Home » Communities » UVOs » Unidentified Visitable Objects » The Elephant Kraal, Ayutthaya

The Elephant Kraal, AyutthayaThe Elephant Kraal, Ayutthaya

Share this exploShare this page on Facebook
I was there too !
Please login or register to share your visit !
Explo writer
Aug's picture
Aug
32635 pts.
  • Off the path Explo
    78 %
    Off the path Explo rate
    Score
    3.9 / 5
    Comments
    Very singular spot, and only famous localy! Well done Aug!
  • Article Quality
    78 %
    Article Quality rate
    • Score
      4 / 5
      Comments
      Good description
    • Score
      2.5 / 5
      Comments
      Yes, but no plan...
    • Score
      3 / 5
      Comments
      Yes
    • Score
      5 / 5
      Comments
      Yes!
    • Score
      5 / 5
      Comments
      Yes!
  • Explo Popularity
    %

A unique vestige of a teak structure dedicated to entrap wild elephants for the Thai Kingdom army.

My experience, Explo description: 

The elephant kraal of Ayutthaya is the only one left in Thailand.

Located to the north of the Ayutthaya island, this unique teak and brick structure, dates back to the 16th century, when King Maha Thammaracha (1569-1590) moved it here.

At that was the time, elephants were not only caught and trained for work, but also for a strong army. The Kraal was used to entrap wild elephants herded down from the North...

However, the last round-up of wild elephants in Thailand happened in 1903.

Have a look at the impressive architecture of the Kraal...

Just 200m south from the Kraal, you can see the King Naresuan’s Memorial. These statues shows the King Naresuan on elephant back defeating the Burmese Crown Prince (Phra Mahauparacha) in 1592.

Have a look at the impressive architecture of the Kraal...

Just 200m south from the Kraal, you can see the King Naresuan’s Memorial. These statues shows the King Naresuan on elephant back defeating the Burmese Crown Prince (Phra Mahauparacha) in 1592.

My personal recommendations: 

After visiting the Kraal, you can go to the close elephant farm (just 300m east). It is really funny, but unfortunately, you will need to pay to take pictures of the elephants. Also possible to have a lunch there, and to male an elephant tour.

How getting there: 

The best way to visit Ayutthaya is to rent a motorbike ($10). You can also rent bicycles ($1), but as you will have to go on long distance, I do not advise you this solution, except if you just want to focus on Ayutthaya city centre (but then you will miss many nice visits around the city !).

The Kraal is about 2km North from Ayutthaya. Just need to follow the signs.

Useful information: 
Open hours: 

All day long.

Visit duration: 

30mn

Entry fees: 

Elephant Kraal : free.
Elephant farm : free.