The Most Remarkable Elephant Sanctuary in Krabi, Thailand
VISITING AN ELEPHANT SANCTUARY IN KRABI — QUICK GUIDE
Visiting an ethical elephant sanctuary in Krabi offers a meaningful way to learn about rescued elephants while supporting responsible tourism.
Location: Krabi Province, Thailand
Experience Type: Ethical elephant sanctuary
Duration: Around 2 to 3 hours
Activities usually include feeding elephants, walking alongside them, and learning their rescue stories in a calm natural setting.
No elephant riding or performances are allowed. The focus is on animal welfare, education, and respectful interaction.
Best time to visit is in the morning when temperatures are cooler and elephants are more active.
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Elephant Sanctuary in Krabi
Closest places to stay:
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Nearby hotel option
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Comfortable stay near Krabi
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Budget friendly accommodation
If you are looking for a truly moving experience in Krabi, visiting an ethical elephant sanctuary is a must. What started with the rescue of just one elephant has grown into a powerful story of care, patience, and recovery.
In the beginning, the sanctuary faced many challenges. The elephants were fearful and had suffered from years of tourist rides and harsh treatment. With limited resources, the caregivers focused on trust, gentle care, and time rather than forcing interaction.
Today, the sanctuary offers a calm and respectful environment where elephants can heal and live with dignity. Visiting this place is not about entertainment, but about understanding their journey and supporting ethical elephant tourism in Thailand.
Meet the Elephants at Krabi’s Elephant Sanctuary
In the heart of Krabi’s Elephant Sanctuary, three rescued elephants have transformed their lives from hardship to peace. Each one has a unique story, but all now live in a safe place filled with care, patience, and respect.
Mallay is the oldest at 52 years old and the largest elephant at the sanctuary. She was rescued from a camp in Krabi after suffering a broken rib. Today, she enjoys a calm life surrounded by caregivers who give her the care and space she deserves.
Bungah, lovingly called Booboo, is 38 years old and was rescued near the Malaysia border. She is known for her playful nature and gentle personality, quickly becoming a favorite among visitors and staff.
Cuncun is 32 and the youngest of the three. Full of energy, she loves to play, explore, and interact, bringing joy to everyone she meets.
These elephants now live in a sanctuary where they are protected and respected every day. Their recovery reflects the mission of the sanctuary and the dedication of the people who care for them, creating a place where elephants can truly live in peace.
A Heartwarming Christmas Gift at Krabi’s Elephant Sanctuary
Our kids surprised us with a wonderful Christmas gift, a visit to what they called the best elephant sanctuary in Krabi. We were excited and counted down the days until the visit.
Early that morning, a comfortable van picked us up and took us straight to the sanctuary. Spending this time together felt extra special, especially since we had not seen each other since we started our travels.
Sharing this experience as a family, surrounded by nature and rescued elephants, made the day unforgettable and one we will always cherish.
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A Warm Welcome at the Sanctuary
When we arrived, we were warmly welcomed by the sanctuary’s owner, who guided us to a large hall. There, we joined a small group of ten people for breakfast around a big table.
The breakfast was simple and enjoyable, with muffins, bananas, different juices, and a variety of cookies. While we ate, the owner shared the heartfelt story behind the sanctuary and the elephants who now call it home.
It was a relaxed and meaningful start to the day and set the perfect tone for everything that followed.
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A Heartwarming Welcome: Breakfast and Stories at the Elephant Sanctuary
After breakfast, we received a helpful introduction on how to interact with the elephants, show them affection, and feed them properly. Soon after, we climbed into an open truck and headed out to meet Mallay, Booboo, and Cuncun.
Excitement filled the air as we looked forward to finally seeing the elephants we had heard so much about. The ride was bumpy but fun, and standing in the back of the truck made the experience even more memorable.
Meeting the Elephants in the Jungle
We arrived deep in the jungle and suddenly stepped into a wide open field filled with palm trees and greenery. It felt like a scene from a movie. The owner began calling the elephants by name, and one by one, they slowly appeared.
We had a large stack of bananas ready and could not wait to meet them. The elephants were huge, with their eyes locked on the bananas. Feeding them was an unforgettable experience. They were gentle, curious, and full of affection, looking at us with calm and trusting eyes.
I held the bananas and called the elephants over so we could feed them and show them our love.
Feeding the Elephants Up Close
Feeding the elephants was an unforgettable experience. As they gently opened their mouths and blinked their eyes, it felt like a quiet thank you for the care and attention. They were playful and curious, almost like big kids, eager to eat and interact.
It was a warm and meaningful moment that stayed with us long after it ended.
Capturing Memories with the Elephants
We made sure to capture every special moment with the elephants through photos and video. Having these beautiful memories documented means a lot to us and lets us relive the experience anytime.
Our Elephant Sanctuary Vlog in Krabi
Say the Magic Word Bananas
Say the magic word “bananas,” and you will be amazed at how quickly the elephants come walking toward you. Their reactions are instant and full of excitement, making everyone smile.
No Elephant Riding, Only Care and Respect
There is no elephant riding here. This is a true sanctuary focused on the elephants’ well-being. When you visit, everything is done on their terms, and they enjoy the experience.
The elephants do not work for visitors or carry anyone around. They are here to be cared for, protected, and loved, which is what makes this sanctuary truly special.
Elephant Trails: A Memorable Jungle Walk
After meeting the elephants and feeding them bananas, we took a walk together through the jungle. They led the way along their usual paths, showing us the routes they take each day.
And just when we thought the experience could not get better, it was time to feed them again. This time, we had prepared their food ourselves, which made the moment even more special.
A Day in the Life of Elephants: What You Need to Know
Elephants have a daily routine that may surprise you. They usually sleep only 4 to 5 hours a night and spend much of the day resting. They wake up early mainly because they are almost always hungry.
An adult elephant can eat up to 10 percent of its body weight each day, which is around 300 kilograms of food at a minimum. They continue eating throughout the day, and their daily poop can weigh between 7 and 10 kilograms.
Their diet includes grass, bananas, mangoes, coconuts, durian, and special nutritious foods prepared by the sanctuary. Bananas seem to be their favorite and often grab their full attention, influencing how they move and interact.
Fun Elephant Fact
To stay happy and healthy, elephants need just four simple things:
- Food to keep them full and satisfied
- Fun through play and daily activities
- Companionship and social bonds
- Freedom to move, explore, and roam
Interacting with Elephants at the Sanctuary
Spending time with the elephants is truly special. They respond to your tone of voice and seem to sense the energy of the person they are with. Watching how they react feels personal and meaningful.
They love playing in water and mud, and feeding them is full of joy and connection. Seeing how they interact with their surroundings and with people is a beautiful reminder of their intelligence and emotional depth.
Preparing Food for the Elephants
We were given the ingredients to prepare the elephants’ food using a special recipe from their daily menu. It included rice, bananas, and two types of nutritional supplements, one in powder form and the other as small granules.
Mixing everything by hand got a little messy, but it was part of the fun. In the end, the food came together perfectly and made the experience even more memorable.
The Final Meal for the Elephants
Here is the final food we prepared, ready for the elephants to enjoy. As soon as we got close, they eagerly opened their mouths, clearly excited for what was coming.
And the moment they heard the magic word, “Aoouuummmmm”, their reactions said it all.
“Aoouuummmmm”.
Mud Time with the Elephants
After spending time feeding the elephants, which was easily one of the best moments of the day, they were ready to play. And of course, they headed straight for the mud.
Elephants love getting messy. Rolling around and covering themselves in mud is one of their favorite activities, and they even enjoy being gently massaged with it. It was a muddy scene, but also incredibly fun and entertaining to watch.
Covered in Mud and Loving It
Just look at how messy they are. The elephants absolutely love their mud pool and enjoy every second of it.
And yes, they do not hesitate to splash mud everywhere, including on us. It was messy, unexpected, and made the moment even more fun.
Shower Time After the Mud
After all the muddy fun, it was time for a shower. The elephants enjoyed the water just as much as the mud pool and happily stayed under the shower, clearly relaxed and content.
They seemed perfectly happy until the owner brought out a beach ball. The moment they spotted it, their attention shifted, and they eagerly followed him, ready for the next round of fun.
Pool Time with the Elephants
Then it was time for the pool, and the elephants were clearly thrilled. They splashed around, lay down in the water, and played happily, enjoying every moment.
They loved it when we poured water over them and seemed to be having just as much fun as we were. It was the perfect ending to an unforgettable day, filled with joy, laughter, and special memories.
A Perfect Ending to a Special Day
After their fun time in the pool, the elephants went back to eating, and it was our turn to relax and enjoy some snacks. We shared fruits and muffins before heading back to the hotel.
Spending this day with our kids and the elephants made it truly unforgettable. The fresh coconut, straight from the jungle and the elephants’ home, was incredibly refreshing and felt like the perfect final touch to an amazing experience.
The Best Christmas Gift
After traveling full time, all we wanted for Christmas was time together with our kids. Sharing this special day made the holiday even more meaningful.
Merry Christmas. It truly is the best time of the year.
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