Elephant and calf at Baan Chang Thai Camp

There are four elephant camps on Koh Chang.  Three are located in the Klong Prao  area, 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 well 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.

Around Klong Prao you’ll find ‘Klong Plu Elephant Camp’, ‘Baan Chang Thai’ and ‘Chang Chutiman’ elephant camps.  All have around 8-10 elephants and Klong Plu Elephant Camp and Baan Chang Thai  each have 2 year old calves. Aaahhh . . . , very cute.

The treks at these camps take you inland,  along river beds and up into the hills away from the main road.

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 owner being involved in eco-tourism and sustainable development on Koh Chang, plus the staff are all very friendly and if you just turn up you’re welcome to feed the elephants – there’s no hard sell on taking a trek etc.

If you liked this page then you might also be interested in:

1. Baby Elephants at Baan Chang Thai Elephant Camp
2. Baby Elephant Born on Koh Chang
3. A-to-Z of Koh Chang – E