44points · on 6 of 7 lists: Thailand Highlights, Phuket Travel Experience, Visit Thailand Today, Пхукет Инсайдер (phuket-insider.com), Phuket 101 and Villa Finder (villa-phuket.com)
Montri Todtane opened Phuket Elephant Sanctuary in 2016 after seeing the hardships of traditional elephant camps, and it now cares for 13 rescued elephants, each with its own mahout. Visitors watch from Thailand's longest canopy walkway as the herd forages, bathes and socializes on its own terms, with no riding, bathing or feeding by guests. The sanctuary also built the island's first elephant hospital, and the Save Elephant Foundation helped bring Sri Nual here in 2020 after another sanctuary closed during COVID.
“retired working elephants roaming 30 acres of jungle beside Khao Phra Thaeo National Park”
a Google reviewer
“we were picked up directly from our hotel on time and comfortably sent back after the tour”
a Google reviewer
- Tripadvisor
- 4.9 from 3,980 reviews
31points · on 5 of 7 lists: Thailand Highlights, Phuket Travel Experience, Пхукет Инсайдер (phuket-insider.com), Phuket 101 and Villa Finder (villa-phuket.com)
Five elephants rescued from elephant riding and circus shows live at Phuket Elephant Nature Reserve, on 30 rai of jungle in Thalang where no one rides, chains or bathes them. Visitors help feed the elephants, among them Lotus and Mae Boon Lai, then watch them move through the forest from a raised observation deck. A walk through the reserve passes the kitchen where the elephants' vitamin balls are made and the clinic where vets look after them.
“It was lovely to see them simply exist and not have to perform.”
a Google reviewer
“They truly respect the elephants, their space, and their wildlife.”
a Google reviewer
23points · on 3 of 7 lists: Click2GoThailand, Thailand Highlights and Пхукет Инсайдер (phuket-insider.com)
Elephant Jungle Sanctuary began in Chiang Mai in July 2014 as a project between members of the Karen hill tribes and local residents, and Phuket is one of its four sanctuaries. Programs run from a one hour Feed Me visit to the six hour Walk With Elephants day, which adds a jungle walk, a mud spa, bathing and a home cooked Thai lunch. The Phuket camp earned Gold certification under the Asian Captive Elephant Standards in October 2025, and its older elephants get dedicated care through The Care Project Foundation.
“Spend quality time with elephants roaming freely in their jungle home.”
a Google reviewer
“education-first visits in the Kathu jungle, no rides or performances”
a Google reviewer
- Tripadvisor
- 4.9 from 3,808 reviews
Google ratings from Google on 3 October 2026. Quotes are from the published lists and reviews named beside each one.
Honorable mentions
The lists we counted
- Click2GoThailand · June 2026
- Thailand Highlights · February 2026
- Phuket Travel Experience · 2026
- Visit Thailand Today · March 2026
- Пхукет Инсайдер (phuket-insider.com) · October 2026
- Phuket 101 · October 2025
- Villa Finder (villa-phuket.com) · May 2024
How the points work
We read every independent published best-of list we can find for the question. Each list gives 10 points for first place, 9 for second, down to 1 for tenth, and 5 points to each place on a list with no order. Points are added up. A business must be in the top 10 of at least two lists to be ranked. Rankings are never sold. Full method.
Award badges
Related rankings
