Maha Wang Elephant Camp
An elephant camp on the Kwai River in rural Kanchanaburi with serious animal welfare concerns raised by visitors.
Plan your visit
- Hours
- Daily 07:00–16:00
Vet Elephant Sanctuaries
Only visit sanctuaries that prohibit riding, use no chains or bullhooks, and let elephants roam freely. Elephant Nature Park in Chiang Mai set the standard. If a place offers painting shows or circus tricks, walk away.
Details
- Phone
- 062 415 5324
Full opening hours
Is this your business?Feature it
Tours that include Maha Wang Elephant Camp
Guided visits and day-tour combos that include Maha Wang Elephant Camp.
Tours hereMaha Wang Elephant Camp: tickets, guides & combos
Most bookings cancel free up to 24 hours ahead
See prices
Day toursKanchanaburi day tours
Most bookings cancel free up to 24 hours ahead
See pricesOutdoorsOutdoor and adventure trips in Kanchanaburi
Most bookings cancel free up to 24 hours ahead
See pricesWhy go, and how to do it well
Located in the rural Wang Krachae area of Kanchanaburi province, this elephant camp sits alongside the Kwai River and offers close-contact activities including elephant feeding, bathing, and interaction. It draws visitors as part of broader Kanchanaburi itineraries that typically take in the region's waterfalls, bridges, and Second World War historical sites, and is often sold as a packaged day tour departing from central Kanchanaburi.
Prospective visitors should be aware that a significant number of reviewers have raised serious concerns about elephant welfare at this camp, describing signs of mistreatment, poor conditions, and animals in apparent distress. These accounts are consistent enough to warrant careful consideration before booking. Travelers who prioritize ethical animal tourism are strongly encouraged to research this camp thoroughly and to explore verified elephant sanctuaries that follow recognized welfare standards as an alternative.
If traveling to this part of Kanchanaburi regardless, note that the camp is in a rural location with limited public transport access, making private transport or an organized tour the most practical option. Experiences reported by visitors have varied considerably, so independently verifying current conditions before committing is advisable.
Written by Mac Kiley · Updated Aug 2026
Tours that include Maha Wang Elephant Camp
Guided visits and day-tour combos that include Maha Wang Elephant Camp.
Tours hereMaha Wang Elephant Camp: tickets, guides & combos
Most bookings cancel free up to 24 hours ahead
See pricesDay toursKanchanaburi day tours
Most bookings cancel free up to 24 hours ahead
See pricesOutdoorsOutdoor and adventure trips in Kanchanaburi
Most bookings cancel free up to 24 hours ahead
See pricesStay within reach of Maha Wang Elephant Camp
SponsoredSearch Kanchanaburi hotels with your dates. Filter for free cancellation if you want to hold a room and decide later.
See hotels near Maha Wang Elephant CampOpens Booking.com with your dates
Best rated within 1.5 km
Experience hints
Pair your visit. After Maha Wang Elephant Camp, round out your day in Kanchanaburi with contrasting stops nearby.
Reviews from Google
Superb experience you should never miss in Thailand: bathing with an elephant in Kwai river. Just exhilarating and unforgettable communication and interaction with most gracious giant animals and great local guides!
Booking this tour means that you’re preparing yourself to get up at 7am, ride to view a cemetery and bridge. Then you’ll spend two hours at the waterfalls. The you stop at a random shopping center near the bridge approximately 2 hours from the waterfall. The “lunch” provided is a meal at 9am that you most likely won’t eat for several hours later. Upon arrival here you will quickly learn that this is NOT a sanctuary. The employees are sitting on top of the elephants and a circus performance will occur. We told the travel agent that we did not want to go somewhere with elephant riding. Upon arrival, the baby elephant was chained up. They use tools with a hook on the end to guide the elephants. The employees then beg for tips. We expected to bathe and feed the elephants for at least an hour. We walk from the resting/feeding area to the river which was only a 1 minute walk. The entire process at this place was less than 15 minutes. My husband and I were mortified at the abuse these beautiful animals are subjected to. I will never return or recommend this company to anymore. RUN!! DO NOT BOOK
ANIMAL ABUSE Extremely upsetting experience. Elephants are beautiful animals and this place does not respect them or treat them well. The elephants are hungry, injured, and forced into labor. Men ride them with sticks and poke them into submission. Even when not actively attended to by a human, the elephants are chained to posts and separated. They are social creatures and should not be living like this. Awful awful awful. Please do not support this establishment.
A sample of visitor reviews from Google. Read all 1,427 reviews on Google.
198/1 หมู่ 6, ตำบล วังกระแจะ อำเภอไทรโยค กาญจนบุรี 71150, Thailand
Open in Google MapsMore activities & tours nearby
All within 4.8 km of Maha Wang Elephant Camp.
Sai Yok Noi Waterfall
Xtreme Centric Park
Tips for Visiting Activities & Tours
Book Popular Activities Online
Booking platforms like GetYourGuide give you instant confirmation and, on many activities, free cancellation — and you can read recent reviews before committing. Compare with local agencies for multi-day trips where negotiation might save more.
Do Outdoor Activities in the Morning
Heat and humidity peak from noon to 3 PM. Schedule jungle treks, cycling tours, and outdoor cooking classes for early morning. Water activities are more flexible since you're in and out of the sea.
Maha Wang Elephant Camp: Frequently Asked Questions
Is Maha Wang Elephant Camp worth visiting?
Maha Wang Elephant Camp holds a 4.3★ rating from 1,427 Google reviews — a strong rating for activities & tours in Kanchanaburi.
What are the opening hours of Maha Wang Elephant Camp?
Maha Wang Elephant Camp is typically open 07:00–16:00 — see the full day-by-day schedule in the location info on this page. Hours can change on Thai public holidays, so check ahead for holiday visits.
When is the best time to visit Maha Wang Elephant Camp?
The best months to visit Kanchanaburi are November – February, with the most reliable weather. Crowds peak in November – February — going early in the day usually means fewer people. Months to think twice about: April – May (extreme heat).
Where is Maha Wang Elephant Camp located?
Maha Wang Elephant Camp is at 198/1 หมู่ 6, ตำบล วังกระแจะ อำเภอไทรโยค กาญจนบุรี 71150, Thailand, in Kanchanaburi. Getting around Kanchanaburi: Bicycle rental (town is flat); Motorbike rental.
Also popular in Kanchanaburi
The Village Farm To Café
Mallika R.E 124
Kanchanaburi Night Market
Rock Valley Hot Springs and Fish Spa
Similar Activities & Tours across Thailand
Elephant Jungle Sanctuary Phuket
Bangkok Ethical Elephant Tour (Living Green Elephant Sanctuary)
Elephantstay
