Visitors flock to Phoe-Kyar elephant camp

Yangon April 6

Phoe-Kyar elephant camp, which is one of Myanmar’s ecotourism destinations, receives more than 10,000 local and foreign visitors every year, according to the Ministry of Hotels and Tourism.

An official from the Directorate of Hotels and Tourism said, “The camp receives nearly 600 tourists annually. They tour the camp by riding elephants. We receive around 10,000 local visitors every year. The camp has more than 60 elephants trained for timber production. January, November and December are the peak season. We receive more guests when there are filmings.”

“More visitors will flock to the camp to see elephants and natural beauties if the government arranges better phone lines for the camp located at the foot of Bago mountain ranges. Thanks to it, there will be more employment opportunities for local residents,” he added.

In 2002, the camp was established as ecotourism destination. In 2005, it was rent out to Asia Green Tourism Company. The contract is renewed every one year. The camp charges admission fee of Ks-10,000 for a local visitor and US$-50 for a foreign visitor.

Ko Nay Hsan Oo, a tour guide said, “Visitors need to make a booking for the tour to see elephants. Only a few visitors stay overnight as the camp is located between Taungoo and Pyinmana. Tourists prefer to visit the camp rather than local visitors.”

For one-night stay at wooden houses there, local visitors will pay Ks-40,000 for a single room and Ks-50,000 for a double room. And foreigners will pay US$-50 for a single room and US$-80 for a double room.

The Myawady Daily