Visiting the Krabi Elephant Sanctuary: Complete Guide

Krabi Elephant Sanctuary is a must-visit in the South of Thailand and you can’t leave without doing this one. Here, elephants are rescued from the tourism industry and are now allowed to reside here peacefully.

And you guessed it – When visiting, you can get a rare opportunity to watch the elephants in their natural surroundings.

I visited the sanctuary twice (I love Krabi and keep coming back) and this is a full guide with all the information you need before visiting. Spoiler alert: You’re in for a treat!

Krabi Elephant Sanctuary – Overview

Let’s start with key points on the elephant sanctuary in Krabi, specifically, its location, the cost, when the elephant sanctuary is open, and the best time to visit all in one place.

---

Where is the Elephant Sanctuary in Krabi?

The elephant sanctuary is located next to Ao Nang in Krabi and not so far from the beach. Their ticket includes pick up from the hotel and takes you there in around 10-15 mins away from Ao Nang beach.

The only place where you can spot rescued elephants enjoying the lives that they deserve. They paid a high price for it in the logging industry, and see their health getting better, the elephants roam, swim in the river, and are fed their favorite foods, which is really nice.

How Much Does the Aonang Elephant Sanctuary Cost?

The price is approximately $70 with their half-day program. It might sound high but absolutely worth it. Remember they are an ethical sanctuary, so riding them is not allowed and that is why it’s so perfect and a must.

Included in the visit is feeding the elephants, spending time playing in the water with them for taking the mud bath together which is quite a unique experience.

The cost covers not just the experience but also contributes to the care, food, and medical treatment of the animals, and if you don’t have the chance to take a half-day tour with elephants in Chiang Mai, the Krabi sanctuary is a must-do.

Is the Krabi Elephant Sanctuary Worth it?

Yes, the Elephant Sanctuary Krabi is a must when visiting Krabi and what a joyful experience to be so close to the elephants and doing so in a way that actually supports ethical animal welfare and tourism.

The experience combines adventure, with the mud spa for the elephants, education, and the chance to support a worthy cause, all in one memorable experience, in safe living conditions.

Where to Book Tickets for the Ao Nang Elephant Sanctuary?

You can book your tickets online on GetYourGuide, which is the best way to get them. You can also book them in Krabi once you arrive, but they sell out very quickly, which means you might not visit if you only have limited time in the area.

The platform is easy to use, reliable, and you’ll get to pick your favorite time of the day to go, from 9 AM to 2 PM, which is convenient.

The Programs at the Krabi Elephant Sanctuary

Now that you know the essentials of the elephant sanctuary, let’s go further in detail and discuss the morning and afternoon programs here below.

Morning Program

Kick off your day at 9 am with an unforgettable experience. This morning program gives you the unique opportunity to meet and closely interact with the rescued elephants, experiencing firsthand their stories of survival with the guides.

Next, you’ll be preparing food for the beautiful elephants, as an important part of their good health; bananas and sugar cane are the farm’s main crops.

Like many people who visit, you will most likely consider the mud bath to be the highlight of your program — a fun time that is fantastic for the elephants’ skin.

Then, it will be time to bathe the elephants, providing a healing experience for all involved in kindness. It’s all about washing these beautiful beings, supporting them as well as the sanctuary, and seeing their well-being.

Afternoon Program

The afternoon program starts at 2 pm and offers you exactly the same experience with the elephants. You will be picked up from your hotel and away for a fun trip with the beautiful elephants of Krabi.

When you reach the sanctuary, your tour guide will present you to the elephants, which you get to meet close up to hand feed them with bananas listening to the unique story of each elephant.

Then it’s spa time but with a twist. You and the elephants will enjoy covering one another in mud which helps to protect them from flies and gives them a lovely cooling element for their skin.

Once the mud has rubbed away during a refreshing wash, you then see the elephants at their happiest — playtime in the water.

Above all, you dry yourself and have some cool memories taken with your new friends. And before you head back to your hotel, you’ll have a sweet ending with some seasonal fruit and coconut water.

Krabi Elephant Sanctuary – FAQ

I’m confident you have all the information you need before going, but here are some frequently asked questions from first-timers that may be helpful to you too.

Is the Aonang Elephant Sanctuary Safe for Them?

Oh yes, it certainly is a safe and natural environment! The sanctuary is a safe haven for the majestic elephants, offering them a peaceful and familiar environment where they are free to perambulate, bathe, and enjoy the company of other elephants in conditions that very closely resemble their natural habitat.

Can You Ride the Elephants at the Krabi Sanctuary?

The answer is a firm no, and here’s why: Any ethical elephant sanctuary in Krabi is more interested in keeping them safe and happy than in giving visitors a ride on the elephants’ backs.

Letting people ride these amazing animals is a crime against their physical and mental integrity and wellness.

Morning VS Afternoon Program – Which is Better?

Both the morning and afternoon schedules will provide the same, intimate experience, so choosing one or the other can significantly depend on your personal preference.

The retired elephants are there to stay no matter when you choose to interact with them. All elephant interactions are the same whether in the morning, or afternoon! You’re guaranteed a great time at the Aonang elephant sanctuary!

Conclusion – Elephant Sanctuary Krabi

Visiting the Krabi Elephant House Sanctuary is more than just an activity; it’s an experience that leaves a lasting impact and I’m confident you’ll remember it for a long time.

You’ll carry not just memories spent with the elephants but also a deeper understanding of the importance of ethical animal tourism.

Thanks for reading until the end and I hope this guide helped you plan your trip!