Riding Elephants

One of the things we wanted to do on this trip was to see some elephants up close.  Kasen loves seeing them at the zoo and we figured it would be a highlight for her to see them up close (maybe even get a chance to feed them).  We had done quite a bit if research on possible trips and found quite a few where you could ride them.  It sounded interesting, but that was not a requirement we had.  We especially didn't know if riding an elephant for an hour (the shortest trip) was feasible with a toddler.

Once we got to Ao Nang, we had a three days of unplanned time.  We looked into possible excursions for this time and one was to visit/ride elephants.  We decided to book it (2 hour total trip) and give Kasen something to remember.  

It was a short 15 minute ride from the hotel (they picked us up).  We walked out of the van, up some stairs to a landing and 5 minutes later we were on some elephants.  Here is John getting setup on his elephant Wahtu.  

They had initially pointed at Debra to get on the elephant pictured above, but once they saw she was going to grab Kasen they said "no" and John rode solo.   We wondered if it was like horseback riding and they were matching the elephants to the rider.  Our elephant did seem amazingly gentle.  We got onto our elephant, Tuka, and followed John through the "jungle".  The land was rather well preserved and full of large trees (all things considered).  Our guide sat on the elephants head while our feet rested on its neck or dangled along the side, occasionally getting swatted by the ears of the elephant.  Here you can see the seating situation and us on Tuka.  

The pink legs are Kasen's and the elephant's
ear to the left of the guide

The elephants listened well and our guides did not seem to even yell at them.  The guides did carry hooks, but we never saw them use them.  Our elephant liked grabbing some big branches and eating them, yes eating them (branches wider then my fist).  We could hear her munching on the wood (all the elephants were girls).  It was amazing how she just snapped these thick branches with her trunk.  

At one point we crossed a little river and the elephants took a little drink.   About this time we caught up with another group (we had felt like we were one private tour until that point).  Our guides passed them by taking us off the path and through the bush.  This place did have a number of tours, so those people may have been riding for 2 hrs or more.  We felt 1 hr was PLENTY.  Here is the "elephant jam" on the trail. 

 

When we got back from the trek, we got to feed the elephants (apparently the branches were just a snack).  They basically grabbed the banana with the tip of their trunk and stuffed it in their mouth.  Here is Kasen feeding our elephant.  Kasen loved this part and went through 2 baskets of bananas.

When we finished feeding there was a baby elephant "show", her name was Chika.  She played a harmonica, did a little dance, put a hat on Debra and Kasen, and even bowed when we clapped or some part of the show was complete.  Kasen got to sit on her for a picture, with a little spotting from mom.  After that there was a pineapple snack and some water before we got a ride back to the hotel.  Definitely an adventure.

Next post: the day long trip to Hong Island which included long tail rides, snorkeling, beach, fish feeding and kayaking.