The Elephant Kraal is located in the northern part of the Ayutthaya island, along the west bank of the Lopburi River, in Tambon Suan Phrik, four kilometers from the city along Highway No. 309.
It was called in earlier times “Thamle Ya” or the “grass locality”, as the whole area was as a large grass field, as well as the unique teak and brick structure, dates back to the 16th century, when King Maha Thammaracha (1569-1590) moved it here.
At that 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. In its immediate vicinity are the War Elephants Monument, the Phaniat Palace and an Old Kiln situated. Elephant Kraal is now a home to over 90 elephants.
In this royal family of elephants, visitors will find healthy and well trained elephants abounding. All the elephants are fully trained to take part in social ceremonies, film-shootings, theatre, and parades.