My best friend and I visited the TECC for the VIP course for the last 3 days of our week in Thailand. Without knowing it, we had saved the best for last. Before arriving at the center, we visited the Palace and Wat Pho in Bangkok; then we went snorkeling in the Phi Phi Islands and the Similan Islands. On... more

My husband and I did the 3 day VIP course in July. I would highly recommend spending the extra few bucks on the VIP version as this course provides you with lots of opportunity to work with and learn about the elephants. You will have your own elephant for the duration and in a sense will become it's 'keeper' or... more

When we decided to undertake the VIP Mahout Training Course we were guided by the great reviews from those who went before. All we can say is that they are absolutely right - it is an experience of a life time. The wonderful elephants, the friendly and caring mahouts, the lush jungle, great food, comfortable accommodation and the interesting logistical... more

Thailand is full of questionable elephant centers. This is the real deal. Run by the Thai government and funded through private donations, this center houses one of the world's best elephant hospitals and all profits go straight to the hospital. They have the standard elephant show and rides, and if you're really adventuresome, you can sign up for mahout training.... more

My boyfriend and I attended the Conservation Center this past summer for the 3 day course. We had enrolled in the normal program, thinking that the only difference between this and the VIP course, was the accomodation, and were happy to stay in a homestay as we felt that would be a more authentic experience. However, there's a HUGE difference... more

I went to both Maesa and Elephant Conservation Centre (we were based in Chiang Mai), and a friend has gone to a number. We agree that Elepant Conservation Center is the place to go. No elephants kicking soccer balls here. And it's beautiful- in the hills. Although the website isn't clear, you can come for a show and an elephant... more

What more can i say , i love elephants this was my fouth visit and once again it is the most wonderful experience you can have up close with these magnificent creatures. my girlfriend and i have our special elephants we come to see but the whole experience is great, It is hard work and you end up stiff sore... more

We did the 3 day VIP course on the 19th -21st June and had the experience of a lifetime. It takes an hour to get to the centre from Chiang Mai by car and cost us about 1500 baht but you could get there for 1000 if you barter. We had been told incorrectly by our hotel in Chiang Mai... more

We just did the 3 day course and we enjoyed every moment with the Mahouts and the elephants very much! It was such a great experience we will never forget. It's amazing how friendly the elephants are and they are having obviously a good time too. It's so nice to see how well the elephants are being treated and that... more