Opinions on Elephantstay in Ayutthaya?
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: So Cal
Programs: UA Gold/0.744MM, WN AL, Hyatt Diamond, MR Scum, Hertz PC, National Exec, Avis PC
Posts: 5,560
Opinions on Elephantstay in Ayutthaya?
I did a search and surprisingly, it isn't mentioned anywhere in the forum! I've looked at the reviews on TA (http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attractio..._Province.html). They are mostly positive, but there are also a couple there that have some mildly disturbing elements as well.
Has anyone been there? How was it? Any concerns?
Has anyone been there? How was it? Any concerns?
#2
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Omaha
Posts: 1,674
I've never been to Elephantstay so I can't comment on that specific elephant camp.
The negative reviews actually made me chuckle. Those people really expected some fantasy place and were disappointed when they saw the reality.
It's an elephant camp. You see elephants, learn something about elephant biology, you watch them do some "tricks", go for a ride, and give them a bath. It's a pretty basic/simple experience. I think I paid $20US for a few hour visit at a place and they do ask for additional tips for food or whatever. If you have never seen elephants in person, it should be a really neat experience. Good photo ops, and a fun story to tell your friends when you get home.
If you're a big animal rights person and you hate seeing wild animals chained up or fenced in, then you probably will have some problems with it.
As they say, TiT (This is Thailand).
The negative reviews actually made me chuckle. Those people really expected some fantasy place and were disappointed when they saw the reality.
It's an elephant camp. You see elephants, learn something about elephant biology, you watch them do some "tricks", go for a ride, and give them a bath. It's a pretty basic/simple experience. I think I paid $20US for a few hour visit at a place and they do ask for additional tips for food or whatever. If you have never seen elephants in person, it should be a really neat experience. Good photo ops, and a fun story to tell your friends when you get home.
If you're a big animal rights person and you hate seeing wild animals chained up or fenced in, then you probably will have some problems with it.
As they say, TiT (This is Thailand).
#4
Original Poster
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: So Cal
Programs: UA Gold/0.744MM, WN AL, Hyatt Diamond, MR Scum, Hertz PC, National Exec, Avis PC
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If you have never seen elephants in person, it should be a really neat experience. Good photo ops, and a fun story to tell your friends when you get home.
If you're a big animal rights person and you hate seeing wild animals chained up or fenced in, then you probably will have some problems with it.
As they say, TiT (This is Thailand).
If you're a big animal rights person and you hate seeing wild animals chained up or fenced in, then you probably will have some problems with it.
As they say, TiT (This is Thailand).
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t5jw3T3Jy70
We are definitely not activist PETA types and have both been in places where stray dogs are the norm. We also both understand that in order for the elephants to remain in the area, some sort of containment would be needed (chains, paddocks, etc). I do foresee a little weeping by my wife, but I'm not sure if it will be from seeing the elephants in general, seeing them chained, or having to leave the place at the end of our stay (last one is most likely )
http://changthai.com/tours/three_day..._most_popular/
#5
Join Date: Dec 2010
Programs: Flying Blue Gold and Virgin America for a few months
Posts: 507
Since Elephants live so long what are they to do for the next 20 plus years ?
You cannot just let them loose out in the forest , so doing something constructive is the best way ,
I know after the floods they were used to move large items , etter than in a pen at the Zoo
S
You cannot just let them loose out in the forest , so doing something constructive is the best way ,
I know after the floods they were used to move large items , etter than in a pen at the Zoo
S
#6
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Omaha
Posts: 1,674
We have definitely both seen elephants and have each done an elephant ride (albeit in a very structured setting like a zoo). My wife absolutely loves elephants though. My wife believes that her reaction could be something along the lines of this:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t5jw3T3Jy70
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t5jw3T3Jy70
Well I'm sure you would have a nice time. Those negative reviews do not sound like anything major to me personally. I'm sure you'll have a nice time.
#7
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Southeast USA
Programs: various
Posts: 6,710
What I found was that it seemed much more "structured" and not as personal. It seemed like you got less time with the elephants as well. And there is no air conditioning This is what I stumbled on from there:
http://changthai.com/tours/three_day..._most_popular/
http://changthai.com/tours/three_day..._most_popular/
I'm also ?? about the air conditioning comment. Do you want a standard tourist experience (stay in hotel, visit elephant center, watch show, go for ride, go back to hotel) or do you want a hands-on elephant camp experience (some tolerance of less-than-cushy conditions required)?
#8
Original Poster
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: So Cal
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???? What exactly are you expecting? ANY place, ANY time you spend with an elephant is going to be structured and under the mahout/trainer's supervision. Not sure what you mean by "personal." If you think any place is going to let you romp on or with an elephant, completely on your own, you are quite mistaken. And as for structure, the elephant's day is structured, so your contact will of necessity follow that dictum, it won't be the other way around.
I'm also ?? about the air conditioning comment. Do you want a standard tourist experience (stay in hotel, visit elephant center, watch show, go for ride, go back to hotel) or do you want a hands-on elephant camp experience (some tolerance of less-than-cushy conditions required)?
I'm also ?? about the air conditioning comment. Do you want a standard tourist experience (stay in hotel, visit elephant center, watch show, go for ride, go back to hotel) or do you want a hands-on elephant camp experience (some tolerance of less-than-cushy conditions required)?
As far as A/C, and generally needing to "rough it". Yes, I realize that it is not going to be a luxury hotel, and I admit, that is generally how I have traveled. However, for this kind of experience, and the desires of my wife, we are willing to rough it. The A/C is not a determining factor on whether we participate, but it was a differentiating factor between the facilities. And it will certainly be nice to have an air conditioned room to retire to at the end of what look like can be a long and hard day working with the elephants. A/C is supposed to also help with mosquitoes.
FWIW, I have booked with Elephantstay for their standard 3 day/2 night package.
#9
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: body: A stone's throw from SFO, mind: SE Asia
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Posts: 17,263
I've seen enough elephants at markets/in the provinces to last a lifetime. I also don't care to see these animals captivated.
That said, this place has been lauded by some friends who have gone.
It's up outside of Chiang Mai and they include transportaiton to the sanctuary. I've only had reports of the day trip, never for an extended stay.
That said, this place has been lauded by some friends who have gone.
It's up outside of Chiang Mai and they include transportaiton to the sanctuary. I've only had reports of the day trip, never for an extended stay.
#10
Join Date: Apr 2012
Posts: 1
It's the "culture" of abuse that tourists support:
"...baby elephants were sold to middlemen who tortured and tamed them before selling them to tourism operators for more than $7000. He said tourists who visited Thai elephant camps were "effectively supporting the killing and torture of wild-born elephants." http://bit.ly/w2rykL
The only way to tame an elephant is through phajaan: http://bit.ly/A9X2ZF
Someone else asked your question. Answer here: http://bit.ly/HWJPKt
"...baby elephants were sold to middlemen who tortured and tamed them before selling them to tourism operators for more than $7000. He said tourists who visited Thai elephant camps were "effectively supporting the killing and torture of wild-born elephants." http://bit.ly/w2rykL
The only way to tame an elephant is through phajaan: http://bit.ly/A9X2ZF
Someone else asked your question. Answer here: http://bit.ly/HWJPKt