The Thai Elephant Conservation Center in Lampang is a great place to see these majestic animals up close. The reserve offers various attractions, as well as a chance to learn more about the elephants and their habits. The proximity to the city of Lampang is also an advantage, as it allows you to take an interesting trip.
Thai Elephant Conservation Center – what is special about this place?
The reserve in Lampang was established to care for and protect Thai elephants. Its beginnings date back to 1969, when the Forest Industry Organization (FIO) decided to create a facility for breeding and training baby elephants. The center was then transformed into a place for caring for old and sick animals. There is also an elephant hospital here.
More than 20 years later, in late 1992, the Thai Elephant Conservation Center was founded and its operations expanded. It began to organize elephant shows and bathing, as well as rides on these giant animals.
There are currently more than 100 elephants divided into 2 groups.
The first group consists of elephants up to 60 years old, who can perform their duties. They are placed in the Thai Elephant Conservation Center in the Hang Chat District, Lampang Province – this is where shows and rides are held.
The second group consists of old, disabled, and aggressive elephants. They are located in the Pang La elephant sanctuary in the Ngao District.
Thai Elephant Conservation Center – attractions in the reserve
Elephant educational shows
They are organized twice a day at 11 a.m. and 1.30 p.m. During the shows, the intelligence and strength of elephants are demonstrated. You can see, among other things, what the techniques of felling wood and working with this material with the help of elephants looked like in the past.
In addition, in 2006, it was discovered here that these animals can create paintings. The elephants paint, and their works of art are then sold. The proceeds go to support the center.
The animals also engage in many other activities, and after the show is over, you can go up to the enclosure and touch or feed the animals. For a small fee, treats for the elephants are sold in the form of bananas and plants.
When dealing with elephants, it is inadvisable to use a flash, approach an elephant from behind, make loud noises, or approach with domestic animals.
Bathing the elephants
This is another interesting attraction of the reserve. Bathing takes place before the shows at 10:45 a.m. and 1:15 p.m.
Elephants love being in water. This lowers their body temperature. The animals use trunks to wash themselves, which is a spectacular sight during bathing.
Elephant ride
If you feel like trying out what it’s like to ride an elephant, you’ll have the opportunity to do so in the reserve. Not far from the show venue, there’s a point serving this type of attraction. It is where you pay for the ride and get on the elephant in specially prepared places.
Drinking tea and watching elephants
This offer includes a one-hour photo session with elephants. Beverages and snacks are included in the price.
Observing a herd of elephants
It is possible from a viewing point. The observation lasts 1 hour on Saturdays and Sundays. During this time, you can admire the herd of elephants.
Elephant Hospital
Around halfway from the parking lot to the show area is the elephant hospital. You can stop here and admire the animals. There are no shows or rides in this area. However, you can watch the animals, and it is usually not crowded.
How much is the ticket to the Thai Elephant Conservation Center?
Entry to the show costs 100 THB per adult and 50 THB per child if you choose the shuttle bus as the means of transport from the parking lot to the show.
Entry by private car costs 200 THB per vehicle, 100 THB per adult and 50 THB per child.
Costs of other attractions
Bareback Elephant Ride – 200 THB per adult/child.
Saddle ride – 400 THB per adult, 200 THB per child.
Tea and watching elephants cost 500 THB for 4 people.
Elephant herd watching on Saturdays and Sundays from 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. costs 100 THB per adult and 50 THB per child.
Accommodation
The Thai Elephant Learning Center Hotel offers accommodation. Prices start at 1000 THB per night for a double room.
Another option is cottages. There are 10 of them in total – 3 are traditional wooden houses, and 7 are modern cottages. In one house, there are two rooms for 2-3 people. Prices for a room are 700/800 THB per night.
There is also Chang Thai Resort. Here prices start at 1000 THB per night.
Mahout training
If you really like elephants, you can sign up for mahout training. There are several training programs.
A one-day training program costs 4,000 THB per person. A two-day training program costs 7,000 THB, and a three-day program costs 9,000 THB. The two-day VIP program costs 8,000 THB.
Key information for tourists
Location
The reserve is located in Hang Chat District, Lampang Province. The distance from the city center is 41 km northwest on Route 11 towards Lamphun.
How to get to the Thai Elephant Conservation Center?
You can get there by taxi, songthaew, or private car. There are also buses from Lampang. Another possibility is to hire a guide who has his own transport.
Opening hours
The reserve is open every day from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Restaurants and shops
Before entering the center and within its area, there are many souvenir shops and restaurants offering, in most cases, delicious local cuisine.
Other attractions near Thai Elephant Conservation Center
A little over 13 km to the south is Thung Kwian Market. It is also located on Route 11. You can stop there on your way, as it is a great place to buy local goods.
Very close, heading north, is the Doi Pha Mueang Wildlife Sanctuary.
Thai Elephant Conservation Center – summary
This place is a great idea for a trip out of town and seeing wonderful animals. The advantage is that it is not crowded and loud like other similar attractions in Thailand. This allows you to comfortably view elephants, take a walk around the area, or enjoy other forms of spending time. The proximity to Lampang makes it very easy to get there. There will definitely be no shortage of excitement, and staying in the company of elephants will certainly be a pleasant experience.
