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Experience an unforgettable encounter with elephants
Discover the experiences offered at Airavata camp, in the heart of Ratanakiri: elephant care, immersion with mahouts, forest walks, river bathing and special moments up close with the animals.
Authentic activities combining nature, local culture and discovery of the elephants' daily life.
Contact UsA morning or an afternoon with the elephants
An immersive half-day at Airavata camp to discover the elephants, help care for them, feed them, and walk with them through the forest, ending with a bath in the river.
An afternoon with the elephants
An excursion to Airavata camp including elephant care, meeting the mahouts, and an elephant ride to Katieng waterfall, with a chance to swim.
A full day with the elephants
A complete experience at Airavata camp including elephant care, forest trekking, swimming with the animals, lunch on-site, and an elephant ride to the waterfall.
Elephant bathing
A short, friendly visit where you can wash the elephants in the river, feed them, and learn about the mahouts' work—perfect for a first encounter.
Elephant ride
An elephant ride of about an hour and a half through the forest and plantations, a unique way to discover the nature of Ratanakiri.
Mahout for a day
An immersive day to learn the mahout trade, help care for the elephants, lead them into the forest, and share the daily life of the keepers.
Traditional Khmer wedding with elephants
A unique ceremony organized according to Khmer tradition, featuring elephants for a symbolic celebration of culture and nature.
To ride or not to ride an elephant?
The question of elephant riding naturally raises many questions. Some people consider that an elephant, as a wild animal, should never be ridden and that this practice can harm its well-being.
At Airavata, we believe that it is above all the conditions under which an activity is practiced that must be taken into account. Making an elephant carry heavy loads for long hours, without rest or proper monitoring, is a practice we refuse.
The elephants welcomed by Airavata were already domesticated before their arrival at the camp. Accustomed to human presence, they could not simply be released into the wild. They would risk approaching villages, damaging crops and homes, and being exposed to serious conflicts with local populations.
Our approach is both pragmatic, responsible, and cultural. The bond between humans and elephants has existed for several millennia and holds an important place in Khmer history and culture.
We wish to preserve this relationship while ensuring respect for the rhythm, health, and well-being of each elephant. Activities are supervised by mahouts and can be adapted according to the animals' condition, behavior, and needs.
What to wear and bring with you?
Activities take place outdoors, in a tropical environment where you can walk in the forest, get close to elephants, and enter the water. Choose comfortable, durable clothing that is not afraid of dust or splashes.
Choose sufficiently thick clothing, as elephant hair can be rough and sometimes prickly.
If possible, bring one pair for walking and another that can go in the water.
Essential if your activity includes elephant bathing, the river, or a waterfall swim.
Recommended for forest walks and activities near the river.
Bring sunscreen, a hat or cap, and enough water.
A poncho or light jacket is particularly useful during the rainy season.
