Where to Go in 2016: Patara Elephant Farm, Chiang Mai Thailand
Thailand is not without plenty of tours that involve elephants, but none of them are like what you will
encounter when visiting the Patara Elephant Farm. Let's just say you will be doing a bit more than patting
them on the trunk, and your ride won't involve one of those saddles that look like it was pulled straight
from the circus. If you take advantage of the Elephant Owner for a Day program, be ready to work. Your
day will begin in the middle of a gorgeous rice paddy where you will hear a story about the importance of
the elephant in Thailand and just how shockingly close this creature is to extinction. You'll be assigned to
a trainer who will be with you for the day and finally, you'll get to meet your elephant. After feeding him or
her and performing a daily health check, you'll climb into the creek and give the equivalent of a sponge
bath.
Next you are up, riding them bare-back throughout the forests of northern Thailand. Up and down mountains, through clay-like mud and down
primitive roadways. You'll stop for lunch next to a creek while the elephants play in the water. Your feast will be some of the most traditional and
authentic Thai foods you will likely have on your entire trip. Next, you can swim with your elephant before you ride back to the farm. The farm's
web-site states, "Yes, we are different!" and that could not be more accurate. This Thai-owned and managed farm focuses on health-care and
breeding management to ensure that the Asian elephant does not become extinct. They act as a rescue organization as well, taking in elephants
that have been mistreated through their use as a tourist attraction on the streets of Thailand. The funds generated from visitors help keep the farm
up and running. The tour lasts an entire day, from about 7:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m. and is truly a life-changing experience. I would, however,
recommend a few things. Do a couple weeks of core strengthening workouts to help your back during the ride (I'm really not kidding), wear bug
spray and stay hydrated, but don't drink too much as potty breaks are few and far between
Posts by kamal payy
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