Elephant Nature Park: Paradise in Chiang Mai

Written by Bessie about Thailand. Feelin' excited

We got picked up in a van early in the morning and were heading north in search of elephants. The heavy rains of the monsoon season sent the driver zigzagging through the countryside looking for a good route. We kept heading closer to mountains and finally to bumpy dirt roads until we saw the beautiful site: luscious green fields, misty mountain tops, and elephants roaming free.

We'd reached Elephant Paradise.

Elephant Nature Park, Chiang Mai, Thailand

The Elephant Nature Park spans 2,000 acres and is home to 34 formerly abused elephants.

Why do the elephants need a Sanctuary?
My first sighting of an elephant here was a young elephant, being walked with a rope along a busy road in Chiang Mai. A 6 lane road in fact, and I was driving my motorbike in the lane closest to her and couldn't believe such a large animal was on the road. Where was she heading? Most likely to the tourist areas, to get fed in exchange for some cash for her mahout (trainer). Yet the elephant is an animal dear to many Thais and visitors alike. Why are they mistreated?

Visiting the park, they told us that elephants were traditionally work animals for logging and clearing land for development. But after logging was abolished in the 80s, most elephants were unneeded, and the population declined rapidly. Nowadays, elephants are often nuisances wandering into private land for food and mainly seen as big sources of income in tourist areas. Said to make around $25/day, it's big money for a mahout versus more physical labor.

Medo is around 30 years old and was rescued after suffering a broken ankle and dislocated backbones after logging injuries and being attacked by another elephant.

The downside of Elephant Tourism
Many elephants in Thailand are abused, malnourished, and experience harsh treatment. They work strenuous hours for tourists for everything from walking city streets to jungle trips and tourist shows. There is virtually no protection for privately owned elephants, and although it's illegal to bring elephants into cities, it's seldom enforced. Elephants in the wild are protected as endangered species, and there are large fines for their mistreatment, although their population and habitats are dwindling.

Elephants' keen senses and strength often leave them endearing haunting treatment. Many elephants at the Elephant Nature Park suffer from anxiety and bear scars that tell the stories of their pasts. Traditionally, elephants spent days in a holding pen called a crusher undergoing unthinkable treatment to make them subservient and learn commands. Elephants are also often underfed, which is easy to imagine, as Asian elephants are meant to eat 330-600 pounds of fresh food and drink 150 liters of water a day!

An older elephant and her mahout after feeding time at the Elephant Nature Park.

A True Elephant Sanctuary
Luckily, this is where the Elephant Nature Park comes in, and it feels like Jurassic Park. It's a place where elephants roam with their adopted families after being abused or mistreated. Some elephants were abandoned, but many were bought from owners in order to save their lives. It's founded by a passionate Thai woman, Lek, the granddaughter of a hilltribe shaman. She developed a passion for elephant care after her grandfather was given an elephant for saving a man's life and regards elephants as part of her family.

The park's objectives: rehabilitating elephants, restoring natural habitat, educating and involving the local community, educating visitors, and helping make changes to improve the treatment of elephants.

Elephants and their mahouts (trainers) roaming the Elephant Nature Park.

A Day's Visit filled with Elephant Hugs & Kisses!!
Visiting the 34 elephants was down-right enchanting. I feed more elephants than I could count, helped bathe them in the river, and got loads of hugs and kisses. I was doing the hugging, and although dirty, I felt them hugging back. Below are some photos with stories, and hopefully I don't misname any of them! If you like, browse their full bios and info, and you can even buy a meal for one of the elephants.

Mae Bua Khum or Golden Lotus: A lovely 70 year old lady that was owned by a family and given to the park because she was beyond working years. She was well treated, although came to the park malnourished. She's one of the most affectionate and loves posing for pictures.

Getting Elephant Kisses, Elephant Nature Park, Chiang Mai, Thailand

Getting Elephant Kisses, Elephant Nature Park, Chiang Mai, Thailand

Kyle getting a big wet elephant kiss!

Feeding Time!
We started by feeding the elephants in a barn area. The elephants were free to roam in and out, but the bars helped everyone get used to eachother.

Bessie feeding the Baby at the Elephant Nature Park, Chiang Mai, Thailand

Sweet baby girl, Pha Mai or New Sky, loves mini bananas! I couldn't give them to her fast enough. She is a lucky elephant born at the park a little over a year ago.

Ready for food! Jungle Boy is a feisty 9 years old boy that likes to play. His mother was rescued 2 weeks before he was born and brought to the Park temporarily to save both of their lives. Because he and his mother were still owned by a jungle trekking company, they returned to work for a short time before the park could buy the pair. Now, they both roam freely after knowing life as working elephants.

Kyle feeding 89 year old Mae Perm or "Luckier Elephant". She's the great-grandmother elephant that was owned and kept many places around Thailand including logging on the boarder of Burma and in the small backyard of someone's home. She never reproduced, but has adopted a large family at the park.

Bessie feeding the Grandmother Elephant at the Elephant Nature Park, Chiang Mai, Thailand

Bessie feeding the Grandmother Elephant at the Elephant Nature Park, Chiang Mai, Thailand

89 year old Mae Perm lifted her trunk to get the watermelon straight into her mouth! She even licked me!

Bath Time in the River
Midday when the sun is the hottest, the elephants come to the river for a bath. It was a bit rainy, but that didn't stop us from getting in the river and throwing a few buckets of water.

Walking toward the camera after a quick bath.

Family protecting their babies crossing a river at the Elephant Nature Park, Chiang Mai, Thailand

Two young elephants and their mothers/ aunts help them cross the river.

Life at the Elephant Nature Park
The elephants enjoy a leisurely life and are well taken care of. Each morning they are given fresh herbs and they all have diets tailored to their age and medical conditions. They roam most of the day with their own trusted mahouts following them through fields and to the river for 10 hours/ day. They stick to their herds of adopted family members and visiting volunteers shovel their droppings - which I hear is quite a treat.

Feeling the baby elephant inside a pregnant mother at the Elephant Nature Park, Chiang Mai, Thailand

Kyle feeling the pregnant belly of Malai Tong. This 26 year old elephant lost most of her back right foot after stepping on a landmine as a logging elephant. After a few months she was sold and taken to Bangkok where she earned a lot of money from tourists. Malai Tong was bought by the park a few years after her accident and is a happy member of the largest herd at the park. Nearly 2 years into her pregnancy, the baby is due soon!

Mahout Feeding the Baby Elephant at the Elephant Nature Park, Chiang Mai, Thailand

Mahout amongst the herd feeding one of the youngest elephants.

Are you sure it's legit?
Without a doubt I'm convinced, and I'm a skeptic of all tourist sites that use animals as their main attraction, typically avoiding all of them. Seeing the love and gentle care these animals receive, I believe it's truly a reserve and not just a money making operation.

It's obvious the elephants run the park, and the founder Lek has made it her life's work to personally rescue and rehabilitate elephants in need. If you're still not convinced, you can read about her in National Geographic on BBC and CNN, etc. They've also got an award from the Smithsonian and land and elephant donations by the Serengati Foundation.

Sure, it's touristy, and the elephants have a routine of feeding and bathing times to involve visitors, but the staff are trained to follow the elephants and educate people how to interact with them. They allow time for the elephants and visitors to get accustomed to each other, and I never felt like the elephants were being compromised. And as a nature reserve, the park limits their daily visitors.

Elephants Crossing the River at the Elephant Nature Park, Chiang Mai, Thailand

A mahout watching his elephant bathing in the river.

Is it worth the price?
Without a doubt. Although the prices aren't cheap, it's worth it for the experience. A day trip is a whopping $80, and a week long volunteer stay is nearly $400 - somewhat steep prices for trips in Thailand, but priced to cover park maintenance and care for the elephants. But on top of having an amazing experience, the tour guides go to great lengths to treat you very well, and the price includes top notch transport and food and quite comfortable accommodations. Lonely Planet lists it as the #2 thing to do in Thailand, and I definitely recommend a tour!!

Unfortunately, visitors coming to Thailand can choose from a myriad of elephant trips starting as low as $5 to ride and watch them do tricks, so reserves like this one have a lot of competition. But seeing the chains put on the animals at other tourist spots, and knowing that most of those animals are abused to get results, there's no way it's worth it. Resist any temptation to support the unkind treatment!

Feeding the baby elephants at the Elephant Nature Park, Chiang Mai, Thailand

Mahout feeding two babies and a mother.

Want to visit or help?
There are lots of visiting options to get your fill of elephant hugs and kisses. Also, follow the Elephant Nature Park on Twitter, Facebook, make a donation or find out 'How you can Help'.

Oh! And anyone keeping track of my 29 things before I turn 29, I amended "ride an elephant" to "hug an elephant", and checked it off my list. :)

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September 08, 2010 Kristine: I love that Kyle is wearing his shirt of the dino and giraffe hugging. :) If only one of them was an elephant!

Sounds like a great experience!

September 08, 2010 Bessie: I was thinking the same thing - it's quite appropriate!

September 08, 2010 Sawyer: You are giving me great ideas for our trip in November. We are booked for Nov 8th through 25th. We will be in Chang Mai for part of that stretch. Will let you know when we decide. It looks like the Elephant tour is an $80 day tour. Is that right?

September 08, 2010 Bessie: Hey Sawyer! That's awesome you're coming to Chiang Mai - it is $80/day, and I hope you two can go! Also, if you can be in CM for Nov 19th it's the Loi Krathong Buddhist lantern festival - which is supposed to be absolutely amazing!! Here's a video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cj2tTGbtqC4

We'll still be here in Nov, so hopefully we can all meet!

September 08, 2010 Amy: Bessie -- Thank you for such a wonderful post. You are absolutely right -- the Elephant Nature park is a true sanctuary -- and, unfortunately, elephants used in the tourist trade have miserable lives. I love that you changed "ride an ele" to "hug an ele." These amazing animals deserve our love and respect.

There's another wonderful sanctuary in Thailand you might want to check out -- Bonn Lott's. Not sure they allow visitors but they do take volunteers.

September 08, 2010 Bessie: Thanks for commenting, Amy. I couldn't agree more that the elephants deserve our love and respect. It's such a contrast seeing these animals happily roaming and others working in tourism.

Thanks for the Bonn Lott suggestion - I've found out I love elephants!

September 08, 2010 Becca: I love these pics - very, very well done! I was at the park in July and concur that it is an entirely ethical, humane and compassionate place. Lek is a Bodhisattva, I'm sure of it.
Be careful of elephant 'sanctuaries' in Laos - there is a place in Luang Prabang called Elephant Village who claims to work in co-operation with Elephant Nature Park in Thailand. I checked with Lek and they don't! She has asked repeatedly that Elephant Village take her park's name off of their brochure. They haven't yet.
If you visit Elephant Nature Park, you won't want to leave. When you do leave, you'll want to go back!

September 08, 2010 Bessie: Becca, you're so right that once you visit the Elephant Nature Park, you won't want to leave. It's really a magical, welcoming place.

It's a shame that other sites claim to have affiliations they don't and be treating their animals better for the sake of tourist dollars - although it's not surprising, and I think it happens a lot. It's so important to check out the reputations of places before visiting, especially for the sake of the animals and the environment.

September 08, 2010 Lisa: Awesome post - and gorgeous pictures!

September 08, 2010 Bessie: Many thanks, Lisa!

September 08, 2010 Neale: Loving this post, I have to pass by working elephants daily and it is a sad sight, good to know a place like this exists hopefully i can get up their for a week sometime soon..

September 09, 2010 Windy Borman: Bessie & Kyle:

Thank you for spotlighting the downside of elephant tourism in Southeast Asia. Even with the laws banning street elephants and fining tourists who feed them, there still lacks comprehensive education for tourists about the realities of elephants in Thailand.

On a related note, have you visited the Friends of the Asian Elephant (FAE) Elephant Hospital in Lampang, Thailand? (It's next to the Thai Elephant Conservation Center). They have 3 elephant landmine survivors, two of which received prosthetic legs in 2009. The process is featured in my documentary, "The Eyes of Thailand". You can find the trailer online at .

Keep up the great work! Cheers!

-Windy Borman
Director/Producer "The Eyes of Thailand"

September 12, 2010 Bessie: The documentary sounds very moving - how incredible for elephants to receive prosthetic legs. I'm sure it was a very moving experience for everyone!

It's true what you say about a lack of education available to tourists, luckily there are organizations like these getting the word out about the mistreatment. I'm sure to tell everyone I can!

September 09, 2010 Rose P.: Great post and awesome pictures - loved the one of Bessie hugging the elephant!

September 09, 2010 Evan: This is so great, awesome post.

September 09, 2010 Andi: I'm freaking drooling right now! What a beyond life changing and unforgettable experience!!!!! These pictures took my breath away.

September 12, 2010 Bessie: It really was unforgettable, and a story to have for a lifetime. It's my new thing to tell everyone visiting Thailand to check-out!

September 10, 2010 Linda: Loved the photos.....the first one reminded me of the opening sequence in Jurrasic Park when the people first saw the dinosaurs running in a herd in an open field. Wonderful that you had the experience. And, oh Kyle, love the great swimming trunks! :)

September 12, 2010 Bessie: It really felt like Jurassic Park going there - was really surreal and beautiful. Such an incredible experience.

I think the elephants liked those swimming trunks too. :)

September 11, 2010 Earl: Excellent and informative post! A trip to the Sanctuary is definitely worth the money, even just for the education alone. The money is much better spent here than it is for a chance to ride a mistreated elephant for 30 minutes on a tour. And I don't even know what to say about the elephants you see in the middle of Bangkok or Chiang Mai. That kind of activity should not be supported at all.

September 12, 2010 Bessie: I couldn't agree more - it's really just not worth it to support elephant tourism or any animal tourism that you don't understand the conditions and treatment of the animals. Although it's a difficult job as a traveler to be aware of the situation, luckily the internet all makes that so much easier.

September 12, 2010 Laura: Earl said exactly what I was thinking. I'm pretty against the elephant tourism industry. It's so sad! But the nature park sounds like a very legitimate and positive program. Now it's a matter of which day we should go :)

September 12, 2010 Bessie: You two would love it there! Visiting the park is so informative and like nothing I could have imagined experiencing with the elephants. Can't wait to hear about your experiences!

September 13, 2010 Daeng Chaidee: Great article, thanks a lot.

Just wanted to let you all know that there is a new project starting on Mon 04 October.

Journey to Freedom

It's all about elephants and tribal villages and how we can all help.

Full details at the top of the page
http://www.elephantnaturepark.org

September 19, 2010 Bessie: Journey to Freedom sounds like an absolutely amazing experience!! One of the things I love about your organization is that you seem to have really intelligent, sustainable programs set up to engage and educate visitors and locals. Kudos to you!

Thank you for sharing this article with your readers!

September 13, 2010 Henrike: Hi.
What an amazing story. I visited the park as a volunteer in june 2009.
I hope to visit it again in the spring of 2011.
Great to help the elephants and the feeling you get by helping.
I have adopted two elephants in the park!

Love from holland.

September 19, 2010 Bessie: Hello to you in Holland, Henrike!

It's fantastic that you've not only volunteered with the elephants, but continue to support the organization. I'm sure you'll have an even more amazing time this spring than the first time you were there. Cheers!

September 13, 2010 Nancy: Hi! My nane is Nancy. I'm from Taiwan. I can take a vacation for two weeks from late September to early October. I'm taking my 10 years old son with me to Thailand but don't have a plan yet until I read your story. Thank you for the great article which really help me to make my decision. This is the first time I can take my son for a vacation for more then two days and is the first time he step abroad. I like him to experience something meaningful instead of just sightseening. I hope it won't be too late to apply for it.
Thank you again and wish you two the best.
Best regards
Nancy

September 19, 2010 Bessie: Nancy, taking your son to meet the elephants will be a moving and very exciting experience for both of you! ENP is such a worthwhile organization to support, and a great place to teach your son about compassion and volunteering.

Maybe we can connect when you come to Chiang Mai - we always love to meet fellow travelers! All the best!

September 14, 2010 Michael Veres: "I'm freaking drooling right now! What a beyond life changing and unforgettable experience!!!!! These pictures took my breath away." comment by Andi, it is indeed unforgettable experience. Although these pictures do take your breath away... it is nothing compared to actually being there.
My wife and I were there in August 2009 and we certainly think that the visit to the Elephant Nature Park was the highlight of our trip. Lek would have to be a Mother Therese of Elephant world.

Regards, Michael.

September 19, 2010 Bessie: Michael, that's an apt analogy - Lek's compassion and sacrifice to help others is so inspirational. I would agree that visiting ENP is an absolute trip highlight. I'm starting to tell all travelers coming to Chiang Mai not to miss it!

September 14, 2010 Oksana Brodie: I am living in South Africa. Our African elephants always touched my hart. But after I watched on the Animal Chanel about Lek’s project and what is happening with elephants in Thailand I realised that African elephants in a much better situation compare to the Asians. I am planning to visit the park in December.

Thank you for your effort of making such an explicit article about this HAVEN for the Thai Elephants. Your comments and photos very informative and I’m looking forward to my trip.

Best wishes with your travels,
Oksana

September 19, 2010 Bessie: Thank you for the kind words, Oksana. I'm sure you'll really enjoy visiting the Asian Elephants here! They are beautiful creatures, and many at the ENP are so well treated, they are happy to socialize with visitors. Meeting them was an incredible experience.

If I'm still here in December when you come to Chiang Mai, I would love to meet up!

All the best,
Bessie

September 15, 2010 Mandy: Thanks so much for your informative article & photos, that have just taken me back to my volunteering visit in June to Elephant Nature Park.............what an amazing wonderful experience.

September 19, 2010 Bessie: It's such a memorable place! Glad I could take you back there, and thanks for stopping by!

September 17, 2010 Dianne: Just wanted to let you know that some of the ellies are incorrectly named. Jungle Boy is the male ellie with the tusks. You have him named as Mae Perm in your photos. There is another photo labelled Jungle Boy which I think might be Tong Jan but I am not sure. I have been associated with ENP for the past 3 years and try and visit every 6 months if I can. It is a magical place for many reasons. The ellies, the people, the dogs and the simplicity of what life can be. I love it and can not imagine my life that did not include the ENP ellies...

September 19, 2010 Bessie: Wonderful that you've been connected with ENP for so long. They're really an inspirational organization with so much love for the elephants.

Thank you for the feedback on the mis-naming. It was quite difficult to remember which was which, but I'm sure the mahouts don't have that problem!

All the best, and I hope you're able to return again soon!

September 17, 2010 Jenny: Wow. This place looks phenomenal. What an amazing experience you must have had! It's so sad that people would mistreat animals. They have a right to be here just as much as we do! Because of you and your comment on my blog that lead me here I'm adding this to my bucket list. I would haven't not known of it otherwise!!!

September 19, 2010 Bessie: I couldn't agree more, Jenny - the elephants have the right to be treated humanely and with care. It's so inspiring to visit organizations like Elephant Nature Park that do so well at making strong change in the community, and then taking it further to engage visitors and locals alike.

It's so worthy to be added to your bucket list - you'll never regret visiting it! Thanks for visiting, and I'm looking forward to hearing about your travel adventures. I hope we cross paths!

September 19, 2010 Willabelle: Hi. Can you tell me anything more about Medo ?? I contributed to her release back in 2006, and would love any information you can share about how she is doing. Thanks so much !!

October 13, 2010 Bessie: That's fantastic you contributed to her release. I'm not affiliated with ENP, I just wrote about my experience there. Your best bet would be visiting their website and contacting them directly. http://www.elephantnaturepark.org/

Cheers!

September 19, 2010 mumsie: Amazing photos!! I really enjoyed your elephant-story-telling. Imagine the looks on the faces of the little kids you know when they are old enough to understand the story that you'll one day share about the day that you visited some very special elephants! :)

October 13, 2010 Bessie: Thanks! It's true this is just the sort of magical story I'll retell someday. :)

September 22, 2010 John: Hi,
Great story!
I'm 50 plus and did a week volunteering there last December. What a great experience. I could never do an elephant ride or see circus etc after this.
I'm really hoping to go back again soon and would encourage anybody to give it a try. It will move you.
If you like dogs, there are plenty there also. Provide lots of entertainment along with the elephants.
John from Sydney.

October 13, 2010 Bessie: Thanks for sharing your experiences John. I can relate that I would never want to see another elephant or any animal suffering after this eye-opening experience. And you're right about the dogs - many dogs are left there knowing that ENP will take care of animals, and they're all over the park, some of them quite friendly. Cheers!

September 29, 2010 John G - Perth Australia: Hi Bessie and Kyle. My wife turns 50 next year and has a deep seated love of elephants. Your post has confirmed for me that a week of volunteering for us both at Elephant Nature Park in January would b a perfect way to celebrate her birthday and give something back.

Thank you so much for providing exactly the information I needed to confirm that this is the sort of place and program to support.

Regards, John

October 01, 2010 Kyle: This will definitely be the place for her, then. It is an amazing place and all the volunteers that we met there said that their experience was more than they could have hoped for. Have fun with the elephants!

September 30, 2010 Sheila Newton: What fantastice pictures - and what a fantastic article. Elephants are among my 'first-loved' creatures. I was lucky enough to spend some time with a 'bunch' of them in India, in the Shanti Nature Reserve and actually got to swim with them, but your 'elephant' trip looks even better than my experience. I'm impressed with your links to 'visiting options.
Great stuff. Thank you for taking the time to show the world your trip.

October 13, 2010 Bessie: Your comment just made my day, Sheila. We set out traveling wanting to share our experiences with friends & fam back home, and it's turned into what you mention, an audience from all over the world.

So glad that you enjoyed this article and connected with it. I'm so happy to share. Thanks for telling me about the Shanti Nature Reserve - I'm adding it to my list of dreams for India.

All the best!

October 05, 2010 Jenifer Burton: Many thanks for your post. My friend and I have just volunteered for November 2011 and I was truly wondering what we have let ourselves in for. But after reading your article you have put my mind at rest and I am really looking forward to the experience and the chance to work closely with these fantastic animals. May have to start getting fitter though!I would love to hear from John G -Perth to hear how they enjoy their volunteer experience in January.

October 13, 2010 Bessie: Oh Jenifer, you're in for an amazing treat spending time at the ENP. We may not take advantage of staying a week at the park, only because we travel on a tight budget, but based on the volunteers that I talked to, you'll definitely enjoy your time there. The volunteers do get down and dirty working to help the elephants, but they're such beautiful creatures, I'm sure you'll love it. Oh, and the food is an absolutely delicious buffet, and the reserve is nothing short of magical. Cheers!

October 06, 2010 mark geddes: am currently in phuket and have been told about this sanctuary in chang mai,im a huge fan of elephants am now goin to save up for this wonderful trip of a lifetime..cant wait..

November 03, 2010 Bessie: I don't think you'll regret it! The price was difficult for us too, but when we got there, it was easy to understand how they use the money to take good care of them and also to promote better treatment of elephants in Thailand.

Enjoy!

November 03, 2010 Eleni: I have just returned from the Elephant Nature Park and the Surin Project (2 weeks of volunteering) and I had the most amazing time and an unforgettable experience! Great site by the way!

November 03, 2010 Bessie: Wow - that's awesome Eleni!! I'm jealous you were able to volunteer at the Surin Project, it looks like an absolutely amazing program. Did you post photos or stories anywhere online?

November 08, 2010 Ana: Greetings Bessie,
I am leaving the US on Friday for Thailand and plan on coming to Chiang Mai on or about Nov.20th. I was searching for info about Lek's organization because my friend who lives in Bangkok suggested that I would enjoy a visit to Elephant Nature Park, based on my love for animals. She truly believes & supports the work being done there. I can say that I am already impressed and can't wait to visit. Thank you for spreading the word and for helping the elephants. Love your blog & pics, can't wait to share it with my "traveling family". Cheers, Ana

November 14, 2010 Bessie: That's great Ana - I'm so glad you found this for more information! I'm sure you'll really enjoy yourself there, and you're getting into Thailand in time for Loi Krathong this weekend!

Happy Travels!

November 19, 2010 May Wong: thanks for sharing your beautiful experience :D. i was watching a progamme about this park on animal planet last night and my heart was melted by the founder and those "now" lucky elephants. so started to search on internet and found this. this is definitely on my list now.
love and light.
may

December 11, 2010 Davey Lamont: Hi, thanks so much for your wonderful site. It only brings back the fantastic day I had with the elephants in Janaury this year.I was only there for a day but fell in love with the place and the elephants, I was also fortunate enough to meet Lek, and I gave her a massive hug, she is just wonderful. I am going to do various events and put some of my own money in to making a difference and my goal is to get as many elephants off the streets as possible and under the wing of Kek and her team. I go back on the 19th December 2010 for 1 week's caring, simply cannot wait, Thanks again, Davey L

December 11, 2010 Bessie: Hi Davey - Thanks for the kind words! I'm so glad you were inspired as well! ENP is such a magical place. Lucky that you got to meet Lek, and she deserves loads of hugs!

I'm sure you'll have a wonderful time when you return!

December 13, 2010 jan Modler: Just sitting here talking to a friend who was at the park about ten years ago and was remarking what a wonderful experience it was and encouraging us to go. We are heading to Thailand in the new year and plan to be in the north Having read your posting, looked at your pictures and listened to our friend this is on our our list. It sounds amazing. thanks for the awesome pictures and sharing your experiences.
Jan

December 14, 2010 Bessie: So glad you found my post, Jan. It's a really wonderful place to visit and a very humane way to interact with elephants. I do hope you have the chance to visit!

December 24, 2010 Ally: Hi, I'm planning on a 2 week stint as a volunteer in 2011. Do you know how many volunteers ENP has at any one time? I hope the numbers are small so as not to distress the elephants... =)

December 26, 2010 Kyle: I'm not sure of the exact numbers, but I know that they do limit the number of total volunteers that are there at one time.

January 26, 2011 Mike: Thanks for the info. I've been trying to decide on an elephant experience while in Chiang Mai and I was down to three choices. I think you've convinced me of the credibility of this park. It looks amazing

May 22, 2011 Jenny: Hi,

I don't really have anything new to add, but I read a book recently about elephants and mahouts, them being such gentle animals and I was already interested. I also saw on television how a large majority of animals in Thailand are abused, but tourists are too unaware to realize this. Even recently I wouldn't have thought much of it, education is key. For that reason I wanted to see if there was a sanctuary instead of just a "ride the elephant" type of place. I'm so happy this exists and without a doubt this is the place we will go. I just want to say thank you for doing such a great job posting and promoting for them, the website doesn't do them justice.

May 22, 2011 Kyle: Great! I hope you visit this place, too, as I you won't regret it and you will get a lot out of it with the knowledge that you already have of elephants.

July 18, 2011 Lennette: I absolutely love elephants!! I adore them.Everything about the elephant as a whole makes me love them.They are generally loving creatures and are family oriented...plus they never forget! How awesome is that?? I would really like to hug one one day.That would be my ultimate dream come true :)

PS: I'm jealous of your hug lol

September 20, 2011 Magdelene Ng: Hi Bessie,

I am a single girl going to volunteer at Elephant Nature Park next month and will like to ask your advise on where to stay in Chiang Mai before I head to the park. I'm looking for a safe budget hotel/ hostel and someplace close to the office because I understand they will pick you up from your hotel before we start on Monday for free, if your hotel is less than 1hr. But they will charge you if your hotel is further. I am also confused which is the address we start on Monday and the map on their website. Thank you for your attention.

Cheers.

September 20, 2011 Kyle: They have an office on the east side of central Chiang Mai, a couple blocks south of Tha Phae gate. If you choose any hotel within the moat, you should be just fine. We stayed in an apartment when we were there, so we don't have much experience with hotels, though. Try sending a facebook message to Team Chiang Mai: https://www.facebook.com/TeamChiangMai to see if they know more than us.

September 21, 2011 Magdelene Ng: Hi Kyle,

Thank you for your prompt reply and suggestion. I will check them out on Facebook. Cheers and Happy Travels.

Best Regards,
Mag

January 10, 2012 Lucie: Thanks so much for your fantastic post about the park and to read that it is as legit as I'd hoped. We are booked to visit this time next week. Cheers.