About Khaolak Elephant Sanctuary
At Khaolak Elephant Sanctuary, we ensure our elephants live with respect and dignity, free from entertainment-based activities. Our mahouts, who share a profound connection with these elephants, are champions of their welfare, and we are committed to supporting their rights. We aim to educate the public on ethical choices, helping them avoid unknowingly contributing to animal mistreatment.
Our sanctuary offers ethical, hands-off experiences where visitors can observe elephants in their natural environment, with no direct contact. Partnering with the local community, we also provide cultural activities like bamboo rafting and guided community tours, allowing visitors to engage with local traditions and support sustainable tourism.
Eco-Safari: Elephants, Tsunami Museum, and Turtles (KAP34)
Begin this exciting half-day safari tour with a pick-up from your hotel. Go on a scenic drive through beautiful scenery to the Elephant Sanctuary. Meet your English-speaking guide and learn a little about the elephants. Gather up some bananas and cane sugar and walk with your guide through the park and discover the free-roaming elephants in a safe, sustainable, and ethical environment. Your guide will tell you a bit about each elephant's individual stories.
Feed,touch, photograph, and observed the elephants at your leisure while you learn about their lifestyle and behaviors.
Next, Visit the International Tsunami Museum, a memorial to the 2004 Tsunami, and see Patrol Boat 813, displaced 2 km from its original location during the disaster. Witness the remarkable recovery of Khao Lak from the devastating effects of the tsunami.
Then, visit Royal Thai Navy Third Fleet Turtle Nursery, the sea turtle conservation center to learn about the local conservation efforts.
Khao Lak’s Best: Elephant Sanctuary, Rubber Plantation, & Waterfall(KES08)
Start your day at an ethical elephant sanctuary, where you’ll observe rescued elephants in a peaceful environment. Learn about their rehabilitation journey and enjoy the heartwarming experience of feeding and interacting with these gentle giants under the guidance of expert caretakers.
Next, visit a traditional rubber plantation to learn about Thailand’s rubber production heritage. Participate in a hands-on demonstration of rubber tapping and gain fascinating insights into this age-old craft.
Conclude your tour with a visit to a hidden waterfall, where you can relax and soak in the tranquil beauty of nature. The serene surroundings offer the perfect opportunity to refresh and reflect on your day’s experiences.
Khao Lak: 2-Hour Elephant Sanctuary Eco-Walk with Guided
Start your day with pickup from your accommodation by air-conditioned van. Go on a scenic drive through beautiful scenery to the Elephant Sanctuary. Meet your English-speaking guide and learn a little about the elephants. Gather up some bananas and cane sugar and walk with your guide through the park and discover the free-roaming elephants in a safe, sustainable, and ethical environment. Your guide will tell you a bit about each elephant's individual stories.
Walk, feed, and photograph the elephants at your leisure while you learn about their lifestyle and behaviors. After you've met all the elephants, join them for a leisurely stroll in the jungle, immersing yourself in their natural environment. During this walk, you'll have the opportunity to feed them, further deepening your connection with these magnificent creatures. This experience allows you to observe the elephants as they explore their habitat, offering a unique insight into their daily lives. Once the walk is complete and the elephants are satisfied, take some final photos with your new friends before it's time to say goodbye and change into dry clothes.
Meet Our Elephants
Boon-Song
Boon-Song spent decades in logging and tourism, which left her frail. Now, she roams freely, receiving special nourishment to maintain her health and enjoying the sanctuary’s serene environment.
Som-Boon
Somboon is one of the eldest residents, having endured years of hard work as a trekking elephant. Despite weakened joints and no tusks, she enjoys peaceful forest walks, embracing her well-deserved rest.
Chom-Pu
Chompu, once overworked in trekking camps, now explores the forest and splashes in the river. Her resilient spirit shines despite her past hardships and physical strain.
Som-Paan
Som-Paan has scars and trembles from years of logging and labor. Rescued from abuse, she now receives care and enjoys the tranquility of the sanctuary, free from exploitation.
Darlie
Darlie performed circus tricks in her youth, causing joint pain. Though wary at first, she’s found joy in her new home, forming bonds with other elephants.
Siri-Phorn
Siri-Phorn, a former logging and riding elephant, bears scars from her past but is now safe. Though cautious, she’s adjusting to her peaceful new life, showcasing her strength.
Our Experiences
What We Offer
Ethical Elephant Tourism
Located in the serene surroundings of Khaolak, just north of Phuket, our sanctuary is a hands-off facility, dedicated to boosting ethical wildlife tourism. We rescue and rehabilitate elephants who have endured a life of stress and exploitation, offering them the retirement they deserve.
Meet Our Family
We currently care for six beautiful female elephants: Somboon (50 years), Darlie (45 years), Chompu (33 years), Boonsong (65 years), Som-Paan (33 years) and Siri-Phorn (32 years). As the world recovers from the COVID-19 pandemic, we hope to provide a home for even more elephants in need.
Community Collaboration and Education
We work closely with the local community, ensuring that our efforts support the region while providing our visitors with the unique experience of observing elephants in their natural habitat. Our interactive elephant museum is a place for young and old to learn about the importance of ethical wildlife tourism.