Why Green Elephant Sanctuary Park Is Phuket's Most Loved Animal Haven

Green Elephant Sanctuary Park stands as Phuket's most beloved animal haven, boasting an impressive 4.9 out of 5 rating from over 2,600 visitors. When we first discovered this ethical elephant sanctuary, we were immediately struck by their commitment to animal welfare and conservation. 

Why Green Elephant Sanctuary Park Stands Out 

"We are committed to the protection of elephants by offering them a safe and protected life in the elephant sanctuary." — Green Elephant Sanctuary Park, Official statement from the sanctuary 

The essence of Green Elephant Sanctuary Park truly shines through its unwavering commitment to ethical elephant care. This sanctuary has become a pioneer in Phuket's conservation landscape by establishing core values that prioritise animal welfare above tourist entertainment. A safe haven for rescued elephants  Situated amidst lush tropical forests, Green Elephant Sanctuary Park provides rescued elephants with approximately 40,000 square metres of natural habitat to roam freely. These gentle giants, most often rescued from riding facilities where they've endured years of captivity, find a peaceful retirement at the sanctuary.

Notably, the park operates the Vision Green Elephant Clinic, offering vital medical care to elephants at minimum cost. This on-site hospital prevents sick elephants from enduring the gruelling six-hour journey to Krabi, which can be fatal for weak or ill animals. Furthermore, if an elephant owner lacks funds for treatment, the hospital covers the entire expense—a lifesaving service for these magnificent creatures.

No riding, no chains: the ethical promise 

Most importantly, Green Elephant Sanctuary Park firmly upholds its "No Riding, No Chains" philosophy. This ethical stance stems from understanding that elephant riding causes severe health damage, as their spines have sharp, bony protrusions that extend upward rather than the smooth discs needed to support weight.

The sanctuary allows elephants to engage in natural behaviours without the constraint of chains. Rather than being tethered for hours as happens in traditional tourist attractions, elephants here move freely within the sanctuary's expansive grounds. This freedom represents a dramatic improvement from the traditional "Phajaan" training—a centuries-old method where elephants' spirits are broken through physical and psychological torture.

How the sanctuary supports mahouts and their families 

The sanctuary's holistic approach extends beyond animal welfare to human livelihoods as well. When rescuing elephants, Green Elephant Sanctuary Park purchases them from their mahouts (traditional elephant keepers) for approximately USD 60,000 each. Instead of simply taking the elephants, the sanctuary integrates mahouts and their families into their conservation efforts.

These mahouts receive education about ethical elephant care practices and employment opportunities that allow them to continue their cultural tradition of elephant keeping—but in a humane, cruelty-free environment. This approach creates sustainable livelihoods while transitioning away from exploitative practices.

Consequently, visitors to Green Elephant Sanctuary Park don't just support elephant welfare; they contribute to a comprehensive model that balances conservation with cultural preservation and community support.

What Happens During a Visit 

Visiting Green Elephant Sanctuary Park offers a rare opportunity to engage with elephants in their natural environment. The carefully structured activities allow meaningful interaction while respecting the animals' needs and comfort.

Feeding the elephants 

Your adventure begins with an introduction to the sanctuary's residents, where guides share each elephant's unique name, background story, and personality traits. Shortly after, staff provide baskets with treats like sugar cane and bananas—described as "chocolate for humans" in elephant terms. During this feeding session, you're free to move around the area, offering food directly to the gentle giants. However, certain elephants may only be observed from a distance due to past trauma with humans.

Mud bath and pond rinse 

Following the feeding activity, everyone changes into appropriate attire for the highlight of the visit—the mud spa. Park staff distribute buckets of wet mud as visitors and elephants alike enjoy this messy yet therapeutic experience. This isn't merely for entertainment; the mud serves a practical purpose by protecting elephants' skin against insects and harmful sun exposure. Afterward, everyone moves to a freshwater pond to rinse off the mud—a genuinely refreshing experience for both humans and elephants.

Shower and scrubbing session 

Subsequently, you'll participate in an "XXL adventure shower" where visitors use provided brushes to scrub down the elephants. This activity creates some of the most memorable moments and beautiful souvenir photos captured by the park's photographers. Though entertaining, staff emphasise that all interactions happen strictly on the elephants' terms—if an elephant doesn't wish to participate, its choice is respected.

Tour of the sleeping quarters 

The experience concludes with a tour of the elephants' sleeping areas—spacious paddocks designed to meet high safety standards. Green Elephant Sanctuary Park distinguishes itself as one of the few facilities where elephants remain unchained overnight. Each elephant has its own dedicated sleeping area where a mahout (caretaker) stays nearby in a small house, ensuring round-the-clock care. At night, the elephants rest in these secure spaces while enjoying freedom to roam the sanctuary grounds during daylight hours.

What to Know Before You Go 

Preparing properly for your Green Elephant Sanctuary Park visit ensures a comfortable, enjoyable experience while respecting these magnificent creatures. Moreover, knowing what to expect helps maximise your time at this ethical elephant haven.

What to wear to elephant sanctuary 

Dressing appropriately is essential since you'll get wet, muddy, and sweaty throughout your visit. First, wear comfortable clothes you don't mind getting dirty—think gym clothes or quick-dry fabrics. Light, breathable clothing works best in Thailand's humidity, yet some visitors recommend long pants to protect against mosquitoes. For footwear, bring waterproof sandals or flip-flops that can handle mud and water. The sanctuary provides rubber boots (and sometimes socks) for walking with elephants.

What to pack for the experience 

Beyond appropriate attire, bring these essentials:

• Change of clothes and towel for after activities 

• Swimsuit for the mud bath and pond experiences 

• Sunscreen and insect repellent (you'll be in jungle areas with stagnant water) 

• Personal medication if needed 

• Waterproof bag for protecting valuables 

Thankfully, the sanctuary provides clean shower facilities with soap and shampoo after the muddy activities.

Tips for families and kids 

Family visits create unforgettable memories, particularly for children experiencing these gentle giants up close. The sanctuary welcomes children of all ages, though parents should supervise them closely around the elephants. Since the experience takes up most of your day and energy (even half-day tours), avoid scheduling other major activities afterward. Instead, plan for pool time or rest following your visit.

Photography and social media etiquette 

Capturing your elephant encounter requires understanding their behaviour. Pay attention to family interactions and social dynamics among the herd—these offer the most intimate and rewarding photographic moments. When photographing elephants, focus on their distinctive textures, affecting eyes, and overall essence. Black and white photography works especially well with elephants, highlighting their skin texture. Above all, respect the elephants' space and never disturb them for the sake of a photo.

Booking and Visitor Info 

"We pick you up directly from your hotel, and you enjoy a ride through remote rolling hills past idyllic beaches directly into the jungle in northwest Phuket." — Green Elephant Sanctuary Park, Official statement from the sanctuary 

Planning your visit to Green Elephant Sanctuary Park requires attention to a few essential details. From pricing to transportation logistics, here's everything you need to know to make your booking process smooth and stress-free. Green Elephant Sanctuary Park tickets and pricing 

Currently, admission to the sanctuary costs 2,900 THB (฿) for adults and 1,900 THB (฿) for children between 5-10 years. Children under 4 years can enjoy the experience completely free of charge. This price includes:

• Pickup service from your hotel in Phuket 

• Introduction to the sanctuary's conservation project 

• Authentic Thai buffet lunch 

• Complimentary soft drinks throughout your visit 

• Professional photography service with photos later shared on their Facebook page 

Conclusion 

Overall, our visit to Green Elephant Sanctuary Park stands as one of the most memorable experiences of our time in Phuket. Unlike conventional tourist attractions, this sanctuary truly puts elephant welfare first through its steadfast commitment to ethical practices.

Most importantly, the "No Riding, No Chains" philosophy creates a natural environment where these magnificent creatures can live with dignity. The sanctuary's approach extends beyond mere conservation, additionally supporting mahouts and their families while educating visitors about responsible tourism.

After spending time with these gentle giants, we left with a deeper appreciation for ethical wildlife encounters. The mud baths and feeding sessions provided genuine connections without exploitation. Furthermore, the sanctuary's impressive 4.9/5 rating from over 2,600 visitors certainly reflects the quality of this unique experience.