Frequently Asked Questions

Tru tusks to know

We've compiled answers to our most frequently asked questions about visiting the elephant sanctuary. Browse below to find what you're looking for, and if you have any further questions, don't hesitate to get in touch!

General

What kind of experiences do you offer?

We offer a variety of elephant care experiences, so you can choose the one that best suits your interests – from learning about elephant behavior and interacting with them in a safe environment, to helping prepare their meals and observing their natural behaviors. Check all of our programs here.

What are the available schedules for the elephant programs?

What should I bring?

To ensure you have a comfortable and enjoyable visit at our sanctuary, we recommend packing a few essentials: a hat or cap to shield you from the sun, closed-toe shoes or sneakers for better footing, sunglasses to protect your eyes, sunscreen to keep your skin safe, insect repellent to ward off bugs, and a camera to capture all the memories. If you'd like to take a dip, feel free to bring a swimsuit along as well. Don't forget, you can easily bring your passport details on your phone for registration purposes.

What’s the weather going to be like on the day of my visit?

A reliable weather forecast for Phuket is almost impossible, especially during the monsoon season. Phuket is located at the coastline of the Andaman Sea, where the weather can change very fast. It can be a fantastic sunny day in Phuket Town, but only a few kilometers away at Naithon Beach, it could be heavy rain. The weather right now does not have any bearing on the weather next week, or even tomorrow! Check the weather forecast with Wunderground or Accuweather, but during the monsoon months, only the forecast for the next 2 – 3 days is reliable - long term weather is very difficult to predict.

Will the elephant sanctuary still be open if it rains?

No matter the weather, our doors are open! Elephants, for one, find rainy days delightful. They splash and frolic in the cool mud, creating a spectacle you won't want to miss. Fret not if the skies open up – we'll provide rain ponchos and umbrellas to keep you dry while you enjoy the fun.

How hot does it get in Phuket?

Phuket is known for its hot and sunny weather! Whether it's humid or dry, be sure to stay sun-safe by bringing a hat and sunscreen. Don't worry about staying hydrated - we'll provide chilled purified water throughout the tour to keep you cool and refreshed.

Are young children allowed? Specifically, is the sanctuary suitable for infants and toddlers?

We welcome children of all ages! Our relaxed program allows you to explore at your own pace. Need a break? Our friendly staff is happy to help you return to the reception area at any time.

Feel free to bring strollers or pushchairs for easy navigation throughout the sanctuary.

Should I print the booking confirmation email?

Skip the printing and go green! Simply show your booking number or the lead traveler's name to the check-in staff at Phuket Elephant Care directly on your phone on the day of your visit. No need to print – it's better for the environment!

I'm waiting and waiting but no one has come to pick me up?

If you booked a program with hotel pickup, please be aware that the transportation might be shared with other guests from nearby hotels. This may cause a slight delay. While we expect the driver to arrive at the agreed-upon time, if they haven't shown up within 15 minutes, please contact us at our emergency number. You can find the emergency number on your confirmation email.

Can I drive to the sanctuary?

Absolutely! Visiting one of our sanctuaries is a wonderful way to spend the day. To ensure a smooth arrival, we recommend checking the exact meeting points here. Plan to arrive at least 15 minutes before your scheduled program begins to allow ample time for check-in.

What if I need to contact us when I am in Thailand?

Your voucher will contain an emergency phone number which you can call in case of any problems before or during the trip. You can also contact us using the email address sanctuary@phuketelephant.care.

Can I fly my drone?

For the safety and well-being of our animals, drone flights are not permitted on our premises. Drones can be startling to wildlife, including our elephants.

What kind of food do you serve?

We offer a delectable homemade vegetarian Thai buffet, featuring a variety of flavorful dishes prepared fresh daily. To ensure we can accommodate your needs, please inform us of any dietary restrictions at least one day prior to your trip.

Booking

How far in advance should you book a visit?

While booking your Elephant Care program in advance isn't mandatory, it can ensure a spot and provide peace of mind. However, during peak season (November to April) and Thai national holidays, reservations are highly recommended as spaces fill up quickly.

Is it possible to change the date of the visit?

Absolutely! We understand plans can change. To reschedule your visit to Phuket Elephant Care, we kindly ask that you notify us at least 24 hours before your originally scheduled date. This allows us to ensure the best possible experience for both you and the elephants. However, please keep in mind that any date changes will be subject to availability.

Are there opportunities to visit outside of the scheduled tour times?

To ensure the best experience for both our animal residents and our guests, we kindly ask that you visit during one of our scheduled morning or afternoon tours. Bookings are required in advance, so be sure to reserve your spot to explore the sanctuary with our knowledgeable guides!

Is there any refund if the trip cannot be run as scheduled?

We understand that unforeseen circumstances like bad weather can disrupt your plans. In the event that the elephant program at Phuket Elephant Care is unable to operate due to inclement weather, we are happy to offer you a full refund or reschedule your visit for a more suitable time. Our priority is to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for both you and the elephants.

Is there a discount for groups or multiple trips?

For inquiries about group bookings for our Phuket Elephant Care program, simply send us a private message. Let us know the number of people in your group, your preferred travel date, and the specific program you'd like to participate in.

Do I need travel insurance?

While we offer a basic accident insurance during your stay at the sanctuary, it's limited. We highly recommend that you consider purchasing individual emergency medical and travel insurance for a more comprehensive safety net during your trip.

What are some hotel recommendations for my stay in Phuket?

Phuket offers a wide range of hotels to suit all budgets and preferences. To help you find the perfect place to stay, consider what's important to you, such as:

  • Location: Are you looking to be near the beach, in the heart of the action, or in a quieter area?
  • Budget: How much are you comfortable spending per night?
  • Amenities: Are there specific facilities you need, such as a pool, spa, or fitness center?

Once you have a better idea of your needs, you can search for hotels on popular booking websites like Booking.com, Expedia, or Agoda. These websites allow you to filter your search results by price, location, amenities, and guest rating.

Payment

How can I pay for my trip?

We offer 2 different methods of online payment, either by credit card (or debit card) through Opn or Paypal, or directly with your PayPal account. We accept several major currencies in addition to Thai Baht – such as USD, EUR etc. If you don’t have a credit card, the least expensive payment method is a money transfer through PayPal, using your personal bank account (you will need to register with PayPal first, which usually takes 4 working days to be set up). We also accept international bank wires in Thai Baht only, please check the transfer fees with your bank first.

Bank: Kasikornbank
Swift: KASITHBK
Recipient: Siam Kotchasan Conserve Co., Ltd.
Account: 118-1-25015-8

Can I pay cash on arrival?

Absolutely, cash payments are accepted! To ensure a smooth reservation process, kindly confirm if you'll be paying in cash at one of our Phuket sanctuaries before your trip begins. This allows us to secure your spot promptly.

The language in PayPal is in Thai, I can't understand a thing!

You are probably using a public computer in a internet café or hotel where the browser's language is set to Thai. Please change the language through the drop-down menu at the top right, or change the URL manually by entering the values in red:

        https://www.paypal.com/en/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_flow&...&lc=US

Another solution is to use a different browser or computer, or you can go first towww.paypal.com, change the language/country through the menu on the bottom and return to the payment site.

Why I can't pay using my American Express credit card?

You will be able to pay by AMEX only if the currency is set to USD, unfortunately Thai Baht is not accepted. Please let us know if you want to make a payment with American Express so we can send you an invoice where the price is set to USD. Or you could use another credit card such as VISA or MASTER to pay for Thai Baht.

Nantaporn Long-eh, the 4th May 2024 in Phuket Thailand
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