Where to bathe with elephants in Phuket?
The Elephant Jungle Sanctuary Phuket gives visitors a unique chance to get close to elephants in a fun way. Here, no one rides the animals; the old controversial elephant trekking time is over. In an Elephant Sanctuary, you feed, play and bathe adults and baby elephants in a way you never experienced before.
Yes, there are still many elephant trekking camps in Phuket, too many, but this new kind of rehabilitation camp is successfully showing the way. Old fashion trekking camps are changing fast because visitors have already changed. The trend seems to be working as more and more elephant trekking camps seized that golden opportunity and recycled themselves into elephant sanctuaries.
When you arrive at the Elephant Jungle Sanctuary Phuket camp in Kathu, you first get a short briefing. Usually, people book the morning or afternoon visit and are picked up directly from their hotels, which is very convenient. First, you will get a rather rehearsed briefing about the rehabilitation camps and their purpose. Learn about the elephants and their burden with old-fashioned tourism, which is unfortunately still well alive in Phuket and many parts of Thailand.
What will you do at the Elephant Jungle Sanctuary Phuket?
- Learn about the Sanctuary mission
- Prepare food
- Feed the elephants
- Prepare medicine
- Have a mud bath
- Shower the elephants
Learn how the Elephant Jungle Sanctuary Phuket is trying to change mentalities while offering a unique experience. In their approach, this sanctuary invites you to bathe with those gentle giants because they are not wild but domesticated animals, allowing people to show them affection.
Feeding the elephants
Guests are then shown how to prepare food for the animals. It’s a bit messy but fun, and everyone seems to enjoy being useful. Once the food is ready, a small group of elephants arrive and eat from people’s hands. Kids are usually hesitant at first but quickly enjoy the playful baby elephants who look just as happy as human children are.
The Mud Bath
The food is gone much faster than you think, and the group then walks to a nearby muddy water pond. Elephants run into the very brown water and start enjoying themselves. Visitors are hesitant to jump into the water, but it doesn’t last long. Soon everyone is in it, splashing and rubbing the mammals with handfuls of mud.
The group later moves to a ‘cleaner’ water pond where everyone can rinse the mud away and have another round of fun (not to mention memorable photos). Visitors seem to enjoy the moment splashing and making lots of loud noise. The Elephant Jungle Sanctuary Phuket is one of the most popular elephant sanctuaries open all around Phuket. The common mindset is that there will be less trekking with more sanctuaries.
Elephant Jungle Sanctuary Phuket Photos
Elephant Jungle Sanctuary Phuket Info
Location: Kathu
Address: 2/12 Kathu, Kathu District, Phuket 83120
Visits:
– Morning: 6:30 am – 12.30 pm
– Afternoon: 11.30 am – 5.30 pm
Phone: 094 663 6592
Prices:
– Adults: 2,900 Baht
– Children 4-10: 1,900 Baht
Elephant Jungle Sanctuary Phuket Map
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FAQs about Elephant Jungle Sanctuary Phuket
Q. What is Elephant Jungle Sanctuary Phuket?
a. Elephant Jungle Sanctuary Phuket is an ethical and sustainable elephant sanctuary located in Phuket, Thailand. It provides a natural environment for elephants rescued from the tourism and logging industries.
Q. What kind of experiences does Elephant Jungle Sanctuary Phuket offer?
a. Elephant Jungle Sanctuary Phuket offers visitors the opportunity to interact with elephants in a safe and ethical way. Visitors can feed, bathe, and play with the elephants, while learning about their behaviour, habits, and needs
Q. Is it safe to interact with elephants at Elephant Jungle Sanctuary Phuket?
a. It is safe to interact with elephants at Elephant Jungle Sanctuary Phuket. The sanctuary has trained staff and safety procedures in place to ensure the safety of both visitors and elephants.
Q. How are the elephants at Elephant Jungle Sanctuary Phuket treated?
a. The elephants at Elephant Jungle Sanctuary Phuket are treated with care, respect, and dignity. They are not used for riding, performing, or any other activities that are harmful to their physical or mental well-being. The sanctuary provides them with plenty of food, water, and medical care, as well as a natural environment where they can socialize and exercise.
Q. Can I visit Elephant Jungle Sanctuary Phuket without a tour?
a. No, visitors are required to book a tour to visit Elephant Jungle Sanctuary Phuket. This is to ensure the safety of the elephants and to provide visitors with a structured and informative experience.
Q. What should I bring with me to Elephant Jungle Sanctuary Phuket?
a. Visitors should bring a change of clothes, a towel, sunscreen, insect repellent, and a camera. The sanctuary provides visitors with traditional clothing to wear during their visit, as well as snacks and drinks.