After orientation, we were all fitted with rubber boots for hiking in the mud;
they even had cute little pink boots for Nina, making her feel so special!
We then separated in groups and lined up by our guides for our face-to-face encounter with the elephants. Now, different from most elephant trekking camps, the elephants are not forced or chained to this spot. They simply approached the area for snacks, fed by us! We got to feed the elephants cucumbers and watermelon so many times, that I lost count. It was an amazing experience to face these amazing animals as they searched your hand for treats! After lots of giggles and washing our hands, we then proceeded to the hydrotherapy pool where 2 of the elephants relaxed and soothed their injuries. It was great to see how happy and relaxed they felt. After, provided with umbrellas for shade, we began to explore the grounds. We set out to see as many as 5 elephants roaming among us, both near and far. It was all very relaxed. Throughout the hike, the guides would tell us funny and personal anecdotes of the elephants and their past, they would also tell us more about the mission.

In the end, we were welcomed back into the Tree Top Observation Deck with a delicious vegetarian Thai buffet and plenty of hot and cold beverages! There we rested and enjoyed the tranquility of the sanctuary before cruising back through the jungle, catching some farewell glances of the free-roaming elephants on our way out.

After enjoying such an experience, we definitely recommend the Phuket Elephant Sanctuary to be the elephant encounter you book when traveling to Phuket.
Not only was the space an oasis, but aligning yourself with such a mission is sure to be much more rewarding than an “Insta-worthy” photo at the expense living creature’s well-being, don’t you think?

Be Aware

Since most of us have no idea, there are many locations who call themselves “sanctuaries” and still offer “mud-bathing” and elephant riding. Because of this, most tourists get confused, trust whoever’s made their booking arrangements and/or simply don’t find the time to do some research.
I mean seriously, who wants to do that on their vacation?

Source: www.phuketelephantsanctuary.org

So is elephant riding still on your bucket list? Let us know what you think in the comments below. Share this and help spread awareness! Ethical tourism should be every traveler’s priority.

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Disclaimer: Although we were hosted by the Phuket Elephant Sanctuary, this is our honest and sincere opinion. Our mission is to share with you the brands we absolutely love!

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