Khaolak Elephant Sanctuary

“Experience the True Essence of Ethical Elephant Tourism “

Sustainable Tourism Leader

STGs Star logo representing sustainable tourism at Khaolak Elephant Sanctuary

Pioneering Sustainability

We proudly announce that Khaolak Elephant Sanctuary is among the first 50 tourism companies to receive the prestigious Sustainable Tourism Acceleration Rating award from the Tourism Authority of Thailand. This accolade signifies our commitment to a sustainable future, ensuring that your journey with us makes a positive impact on both the environment and local communities.

Happy elephant grazing in water at Khaolak Elephant Sanctuary

Our Sanctuary

“Our elephants are not used for entertainment; we respect them and treat them with the care they deserve. We stand up for the rights of our mahouts, who are our heroes. We are dedicated to raising awareness so people don’t unknowingly participate in animal abuse.” 

Khaolak Elephant Sanctuary offers hands-off, ethical elephant experiences where travelers can observe elephants in their natural habitat without direct contact. In collaboration with the local community, we provide unique cultural activities, such as traditional bamboo rafting and community-led tours, allowing visitors to support and connect with the local way of life while promoting sustainable tourism.

Excited team interacting with elephant while enjoying a walk at Khaolak Elephant Sanctuary

Our Mission

• Our elephants are not exploited for entertainment; we value their dignity and provide the care and respect they deserve.

• We advocate for the rights of our mahouts, the dedicated caretakers of our elephants, who we honor as our true heroes.

• We are committed to educating the public to prevent inadvertent involvement in animal cruelty.

Our Lastest Rescue

Boonsong (Female,65)

Boonsong was born in Southern Thailand and has spent her entire life working as a riding elephant in Phang Nga and hauling logs throughout the southern region. She has been working since she was young, continuing up until the age of 65, dedicating nearly her entire life to labor. Boonsong has a cataract in her left eye, making her vision blurry and causing her to be cautious on her left side. When feeding her, it’s best to stand on her right side. She prefers eating sugarcane over banana

Somboon (Female, 50 years old)

Born in 1974, Somboon is approximately 50 years old. Originally from Ranong, she spent much of her life working as a logging elephant in the southern regions before becoming a riding elephant in Phang Nga and Krabi. Somboon often sways her head from side to side, a behavior that can result from various factors, particularly stress and anxiety caused by years of hard labor and being chained, which greatly restricted her freedom. She has scars on her legs from her time hauling logs, where the ropes used would rub against her skin, causing wounds. Somboon enjoys eating bananas and grass.

Darlie or Modarbi (Female, 45 years old)

Born in 1979, Darlie (or Modarbi) is approximately 45 years old. Originally from Northern Thailand, she was brought to work in Phang Nga as a riding elephant and for hauling logs in the southern region. Darlie is blind in her right eye due to an accident that occurred during her logging work, making her cautious on her right side. She does not like her trunk being touched, a result of her anxiety from being beaten in the past to force her into heavy labor. Darlie enjoys eating sugarcane and bamboo leaves.

Chompu (Female, 33 years old)

Chompu, approximately 33 years old, was born in Southern Thailand. She was separated from her mother at the age of 3 to be trained as a performing elephant. Chompu worked as a show elephant in Phuket from a young age until she was around 10 years old. After that, she became a riding elephant in Phang Nga, as it offered better income, though it required much harder work. During the low tourist season, Chompu was used for hauling logs in Phang Nga and Krabi.

Chompu enjoys eating sugarcane and bananas, but she isn’t very good at foraging in the wild, having grown up around humans who provided her food. She has scars on her legs from the logging work. Chompu dislikes having her trunk touched due to past traumatic experiences where she was beaten to force her into heavy labor.

What we offer
Entrance pathway lined with elephant conservation signs at Khaolak Elephant Sanctuary

Hands-Off, 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.

Elephants playing in water surrounded by lush green grass at Khaolak Elephant Sanctuary

Meet Our Family

We currently care for four beautiful female elephants: Somboon (50 years), Darlie (45 years), Chompu (33 years), and Boonsong (65 years). As the world recovers from the COVID-19 pandemic, we hope to provide a home for even more elephants in need.

Exciting banana tree cutting experience with guide and guests at Khaolak Elephant Sanctuary

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.

Plan Your Visit Today

Whether you’re visiting with your partner or family, if you’re an animal lover, Khaolak Elephant Sanctuary offers a unique and ethical experience. Book your visit now and be part of a movement that truly cares for the welfare of elephants.

We aim to inspire the world to treat all elephants ethically. Education is the key to understanding and preserving wildlife.

Talk with Our Expert Guide
1 Hour Tour

Elephant Sanctuary Guided Tour Option Hotel Transfer

Learn the stories and daily routines of rescued elephants on a guided tour of an ethical elephant sanctuary in Khaolak. Enjoy the convenience of return transport from most Khaolak locations.

  • Feed, Observe and Learn about Elephants
  • Rubber Plantation
  • Visit Waterfall
  • Eco Tour Guide
  • Duration 60 Minutes

From 1,500 THB per person

1 Hour Tour

Guided Walk & Feed Elephant Experience Option Hotel Transfer

Embark on a captive 1-hour Eco Guide provides an up-close encounter during jungle walks and feed. Unveils the heartwarming stories and daily routines of our rescued elephants. Transfer is offered.

  • Feed, Observe and Learn about Elephants
  • Walk with Elephant
  • Eco Tour Guide
  • Duration 60 Minutes

From 1,300 THB per person

2 Hours Tour

2-Hour Elephant Sanctuary Eco-Walk with Guided Option Hotel Transfer

Discover the heartwarming stories and daily routines of rescued elephants on this tour that includes hotel transfers to Khao Lak. Go for a jungle walk with the elephants.

  • Feed, Observe and Learn about Elephants
  • Walk with Elephant
  • Make Elephant Food and Feed them
  • Eco Tour Guide

From 2,000 THB per person

Half-Day Visit
Guide and guests sitting on pickup truck with banana tree after participating in banana cutting activity for elephants

Khao Lak Eco Safari: Elephant Sanctuary Small Group Tour

Learn the stories and daily routines of rescued elephants on a tour in Khaolak Elephant Sanctuary. Enjoy a jungle walk and a meal. Participate in cutting grass.

  • Feed, Observe and Learn about Elephants
  • Hand on Elephant Food
  • Cut Banana trees at the local farm to gather Elephant’s fresh food
  • 1 Padthai Cooking Class
  • Observe elephants as they enjoy a bath in their natural habitat
  • Eco Tour Guide

From 3,200 THB per person

Full-Day Experience
Elephants playing in water surrounded by lush green grass at Khaolak Elephant Sanctuary

Khao Lak Eco Safari: Elephant Sanctuary Small Group Tour

Learn the stories and daily routines of rescued elephants on a tour in Khaolak Elephant Sanctuary. Enjoy a jungle walk and a meal. Participate in cutting grass.

  • Feed, Observe and Learn about Elephants
  • Elephant Check Up
  • Participate in Rubber Plantation
  • Hand on Elephant Food
  • Cut Banana trees at the local farm to gather Elephant’s fresh food
  • 4 Dishes of Cooking Class
  • Visit Waterfall
  • Eco Tour Guide

From 4,900 THB per person

Private Tours
Joyful elephant eating leaves near a stream at Khaolak Elephant Sanctuary

Experience a Personalized Adventure

For those seeking a truly unique and intimate experience, our private tours offer a bespoke adventure tailored just for you. Enjoy exclusive access and personalized guidance from our expert team, ensuring your visit is exactly what you envision.

Talk with US here

Why Choose a Private Tour?

  • Customized Itinerary: Your tour will be tailored to your interests, whether you’re passionate about photography, elephant behavior, or conservation efforts.
  • Exclusive Access: Enjoy a private, uninterrupted experience with our elephants, perfect for families, small groups, or special occasions.
  • Dedicated Guide: Have all your questions answered and gain deeper insights with a dedicated guide focused solely on your group.
  • Flexible Scheduling: Arrange your visit at a time that suits you best, allowing for a more relaxed and enjoyable experience.

What to Expect:

  • Personalized Introduction: Begin with a private welcome and introduction to our sanctuary and its mission.
  • Customized Activities: Participate in activities tailored to your interests, such as detailed observation sessions, feeding, or special educational programs.
  • Exclusive Photo Opportunities: Capture unique moments with our elephants, with guidance on the best spots and times for photos.
Things to do in Khaolak
Exciting interactive cooking class with guides and staff at Khaolak Elephant Sanctuary

3 hours Khao Lak Cooking Class and Market Visit

Explore local markets, handpick ingredients, and elevate your cooking with authentic, locally sourced produce. Dive into Thai cuisine with expert-led, hands-on cooking for all skill levels.

Khao Lak Eco-Safari: Elephants, Tsunami Museum, and Turtles

Embark on a half- day safari, interact with free-roaming elephants, visit sanctuary, and enjoy lunch. Explore the Tsunami Museum, witness Khao Lak’s recovery, and support sea turtle conservation.

Man joyfully driving an ATV through a waterfall at Khaolak Elephant Sanctuary

Khao Lak ATV Quadbike Adventure Experience

Experience an ATV Quad Bike adventure through natural landscapes, visit a sprawling fruit garden and take a refreshing dip in a pristine canal.

Tourists enjoying a bamboo rafting adventure at Wang Kieng Ku Waterfall near Khaolak Elephant Sanctuary

Khao Lak Adventure: Bamboo Rafting & Elephant Walk Journey

Immerse yourself in Khao Lak’s enchanting nature with a bamboo rafting and Embark on a captive 2-hour Eco Guide. Unveils the heartwarming stories and daily routines of our rescued elephants

Romantic couple enjoying a picturesque sunset at Phang Nga Bay By Khaolak Elephant Sanctuary.

Sunset Phangnga Bay Skywalk and James Bond Island

Trek a full day trip over Phangnga Bay Skywalk and Jamebond Island at at late afternoon. Ride in a luxury long-tailed boat paddle your canoe in lagoons. Feed and interact with rescued elephants

Smiling woman enjoying a longtail boat ride through lush greenery in Phang Nga Bay

Sunrise to Phang Nga Bay and Jamebond Island Tour

Trek an early bird full day trip over Phangnga Bay and Jamebond Island at a quiet time. Ride in a luxury long-tailed boat paddle your canoe in lagoons. Feed and interact with rescued elephants

Khao Lak: Elephant Sanctuary Visit and Mangrove Kayak Tour

Embark on a canoe adventure through the ‘Little Amazon’ swamp forest, where you’ll encounter reptiles, birds & breathtaking landscapes. Visit Elephant Sanctuary on a captivating guide tour with lunch.

Long-tail boat parked along the emerald waters at Khao Sok

Khaolak Safari: Elephant Sanctuary and Cheow Lan Lake Bliss

Experience Khaolak’s natural wonders in one day. Interactive visit to an Elephant Sanctuary, unwind at Cheow Lan Lake, and sightseeing a floating raft house Conclude with leisure time at Khao Sok Lake

Guests sampling local food and desserts at Bang Niang Market, Phang Nga Province, Thailand

Khaolak Finger Food Guided Tour with Cabaret Show

Eat your way through some of Khaolak’s tastiest street food on this guided walking tour. Sample classics like pad Thai, fish cakes, satay, and green curry, and enjoy a Cabaret Show.

Guide and guests sitting on pickup truck with banana tree after participating in banana cutting activity for elephants

Khao Lak Eco Safari: Elephant Sanctuary Small Group Tour

Learn the stories and daily routines of rescued elephants on a tour in Khaolak Elephant Sanctuary. Enjoy a jungle walk and a meal. Participate in cutting grass.

Client Testimonials

"I can't express how grateful I am to have visited Khaolak Elephant Sanctuary. It was an eye-opening experience to witness the sanctuary's dedication to the well-being of the elephants. Getting up close and personal with these gentle giants was an absolute privilege."
John D.
"Khaolak Elephant Sanctuary is a sanctuary like no other. The elephants are treated with utmost care and respect, and it's evident that their well-being is the top priority. This experience left me with a deep appreciation for these magnificent creatures and a desire to support ethical tourism."
David S.
"Khaolak Elephant Sanctuary provided me with an unforgettable opportunity to interact with these majestic creatures. The knowledgeable guides shared valuable insights about elephant conservation, and it was heartwarming to see the love and respect they have for these animals." -
John M.

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