I am wondering if there are non-abusive elephant camps in Chiang Mai? I see that there is the Elephant Nature Park, which looks fun, but quite pricey.
Is there any place to actually ride elephants which does not abuse them? If not, I will happily go to the Nature Park and pay more. Especially if it helps feed the elephants.
Any real answers are greatly appreciated.
2007-01-14 12:43:53 · 5 answers · asked by hispas333 2 in Travel ➔ Asia Pacific ➔ Thailand
Generally - anything that is trekking instead of "rides" in a tourist show is good. The elephants keepers look after the elephants well because elephants have high status and is revered in Thai culture. I don't think there will be too many places that the elephants are abused (Not that this does not ever happen in some places)
These treks are in the elphants natural environment so it is good for them too. And... as you say, it helps feed the elephants, since they can no longer work in the timber industry.
Have a great time in Thailand.
2007-01-14 13:07:46 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Elephants have always been part of a great tradition in Thailand. Unfortunately nowdays it costs a lot to feed an elephant which does'nt work (like for timber in the past). Thai people have a lot of respect for elephants which is one of their strong royal symbol. Elephants are not ill-treated in Thailand but usually their caretakers do not have the necessary means to feed them well.
Remember...riding an elephant is not mistreating the animal. Rather, it provides the means to care for them.
Living in Thailand for 10 years!
2007-01-15 04:50:31 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
you're truly going to the the terrific option place, yet mid-April is Sonkran, the Thai New 3 hundred and sixty 5 days, and Chiang Mai would be throbbing. in case you particularly need to do the hiking element, manage your circulate to to contain the 1st or final week of April, yet i'm beneficial you will additionally rejoice with the Chiang Mai New 3 hundred and sixty 5 days (5 days of chaos around the thirteenth of April), and you actual won't decide to circulate hiking whilst it is on. Treks are terrific booked once you arrive in Chiang Mai. you will get a much extra advantageous deal, and the publications who'll be finding once you would be the single's making the income so as that they have got a vested interest in making beneficial you get the genuine element and have a sturdy time. i might take it sluggish and ask around a number of the small vacationer eating place/concentrated visitor homes for techniques. don't get rushed into something - absolutely everyone in Chiang Mai rushing to do something is the two a criminal or a nutter.
2016-10-07 04:05:32 · answer #3 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would recommend starting at the center outside Lampang, much closer to Lampang than CM as mentioned above - I live not too far from there and the elephants are well treated. Yes, it is a bit expensive but how much would it cost to buy lunch for just one elephant!! - Mostly, the elephants I see here are well treated however, I do not like to see them in Bangkok being led around and having tourists buy sugar cane to feed them...
There is also a beautiful resort in the mtns in Petchaboon w/lovely ele. decor but we did not see any in the wild there..
2007-01-15 12:59:09 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Head to Lampang Elephant Conservation Centre, Chiangmai. Here the elephants are trained and you can participate in the training yourself. You can also help look after the elephants. Check it out on www.tourismthailand.org for more official info.
2007-01-15 03:43:09 · answer #5 · answered by peanutz 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋