As a kid, my favorite stories were from books like Dr. Doolittle and Kipling’s Jungle Books, and ever since then I’ve wanted to ride an elephant. Finally had the opportunity to cross that one off my bucket list when I got to spend a day at Patara Elephant Farm in rural Chiang Mai, Thailand.
Patara Elephant Farm is not one of the many tourist operations in northern Thailand, but a center for rehabilitation of injured elephants and a breeding program aimed at re-introducing Asian elephants into the wild in this mountainous region of southeast Asia.
Visitors to Patara learn about the history and ecology of elephants, and spend several hours checking their health, feeding them and brushing and bathing these magnificent animals. Then it’s time for a ride – not in the typical basket on the back of the elephant, but “bareback” riding on their neck. A truly unique and wonderful experience.
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That’s incredible, dad. I love that you have opportunities like this and that you take them!
Which one is the elephant.
Are you back?
Vic
Hi Vic,
I’ve got three more days in Bangkok and then return to Chiang Mai for a few days before returning home at the end of the month. If you haven’t been to Thailand yet, move it to the front of your list of places to go – the scenery is great, the culture fascinating and the people are wonderful.
Hi Greg- WOW, you look great on that elephant and I’m jealous!! Thailand has always been on my list.
Enjoy the rest of your trip.