Before we left Khao Sok we visited a local ethical elephant park where the animals’ welfare comes first, and it was very moving to spend time with them.
Then we headed towards Phuket, calling in at more hot springs on the way. The evening couldn’t have been more different: the glitz and energy of the famous Simon Cabaret in Patong.
Good to know
- Choosing an elephant park: look for places that don’t offer riding. Phuket Elephant Sanctuary, for example, is observation only. Phuket Elephant Sanctuary
- Simon Cabaret: there are usually three shows a night, each about 70 minutes long.
We checked these details in October 2026. Times, prices and rules do change, so it’s worth a quick look at the official sites before you go.