Welcome back Patrick and Celia

Welcome Back Wednesday to Patrick and Celia! Patrick and Celia came 12 years ago on their honeymoon in the first year we were open and looked after Loongsap, who sadly is no longer with us. But they wanted to come back with their children Cassie and Rufus as they never forgot what a great experience they had. We had to give them Jumpee who loves young children and of course loved being looked after by them all! 

Dream Big!

“DREAM BIG - Elephantstay is a must do AMAZING experience for all ages! - My Family had planned a trip to #Elephantstay for many years. The experience was mind blowing and so much more than we had ever dreamt about. I planned this trip so I could celebrate my 40th Birthday here with my Husband, 5 children and my Mother.

To witness the love and dedication that the mahouts and village people have for these beautiful animals is incredible. The elephants are very well cared for and treated with the upmost respect.

The special bond developed and close interactions we experienced with our own individual elephants was a once in a lifetime opportunity. Distinguishing the features of our own elephants to recognise them was an interesting fun activity but one that made your love grow even further.

Riding the elephants was definitely a highlight for me, going into the river twice a day was so enjoyable. I felt like I belonged and could achieve anything on my elephant @Rumruay.

Watching my children’s confidence grow each day with these large magnificent animals was beautiful. My children were 5, 6, 9, 12 & 14. They all participated in every activity with such joy and enthusiasm. I loved watching them play with the gorgeous village children too. They don’t speak the same language but their smiles and laughter are the same.

Our days were exhausting because we wanted to get the biggest reward every day and that is exactly what we got.
The accommodation is basic, very clean and has every thing you need. The food is delicious.
The staff are very informative, helpful and friendly. One of our Son’s was quite taken with Lexi and loved helping her. He still talks fondly of her.

Playing with the baby elephants and washing them was a highlight for us all. They are so playful, cheeky, strong & cute.

Ewa kindly organised the perfect cake for my 40th Birthday which topped off my magical day. I even did a photo shoot with my elephant & balloons.
I will be forever grateful for the amazing time spent making precious memories with my Family here and spending quality time together. Our lives are so much richer from having this life changing opportunity.

I urge families to DREAM BIG and do what ever you have to do to stay at Elephantstay!

A big thank you to Michelle, Ewa, Lexi and all villagers for a perfect dream come true. Our lives are blessed for knowing you & we will cherish our time with you all."

Elephantstayer review

An amazing week - one we will never forget!
Our family of 4 (including children aged 12 and 😎 wanted a hands-on experience with Elephants. We dont mind getting back to basics and getting dirty, and we wanted to get involved (not just watch).

We got all that and more at Elephantstay.
All of the wonderful people who work there made us feel a part of the place from the first day. There was no pressure to do anything we didnt want to do, and there were clear guidelines and expectations set right up front.

The pace is relaxed, with plenty of time to do your own thing in between the daily routine of looking after your elephants.

Welcome back Kathy and Marc Greenleaf

Welcome back Wednesday to Kathy and Mark Greenleaf! This is Kathy's seventh time and Mark's second. Mark was happy to be finally be able to return as he says "everyone who comes here should return". What was very special about this trip is they brought along their sons from America to join the program and experience what has become a great passion for Kathy. Its been elephantastic having you all here and we hope to see you all again soon! Thanks for looking after Rosukon, Rasamee Jumpee and Oijai! 

 

Welcome back Deb Dyson

Welcome back Wednesday and we are happy to welcome back Deb Dyson! "This is my second visit at elephantstay and it will definitely wont be my last. 
I love this place, the elephants, the people, the culture, the food and the work. I have worked with Michelle while she was a zoo keeper at Melbourne Zoo and have been friends ever since. I am so proud of the work both Michelle and Ewa are doing for the elephants, educating people about the Thai culture. They are doing an amazing job. 
I had the privilege to care for Rasamee, such a beautiful majestic girl who would never say no to a treat or two! My favorite time was when I walked her down to the river and we had a swim together."

Happy Birthday!

Nowhere better to spend an elephantastic milestone birthday than Elephantstay! Thanks Renai for bringing the whole family to spend time with and support our elephants! Happy birthday!

Baby playing in bath

Subscribe to our Youtube Channel for more videos like this!

Welcome back to Alison Plain

It's Welcome Back Wednesday and today we are thrilled to welcome back Alison Plain who is also being inducted into the Elephantstay Hall of Fame as a bronze member! Thank you for coming 6 times! Alison first came in 2007 and has been returning regularly ever since! As she says it is testament in itself that she continues to visit on a regular basis! Thank you for looking after Rosukon! 

                         

Songkran April 13, 2018

And its Songkran again! Happy Thai New Year to everyone!

Anzac Day

Today we had a small service for ANZAC Day. With John Simpson playing LAMENT on the bagpipes and Jos Muijtjens The Last Post. It was very moving.

Welcome back Cathy

Jumbo congratulations to Cathy Green for her fifth visit and entering into our Hall of Fame as a bronze member! Cathy loves Elephantstay because in her words, "As well as visiting with our beautiful girl, Rosukon, I enjoy immersing myself in the Elephantstay village and the rhythms of daily life. After a chat with a friend my daughter and I first came to Elephantstay and one of the most amazing experiences of my life began. Every visit there is more to learn and appreciate" Thank you for your great support Cathy!

Welcome back Kevin

Welcome back to Kevin for third time, who is still charmed, by Elephanstay. As he says "I respect and admire the way that Elephanstay works to preserve the role of the Mahout in Thai culture as well as their unapologetic dedication to Elephant conservation. I hope to keep coming back again and again" So do we Kevin and thanks for looking after Jumpee! #iloveelephantstay #elephantconservation

Our one day program in the picture!

We do offer a one day elephant program at Elephantstay (cost 5,000 Baht per person). This follows our normal longer program for elephants as described on our website. Availability is limited, so please contact us by email: info@elephantstay.com

Since 2000 we have had 70 successful births. Considering there are only 3,500 registered elephants in Thailand and limited forest for sustaining wild populations, our breeding program is vital to ensuring elephants survive into the future and that there is genetic diversity amongst the population. The majority of our mothers have given tourists rides until closer or even up to the time they give birth. Which proves how effective the socialization and exercise is to giving successful births.

Welcome back to Peter and Michael!

Welcome back to Peter and Michael! It may have taken 8 years but it was always on their minds to return as like all our Elephantstayers they found the elephants to be magical and wonderful and they just loved their time here in the village with us all! Thank you for looking after Rasamee and Jumpee again!

Welcome Back

Welcome back to Dave and Arlene. They returned because they missed everyone at the village and especially Yitor. They love how peaceful and stress free the village. Thanks for looking after Yitor again. 

Happy New Year!

Wishing everyone an elephantastic New Year! May your year be filled with love, laughter, happiness and elephants!

New baby born....number 70!

Welcome to the world little girl! Baitoy had a gorgeous healthy baby at 5am this morning. That makes 70 successful births since 2000. Happy healthy elephants breed. Making sure elephants live into the future is one of our goals which we realize with every birth.

Welcome Back

Welcome back to Krysti. Krysti came back because she fell in love with Yitor. But also because Elephantstay is the place she feels most happy and relaxed. Its like heaven. Continuing to learn and bond with Yitor has been another fantastic experience.

Merry Christmas!

A lot of elephants enjoying their food

For more videos of Elephantstay please visit and subscribe to our Youtube Channel:  www.youtube.com/royalelephantkraal