Ride and Elephant on Koh Chang
There are three elephant camps on Koh Chang.
Two are located in Klong Prao by the roadside and one is in the
north of Koh Chang, 2 kilometres down an inland valley. All
offer the same types of trek at the same price. So the choice
of camp is more down to how far you want to travel to see the
elephants and also how much you want to see them in an environment
away from the main road.
For most visitors to Koh Chang the camps in
Klong Prao will be located closer to their hotel and so are within
easier reach. However, anyone making the effort to visit 'Baan
Kwan Chang' in Klong Son valley will be rewarded by seeing the
elephants in a more natural surroundings. Here the camp is in
the jungle and surrounded by fruit farms and jungle clad hillsides,
there is very little development of any kind - in contrast with the
more built up roadside area in Klong Prao.
In Klong Prao you'll find 'Baan Chang Thai'
and 'Chang Chutiman' elephant camps. Both have around eight
elephants and Baan Chang Thai has a couple of calfs that were born
in August 2007. Very cute to play with and pet. The
treks here will take you along the river bed and also up into the
hills, away from the road, at the rear of the camps.
Prices: All charge the same amount
for elephant treks - 500 baht/person for a short trek, 900
baht/person for a longer trek with some elephant bathing thrown
in. Children under around 12 years old (or just very
short) are half price. These prices include transport
to/from your hotel, drinking water, fruit for you and the
elephant. Book through your hotel or any tour agent or
just turn up at the camp. However, in high season, if you
haven't booked in advance you may have to wait for a ride. But
remember that most hotels / agents will only deal with one
of the camps and so if you want to visit a specific camp, you'll
need to shop around.
The one I'd visit is 'Baan Kwan Chang'.
For the quiet location, the fact that there are no souvenirs on
sale, the staff are all friendly and if you just turn up you're
welcome to feed the elephants - there's no hard sell on taking a
trek etc.
