Thailand (Lonely Planet, 13th Edition) - China Williams [155]
The centre aims to protect Thailand’s remaining elephants by buying sick or abused animals. Some bull elephants that had killed villagers have been retrained and now provide tourist rides around the ruins.
Laithongrien Meepan opened the centre in 1996 after buying his daughter an elephant as a present. He began to understand the importance of the animal within Thai culture and became passionate about restoring its once revered position. Australians Michelle Reedy, a former zoo keeper, and Ewa Narkiewicz run an Elephant Stay program at the site (4000B per day), where visitors learn how to ride, bathe and earn the trust of the animals over several days or weeks.
Keeping an elephant isn’t cheap, as they are capable of each munching their way through 150kg of food a day, so elephant taxi rides and the Elephant Stay experience help cover costs. Some of the food comes from a specially designed farm that produces a particular type of nutritious grass, while locals often pop in to donate fruit.
The nonprofit organisation isn’t set up for tourists to just walk in, but those that do spend time living with the elephants usually come away with a new-found respect and admiration for Thailand’s national animal.
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PU Guest House (0 3525 1213; 20/1 Soi Thaw Kaw Saw; r 180-550B; ) Bright and cheery, all PU’s rooms are comfortable, and some come with satellite TV, minibar and air-con. If you need a Japanese-speaking local, this is a good choice.
Tony’s Place (0 3525 2578; 12/18 Soi 2, Th Naresuan; r 200-500B; ) There’s a constant buzz about this place that keeps travellers coming. The rooms offer good value and the service is friendly.
Baan Khun Phra (0 3524 1978; 48/2 Th U Thong; s/d 250/600B) This charming teak house, built during the reign of King Rama VI, is packed with surprises – where else are you going to find real Thai swords next to your bed? Most rooms have a shared bathroom, while some dorm-style rooms are available.
Sherwood Guest House (08 6666 0813; 21/25 Th Dechawat; r 280-380B; ) The rooms may not be thrilling, but there is a pool and an expat owner who can offer good advice on experiencing the city. Nonguests can also use the pool (adult/child 50/35B).
Chantana Guest House (0 3532 3200; chantanahouse@yahoo.com; 12/22 Soi 2, Th Naresuan; r 350-450B; ) With clean, comfortable rooms and helpful staff, the Chantana is a good budget option. Ask for a room with a balcony.
Wieng Fa Hotel (0 3524 3252; 1/8 Th Rotchana; r 400-500B; ) Retro furniture and an outdoor patio add character to this professionally run hotel.
Baan Lotus Guest House (0 3525 1988; 20 Th Pamaphrao; r 400-600B; ) This charming family-run guesthouse is the pick of the crop. The teak building is a converted school and sits between a wooded area to the front and a lotus pond to the rear.
MIDRANGE & TOP END
Package tourists tend to occupy most of the midrange and top-end rooms. There are options on and off the island, and while much of the better accommodation may be dated it does come with top riverside views.
Ayothaya Hotel (0 3523 2855; www.ayothayahotel.com; 12 Soi 2, Th Naresuan; r 650-3500B; ) In a great location, the Ayothaya would benefit from renovation but has large rooms and friendly staff. Cheaper rooms are in a separate guesthouse to the rear. Look for low-season discounts.
U Thong Hotel (0 3521 2531; www.uthonginn.com; 210 Th Rotchana; r from 1200B; ) A good midrange option with great service, extensive facilities and comfortable rooms. A free shuttle bus runs into town.
Krungsri River Hotel (0 3524 4333; www.krungsririver.com; 27/2 Th Rotchana; r from 1800B; ) With a scenic river location and large, stylish rooms, this is the plushest pad in town.
River View Place Hotel (0 3524 1444; 35/5 Th U Thong; r from 2000B; ) The best of the on-island hotels, the River View Place Hotel has large, comfortable rooms and a raft of amenities.
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