Our Program
Elephantstay is situated right in the heart of the Royal Elephant Kraal Village, a working elephant village in Ayutthaya, Thailand. There are many projects here for elephants. The Elephantstay program involves living with, caring for and learning all about elephants.
Your elephant will be relying on you to take care of her and show her the love she deserves, and we will show you how. It doesnt take long to realise how unique each of our elephants are and their personalities will delight and touch your heart. You will learn all the basics of being a mahout, riding, feeding, watering and even bathing elephants in the river.
With over 70 elephants on site and the diversity of activities at the Royal Elephant Kraal Village, you will be able to experience many unique facets of elephant life and culture.
You will be issued a comprehensive handbook covering all manner of useful information. Topics include: caring for your elephant; riding techniques; elephant commands; elephant facts; history; and culture. You will also receive a great Elephant Team Member t-shirt.
You will be working with the biggest animal in the world. By learning to take care of them, feeding, watering and bathing you will have a chance to create your own bond with them. Their individuality will teach you about how important it is to contribute to their survival.
The best thing is, you will see where your money goes – straight back to the elephants. It costs 1000 baht per day to feed one elephant. Then there is the mahout, medicine and the cost of running a place that is dedicated to providing first class care and conditions and most importantly a sustainable future for the Royal Kraal Village elephants.
We are also commited to providing you with the most elephantastic and unforgettable experience. By enjoying and emersing yourself in the program, you will be directly contributing to preventing the extinction of elephants. Now, that is an amazing opportunity. See all the information to make your booking.
Our elephants
Although we have 60 elephants on site, these are the special elephants in our elehpantstay program that you can look after and form a unique bond with. By keeping our program small you get a unique special experience feeling part of the village not one of the tourists!
Honey
Date of Birth: c1975 – 1980
Pang Honey joined the Elephantsstay program in 2011. Namphueng means “honey” which is her nickname.
You can find more information about Honey on her Facebook page.
Jumpee
Date of Birth: c1975 – 1980
Pang Jumpee joined the Elephantstay program in 2009. Jumpee is a type of flower called White Champaka in English.
You can find more information about Jumpee on her Facebook page.
Yitor
Date of Birth: c1975 – 1980
Pang Yitor joined the Elephantstay program in 2012. Yitor is a type of flower called Oleander in English.
You can find more information about Yitor on her Facebook page.
Rasamee
Date of Birth: c1985 – 1990
Pang Rasamee joined the Elephantstay program in 2010. Her name means “ray of light”.
You can find more information about Rasamee on her Facebook page.
Rumruay
Date of Birth: c1970 – 1975
Pang Rumruay joined the Elephantstay program in 2009 Rumruay means “riches”.
You can find more information about Rumruay on her Facebook page.
Soiselee
Date of Birth: 21/01/2008
Pang Soiselee has been a special part of Elephantstay since she was born in 2008. Her name means necklace of freedom and good fortune. You can find more information about Soiselee on her Facebook page.
Ayutthaya Elephant Palace
If you are not wanting to do our regular program, (https://elephantstay.com/bookings/) we suggest you take a ride at the Ayutthaya Elephant Palace (Wang Chang). This is where the working elephants from our village give rides in the UNESCO World Heritage Historic Park on Patone Road (located at No. 2 on the Map of Ayutthaya). Rides start at 400 baht for 15 minutes, per person. Open all day, every day, there is no need to book. You can also buy food to feed the elephants and pay to have a special photo with one of our younger elephants. The Ayutthaya Elephant Palace is an important tourist destination and the income from there is vital to supporting all the programs we run for the elephants and their conservation.
The Ayutthaya Elephant Palace is a great model for elephants in the tourist industry. The elephants have access to water for drinking and showers. They get lots of food and treats throughout the day. The elephants get to socialize and get gentle exercise which has scientifically been proven to be important for their wellbeing. The elephants work on a roster basis so get plenty of off time as well.
Since 2000 we have had over 80 successful births. Considering there are only around 4,000 registered elephants in Thailand and limited forest for sustaining wild populations, our breeding program is vital to ensuring elephants survive into the future and that there is genetic diversity amongst the population. The majority of our mothers have given tourists rides until closer or even up to the time they give birth. Which proves how effective the socialization and exercise is to giving successful births.
If you want to visit our nursery, you can at the Royal Elephant Kraal Village, you can also buy food to feed the elephants.checking-in-to-the-royal-elephant-kraal-village
Without your support, elephants will not survive into the future or for the next generation to appreciate. So please support these magnificent creatures and know your contribution is helping to conserve them in a very real and practical way.
