From amazing aquariums to incredible big cat encounters, Thailand has much to offer in the way of tourist spots for animal lovers.
Thanks to Thailand’s unique biodiversity — supported by a large variety of ecosystems, landscapes, and habitats — tourists have plenty of sites to visit and marvel at the country’s one-of-a-kind fauna and flora.
In this article, we’re listing down some of the most exciting spots for animal-loving tourists who are visiting Phuket.
The Best Spots in Phuket, Thailand for Animal Lovers
Now that we’ve covered how you can (safely) travel to Phuket, let’s talk business. And for animal lovers, that means attractions where you can get close to Thailand’s unique and charming animals.
Here are the best tourist spots for animal lovers in Phuket, Thailand:
1) Aquaria Phuket
Aquaria Phuket is the biggest aquarium in Thailand, located underneath the Central Phuket Floresta. A magical underwater site home to over 25,000 sea animals, this vast aquarium is a fun adventure for families who want to learn more about the wondrous creatures of Thai oceans and rivers.
Some of Aquaria’s highlights activities and amenities include:
- The AR Trick Eye Museum, which has numerous optical illusions that'll mesmerize you
- Underwater fine dining where you can delight in a delicious meal while enjoying the glowing lights of a giant fish tank
- Watch divers feed sea creatures
2) ATV Safari Adventures
Explore Phuket’s jungle and rubber tree plantations on an ATV with Phuket ATV Safari Adventures. With many activities to choose from (from elephant camp to raft adventures), animal lovers will have their itineraries full for the day.
Here are some highlight activities you can do at Phuket ATV Safari Adventures:
- Traverse thrilling trails on an ATV safari adventure
- Ride the waves with rafting adventures
- Watch elephants and birds
3) The Gibbon Rehabilitation Project
Gibbons is a species of small apes native to Southeast Asia. Situated in Talang, Phuket, The Gibbon Rehabilitation Project is determined in saving these creatures, currently endangered from thousands of gibbon killings that happen each year. The project, which is open to visitors, rescues gibbons and nurses them back to health before returning them to the wild.
Come visit The Gibbon Rehabilitation Project to:
- Hang out with rescue gibbons
- Learn about the behavior of gibbons from the project staff
- You can take the opportunity to donate in order to help the efforts to save and rescue gibbons
4) Soi Dog Foundation
If you’re a dog lover, you’ll feel right at home at the Soi Dog Foundation. Home to rescue dogs big and small, the foundation takes in doggos that need food, shelter, and treatment. Visitors can pop in and join the tour.
Here’s what you can do at Soi Dog Foundation on your next visit:
- Adopt a dog
- Take a tour and meet the dogs in the sanctuary
- Go on a puppy run to get close to the rescue puppies
5) Monkey Hill
Monkey Hill is a fantastic viewpoint for sightseers, but it’s also home to a population of macaques and monkeys. While there, tourists can interact with these lovable creatures; but make sure to proceed with caution, as some of them tend to steal food and belongings from time to time.
Here are just some of the activities you can do at Monkey Hill:
- Trek up the highest point in Phuket
- Do some sightseeing overlooking the city
- Interact with macaques and other monkeys
6) Green Elephant Sanctuary Park
The Green Elephant Sanctuary Park is a 40,000 sqm expanse where elephants freely roam about. Apart from gandering at these majestic creatures, tourists can also bathe the elephants in a mudbath. Don’t worry if some of the elephants frolic about; it simply means they enjoy your company!
Here are some activities you can do at the Green Elephant Sanctuary Park:
- Let nature in and enjoy a tour of the beautiful sanctuary
- Watch elephants roam about
- Partake in elephant mudbaths and play with the elephants
Thailand has plenty to offer to tourists who love animals. If you’ve been itching to visit Thailand, consider visiting these beloved attractions to marvel at and interact with the island's adorable and majestic creatures!