How to Plan Your Phuket Elephant Sanctuary Small Group Tour

When you’re in Phuket, visiting the Lake Phuket Elephant Nursery is an experience that should not be missed. It is an ethical sanctuary that offers a unique opportunity to interact with these majestic animals, learn about their behavior and habitat, and at the same time enjoy a Thai cooking class and a scenic walk through the forest. In this guide, we’ll take you through all the key information to help you plan your visit.

Booking Your Tour

The first thing you need to do is book your tour. The Phuket Elephant Sanctuary Small Group Tour is one of the most popular options amongst visitors. You can book the tour online, which is a quick and convenient option. Simply follow the link here to get started.

What’s Included in the Tour

The tour includes a multitude of experiences:

Take an Elephant Care Class

Learn how to take care of these beautiful animals in their natural habitat with a comprehensive elephant care class.

Stroll through the Forest with the Elephants

Take a scenic walk through the lush green forest alongside the beautiful elephants.

Bathe in the Lake, Help Clean the Elephants, and take a Refreshing Swim

Interact with the elephants on a more intimate level by assisting in their bath and swim routine.

Enjoy a Thai Cooking Class and Lunch

Learn how to prepare delicious Thai dishes and have a chance to dine on them for lunch.

Learn About the Elephants, their Behavior, and Prepare their Food

Understand more about the natural habitat of these creatures, their mannerisms and their food habits, and learn how to prepare elephant food.

What’s Not Included in the Tour

There are some things that are not included in the tour, such as:

– Gratuities (though the tour does have a built-in gratuity if you choose not to tip)

Getting to the Lake Phuket Elephant Nursery

The tour includes either a shared or private transfer from your hotel in Phuket. Once you’ve booked your tour, ensure you confirm the pick-up time and location with the tour operator.

What to Wear and Bring with You

When visiting the Lake Phuket Elephant Nursery, it is recommended that you wear comfortable and casual clothing. Remember to bring sunscreen, a hat, and insect repellent along with you.

Tips for Visiting the Sanctuary Ethically

Interacting with the elephants in a safe, sustainable and ethical environment is stressed at the sanctuary. Here are some tips to follow to ensure that you practice these ethics while visiting:

– Only feed the elephants the food provided by the staff
– Do not ride the elephants
– Do not engage in any activities that cause stress to the elephants
– Do not approach the elephants without the guide’s permission
– Avoid touching the elephants anywhere but the area the guide recommends

Final Thoughts

Visiting the Lake Phuket Elephant Nursery is an incredible experience. The sanctuary allows visitors to experience the natural way of life of the elephants, learn about their behavior and habitat, and participate in daily elephant care fixtures. The ethical practices of the sanctuary make it a fantastic option for people who want to experience interactions with the creatures, and learn about the Thai culture in a safe and sustainable environment.

The Top Frequently Asked Questions about Phuket

Phuket is an idyllic tropical paradise nestled in the Andaman Sea of Thailand. It offers visitors sun-kissed beaches, vibrant nightlife, cultural diversity, and an endless list of activities to indulge in. As one of Thailand’s most popular tourist destinations, it is natural that visitors have a lot of questions about Phuket. In this blog post, we aim to answer some of the most frequently asked questions about this exotic island getaway.

1. Where is Phuket?

Phuket is Thailand’s largest island, located on the southwestern coast of the country in the Andaman Sea. It is approximately 863 km south of Bangkok, the capital city of Thailand. Phuket is geographically closer to Myanmar than it is to mainland Thailand. You can access Phuket either by plane or by boat.

2. What is the best time to visit Phuket?

Phuket is a year-round destination, and visitors can enjoy the island’s delights any time of the year. However, the peak tourist season in Phuket begins from November to April, when the weather is dry and cooler. May to October is the monsoon season in Phuket, which brings occasional heavy rainfall and strong winds. Prices for accommodation and activities are typically cheaper during this time of the year.

3. What language do they speak in Phuket?

Thai is the national language of Thailand, but English is widely spoken in Phuket, especially in tourist areas such as Patong Beach, Karon Beach, and Kata Beach. Signs, menus, and other communication materials are typically written in both Thai and English. It is always helpful, however, to learn some basic Thai phrases to ease communication with locals and to show respect to the culture.

4. What should I wear in Phuket?

Phuket is a tropical destination, so lightweight and comfortable clothing is recommended. During the day, visitors can wear shorts, t-shirts, and sundresses. It is also essential to wear a hat and apply sunscreen as the sun can be quite strong in Phuket. However, it is important to dress modestly when visiting temples or any place of religious worship. It is best to avoid short skirts, shorts, and tank tops in these places.

5. What are some must-visit places in Phuket?

Phuket offers a diverse range of attractions, from stunning beaches to historical landmarks and cultural attractions. Some must-visit places include:

– Patong Beach – the most popular and busiest beach in Phuket, known for its vibrant nightlife and shopping opportunities.
– Phang Nga Bay – known for its stunning limestone cliffs and limestone karsts jutting out of the sea.
– Big Buddha – a 45-meter-tall statue of Buddha located on top of a hill that offers panoramic views of the island.
– Phuket Old Town – a charming area of Phuket filled with Sino-Portuguese architecture, street food stalls, and quaint cafes.
– Phi Phi Islands – a stunning archipelago located just a short boat ride from Phuket’s mainland.

6. Is it safe to travel to Phuket?

Phuket is generally considered a safe destination for tourists. However, as with any destination, visitors should exercise caution and be aware of their surroundings, especially when traveling alone at night or in unfamiliar areas. It is also important to take normal precautions such as keeping valuables in a safe place and being aware of scams and pickpocketing.

7. What is the currency used in Phuket?

The currency used in Phuket (and Thailand) is the Thai Baht (THB). Visitors can exchange currency at the airport, banks, or exchange offices in tourist areas. Some restaurants and shops may accept US dollars or other currencies, but it is always best to have Thai Baht on hand for transactions.

8. What is the cuisine like in Phuket?

Phuket’s cuisine is a blend of Thai and Chinese influences, with an emphasis on fresh seafood and local ingredients. Visitors must try some of the island’s iconic dishes such as Tom Yam Kung (spicy prawn soup), Pad Thai (stir-fried noodles), and Massaman Curry (a rich and mild curry). There are also plenty of street food stalls and local markets offering a wide variety of tasty treats.

Conclusion

Phuket is a destination that can satisfy every kind of traveler, whether one is seeking relaxation, adventure, or cultural experiences. As with any destination, it is always best to plan ahead, conduct research, and be aware of local customs and culture. We hope this post has answered some of your questions about Phuket and helped you plan your next tropical getaway. Bon voyage!