Ban Kwan Chang Elephant Trek

Ban Kwan Chang elephant camp is located inside the deep rainforest near Klong Son in the north west of the island. It is well worth taking the extra half hour or so that it takes to reach the camp from the resorts at Klong Prao, and the ride into the rainforest from Klong Son is very scenic.

The Ban Kwan Chang camp was established to give threatened elephants from mainland Thailand a sanctuary, as many working elephants were being displaced by loss of their natural habitat and loss of their employment as working elephants. The camp is supported by the Asian Elephant Foundation, which endeavours to maintain the Asian elephant population that has dwindled alarmingly in mainland Thailand in recent years. There are about 8 elephants at the camp — some of them were performing animals before arriving in Koh Chang, others were working animals.

You will be guided onto a platform and then step into the cushioned seat which is securely strapped onto the back of the elephant — 2 adults can be safely and comfortably seated here. Your mahout (elephant keeper) will lead the elephant through the jungle pathways, sometimes sitting upon the neck of the elephant, other times walking ahead — this will give you a chance to sit on the neck of the elephant, should you wish to do so. You can give your camera to the mahout and he will be pleased to take photographs for you. You will observe how the elephants enjoy this trek, as they have access to food from the abundant foliage along the pathways. If you take the 2 hour trek, you will see how much the elephants enjoy taking a bath in the cool waters on the second leg — you will enjoy that as much as the animals do!