Throughout my backpacking journey in Asia and Australia, it was important to me to try and experience everything that each location had to offer. As we headed up to northern Thailand, it was exciting to finally arrive in Chiang Mai. The elephant day trip was something that I could have never prepared myself for– IT WAS INCREDIBLE.
We got picked up from our hostel quite early in the morning and piled in the back of a
I was overflowing with bananas and thrilled to enter the elephant enclosure (which was very large). We spent the better part of an hour (ish) feeding the elephants. There was one little baby who was three years old – so adorable and full of life. These creatures are so beautiful, powerful and strong. It was truly a privilege to play with them.
All of the elephants at the sanctuary have been rescued from abusive situations and have been given a new sense of safety at Mae Rim. You can see the pain that some of the animals had endured in the past through their eyes.
After feeding them, we headed to the jungle to cut down some more food for the elephants. It was a bit of a trek but worth it because when we got back, we took the elephants for a walk to an open clearing. In the clearing we learned about the animals, fed them and then it was bath time. We hopped in the mud (a.k.a elephant poop) and covered them and ourselves in mud. It quickly turned into a mud fight. After that, we rinsed off in the lake and ended the day with a volleyball game in the pool.
It was a magical experience learning from these creatures. It’s a memory I will never forget. I will forever be grateful for this experience. If you have the chance to visit an ethical sanctuary– I highly recommend it. The elephants care is the top priority!
xoxo,
linds
P.S. There’s a Thai cooking class at lunch, so there’s no need to bring food. (Unless you’re allergic to everything like me haha) It sure smelled great– I can tell you that much.
Check out the final leg of the adventure: Chiang Mai
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