Melly Brooke
If you thought elephants were only ideal to take a ride on, it's time to change! The best place would be the elephant camps of Thailand where one can ethically interact with these gentle mammals.
Listed as a one of the top ten family attractions in Thailand this loving elephant camp in Thailand is the brainchild of Britisher Katherine Connor; her inspiration came from the baby elephant 'Boon Lot' who is a survivor of Thailand's gentle pachyderm herd. Connor has dedicated her life to the care of these gentle mammals for over a decade and her efforts are recognised by the International Fund for Animal Welfare. The camp located about an hour from the Sukhothai airport in Baan Tuek welcomes guest eager to interact with the Asian elephants. There you are given the honour of caring for the gentle creatures by helping to gather food from forest, assisting with the maintenance of the herding areas and walking the elephants to the grazing grounds. As Boon Lot is located in the backwoods, day trips are not possible, instead stays over several days are recommended for savouring the marvellous experience to be had at this camp.
Sick, abused, disabled, street and illegal elephants. It is not an elaborate sanctuary but is one that offers a loving sanctuary for the gentle mammals to enjoy. The motto of the place speaks volumes – 'we work for the elephants' and true to its words visitors are encouraged to work for the gentle giants by gathering food, cooking sticky rice and helping bathe the creatures at the River Kwai. One day tours of the camp are available.
Enjoy bathing the elephants, setting off on long treks across paddy fields and rolling hills and indulging in mahout training at this fabulous elephant camp Thailand is well known for. Fully funded by Anantara Hotels, Resorts and Spas this elephant camp located within the Golden Triangle border of Thailand, Myanmar and Laos is the highlight of Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp & Resort. Designed as a traditional mahout village the camp offers you a one-on-one interaction with the elephants. Learn mahout commands through special training sessions while enjoying taking the animals to the river for baths, treks and grazing. The surroundings too serviced by the Mekong and Ruak Rivers are truly breath-taking and just the ticket for relaxing and interacting with nature. Do all this while enjoying the luxuries of the resort.
Located just 30kms from Hua Hin seaside resort; the Wildlife Friends Foundation offers day visits. Apart for escorting the loving mammals on their daily walks and bathing routine you get to learn about the importance of elephant conservation and the dangers presented to the gentle beasts. Visitors are given the opportunity to tag along as volunteers at the foundation set about their daily routine of feeding the 350 rescued animals at the sanctuary. These include, apart for the elephants – bears and monkeys.
