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! 

 

Life changing experience

My friend raved about #Elephantstay and when she asked if I would go with her I said "yes" but never did I think it would change my life. Elephantstay is a working elephant village which, in my opinion, just adds to the charm. From the moment you arrive, you are immersed in the village life. You are assigned an #elephant that you look after for the duration and it is an amazing experience to connect so deeply with such a huge but loving beast. You also learn a lot about Thai culture and the part elephants play in that. If you are looking for a 5 star hotel with all the amenities, this is not the place but if you are looking for some place clean and comfortable then it's perfect (and wifi is included). Besides, you are so tired from riding and looking after the elephants that at the end of the day, you just want a comfy bed which they have. Michelle and Ewa are fabulous hosts and Lexi is with you every step of the way. Safety is at the forefront of everything that they do at Elephantstay. The food is fantastic!!!! I learned some life changing lessons, got some great photos and had the experience of a life time. If you go to Thailand and are looking for an experience with elephants THIS IS THE PLACE TO GO!!!! I plan on going back many many times and bringing all my friends. I hope you love it as much as I do!!!

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."

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! 

                         

Welcome back to Jenny Dickens

It is Welcome Back Wednesday and today we have a very special welcome back to Jenny Dickens who has come for the 19th time! Amazing support from a great friend! Thank you Jenny! Jenny loves to bring groups to Elephantstay through her Elephant Encounters group! Come on her next trip and enjoy looking after and learning about elephants! Rumruay is one lucky elephant having Jenny care for her!
I love coming here, the whole ethos of Elephantstay and the Foundation! It's like an extended family, both two and four legged...it's great to be part of the village, see the little elephants growing up, new babies in the village... the community spirit. I'll keep coming to support Thailand's 🐘 culture!! 

                     

Welcome back to Adam Porter

Welcome back to Adam Porter. Adam came last year with Jenny's Elephant Encounters group, loved it and had so much fun he came back again . And of course he wanted to spend more time with Yitor. Adam is already planning to return again next year!

Welcome back to Howard!

"My third visit to Elephantstay and had a wonderful day. My daughter Milly's first visit. She loved it as much as I. Was great to see Jumpee looking so well. Unfortunately, Ewa and Michelle weren't at home during our visit, but Lexi took fantastic care of us and made sure we both had a very fun and memorable day" Thank you for looking after Jumpee again and see you next time! 

Our Friend Pablo and his photos

Pablo visits us every year and he shares a lot of wonderful photos with us. Here his latest photos of our babies having fun.

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!

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!

Happy New Year!

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

The cold days!

Its that time of the year when our elderly elephants require extra warmth. 

Congratulations to Jenny

Congratulations to Jenny the founder of Elephant Encounters for her 19th visit! "I keep coming back because I love it here. I love the work you are doing. I love the expertise and seeing the young kids learning from their fathers. I love the elephant culture and the 5000 years of history. The shared history of people and mahouts is so important to learn about and understand and here it is encouraged to give elephants a sustainable future" Jenny has a beautiful bond with Rumruay that she deepens on every visit! 

Welcome back to Sharon

Welcome back to Sharon! Sharon came 10 years ago and the last thing she said when she was getting in the car to leave was I will be back. Her advice is don't leave it for 10 years! Sharon cared for Pisamy the first time who has since passed, but she is loving caring for Rasamee.

Flooding, day 20

Day 20, water is receding and we are working hard to get everything operational again, but a lot of dead plants though.

Farewell Belynda

Today we say goodbye to our sweet Belynda. She could not go any longer. We brought her home from the vets in February with 3 days of medication as she was not expected to last much more than that. We were hoping she would last to April but did not expect she would still be with us till now. Belynday was a cat with the sweetest temperament. She would not hurt a fly. It is hard to believe she had a son like Munchie, they could not be more different from each other. Over the last 6 months we have been bringing her into our house at night to watch some TV with us. She would sit on my lap for hours so content. RIP Belynda.

Welcome Back Erin

Welcome back to Erin. She is back at Elephantstay for the 11th time in only 4 years, wow! This says it all, really. Erin's bond with Rosukon keeps getting stronger! Beautiful couple.