A Warm Welcome to Elephant Pride Sanctuary

Arriving at the Elephant Pride Sanctuary, I was immediately struck by the serene beauty of the surroundings. Nestled within the lush greenery of Inthanon National Park, the sanctuary felt like a hidden gem, far removed from the bustling streets of Chiang Mai. Our guide for the day, Chanchai, greeted us with a warm smile and a heartfelt welcome. He introduced us to the sanctuary’s history, sharing stories of his family and their deep connection with the elephants, whom they consider part of their family.

Chanchai’s passion for the elephants was evident as he spoke about their lives and personalities. He explained how tourism had impacted the treatment of elephants in Thailand, and how his sanctuary was different. Here, the elephants were free from chains and treated with the utmost respect. Chanchai emphasized that the elephants’ well-being was the top priority, and their daily routines were never disrupted for the sake of tourism. This approach resonated with me, as it aligned with my own values of ethical and responsible travel.

Immersed in the Elephants’ World

The day’s activities began with feeding the elephants, an experience that was both humbling and exhilarating. As I offered bananas and sugarcane to these majestic creatures, I felt a deep sense of connection and respect. Following the feeding, we embarked on a gentle walk through the jungle, allowing the elephants to lead the way. It was a unique opportunity to observe them in their natural habitat, moving gracefully through the dense foliage.

After our jungle walk, we returned to the sanctuary for a delicious lunch prepared by Chanchai’s family. The meal was a delightful spread of local dishes, each bursting with flavor and authenticity. Sharing this meal with fellow travelers and the sanctuary staff created a sense of community and camaraderie that I cherish during my solo travels.

The afternoon was dedicated to a mud bath with the elephants, followed by a refreshing dip in a cold mountain river. This hands-on experience was unlike anything I had ever done before. The elephants seemed to revel in the mud, playfully splashing and rolling around, and I couldn’t help but join in the fun. The river bath that followed was equally invigorating, as the cool water washed away the mud and left us feeling rejuvenated.

Reflections and Farewells

As the day drew to a close, we gathered for a final shower and listened to more of Chanchai’s captivating stories about life with the elephants. His tales were filled with humor, wisdom, and a deep love for these gentle giants. It was clear that Chanchai and his family were dedicated to providing a safe and nurturing environment for the elephants, and I felt privileged to have been a part of it, even if just for a day.

Reflecting on my experience at the Elephant Pride Sanctuary, I was filled with gratitude for the opportunity to witness the elephants’ lives up close and to learn from Chanchai’s wealth of knowledge. This authentic and ethical approach to elephant tourism is something I wholeheartedly support, and I left the sanctuary with a renewed sense of purpose in my travels.

For anyone visiting Chiang Mai, I highly recommend spending a day at the Elephant Pride Sanctuary. It’s a chance to connect with nature, learn about the importance of ethical tourism, and create memories that will last a lifetime. Until next time, Chang Khlan Sub-district, I’ll be back to visit these majestic giants once more.