Welcome to Krabi Thailand. After a long year away from the family (more on that later), J and I decided it would be good for a little family quality time on the beach. After a couple of days in Bangkok, we decided to book a ticket to Krabi. After doing a little research on things to do in Krabi, I discovered the Krabi Elephant House Sanctuary. One reason we choose this was because it allowed us to experience something unique like interacting with elephants in a very gentle and friendly way. We are opposed to elephant trekking or any type of entertaining which the animal is used as a prop, so this was a great way to experience something unique in an animal-friendly environment.
How to Get to the Krabi Elephant House Sanctuary
There is not real easy way to get to the Krabi Elephant House Sanctuary. We were lucky enough that we booked through one of the many tour agents on the main strip of Krabi across from Ao Nang beach. The tour company had a van pick us up from our hotel and we drove straight there. It was about a 30-minute drive, with a bunch of beautiful scenery of Krabi. That said, if you have your own car and want to get there, the Google Map is linked below!
What to Bring to The Krabi Elephant House Sanctuary?
You will be getting muddy on this tour. It’s been four days since the tour and my kids still have grime under their fingernails, so bring a change of clothes and I would personally recommend dressing in a bathing suit under some clothes during the tour. Also, this is a tour and the tour guides were amazing, so considering bringing some extra tip money for them. Finally, bring some soap for the showers after the mud bath.
What Do You Do at The Krabi Elephant House Sanctuary?
We choose PROGRAM A: RELAXING WITH ELEPHANTS for one and a half hours, and we found that for our kids (ages 6 and 8) to be just enough time to spend with the elephants without being bored, too hot, or whatever is bothering a kid when they are six and eight. The first part of the tour was just a general meet and greet with the elephants and the guide explaining what elephants are friendly and their mission as an elephant sanctuary.
Part 1: Feeding the Elephants
This was my favorite part of the tour because you really get up close with the elephants without getting wet and muddy (which, I really didn’t want to do). The power and beauty of these animals is astonishing! I felt humbled to be in their presence. The tour guide was very understanding and gentle with the elephants and this helped transition them into our care. For many of these elephants, they are old and in some cases abused and their interaction with humans is limited. For us, this was an engaging and humane way to interact with these beautiful animals.
Part 2: Mud Bath With The Elephants
An interesting observation: the kids were very apprehensive about feeding the elephants and just in general being in their presence. Logan was more engaging with them at first, but Rosie did not want to engage with them at all, but eventually, she warmed up to them over the course of the tour. The mud bath with the elephants was the turning point in the tour for us when the kids really started to enjoy the experience. It started with Logan and then Rosie, after seeing her brother, decided to join in on the fun.
Part 3: Bathing and Washing With The Elephants
The final part of the tour was the bathing and washing with the elephants. By far, this was our children’s favorite part of the tour. They got to go into a shallow river and wash the mud off the elephants. I have this idea that when you introduce any type of water activity to kids its equivalent to introducing alcohol at a party for adults. Anyway, they had a blast and they didn’t want to get out of the river with the elephants! 10/10.
Food and Drink
For the most part, since it is only an hour and half tour, the food and drink options are limited, but they do give you a season fruit plate at the end of the tour. There is also a small gift shop for ice cream and water purchases.
Final Thoughts: The Krabi Elephant House Sanctuary
In total we paid 7,000RMB or about $200 USD, which included transportation between our hotel and the sanctuary. In my opinion, it was the best $200 USD I could have spent on the trip with the family because it was such a unique experience and memorable one for the kids. It wasn’t too long of a day, between the ride there, the tour and the ride back it was about 2.5 – 3 hours. A perfect way to spend an afternoon!
Who Should Go to The Krabi Elephant House Sanctuary
Looking for a unique experience interacting with some beautiful elephants in a humane way? This is your spot.
Who Should Avoid Going to The Krabi Elephant House Sanctuary
You will not be able to ride the elephants here. There are other options for elephant trekking.
Derek Versus Lonely Planet 