This Khao Lak elephant tour is a half-day visit to a small elephant sanctuary in the forest outside Khao Lak, with the option to add bamboo rafting on a jungle stream. There is no elephant riding. Instead you feed the elephants, watch how they behave, help with their daily care and learn from the mahouts who look after them.
Updated October 2026 by the Phuket Dream Company team (TAT licensed).
It suits families and anyone staying in Khao Lak who wants a relaxed, hands-on morning or afternoon away from the beach. Hotel pickup in the Khao Lak area is included.
Highlights
- Meet elephants up close and feed them fruit and sugar cane
- No riding – the focus is on observing and caring for the animals
- Option to make herbal food balls and walk with the elephants (Program B)
- Option to add a gentle bamboo rafting trip along a jungle stream (Program C)
- Hotel pickup and drop-off in the Khao Lak area included
Choose your programme
- Program A – Feeding and observing: the shortest option. Feed the elephants and watch them in their surroundings with the mahouts.
- Program B – Elephant care, herbs and walk: feeding plus preparing herbal treats and a walk alongside the elephants.
- Program C – Elephant care and bamboo rafting: elephant care followed by a slow float down a forest stream on a bamboo raft steered by a local guide.
What to expect on the Khao Lak elephant tour
Your driver collects you from your hotel and drives inland into the green hills behind Khao Lak. At the sanctuary the staff give a short briefing on how to approach the elephants safely, then you head out to feed them and learn about their diet and daily routine. If you choose the rafting programme, you continue to the river for a calm ride through the jungle before being driven back to your hotel.
The tour runs every day as a half-day trip. Exact pickup times depend on your hotel and programme – the team confirms them on WhatsApp the day before.
Pickup
Pickup is included from hotels in Khao Lak. Bang Sak and Nam Khem can be added for an extra charge per car (see the table below). Staying further away, for example in Phuket? Ask the team for a private transfer quote.
What to bring
- Clothes you do not mind getting muddy or wet, plus a change of clothes
- Swimwear and a small towel if you are doing the rafting
- Sandals or trainers that can get wet
- Insect repellent, sunscreen and a hat
- A waterproof bag or phone pouch for photos
Tips from the team
- Morning slots are usually cooler for both you and the elephants.
- Follow the mahouts’ instructions at all times and never walk directly in front of or behind an elephant.
- Rafting is gentlest in the wet months; in the dry season (roughly February to May) low water can make it slower.
- Children love the feeding, but keep small children close to an adult throughout.
FAQ
Do you ride the elephants?
No. This tour does not include elephant riding. You feed, observe and help care for the elephants.
Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, from hotels in the Khao Lak area. Bang Sak and Nam Khem carry an extra charge per car, shown in the table below.
How long is the tour?
It is a half-day tour. The exact length depends on the programme you choose; the team will confirm times when you book.
Is it suitable for children?
Yes. Child prices apply to ages 3-10. Children must stay with a parent around the elephants.
Can I do it from Phuket?
The prices include pickup in Khao Lak only. From Phuket it is a long drive, so ask the team about a private transfer.
What happens if it rains?
Tours usually run in light rain. If conditions are unsafe, the team will contact you on WhatsApp to change the date.
How to book
Book online on this page. Once your booking comes in, the Phuket Dream Company team confirms availability with the operator and stays in touch with you on WhatsApp (+66 95 038 5535) about pickup times and any changes. Have a question first? Message the team on WhatsApp or ask Hannah, our chat assistant on this site.
ASSKL: Safari Khao Lak Elephant Sanctuary
*Half Day Tour*
*This price is from 1 January 2024 – 31 October 2024*
Operate Everyday
Price Include Pick up transfer from Khao Lak (In the area)
Program: A
|
Regular Price |
Promotion Price |
Adult
|
|
1,200.-THB |
Child (3-10 years)
|
|
800.-THB |
Program: B
|
Regular Price |
Promotion Price |
Adult
|
|
1,900.-THB |
Child (3-10 years)
|
|
1,400.-THB |
Program: C
|
Regular Price |
Promotion Price |
Adult
|
|
2,400.-THB |
Child (3-10 years)
|
|
1,800.-THB |
Free Pick up Transfer (Area 1.)
| Area 1. | Pickup Time |
Extra Charge/person |
| Khao Lak |
xx.xx |
Free |
Free Pick up Transfer (Area 2.)
| Area 2. | Pickup Time |
Extra Charge/Car |
| Bang Sak / Namkhem |
xx.xx |
500.-thb |
