Green Hill Valley Elephant Camp

Green Hill Valley Elephant Camp, located near Kalaw in Shan State, is a pioneering project focused on ecotourism and elephant conservation in Myanmar. Established in 2011 by a local family with deep roots in elephant care and forestry, the camp provides a sanctuary for retired timber enterprise elephants. The primary mission is to offer these animals a dignified life in their natural habitat, ensuring they receive necessary veterinary care and nutrition. In a departure from traditional elephant tourism, riding is strictly prohibited; instead, visitors are invited to participate in the animals' daily routines, such as feeding and river bathing. The initiative also features an extensive reforestation program where every guest is encouraged to plant a tree, helping to restore the local forest ecosystem. By integrating animal welfare with environmental restoration, the camp serves as a leading example of sustainable tourism in the region. It aims to educate both locals and international visitors about the challenges facing Myanmar's elephant population and the importance of biodiversity. The camp's holistic approach has earned it international acclaim as a model for ethical wildlife interactions.

Nearby cities

Mawlamyine

The fourth-largest city in Myanmar, located on the banks of the Thanlwin River.

Kalaw

A former British hill station offering cool climate, pine forests, and the starting point for famous treks to Inle Lake.

Taungoo

A historic city in the Bago Region, known for its forestry and teak production.

Naypyidaw

The modern capital of Myanmar, known for its vast and quiet streets.

Inle Lake

A freshwater lake in Shan State, world-renowned for its leg-rowing fishermen, floating gardens, and stilt villages.

Sagaing

The capital of the Sagaing Region, famous for its many Buddhist monasteries on the hills.

Yangon

The largest city in Myanmar and its former economic and cultural center.

History & landmarks

Bago

Bago, formerly known as Pegu, is a historic city featuring massive pagodas and one of the world's largest reclining Buddha statues.

Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda

The most important sanctuary on Inle Lake, housing five small Buddha statues covered in gold leaf beyond recognition.

Nature

Sittaung River

An important river in central Myanmar, known for its strong tidal bore near the mouth.

Indawgyi Lake

The largest inland lake in Myanmar and an important biosphere reserve for waterbirds.

More places

Red Mountain Estate Vineyards

A renowned vineyard near Inle Lake, using French winemaking techniques to produce quality wines in Asia.

Aythaya Vineyard

Myanmar's first vineyard, located in the scenic Shan Mountains, producing local wine varieties in a tropical climate.

Kyaiktiyo Pagoda

Better known as the Golden Rock, this small pagoda is built on a gold-leafed granite boulder balanced precariously on a cliff edge.

Belin Sugar Mill

One of the key agricultural processing facilities in Mon State, turning locally grown sugarcane into refined sugar for the domestic market.

National Kandawgyi Botanical Gardens

A sprawling botanical garden in the hill station of Pyin Oo Lwin, known for its alpine flora, orchids, and butterflies.

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Dattawgyaik Waterfall

An impressive, multi-tiered waterfall near Pyin U Lwin that plunges into a cool, clear pool.

Pyin Oo Lwin Strawberry Farms

Agricultural terraces in the temperate hill station of Pyin Oo Lwin, famous for growing fresh strawberries during the cool season.

Pindaya Caves

A major pilgrimage site featuring an extensive limestone cave system that houses thousands of Buddha statues.