Elephant Riding in Chiang Mai - Once in A Lifetime Experience

Posted by Howie’s HomeStay on February 7th, 2017

Elephant riding in Chiang Mai is one of the most anticipated activities for tourists visiting this part of Southeast Asia. If you want to experience an adventure with these majestic creatures, then be sure to stay in a hotel or a private villa that can help you arrange an elephant riding tour with some of the best camps. It also makes sense to learn as much as you can about how to be responsible tourist to ensure that no elephants are harmed during your adventure. 

Responsible Tourism

Are you concerned about how well the elephants are treated?  Do you want to join an elephant riding tour but are hesitant because of concerns about animal abuse? You’ll be glad to know that some of the best known camp in Chiang Mai are committed to safeguarding the health, happiness, and wellness of their elephants. These ethically responsible camps

provide a wonderful environment where elephants don’t get stressed or overworked. Aside from riding, you can also participate in gentle activities such as swimming in the river with the elephants, giving them mud baths, and feeding them. Elephant rides in these responsible camps are much shorter and less strenuous. You and your elephant will have fun trekking through fields.  The animal gets plenty of food, water, and rest throughout the day, ensuring that they stay mentally and physically healthy. 

Here’s another tip: The best way to ride an elephant is to ride bareback, without a chair for a saddle. Simply sit behind its ears and enjoy the ride. 

Finding a Tour

Your private villa in Chiang Mai can help you get in touch with a great elephant riding travel agency that can provide everything you need, including driver and transportation, an English speaking guide, lunch, and even accident insurance. 

Meals on typical elephant tours feature local Thai cuisine.  You’ll also get snacks and refreshments.  Do you have special dietary requirements?  Simply let them know and they can prepare halal for vegetarian dishes for you. 

What to Bring

That Chiang Mai climate is hot and humid, so be sure to wear comfortable and breathable clothes such as cotton shorts and short sleeved shirts.  Wear athletic shoes that allows you to walk safely on uneven surfaces.  Don’t bring your most precious pair, as some areas along the way are muddy. Flip flops are fine, but rubber shoes are recommended. If you want to swim with the elephants, wear a bathing suit underneath your normal clothes.  Local culture is modest, so don’t bring anything too revealing.

 About the Author:

Tim Davies of Howie’s HomeStay is a Chiang Mai citizen and blogger with good personal knowledge of Chiang Mai and the surrounding Northern Thailand area. He is also well connected to the travel and hospitality industry both in Thailand and globally.