Myanmar is so well endowed with diversity of species, and variety of natural resources that it is an absolutely wonderful paradise for ecotourism. The national ecosystems is considered to be one of the biological reservoirs in Asia.

Contribute to that diversity is the existence of elephant together with its vital significance in Myanmar culture and history. That is not all, elephants are also of major economic importance in timber industry of Myanmar. According to the 1999-2000 report of the Union of Myanmar, There were 4.075 elephants in timber harvesting operations. Elephants are undoubtedly providing an invaluable service to the country, not merely by supporting the national economy but more importantly, by conserving the environment as 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 Myanmar Timber Enterprise (MTE) for the foreseeable future, particularly in the mountainous and swamp areas of Myanmar’s forests.

Myaing Hay Wun Elephant Camp

Myaing Hay Wun Elephant Camp, founded in 1986, is 10 acres and situated in Taikkyi Township of Yangon Division. It is within easy reach which takes only 90 minutes driving from Yangon to Taikkyi Township.

A wide range of wildlife can be found in this camp 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 provides visitors with a great opportunity to gain a brief insight into the nature study coincident with relaxation. In the tour, the participants will experience a 45-minute elephant ride, which allow them to admire the wonder and serenities of natural virgin forest. The environs would be particularly memorable. Tourists can also see the bathing of the elephants with their mahouts. The elephants here are well-treated and also have medical treatment for their health.

Myaing Hay Wun Elephant Camp

Pho Kyar Forest Resort

Located in Yedashe Township of Thargara is Pho Kyar Forest Resort which covers an area of 10 miles 2 furlong from Thargara. The resort has total 20 acres in area, which makes it larger than Myaing Hay Wun Elephant Camp. Situated ideally in the area of Swa forest reserve area, on the bank of Thaing creek, this can reached from Yangon. To get to Pho Kyar Resort from Thargarathe one has to drive 10 miles all seasons. Like many other forest resorts, it give tourists great opportunities to get an insight into natural forest plants such as different species of hardwood, large forests teak wood, and various other valuable forest plants with different life span: bamboos, cane and different flora. Tour operator arranges elephant rides for both short trips and long trips. Bathing and washing elephants can also be viewed.

Pho Kyar Elephant Camp