Elephant riding has become an integral part of all tourists’ visits to Thailand. Well-trained elephants can be ridden through local villages and surrounding forests. The type and length of rides varies – it can be a half hour walk around an elephant village or tourist attraction, or you can book a three or five day trek through the jungle in northern Thailand. Some elephant rides can be incorporated into a long trek also combining mountain biking and rafting. Tourist attractions throughout the country will often have a resident elephant, however serious trekkers and elephant riders will need to go to the northern regions of Thailand for a richer experience. The cost will generally be around A$15 per person for an hour ride.  A full day trekking will usually cost about $40.

 
Special Places to see Elephants

THE THAI ELEPHANT CONSERVATION CENTRE, LAMPANG

The Centre in Lampang offers an opportunity to eco-tourists to stay with real-life mahouts. The programme lasts three days and two nights. The provided activities are fun-filled and environment-friendly. The participants will have a chance to gain first-hand experience on nature, wildlife and, of course, elephants.

ELEPHANT HILLS, KHAO SOK

Elephant Hills is Thailands first luxury jungle camp combining the camp idea of African national parks with Thai tropical forest environment. From a scenic canoe trip on the Sok River and a ride on elephant back through the forest, to various trekking routes that can match all skill levels the camp is the perfect base to meet the unique and natural treasures Southern Thailand has to offer. Guests are able to learn about the tropical environment and its inhabitants, elephants and their conservation and some of the secrets of Thai cooking will also be lifted here.

MAESA ELEPHANT CAMP

In the lush tropical jungle of Chiang Mai's Maesa Valley , a big family of elephants lives side by side with their mahout caretakers. "Maesa Elephant Camp" is home to one of the largest assembly of elephants in the north of Thailand . Our philosophy is to create a natural and healthy environment for the elephants while working to conserve and breed them,due to the dwindling number of Asian elephants left in the wild.

ELEPHANT HOME TOUR, SURIN

The Ban Ta Klang Elephant Village home tour is designed to offer visitors an insight into the elephant related Kui culture and way of life as it exists in the natural environment. Of particular interest is the ancient Kui rituals performed prior to the capture of wild elephants, an art currently on the brink of extinction. The tour of the village includes a 3-kilometre elephant ride to Wang Talu, a point where the Moon and Chee rivers converge. Here as the elephants bathe and frolick in the river, the tour offers a panoramic view of the scenic landscape. Other attractions include the Elephant Study Centre and Museum.

Elephant trekking

CHIANG MAI: At Chiang Dao Elephant Camp in Chiang Dao District, elephants are trained to perform for tourists and available for rides in the nearby forest. Mae Taeng Elephant Camp in Mae Taeng District, offers bamboo rafting in addition to elephant-back rides.

CHIANG RAI: Elephant riding is available at Mae Kok Elephant Camp on the bank of Mae Kok. You can take a ride through the surrounding
forest and to nearby Karen hilltribe villages.


KANCHANABURI: An elephant ride through the jungle is popular with visitors to Thong Pha Phum and Sangkhlaburi. A ride can be incorporated into a longer trek featuring mountain biking and rafting.