Now we’ve become somewhat eco-thoughtful whilst travelling about, probably not as much as we should, but we are making a concerted effort. It was with this in mind, and a desire to get up close and semi-personal with Thailands most amazing animal, that we chose to visit the Thai Elephant Conservation Centre.

We have wanted to encounter beautiful elephants for a hefty stint of our travel in Asia, but we were reluctant to visit one of the heavily touristed advertised trips you get thrust at you at every stop. We didn’t want to necessarily ride an elephant, more so observe, in a more natural, cleaner and kinder environment.

We organised to get there ourselves, (local bus from Chiang Mai Arcade station, 60 Baht, ask to drop you at the centre, 1 hour) as we had read it was pretty easy to get to. The centre was so quiet, and we were the only ones on the shuttle bus. When we got there we were guided to the elephant “show”. We were really dubious about the show, but I had researched the centre to death to make sure it was as “Ellie friendly” as it could be. However, we were relieved as the performance was really an educational show demonstrating the traditions of the Thai elephant, and their agility and skill. No standing on hands or anything (just a bit of painting), and mostly voice commanded by their own individual mahout (elephant trainer/carer). There were rides you could have at the centre, which were short and easy for the elephants, and for more adventure, mahout training courses to take part in.

After the performance we checked out the elephant hospital (they rescue sick/injured/elderly elephants, and treat them free of charge), and the elephant nursery, both in lovely peaceful jungly settings (put your deet on!), and really clean. All of the elephants were in the shade and had constant food and water, and were really well cared for.

It is important to research the history of the Thai elephant before you go, as things like ankle chains (only on the settled elephants in their open enclosures, and the baby who seemed to have it as a necklace as it wasn’t used) seem horrible for us to see, but are necessary as most of the elephants are domesticated. Traditionaly the elephants have been used in industry for logging (which is now almost all but banned) and are rehomed in the centre as they are unable to work for people any more, or are ill/injured or elderly. This setting is much nicer than seeing them in a concrete zoo or enclosure, and you get to see them interacting with each other right infront of your beady eyes!

We loved watching them having fun splashing about at bathing time, and the fact that the baby elephant (with a little flower in its “hair” or head stubble), was too little to submerge with the big guys! He trotted over with his mahout and greeted us, and let us stroke his harder than hard skin! He was so beautiful (and we think an orphan) and seemed to really connect with his trainer, and was really mischievious, just like his friend who squirted water at us in a brilliant elephant tastic cliche!

Although always skeptical at visiting any sort of animal centre or “show”. This was an amazing, natural, yet traditionally Thai place to visit, where the elephants looked happy, well and at peace with their human mates and their wicked surroundings, which is sadly not always the case for a Thai elephant.

Check out the centre’s website here for info, and Trip Advisor also has useful reviews too.

About James and Jo

James & Jo have given up work for a year in-search of opening their eyes & minds to the big wide world! Since November 2010, they’ve been through Brazil, Argentina, Bolivia, Peru, Chile, New Zealand, Australia and Indonesia with Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Japan, China and India yet to come…. phew! Keep up to date with James & Jo’s adventures via their travel blog.