Ayutthaya Elephant Palace
(วังช้างแลเพนียด พระนครศรีอยุธยา)
Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya
Wang Chang Ayutthaya or its former name Phang Chang Ayutthaya Lae Phaniat is along Pa Thon Road, not far from Khum Khun Phaen, Ayutthaya historical park, Pratu Chai sub-district, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya district, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya province. It is founded on 17 February 1997 under the support of the Fine Arts Department and the Tourism Authority of Thailand. The word “Lae” that means looking at, watching and glancing is an ancient word. The word “Phaniat” means a historic site for capturing elephants (elephant corrals) in the Krung Si Ayutthaya period. So two words mean means a working place for elephants and taking care of elephant corrals.

    The first important place in this palace is a large space for elephants. It is a rest area for elephants and mahouts. Elephants and people are separated by a rope. The tourists can take some pictures from the external area and can also feed them with their trunks.

    In front of the large rest area of elephants is a rest area for little elephants. It is the highlight because there are a lot of activities so that tourists can play with those adorable elephants. After entering it, you will be welcomed by some staff who can also take some photos if you want to take a picture with some elephants with only 40 baht charge for each person. On the weekend or public holidays, you can enjoy an elephant show with music, narration and additional amusement “Lot Thong Chang” or going under the elephant’s belly to bring good luck to the visitors which is one of the exciting activities.

    On weekdays, an elephant riding service is offered daily from 9 am to 5 pm with the charge from 100 to 500 baht depending on the time of 15 or 30 minutes. If you are interested in staying overnight to comprehend the lives of elephants in Chang Phaniat Luang  village, you can contact to attend the “Once raising an elephant in Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya province” program. For more information, please contact 08-6901-3981 or 08-1821-7065.