Found in the Thai resort town of Krabi, the Krabi Elephant Sanctuary is a haven for retired and rescued elephants and can be visited on a wide choice of organised tours.
A sustainable habitat for elephants to live in a safe and natural environment, free from profiteering and neglect, the sanctuary is a hugely popular attraction with travellers keen to marvel at these majestic creatures in the flesh. If you like the idea of getting up close and personal with Thailand’s gentle giants in an ethical and guilt-free setting, check out our pick of three tours that are guaranteed to last long in the memory.
Elephant Care House Guided Tour with Hotel Transfers
This 3-hour experience invites you to meet and interact with some of the sanctuary’s residents while learning all about them courtesy of expert staff. After pick-up from your hotel, you’ll be transported to the sanctuary where you’ll get the chance to participate in the elephants’ daily routines, including mud bathing, a jungle walk, and fruit and herb feeding. The tour price includes round-trip hotel transfers, drinking water and fruits for guests, an experienced guide, and basic accident insurance. From $56 per person.
Elephant Bathing Session at Krabi Elephant Shelter
For a shorter but equally immersive option, this tour allows you to see, touch and interact with the sanctuary’s elephants over 1.5 hours. Featuring all of the same captivating opportunities as the above, including feeding, walking and bathing activities, plus hotel transfers and basic insurance, it’s a popular choice with those with less time to spare but still want to get a taste of one of the most incredible experiences Thailand has to offer. As an added perk, photos taken by the on-site team will be shared with your group via a private link after the tour. From $46 per person.
Krabi Elephant Sanctuary Full-Day Programme
(Photo: Following Giants)
If you have the time, and budget, to spare, this full-day programme with Following Giants may well fit the bill. Starting with an early-morning hotel pick-up, you’ll be driven to the sanctuary for a whole day of experiences, including a jungle walk, a seed-ball making workshop to help provide future elephant food, and even the chance to make eco-friendly paper from elephant dung. You’ll also get to kayak through mangroves and cool off in the freshwater stream before being dropped back at your hotel in the late afternoon. A Thai meal, enjoyed on-site at the sanctuary during the day, is also included in the tour price. From $120 per person.