Joining the Elephant Nature Park tour to learn about feeding and taking care of elephants
We booked a one-day tour at the Elephant Nature Park near Chiang Mai. At 9 am, we boarded the camp’s shuttle bus and headed there. Upon arrival, we joined a small group led by an enthusiastic guide and began our tour of the elephant nature park.
Interacting intimately with elephants, experiencing their gentleness and intelligence
Under the guide’s instruction, we learned how to feed elephants with sugarcane and bananas. The elephants gently took the food from our hands with their flexible trunks, giving us a sense of their gentleness. The guide told us that the elephants here were all rescued and had previously suffered injuries. Here, they received proper care and lived a peaceful life.
Bathing with elephants, experiencing the joy of Songkran
We also had the opportunity to bathe with elephants in the river, a moment full of joy. We splashed river water at the elephants with buckets, and the elephants also used their trunks to spray water at us. My girlfriend and I splashed water at each other, as if we were in the midst of Songkran festivities.
Enjoying a delicious vegetarian Thai lunch
During lunchtime, the camp provided us with a hearty vegetarian Thai lunch. We tasted various delicious Thai dishes such as green papaya salad and green curry. With the company of good food, we talked to other tourists and shared our travel stories.
An unexpected encounter: meeting the camp’s cats and dogs
In the camp, we also unexpectedly encountered many adorable cats and dogs. They were all stray animals adopted by the camp and received proper care. We petted them and felt the joy of intimate contact with animals.
This is our third day in Thailand. The intimate contact with elephants at the Elephant Nature Park left a lasting impression on us. Next, we will head to Pai in southern Thailand, looking forward to a pleasant time of sunshine, beach, and good wine.