Elephant Camps

Myanmar is rich in nature and resources. The Ministry of Forestry has also being promoting ecotourism together with The Ministry of Hotel and Tourism. The elephant is not only of great cultural and historical significance in Myanmar. but is also of major economic importance in the country’s timber industry. There were 4.075 elephants in timber harvesting operations in the Union of Myanmar in 1999-2000. The elephants of Myanmar are providing an invaluable service to the country not merely by supporting the national economy but. more importantly. by conserving the environment. It is universally accepted that animal skidding is the most environmentally friendly method of logging. Elephant skidding will continue to play a vital role in the timber operations of Myanma Timber Enterprise (MTE) for the foreseeable future. particularly in the many mountainous and swamp areas of Myanmar’s forests.

Located in Taikkyi Township of Yangon Division. Myaing Hay Wun Elephant Camp covers an area of 10 acres. It was established in 1986. It is easily accessible by car from Yangon to Taikkyi Township and only about 90 minutes drive. The distance is about 48 miles on the Yangon-Mandalay Highway Road. The wildlife in this camp includes Elephant. Guar. Banteng. Barking deer. Wild boar. Hare Wild cat. Green Peafowl. Ruddy sheld duck. Hill myna. Blossom-headed parakeet. Pheasant. Red jungle fowl. Quail. Dove. Duck. lesser tree duck. Butterflies. Moths. Snakes. Monitar lizard. Ground lizard and Chameleon. The Elephant Camp is a great opportunity to Study the nature of wildlife and at the same time can get recreation from the city. The tour includes trekking with elephant about 45 minutes. Along the trekking journey by riding elephant you will see the beauty and serenities of the natural virgin forest it’s surrounding would be unforgettable. Tourists can also see the bathing of the elephants with their mahouts. The elephants are treated well and also have medical treatment for their health.

Pho Kyar Forest Resort is located in Yedashe Township of Thargara. It is 10 miles 2 furlong from Thargara. in the area of Swa forest reserve area. on the bank of Thaing creek. The resort has 20 acres in area. which is larger than Myaing Hay Wun Elephant Camp. This forest can be accessed from Yangon to Swa Township. Thargara by car is 204 miles. From Thargara to Pho Kyar Resort the drive by car is 10 miles all seasons. Like many other forest resorts. it has a great opportunity to study natural forest plants including different species of hardwood. large forests teak wood. other valuable forest plants different life span bamboos. cane and different flora. Tour offers elephant riding for short trips and long trips. Bathing and washing elephants can also be viewed.