Why should you go there and how do you do it right?

Phuket Elephant Care operates three locations in the north of the island: Nai Thon, Loch Palm, and Sakhu. The sanctuaries in Nai Thon and Loch Palm are certified according to the Asian Captive Elephant Standards (ACES). Elephant riding is not permitted. The three-hour half-day program, costing 2,900 baht, offers hands-on activities: participants prepare fruit and herb balls, feed the elephants, scrub them with clay, and swim with them in the lake at Nai Thon. The program concludes with the opportunity to paint a small elephant magnet to take home.

For a relaxed visit, the elephant viewing hour in Sakhu costs 1,250 baht. You observe the elephants from a viewing platform, receive fruit, and can participate in a keychain workshop. Hotel transfers are included. World Animal Protection strongly advises against bathing with elephants. Responsible Travel, an organization that rates protected areas, goes even further, describing the company essentially as a tour operator offering combination visits with Tiger Kingdom. Travelers are strongly advised against contacting this company.