The Elephant Kraal Ayutthaya is the last remaining of its kind in Thailand, dating back to the 16th century, when these incredibly large mammals were essential components to trade and war. This peculiar structure was used by the Ayutthaya kingdom in order to trap wild elephants to be used by the Thai army; the entrapment ceremonies were held within the kraal, attended by the kings of the 16th century. As an invaluable commodity to the Thai people, elephants were herded into the kraal using a funnel in the back wall. The last round-up was conducted in 1903, and now visitors can tour the unusual space, which features a temple at its center.
74/1m.3 Tumbol Suanpik, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, 13000, Thailand, Phone: +66-8-06-68-77-27