Elephant Stay is a not-for-profit program situated in the Royal Elephant Kraal & Village in Ayutthaya, Thailand. It operates under the Phra Kochabaan Foundation and offers tourists and visitors an opportunity to live and work with retired elephants, contributing to their care and welfare.
Tourists can engage in various activities such as feeding and caring for elephants, learning about elephant husbandry, participating in river baths with the elephants, and taking elephant rides. They can also observe the daily life of these majestic creatures within the sanctuary.
Elephant Stay focuses on caring for elderly elephants and plays a role in the conservation of these animals by providing them with a safe haven. The program promotes education and awareness among visitors about the challenges faced by Asian elephants, and supports breeding programs to help sustain the population.
Yes, visitors can stay overnight at Elephant Stay. They offer accommodation facilities where guests can live in close proximity to the elephants, allowing for an immersive experience and extended interaction time with the animals.
Elephant Stay is open year-round, but the best time to visit is during the cooler months from November to February, when the weather is more comfortable for both humans and elephants.
Programs at Elephant Stay vary in length. Visitors can choose from short-term experiences that last a few hours to immersive programs that can span several days or even weeks.
Yes, children are welcome at Elephant Stay, but they must be supervised by adults at all times for safety reasons. It's crucial to check any age restrictions for specific activities with the establishment beforehand.
Visitors should bring clothing that can get dirty, sunscreen, hats, insect repellent, and a camera to capture their experience. Closed-toe shoes are recommended for safety around the elephants.
Tourists can reach Elephant Stay by car, bus, or train from Bangkok, as Ayutthaya is located approximately 80 kilometers north of the capital. Once in Ayutthaya, local tuk-tuks or taxis can be hired to reach the Royal Elephant Kraal & Village.
Visitors should dress modestly, respecting the local culture and traditions. As the Royal Elephant Kraal & Village is of historical significance in Thailand, behaving respectfully and following the guidelines provided by Elephant Stay staff is important.