Ban Kwan Chang elephant camp is located inside the deep rain forest near Klong Son in the North West of the island. It is well worth taking the extra half hour or so that it takes to reach the camp from the resorts at Klong Prao - taxi collection and return is provided free - and the ride into the rain forest from Klong Son is very scenic .
Key points: Pick up time: 08:30, 10:30, 12:30 or 14:30. Drop off time: 3 hours later. Price: 500THB for 1 hour, 900THB for 2 hours. Reduced price for kids.
The Ban Kwan Chang camp was established to give threatened elephants from mainland Thailand a sanctuary, as many working elephants were being displaced by loss of their natural habitat and loss of their employment as working elephants. The camp is supported by the Asian Elephant Foundation who endeavour to maintain the Asian elephant population which has dwindled alarmingly in mainland Thailand in recent years. There are about 8 elephants at the camp; some of them were performing animals before arriving in Koh Chang; the others were working animals. Jintara (born 1983), a female elephant now living at Ban Kwan Chang, is an artist, and you can see her works of art here.
Riding on the elephant
You will be guided onto a platform and then you will step into the cushioned seat which is securely strapped onto the back of the elephant. 2 adults can be safely and comfortably seated here. Your mahout (elephant keeper) will lead the elephant through the jungle pathways. Sometimes he will be sitting upon the neck of the elephant. At other times he may be walking ahead of the elephant. This will give you a chance to sit on the neck of the elephant, should you wish to do so. You can give your camera to the mahout and he will be only too pleased to take photographs for you. You will observe how the elephants enjoy this trek because they will have access to food from the abundant foliage along the pathways. If you take the 2 hour trek, you will see how much the elephants enjoy taking a bath in the cool waters on the second trek. You will enjoy that as much as the animals do!
1 Hour elephant trek includes:
Transfer to and from your accommodation
45 minute elephant trek
Photo opportunities
Complimentary soft drink or tea or coffee
2 Hour elephant trek includes:
Transfer to and from your accommodation
45 minute elephant trek
See elephants feeding and performing with photo opportunities
A further 30 minute elephant trek with bathing so that the animals and you can cool off
Complimentary soft drink or tea or coffee
Souvenirs and more refreshments may be purchased from the shop at the camp.
There are pick ups throughout the day. The 1 Hour Trek costs 500 Baht. The 2 Hour Trek costs 900 Baht. For children ages 4 to 9, the prices are 300 (1 hour) and 500 Baht (2 hours). Infants aged 3 and under are free.
