As Pattaya’s top attraction, the Pattaya Elephant Village is a great day out for visitors of all ages. Sit atop of one of these majestic creatures as they walk through the jungle surroundings and take a bath in the lake. The village opened in 1973 as a place for injured or old elephants that could no longer work, and to this day provides a safe haven for its giant residents. The Pattaya Elephant Village has a particular focus on education, and visitors can learn all about the problems and dangers elephants face in Thailand today.
Twice a day, visitors can take a guided elephant ride through the jungle, then take a boat trip across the lake, and eventually returning back to base via a traditional Thai bullock cart. At the end of your visit, you’ll be treated to a delicious Thai buffet.
If you don’t have time for the full tour experience, you can still enjoy an elephant ride on one of the shorter treks, where a guide will take you and your elephant to a local silk factory for a live silk-making demonstration. Your tour includes a basket of seasonal fruit and lasts just under one hour.
During the afternoon, the village puts on a show that demonstrates how the elephants are trained for work, and how their keepers care for them. Bananas are available to buy during the show and you can feed the elephants by hand.
The Pattaya Elephant Village is located east of Pattaya city, in the Nong Prue district, and most hotels or tour operators will transport you to and from the village. The centre is open daily and charges a small entry fee, with an extra charge for shows and tours.
