Elephant Nature Park Experience

We had a great day at the Elephant Nature Park Experience.

We did the group tour and were with another family of four for the day, along with our guide. When we arrived at the Elephant Nature Park we started at the Sky Walk which is a raised walkway allowing us to get close to the elephants and view them from above without having any impact on them. The guide gave a running commentary about the history of and day to day running of the park and the different elephants. All the elephants have been rescued from various places including circuses and the illegal logging trade. The guide knew all their names, where they had come from and their various personality traits.

The lunch provided was a great selection of vegetarian Thai food (we’re not veggie but all thought the food was very good), and there was also some pasta, fruit and chips for anyone who doesn't like Thai food. After lunch we walked with the guide down to the river where some of the elephants were swimming and bathing, and it was lovely to be able to watch them play.

Although you can get very close up to the elephants, the Elephant Nature Park is a rehabilitation/retirement centre for rescued elephants, so visitors are not allowed to touch, feed, or ride the elephants. The money raised from tourists goes towards looking after the elephants and rescuing more elephants, and it felt like a really good cause.

There were children in our group aged 8, 10, 11 and 13 who all enjoyed the experience, as did all the adults.

Top tip: Wear comfortable shoes as you spend a lot of time on your feet (even though you don't walk far). And don’t forget a good sunhat and water bottle!