Phuket Highlight Tour Big Buddha Temple and Elephant Sanctuary

Bangkok , Thailand

Phuket Highlight Tour Big Buddha Temple and Elephant Sanctuary

Active

4h - 6h

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Discover the best of Phuket in one unforgettable day — combining scenic viewpoints, cultural landmarks, and an ethical elephant-sanctuary experience.

Begin at Karon Viewpoint, where you’ll take in Phuket’s iconic panorama of three turquoise bays. Continue to the Big Buddha, a 45-meter marble statue with sweeping island views and a calm, spiritual atmosphere.

Visit Wat Chalong, Phuket’s most important temple, and learn about local Buddhist traditions as you explore the sacred grounds.

Finish your journey at an ethical elephant sanctuary, where you’ll learn the elephants’ rescue stories and observe them in a peaceful forest setting. Caretakers demonstrate how their food and herbal supplements are prepared, and you’ll gain insight into their behavior, wellbeing, and daily care — with no riding, feeding, or direct interaction.

Available options

Phuket Highlight Tour Big Buddha Temple and Elephant Sanctuary

Pickup included

What's included

Hotel Transfer

Eco Guide at Ethical Elephant Sanctuary

Visit Ethical Elephant Sanctuary

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

Next, visit Wat Chalong, Phuket’s most revered temple. Learn about Buddhist traditions as locals light incense and make merit in this sacred place.

Stop 2

Discover the best of Phuket in one unforgettable day — from stunning viewpoints and cultural landmarks to a heartwarming elephant experience.

Start your adventure at Karon Viewpoint, where the island’s most famous panorama unfolds before you — three turquoise bays shimmering under the tropical sun.
Continue to the Big Buddha, a majestic 45-meter marble statue offering sweeping views across the island. Feel the peaceful atmosphere as you walk around this spiritual landmark.

Karon Viewpoint, where the island’s most famous panorama unfolds before you — three turquoise bays shimmering under the tropical sun.

Embark on a 1-hour educational experience where you’ll learn about rescued elephants and the dedicated hill tribe caretakers who support them. Discover how the sanctuary provides lifelong care for elephants retired from tourism and gain insight into the meaningful bond between each mahout and their elephant.

What's not included

Food

Personal Expenses

Available languages

Guide guide

Important information

Public transportation options are available nearby

Specialized infant seats are available

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Please note the driver is not a tour guide, however, he will be willing to help you as much as he can

In Thailand, only Thai is an official language, so please do not expect excellent English language skills from the drivers. The English proficiency of the driver is not fluent, but he can definitely communicate in English with you Read more about - From Phuket Deep Sea or Patong Port: Private Customizable Tour - https://www.viator.com/tours/Phuket/Phuket-Private-Car-or-Minibus-Rental-with-Driver/d349-231052P24?mcid=56757

About Bangkok

Bangkok, the vibrant capital of Thailand, is a dynamic blend of traditional culture and modern urban life. Known for its ornate temples, bustling street markets, and world-class street food, Bangkok offers a unique and unforgettable travel experience.

Top Attractions

Grand Palace

The Grand Palace is a complex of buildings that served as the royal residence from 1782 to 1925. It is a stunning example of Thai architecture and houses the Emerald Buddha.

Historical/Architecture 2-3 hours 500 THB

Wat Arun

Wat Arun, also known as the Temple of Dawn, is a stunning temple located on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River. It is famous for its beautiful porcelain decorations and the iconic prang (spire).

Religious/Architecture 1-2 hours 50 THB

Chatuchak Weekend Market

One of the world's largest markets, Chatuchak Weekend Market offers a vast array of goods, from clothing and accessories to food and antiques.

Shopping/Cultural Half day to full day Varies

Chao Phraya River

The Chao Phraya River is the lifeblood of Bangkok. Taking a boat tour along the river offers a unique perspective of the city and its many temples and palaces.

Nature/Scenic 1-3 hours Varies

Chatuchak Park

Chatuchak Park is a large and lush urban park that offers a peaceful escape from the bustling city. It is home to a variety of plants, animals, and recreational facilities.

Nature/Relaxation 1-2 hours Free

Must-Try Local Dishes

Pad Thai

Stir-fried rice noodles with eggs, tofu, shrimp, and a sweet and tangy sauce, garnished with crushed peanuts and lime.

Dinner Can be made vegetarian or vegan.

Tom Yum Goong

A spicy and sour shrimp soup with lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, galangal, and chili.

Dinner Contains seafood.

Som Tum

A spicy green papaya salad made with shredded papaya, tomatoes, green beans, peanuts, and a tangy dressing.

Lunch/Snack Can be made vegetarian or vegan.

Mango Sticky Rice

Sweet ripe mango served with sticky rice and coconut milk.

Dessert Vegetarian.

Popular Activities

Hiking in Erawan National Park Kayaking on the Chao Phraya River ATV tours in Hin Lek Fai Spa and massage treatments Boat tours on the Chao Phraya River Visiting temples and parks Visiting temples and historical sites Attending traditional Thai performances

Best Time to Visit

November to February

This is the most pleasant time to visit with cooler temperatures and lower humidity. It's peak tourist season with lively festivals and events.

22°C to 34°C 72°F to 93°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Thai
Widely spoken: English, Chinese
English: Moderately spoken in tourist areas, limited elsewhere

Currency

Thai Baht (THB)

Time Zone

GMT+7

Electricity

220VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Exercise caution

Bangkok is generally safe for tourists, but petty crime, scams, and traffic accidents can occur. Be cautious of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas and at night.

Important Precautions:

• Be cautious of strangers approaching you with offers or requests.
• Avoid unlicensed taxis and tuk-tuks.
• Be wary of jet ski rentals and gem shops.

Getting there

By air

Suvarnabhumi Airport • 30 km from city center
Don Mueang International Airport • 20 km from city center

By train

Hua Lamphong Railway Station, Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal

By bus

Mo Chit Bus Terminal, Ekamai Bus Terminal, Southern Bus Terminal (Sai Tai Mai)

Getting around

Public transport

Clean, efficient, and air-conditioned, the MRT is a convenient way to get around.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Grab, Bolt

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Khao San Road Sukhumvit Chinatown (Yaowarat) Silom Banglamphu

Day trips

Ayutthaya

80 km from Bangkok • Full day

Ayutthaya is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the former capital of the Kingdom of Siam. It is known for its stunning temples and historical ruins.

Damnoen Saduak Floating Market

105 km from Bangkok • Half day to full day

Damnoen Saduak is one of the most famous floating markets in Thailand, offering a unique shopping and dining experience on the water.

Maeklong Railway Market

80 km from Bangkok • Half day to full day

Maeklong Railway Market is a unique market where vendors set up their stalls on the railway tracks, and a train passes through several times a day.

Festivals

Songkran • April 13-15 Loy Krathong • Full moon night in November Vegetarian Festival • September/October (dates vary by year)

Pro tips

Learn a few basic Thai phrases to enhance your experience and show respect for the local culture.
Use the BTS Skytrain and MRT subway to avoid traffic and get around the city quickly and efficiently.
Haggle and bargain when shopping at markets and street stalls, but do so politely and respectfully.
Try street food, but choose stalls with high turnover and good hygiene practices.
Dress modestly and respectfully, especially when visiting religious sites.