First opened back in 1973 to serve as a sanctuary to keep and protect ageing or unfit elephants, the Pattaya Elephant Village has grown over the years and today attracts all kinds of visitors. Twice a day there are tours available which give a full and comprehensive experience of the Elephant Village. On one of these tours you can take a ride on an elephant on a guided trek going through the jungle before taking a boat trip across a lake and then returning back to the centre of the park on a traditional Thai ox and cart journey. After all of these wonderful and unforgettable experiences, you will be able to relax by indulging in a Thai-style buffet lunch or dinner.
Alternatively if you’re only here on a brief visit, you can take a shorter jungle trek on an elephant, making your way past a local silk factory where you’ll get to see how silk is made. These guided tours take just under an hour, and you’ll also be given a basket of seasonal fruit.
Afternoon shows are held here too which give you the chance to join in feeding the elephants. Buy some bananas which the creatures will take from your hand. The show will teach you so much more about how the trainers work with and care for the elephants here at the sanctuary. The rides and shows draw in the crowds, but the sanctuary has an important message to teach visitors about the needs of these creatures and the dangers they are facing in the wild today.
Situated in the Nong Prue district to the east of central Pattaya, the Elephant Village is open every day and charges a small admission fee. Shows and tours cost a little more. Some tour operators offer trips from your hotel.
