In the middle of the jungle of north Thailand exists an elephant paradise. At the elephant camp in Chaing Mai, visitors are welcomed by an unlikely sight of young elephants, old elephants, black elephants, gray elephants, and on a rare occasion, white elephants as well. Tired and sweaty from the hour drive up to the camp, my sister and I were happy to be ushered to the first activity offered at the camp, an hour-long elephant ride through the jungle. We hopped on-top of a bamboo seat that was tied to our new means of transportation, a 35-year-old Asian elephant. Sitting on top of the elephant's neck was Yu, its master and caretaker. While Yu didn't speak much English, he endeared us with his mimicking my sister's nervous laugh and by repeatedly saying, "Elephant tuk-tuk to American, 5 baht!" We embarked on our hour-long journey into the unknown. It scenery was truly special. Many elephants can be seen freely roaming the grounds, as it is the camp's policy to set their elephants free once they grow older. Lush tropical greenery is abundant along the pathways. The highlight of the ride is going through the river, the elephant's huge size can truly be realized without the faintest worry of getting wet. After the ride, visitors are allowed to feed the elephants, something highly recommended. You begin to truly understand this gentle beast by observing how their trunks grab sugar cane and a bunch of bananas straight your hands into their mouths, banana peels intact and all. After the feeding, there is a show to be taken in. In the past, watching animals perform human skills has always depressed me, watching these elephants shoot hoops, massage tourists, paint, and even dance, (yes dance) was a treat. Every past of the show was extremely impressive and not saddening, if asked, the manager of the camp will explain how humanely the elephants are treated. Upon leaving the camp, my sister announced that a pet elephant is what her childhood was missing.

Location:
Maesa Elephant Camp (Our Town Office)

119/9 Tapae Rd., Muang District, Chiang Mai 50100 Thailand
Chiang Mai, Thailand

Adventure Tour

Getting There
If called ahead of time, cabs will be willing to take you.

Travel Skills: None

You Need to Bring: camera, you want to capture your ride and time with these friendly creatures that you may never encounter at such a close proximity again.

Contact Information:
Phone: +66 5320 6247
Fax: +66 5320 6247
E-mail: maesaele(at)remove-this.loxinfo.co.th
URL: www.measaelephantcamp.com