Wildlife in Phuket

Save upto 30%

by comparing quotes from 3 agents

View Tour Packages

What each place actually is, and which ones let you handle the animals

Phuket has no real zoo. What it has is two elephant sanctuaries, a marine aquarium run by a research centre, and a bird park, and they differ a lot in how they treat animals.

Here is the list of 5 Wildlife in Phuket

1. Phuket Elephant Park

Phuket Elephant Park

Home to a variety of rescued elephants, the Phuket Elephant Park provides its visitors with an opportunity to observe and interact with these gentle creature in their natural habitat. Set in a national park, a half day tour of this sanctuary lets visitors watch elephants take mudbaths and forage amongst the green foliage, for a beautiful and heartwarming experience.

2. Phuket Aquarium

Phuket Aquarium
3.6 /5

Phuket Aquarium sits at Cape Panwa on the southern tip of the island, run by the Phuket Marine Biological Center, so it is a research station with a public gallery rather than a commercial park. The tanks cover Andaman Sea species, reef and mangrove habitats, with a short walk-through tunnel. It takes about an hour, which makes it the one stop here that fits a wet afternoon rather than a whole day.

3. Green Elephant Sanctuary Park

Green Elephant Sanctuary Park
4.7 /5

A rescue camp in the hills above Bang Tao rather than a zoo, and it does not offer elephant riding, which is the first thing to check anywhere in Phuket. Visits are built around feeding and washing the elephants, so you are in the water with them rather than watching from a distance. If you would rather not handle the animals at all, look for an observation only sanctuary instead. Book direct and allow half a day.

4. Phuket Bird Paradise, Phuket

Phuket Bird Paradise, Phuket
3.6 /5

Phuket Bird escape is a tourist favourite, with its beautiful gardens and a colourful abundance of feathered beauties everywhere. You can find a great variety of exotic species here including parakeets and bright parrots. The bird show provides some thoroughly enjoyable avian entertainment, and you can also get a picture with some of these pretty creatures posing demurely on your shoulders and heads!

Phuket Travel Packages

Compare quotes from upto 3 travel agents for free

5. Phuket Cobra Show and Snake Farm

Phuket Cobra Show and Snake Farm
3.6 /5

The Phuket Cobra Show and Snake Farm pulls a large crowd, who are eager to witness these deadly creatures, including the king cobra, do some great tricks and performances. The trained and courageous men even get a kiss from these venomous snakes! Talk about deadly kisses not being for the faint-hearted!

Worth knowing what you are booking before you book it. Things to do in Patong covers the rest of the island's attractions, and watersports in Phuket the sea.

This post was published by Joysurjya Hagjer

Top Hotels In Phuket

FAQs on Wildlife in Phuket

Is there a zoo in Phuket?

Not any more in the conventional sense. What remains are elephant sanctuaries, the Phuket Aquarium run by the Marine Biological Center, and a bird park. This page covers those rather than a single zoo.

Which elephant sanctuary should I choose?

Phuket Elephant Park and Green Elephant Sanctuary both keep rescued elephants and neither offers riding, which is the first thing to check anywhere in Thailand. Green Elephant builds visits around feeding and bathing, so you are in the water with the animals.

Is elephant riding offered in Phuket?

It is still sold on the island by some operators, and it is worth avoiding. The sanctuaries listed here do not offer it. If a camp advertises rides or shows, that tells you what kind of place it is.

Is Phuket Aquarium worth visiting?

It is small and modest, run by a government marine research centre at Cape Panwa rather than as a commercial attraction. It is cheap, it takes about an hour, and it works well as part of a rainy day.

What should I know before booking a sanctuary visit?

Book direct rather than through a beach tout, allow half a day, and expect to get muddy and wet. Ask specifically whether riding or performances happen on site, and take the answer seriously.

Related Collections

Wildlife & Nature

Wildlife & Nature

4 Elephant Sanctuaries in Phuket and What Each One Allows

Wildlife & Nature

Wildlife & Nature

The 5 Most Wonderful Waterfalls In Phuket

Sightseeing

Sightseeing

Towns in Phuket

Wildlife & Nature

Wildlife & Nature

National Parks in and Around Phuket

Shopping

Shopping

12 Best Places for Shopping in Phuket

Art & Culture

Art & Culture

The Culture of Phuket: The Unknown and the Unique

Adventure

Adventure

Snorkeling in Phuket - Best Places,Time and Tips

Transport

Transport

Bike Rentals in Phuket: Your Complete Guide To Bike-Renting in the 'Pearl of the Andaman'

Experiences

Experiences

Phuket Bungee Jumping - Leap Into The Lap Of Nature

Food & Drink

Food & Drink

Indian Restaurants in Phuket to Satisfy those Cravings for Home-like Food

Adventure

Adventure

Scuba Diving in Phuket - A Detailed Guide

Experiences

Experiences

7 Water Parks in Phuket to Soak Up Some Family Fun!

Food & Drink

Food & Drink

8 Best Vegetarian Restaurants in Phuket for Some Green Delights

Food & Drink

Food & Drink

15 Halal Restaurants in Phuket For Muslim Travellers in Thailand

Nightlife

Nightlife

Nightlife in Phuket - The Best Places to Indulge in Phuket's Nightlife!

Transport

Transport

Airport in Phuket: A Guide to Phuket International Airport

Adventure

Adventure

Kitesurfing in Phuket - Prices, Best Places and Operators in Phuket

Road Trips

Road Trips

Renting a Car in Phuket - Ease Out Your Commute On The Go

Experiences

Experiences

7 Golf Courses in Phuket That Every Golfer MUST Visit

Top Places

Top Places

Sunset in Phuket - 18 Places to Witness the Golden Phuket Sunset

Travel Tips

Travel Tips

Safety in Phuket - Top Tips for A Safe Phuket Trip

Adventure

Adventure

Parasailing in Phuket: The Ultimate Guide for Parasailing

Nightlife

Nightlife

12 Amazing Gay Bars in Phuket to Have An Entertaining Evening

Food & Drink

Food & Drink

Street Food in Phuket - Relish the Aroma and Nutrition of Phuket Streets!

Food & Drink

Food & Drink

Food in Phuket - 30 Best Restaurants in Phuket You Must Try

Fairs & Festivals

Fairs & Festivals

Phuket Vegetarian Festival - Experience the Nine Gods Festival

Adventure

Adventure

Horse Riding in Phuket - For the Adventure Junkie in You

Experiences

Experiences

15 Best Spas in Phuket to Rejuvenate Your Mind, Body and Soul

Adventure

Adventure

Phuket Surfing - The Best Beaches for Surfing in Phuket

Beaches & Islands

Beaches & Islands

Island Hopping in Phuket: The Complete Guide

Comments on this post

View Packages