ROYAL ELEPHANT KRAAL

There are two distinct tourist locations for visiting Ayutthaya's elephants that are often confused.

The Royal Elephant Kraal in Ayutthaya is one of the historical attractions. This is located outside of the city historical center.

The other location is the elephant ride park located within the city center historical park which can be visited when also seeing the ancient temple ruins. See the Ayutthaya tourist map that shows the location within the historical park area.

While Ayutthaya is best known for ruined temples, brick chedis, and royal palace remains, the Elephant Kraal is a very different experience you may not want to miss. It is commonly called the Royal Elephant Kraal Village and Elephantstay.

Known in Thai as Phaniat Khlong Chang, this Elephant Kraal was once used in the ancient Ayutthaya period as a royal elephant enclosure.
Wild elephants were once brought into the kraal, where they would be trained and prepared for royal ceremonies and warfare.

You will see elephants up close and learn about their role in Thai history, and depending on current activities, you may also be able to see mahouts (elephant riders and trainers), feeding areas, the historic kraal structure, elephant related displays, and other activities connected with elephant care.
Things can change, so it is best to check directly or with the tour operator before visiting, especially if you are planning to see a specific experience.

See below for the map and directions to the Kraal.

The Royal Elephant Kraal is located about 4km northeast of Ayutthaya’s main historical island.

It is not inside the Ayutthaya historical park where the central cluster of temples such as Wat Mahathat and Wat Phra Si Sanphet are located.

The historical park is where you can ride an elephant around parts of the city center. First check if rides are currently available as policies can change regarding elephant welfare.

See the Ayutthaya tourist map that shows the location within the historical park area.

I suggest you visit the Kraal as part of a wider Ayutthaya sightseeing tour so that you have a local guide to make the experience stress free.

You could also visit by tuk-tuk, local drivers will know where to go, but hailing a ride back to the city could be a challenge sometimes.

Address is 74/1 Moo 3, Tumbol Suanpik, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya.

See the interactive map below for the location.