Elephant Shrine Hat Yai Park
Experience elephant encounters, rides, and shows at Chang Puak Elephant Camp in Hat Yai. A popular, albeit commercialized, stop for families.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Cooler temperatures
Elephant Shrine Hat Yai Park
Best Time
Cooler temperatures
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Experience elephant encounters, rides, and shows at Chang Puak Elephant Camp in Hat Yai. A popular, albeit commercialized, stop for families.
"It's fair to go and visit the elephants but only if you are willing to spend your money."
Bring Plenty of Cash
:moneybag: Most activities are cash-only. Exchange rates for foreign currency may not be favorable.
Consider Elephant Welfare
:raised_hands: If animal welfare is a concern, opt for feeding elephants instead of rides.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Elephant Encounters
Chang Puak Elephant Camp
Get up close with elephants, feed them bananas, and witness their gentle nature. A memorable experience for many visitors.
Elephant Rides
Chang Puak Elephant Camp
Experience a short, scenic ride on an elephant's back through the park. A popular activity for families.
Animal Shows
Chang Puak Elephant Camp
Enjoy entertaining shows featuring elephants and crocodiles. A fun diversion for all ages.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Cash is King Here
Consider Animal Welfare
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Bring Plenty of Cash
:moneybag: Most activities are cash-only. Exchange rates for foreign currency may not be favorable.
Consider Elephant Welfare
:raised_hands: If animal welfare is a concern, opt for feeding elephants instead of rides.
Book Activities in Advance
:calendar: Popular rides and shows can fill up, especially during peak times.
Wear Comfortable Shoes
:athletic_shoe: You'll be doing some walking around the park.
Tips
from all over the internet
Bring Plenty of Cash
:moneybag: Most activities are cash-only. Exchange rates for foreign currency may not be favorable.
Consider Elephant Welfare
:raised_hands: If animal welfare is a concern, opt for feeding elephants instead of rides.
Book Activities in Advance
:calendar: Popular rides and shows can fill up, especially during peak times.
Wear Comfortable Shoes
:athletic_shoe: You'll be doing some walking around the park.
Stay Hydrated
:water_buffalo: It can get hot and humid, so carry water.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Elephant Shrine Hat Yai Park offers a commercialized animal encounter experience, with elephant rides and shows being popular draws. While many enjoy feeding the elephants and the novelty of the park, some visitors express concerns about animal welfare and safety during rides. It's a place that requires cash and careful consideration of its commercial nature.
"Came in Nov 2025. You can clearly see the animal abuse. Elephants are in distress (they sway side to side) and are chained. I came here to educate my children about elephants but the elephant ride was the absolute worst. I REPEAT- DO NOT RIDE AS THERE ARE NO SAFETY PROCEDURES especially for young children or elderly. The ride takes you to a deep reservoir and the steel guard bar is the only that protects the rider. I have seen it coming off and tourists handing by the bar or otherwise they would fall into the water. Also the handlers will attempt to sell bracelets made from the elephants ivory!"
Zara Zailan
"It’s free entrance camp and only need to pay if u wish to do activities like elephant ride which will cost around 700 baht. Otherwise nothing much to see only two baby elephants on display. Can feed the elephant banana quite friendly one. The camp closed a bit early by 5 pm. Otherwise it is a bit too far from city centre required 30 mins of driving. Just next to Songkhla Flower Farm"
Zahara Zulkifley
"One of the must visit place in Hatyai turns out to be an overrated place. It’s fair to go and visit the elephants but only if you are willing to spend your money. Else, it’s nothing much to see. After all, it’s your decision on how much to spend cuz they will never scam you as some said."
Faizul Irfan Ijoy
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Elephant Shrine Hat Yai Park, also known as Chang Puak Elephant Camp, is located about 30 minutes' drive from Hat Yai city center. Taxis or ride-sharing services are the most convenient options. Renting a car or scooter is also possible if you're comfortable navigating local roads.
It's a moderate distance, approximately 30 minutes by car from the main Hat Yai area. Consider this travel time when planning your visit.
Public transport options are limited. It's generally recommended to use a taxi or arrange private transport for easier access.
Taxis are usually available, but it's advisable to confirm availability or have your driver's contact information for the return journey, especially if visiting during off-peak hours.
Yes, it's located next to the Songkhla Flower Farm, making it convenient to combine visits.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entrance to the camp itself is often free. However, you'll need to pay for specific activities like elephant rides, shows, or feeding.
Elephant rides typically cost around 700 Baht per person for a 20-30 minute duration. Prices can vary, so it's best to check on arrival.
While not always mandatory, booking in advance is recommended, especially during busy periods, to secure your preferred time slot.
Yes, there are often different packages (e.g., Package A and B) that include various activities. These are typically cash-only.
The camp usually closes around 5 PM, so plan your visit accordingly to make the most of your time.
📸 📸 Photography
Yes, photo opportunities with the elephants are available, often for an additional fee. Be aware that some handlers may try to sell bracelets made from elephant ivory.
Generally, photography is allowed during shows, but it's always good practice to be mindful of other visitors and avoid using flash if it might disturb the animals.
The areas where you can feed the elephants and the performance arena offer great opportunities for memorable photos.
This depends on your budget and priorities. While you can take your own photos, professional packages might offer higher quality shots.
Drone usage is typically not permitted in such parks to ensure the safety and well-being of the animals and visitors. Always check park regulations.
🎫 🐘 Onsite Experience
Activities include elephant rides, elephant shows, crocodile shows, feeding the elephants, and photo opportunities with animals. ATV rides are also sometimes offered.
Some visitors have raised concerns about safety procedures during elephant rides, particularly regarding the guard bars and proximity to water. It's advisable to be cautious, especially with children or elderly individuals.
Yes, you can feed the elephants, often with bananas, which is a friendly interaction.
The shows typically involve elephants performing tricks and routines. Some visitors find these performances uncomfortable if they have concerns about animal welfare.
There are usually baby elephants on display, and you can observe the general camp environment. However, the main attractions involve paid activities.
🎫 💰 Budgeting & Costs
The park can be considered commercialized, with costs adding up if you wish to participate in multiple activities like rides and shows. Entrance might be free, but activities are priced.
An elephant ride typically costs around 700 Baht per person for about 20-30 minutes.
They may accept MYR notes, but the exchange rate might not be favorable. It's best to use Thai Baht.
ATMs might not be readily available near the park, so it's crucial to bring sufficient cash with you.
Be aware of potential costs for photos, souvenirs, and additional activities beyond the main attractions.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
However, parents should be mindful of the safety concerns raised about elephant rides, especially for very young children. It's advisable to carefully assess the safety measures or opt for less adventurous activities. Bringing plenty of cash is essential, as most activities are not card-friendly, and having snacks or drinks might be a good idea as options can be limited or pricey.
💰 Budget Travelers
Bringing your own water and snacks is a good strategy to avoid purchasing them at potentially inflated prices within the park. Also, ensure you have enough cash on hand, as ATMs might be scarce, and card payments are rarely accepted for activities.
❤️ Animal Welfare Advocates
If you choose to visit, consider focusing on activities that are less intrusive, such as feeding the elephants under supervision, which can still be a positive interaction. It's also important to be aware that handlers may attempt to sell items made from elephant ivory.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating Elephant Interactions
However, it's important to be aware of differing perspectives on animal welfare. Some visitors have noted that elephants may appear distressed, exhibiting swaying behaviors, and are sometimes chained. While the park aims to provide entertainment, those deeply concerned about animal welfare might prefer to limit their engagement to feeding or observing from a distance.
When considering activities, remember that cash is essential. Many of the park's offerings, including rides and photo opportunities, are strictly cash-only. It's advisable to bring ample Thai Baht to avoid any inconvenience.
Understanding the Park's Commercial Nature
Visitors should be prepared for a highly commercialized environment. This can range from handlers offering to sell bracelets made from elephant ivory to the general setup of the park geared towards paid attractions. While this provides entertainment, it might feel overwhelming or less authentic to some travelers.
If you're on a tight budget or prefer a more natural experience, it's worth noting that beyond the paid activities, there might not be extensive free attractions. The park's appeal lies in its interactive animal experiences, which are primarily monetized.
Safety Considerations for Activities
For families with young children or elderly companions, these safety aspects are crucial to consider. The advice given is to be extremely cautious and to assess the safety measures before committing to an elephant ride. If safety is a primary concern, alternative activities like feeding the elephants might be a more comfortable choice.
Beyond elephant rides, other activities like ATV rides and shows are generally considered safe, but it's always wise to follow the instructions of the staff and be aware of your surroundings.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit