Chiang Mai Ethical Elephant Sanctuary & ATV: A Candid Review

So, you’re pondering a trip to Chiang Mai, Thailand, and very possibly, you’re thinking about getting up close and comfy with some elephants, right? Also, perhaps you’re craving a dash of adventure to spice things up? That Chiang Mai Ethical Elephant Sanctuary and ATV combo, well, it might just be what you are after. Getting hands-on with elephants is definitely an experience; throwing in some off-road thrills is quite the combination, so too, here’s what I reckon after my own day out.

Finding the Right Elephant Sanctuary: Why Ethical Matters

First things first, elephant tourism is, well, it is something that’s been under a bright spotlight, very deservedly I feel. It is so very important to ensure that the sanctuary you choose truly prioritizes the wellbeing of these gentle giants. What you want is someplace where the elephants aren’t performing tricks, aren’t giving rides, and really are, just, allowed to be elephants. Chiang Mai boasts quite a number of sanctuaries, but just a bit, you have to do a bit of research to tell the authentic ones from the places that might, maybe, be using the term “ethical” a bit loosely, very loosely possibly. So, things like checking online reviews, or looking into the sanctuary’s background and practices, is usually a seriously good plan. This place, from what I could see, seemed genuinely invested in these beautiful animals, seemingly allowing them to roam and interact as they pleased. Of course, just because they act ethical, doesn’t mean that they are, at the end of the day.

A Day with Gentle Giants: What to Expect

Okay, so my day went, more or less, like this. We kicked things off with, you know, a briefing on elephant behavior, almost an introduction to our new buddies, I should say. It was actually great learning about their quirks and their histories; each animal definitely had its own personality, a unique one. The highlight, so to speak, was hands down feeding time. Picture this: You’re armed with a basket, practically overflowing with bananas and sugarcane, and these enormous but sweet creatures, very politely, extend their trunks to take a snack. Just a little, the feeling is pretty amazing, I tell you. After the snack session, there’s usually mud time. The elephants love getting covered in mud; apparently, it’s like a natural sunscreen and insect repellent. Wallowing alongside them, so to speak, is surprisingly therapeutic. We rounded it all off by helping the elephants take a bath in the close-by river. Getting to splash about with these massive but extremely friendly creatures was a memory that I’m not going to forget in a hurry. In a way, it’s hard to describe in full. Basically, though, you should think mud, water, and very big smiles.

From Pachyderms to Power: The ATV Adventure

Right, so once we were, almost, done communing with the elephants, it was time to crank up the adrenaline, like your usual after-lunch energy buster, it is almost. After cleaning up (a seriously needed shower, so, too it’s nearly mandatory, so it seems!), we hopped on ATVs. Now, I will say, I had only ridden one once before, and was just a tiny bit nervous to be fair. But, honestly, after a couple of practice loops, I felt fairly comfortable, even confident in a way, it appears. The trail wound its way, more or less, through the local countryside, taking you past rice paddies, little villages, and patches of thick jungle. Going flat out through muddy puddles and feeling the wind rush past, basically, that was exhilarating, quite the adrenaline booster. This is very possibly an ace way to view the surrounding landscape if you have some zest for excitement, that’s for certain.

What to Bring, What to Wear

Packing wisely is something to consider. Very, very comfortable clothing that you don’t mind getting well and truly muddy, tends to be a good starting point. A swimsuit is a decent idea for the river bath with the elephants; a towel is certainly a good plan, too. Sunscreen and insect repellent, so to speak, those are pretty much essential, also don’t forget sunglasses. For the ATV part, usually they supply a helmet, though some decent closed-toe shoes are often a good plan. Maybe bring a small backpack so you have the essentials (camera, phone, cash, wallet), right there with you. Ultimately, you just need to plan your kit out a little.

Making an Ethical Choice: Questions to Ask

Picking the right sanctuary can sometimes, be complicated. It seems like all the elephant experiences promote themselves in a ethical fashion these days. Here are, seemingly, a handful of very vital questions that, arguably, will help:

• Does the sanctuary permit elephant riding? (Ethical sanctuaries, quite certainly, do not)
• Are the elephants allowed to roam freely, or, perhaps, are they chained?
• Does the sanctuary engage in breeding programs? (Some ethical concerns arise with these, it may be argued)
• What is the sanctuary’s history and connection to the local community, like your connection to your favorite food place?
• Can you locate any reports of elephant abuse or mistreatment in visitor reviews?