Uncategorized 13 years ago elephants
(just when you think a honeymoon can’t be beat, your husband throws elephants into the mix)
I do not have enough good things to say about the Patara Elephant Farm. We did a lot of research before visiting one of Chaing Mai’s elephant farms/orphanages/shows (lord knows there’s plenty to choose from), and the minute we met “Ben” our guide at Patara we knew we’d chosen wisely. The day started with Ben picking us up from the hotel. When you arrive at Patara you are taught all about the species of elephants and how they are quickly becoming endangered. It was so apparent that everyone at Patara truly loved and respected this amazing creatures. You ride bareback, there are no “sadles” and they never (ever) hit or prod at the elephants. The entire environment at Patara feels very loving and respectful. The instructors are very knowledgable and told us everything we needed to do for the day and then, as Ben said “You are the caregiver, I am the tourist.” There is no need to take a camera, water, or lunch to Patara as they truly have every detail thought out. It really felt like we were bonding with the animals and I would highly, highly, highly recommend this to anyone who visits Chaing Mai. At Patara you feel at one with nature and at one with elephants. After feeding, brushing, cleaning and socializing with your elephant, the (small) group takes a 20 minute walk (on your elephants) up to a nearby waterfall. You are then able to play in the water with your elephant (which they clearly love doing) and break for a delicious lunch that it served on huge banana leafs. The ride back is bitter sweet. The landscape is so amazingly beautiful and the ride is so amazing that you do not want the day to end. Trekking in and out of rivers, next to rice paddies and in the heart of the Chaing Mai jungle is something I will never forget. And I will never forget my elephant “Bean You”.
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