Phuket Elephant Nature Reserve or PENR is an ethical elephant sanctuary situated in Phuket region of Thailand. This sanctuary is attributed to the well being of rescued Asian elephants, giving them a safe residence. They get a stress free stay at the Phuket Elephant Nature Reserve. If you are planning to be here then you will get to enjoy activities like feeding elephants, taking their care and seeing them enjoying their natural habitat. However there is strictly no bathing and no riding allowed at this destination of Thailand. You will even get to experience an interesting activity at this reserve and that is the process of creating paper out of elephant dung. 

The Phuket Elephant Sanctuary was established in 2016 as a high-welfare, ethical option to exploit them at logging and riding camps. This was done with the aim of offering a retirement experience for rescued elephants and simultaneously a space for visitors to gaze at them ethically. Here are some timely developments added to this reserve since its establishment:

• The sanctuary brought in their first elephants, Kannika and Madee, in 2016.
• They welcomed the 10th elephant here in 2018.
• Thailand’s longest canopy walkway was constructed for non-intrusive observation during 2020.
• Phuket’s first Elephant Hospital was started in 2025.

What to do in Phuket Elephant Nature Reserve ? (activities/experiences) 

You have several things to enjoy at Phuket Elephant Nature Reserve. Here are those experiences to take at this destination :

• Feeding Elephants: You should enjoy making vitamin balls or fruit and feeding the rescued elephants. 
• Viewing Elephants: You can view the elephants play, linger and enjoy in their natural habitat. There are mud pits and natural ponds to see here. 
• Strolling in the Jungle: Strolling in the jungle and looking at the amazing nature of the reserve. Nothing can match the thrill of lingering around at the Elephant Nature Reserve.
• Learning about Elephants: Here you should not miss an opportunity to learn about the history, eating habits, efforts to save the elephants and their likes and preferences. 
• Cooking Demonstration: One of the most unique activities to do at this sanctuary is learning to cook some amazing and delicious local Thai cuisine.
• Clicking Photos: Clicking memorable moments and knowing more about the elephants through a classic photography session is another thing you should be doing here. 
• Being at the Recycling Center: This sanctuary also undertakes waste management programs for waste coming from elephants. You can get a chance to see how elephant dung magically turns into paper. 

How to reach Phuket Elephant Nature Reserve ? 

The Phuket Elephant Nature Reserve sits 17.9 kilometres from the main region of Phuket. You need about 24 mins in a car or taxi to reach this destination. 

Best time to visit Phuket Elephant Nature Reserve 

The best time to be at the Phuket Elephant Nature Reserve is always when it is the dry season. This season is from December to April when the weather is pleasant, less humid and sunny. The sanctuary is open all the time and exploring this place during the off season can be a peaceful atmosphere. The costs can also be lesser but there can be unfavourable climatic conditions during this time. 

Opening and closing hours 

The Phuket Elephant Nature Reserve is available for visitors and tourists from 9 AM to 5 PM from Tuesday to Sunday. It is not open on Mondays. These opening hours apply to the entire reserve, that even includes the Observation Deck Restaurant. The restaurant stops taking orders at 4:30 PM.

Some tips before you visit the reserve 

The this Elephant Nature Reserve is a place to enjoy some of the best natural experiences in Thailand. Here are some tips for you to follow before you visit this landmark in Phuket : 

• Book in Advance: Normal visitors cannot make it to the sanctuary on their own. You need to book your tour well in advance to avoid disappointment on time.
• Consider Meeting Point: You should meet the tour vehicle at the official location or office because the general public cannot get to the sanctuary. 
• Keep Transport in Mind: There is a nice and suitable transport system available at this sanctuary that will allow you a convenient pick up and drop from spots to meeting points and vice versa.
• Carry your Protection: There can be high humidity and sunshine in the Phuket Elephant Nature Reserve. This is the reason why you should carry your sunscreen, hat, umbrella and other protection to this landmark. Don’t forget to carry a long sleeved t-shirt to avoid uncomfortable clothing. 
• Consider Comfortable Clothing: Consider carrying comfortable clothing with you to enjoy the true weather of this place. You can comfortably walk through the amazing jungle paths with these clothes.
• Keep Quick-Drying & Breathable materials: One of the best things to do before visiting this reserve is to pack quick drying and breathable materials with you. 

Entry fees of Phuket Elephant Nature Reserve

The entry charges at the Phuket Elephant Nature Reserve begin from 1,200 Thai Baht for a short 90-minute tour for adults that can rise up to 3,000 Thai Baht for a half-day tour at this Phuket Elephant Nature Reserve with alternatives for kids. You can even avail group discounts at this landmark of Phuket. 

Other Parks in Phuket to Visit 

You can find other interesting places to explore at this destination. The Phuket Elephant Nature Reserve can be a wonderful option to explore but you should not be missing other interesting places to enjoy around here. 

Khao Phra Thaeo National Park: This place is truly perfect for nature lovers who love hiking and waterfall fun. Ton Sai waterfalls are a special attraction of Khao Phra Thaeo National Park. 

Saphan Hin Park: This is a massive multipurpose park having mangrove walkway, jogging tracks, sports facilities and other park related experiences to enjoy.

Elephant Sanctuaries: There are other places like Green Elephant Sanctuary Park and Phuket Elephant Sanctuary to enjoy around for similar fun.