Hi Stephen, I see your point and this was done quite a few years ago, I did not know back then what is going on with them. This said, the same could be applied to horses, ostriches, or bulls! It is not natural either, but has been made as such. It’s a matter of perspective…

This is shameful. The methods used to train elephants to do this are cruel. If you want to see an elephant go on a safari and see them in their natural habitat. Carrying people is not natural and its terrible to support this.

Hi there! I unfortunately do not remember the trek site’s name, but it is true that most are part of a day tour. This said I have looked around and found this organization that also rescues elephants: http://www.elephant-training.com/program-and-pricing/ where you can do just what you want. For only 600 Baht though you would do the rest of the activities as well, though who knows if they treat the animals fairly. There is also an elephant sanctuary you might want to learn about…

Would you be able to communicate the elephant trek site name?
I will be backpacking in Thailand and could not find anything but day trips with elephant riding + lunch + rafting + sightseeing for about 3000bht

Thank you very much!

I learned about these practices after I was there. Had I known I would have checked that this tour in particular was environmentally responsible, but then it would be difficult be absolutely certain wouldn’t it?

I also recommend that travelers check out the reputations of the tour they are joining- reportedly many businesses misstreat the animals…what a shame.

Yup, they do take pics of you, only a couple though. They sell them for around 400 Baht (at least where I went) 🙂

Good attitude!

I’ll definitely try if i get the change, i don’t run away from things i’m scared of 🙂

Truth is that I once saw a documentary on this issue too, though only now do I remember. In any case I did not feel the animals were poorly trated where we went, unlike some of the Tarsier viewing places in Bohol (Philippines) which we avoided altogether, visiting instead a sanctuary.

I suppose there is a chance that not all of them are treated poorly but its pretty well documented and a lot of people in sustainable tourism ask you not to ride them.

Don’t you think that perhaps not all elephants are being treated poorly? It would make sense to check the one you are going to try… dunno, just my thoughts 🙂

Glad you dropped by Lauren! I hope the site performed well as I am working on the new design behind the scenes 🙂 You will love Thailand, and I’m sure you’ll also find great bargains!

That looks like an incredibly (and scary!) experience and I can’t wait to try it out when I go to Thailand later this year! And for only 12USD?! Bargain! 😀

🙂 Nah, we weren’t afraid at all! Well actually I wasn’t , but Liza was for the first 3 or 4 minutes. After that she saw that it is perfectly safe and enjoyed the rest of the ride, a dream of hers since childhood! You should try it someday if you can!