Get up close and personal with elephants at the National Elephant Institute Lampang. Renowned as the first elephant hospital in Thailand, the Elephant Institute gives you the opportunity to experience life with elephants in their natural environment.
The one-day “Mahout Experience” allows you to discover fascinating facts about elephant behavior and health. You will walk along a nature trail with the elephants, shower and play with them in the river and then walk back to the camp astride their necks.
Should you wish to stay overnight, options are available for individuals and small groups. You can stay one night at the institute’s homestay, in rustic but comfortable housing. Nights at the homestay are spent relaxing or hanging out with mahouts (elephant carer) and their families, waking up to the beautiful view of elephants bathing in the river. Price at the homestay is 500 Baht per 2 persons (in fan bungalow) or 800 to 1,300 Baht per couple (at Ban Pak Chang Tai Resort). Bathing with the elephants is 500 Baht and walking them in the jungle 1,000 Baht.
The National Elephant Institute Lampang also presents one, two and three days programs to care for the elephants as well as “Mahout Training Courses”, available from 3 to 30 days. The institute is located 70 kilometres from Chiang Mai city, very close to Lampang city, which is well known for its beautiful architecture and relaxed atmosphere.
If you have less time, you can choose a one day-tour at the institute during which you can visit the elephant hospital and meet with veterinary, journey into the jungle with the big giants and watch them splash together in the water. Even this shorter version of the trip promisses unforgettable memories.
NATIONAL ELEPHANT INSTITUTE LAMPANG :
Km 28-29 Lampang-Chiang Mai Highway. Lampang.
Tel. 054-829 331
facebook.com/elephantcenter
www.thailandelephant.org