LAMPANG — 8 November 2026, The Thai Elephant Conservation Centre in Lampang will host a three-day open house from 10-12 December, offering visitors a range of activities celebrating elephants, mahout traditions and Lanna culture.
The event, titled “THAI ELEPHANT OPEN HOUSE 2026: Opening Our Elephant Home, Opening Our Hearts to Conservation,” will take place at the National Elephant Institute under the Royal Patronage in Hang Chat district.
The programme will feature elephant shows, cultural performances, elephant rides, mahout talks, traditional ceremonies, a parade and a mini concert.
10 December: Opening our elephant home, carrying on Lanna traditions
Registration will run from 08:00 to 09:00 at the Kallaya Building, where participants will receive an event passport and programme booklet. An opening parade will follow from 09:00 to 10:00, with the official opening ceremony scheduled for 10:00 to 12:00.
From 13:00 to 16:00, visitors can enjoy activities at the main stage and various activity stations, including elephant performances and rides. The day will conclude with a Lanna Evening from 17:00 to 20:00.
11 December: The ways of elephants, mahouts and nature
The day will begin with a morning alms-giving ceremony involving nine monks and elephants from 08:00 to 09:00.
A traditional “Sueb Chata” ceremony, a blessing ritual for the elephant centre, will take place from 09:00 to 10:00, followed by a “Mahout Way” mini talk featuring elephant handlers from 10:00 to 11:00.
The “Daughter of the Elephant Institute” pageant will run from 11:00 to 15:00. Visitors can then join an elephant-centre tour, called “Kacha Pa Tour,” from 15:00 to 17:00. The evening programme, “A Night of Elephant Stories,” will run from 18:00 to 20:00.
12 December: Elephant Fan Day – A day for health
The final day will start with a morning stretching session from 08:00 to 09:00, followed by an activity titled “Meet Your Favourite Elephant Buddy” from 09:00 to 12:00.
From 12:00 to 15:00, visitors can explore activity stations, watch elephant shows and enjoy the “Fruity Elephant Carnival” parade.
A dance activity, “Dance with Elephants,” is scheduled from 17:00 to 18:00. The event will wrap up with the “Elephant Sunset Market and Mini Concert: Music for Elephants,” running from 18:00 to 22:00.
The centre is also accepting applications for its “Daughter of the Elephant Institute” pageant until 25 November. The competition is open to members of the public aged 18 and above.
The winner will receive a crown, sash, certificate, 10,000 baht in prize money and accommodation discounts. The first runner-up will receive 5,000 baht, a sash, certificate and accommodation discounts, while the second runner-up will receive 3,000 baht, a sash, certificate and accommodation discounts. A separate Popular Vote award carries a 5,000-baht prize and accommodation discounts.
The centre invites tourists and the public to attend the three-day event free of charge.
