If you love elephants then this is a “MUST DO” when travelling in the north of Thailand. Elephant Nature Park (ENP) is an elephant rescue project as opposed to the usual tourist trap of Elephant (circus) Trekking Camps. The elephants at ENP roam freely within the park and are supported by a whole team of regular and volunteer helpers. You won’t see elephants painting or playing football or trudging around carrying people on their backs, but you will see them playfully wrestling in the mud, rolling around in the river at bath time and stuffing themselves fit to burst with pineapples and bananas.

 

 

 

We had the most magical day there. We were collected from our Chiang Mai hotel in the morning and the journey to the park took less than an hour. As we descended into the valley the first sighting of the elephants was positively awesome (in the true sense of the word). The staff were so welcoming and knowledgeable. All visitors are encouraged to get totally involved in the feeding and bathing of the elephants. A hearty lunch is provided and is a great opportunity to meet others.

 

 

We returned to Chiang Mai having had the most fantastic day and with incredible photos to help us remember it . We left feeling privileged to have been a part of such a special community if only for a day.

 

 

It is possible to visit for a day, 2 days, which includes an overnight stay in the park..a definite for our next trip, or longer. For further details see http://www.elephantnaturepark.org/index.htm. Tel: +66 (0)53818754