For me Thailand was my first big travel adventure and it
will always have a special place in my heart. For those of you who have visited
Thailand, it is out of this world in terms of the atmosphere, the kindness of
the locals and the stunning landscapes.
Whilst travelling around Koh Samui, before visiting Phuket,
we decided that we would like to go on one of the famous elephant treks. There
are so many treks to choose from, that you can book through your hotel reception
or online, for us we booked this at our hostel/hotel reception for 850THB which
is the equivalent to £18.00 or $28 * and it was for half a day as it was incorporated
into a full day tour and our morning was spent at a waterfall.
Our tour was ran by Eco Tourism Koh Samui and we were picked up at our hostel/hotel at
8:00am in the morning. We were then taken to two little wooden huts in the Thai
jungle, were we were greeted by two friendly brothers, who insisted we call
them both Sam, who explained to us how they looked after the three elephants,
what their names were and what their favourite fruits were.
After meeting the elephants and feeding them with some
fruity treats, the elephants were saddled up and we climbed a little wooden
ladder so that we could sit on the elephant - for anyone who has done this, it
is soooo strange and overwhelming feeling to be sitting onto of a giant
elephant – anyway, once we were on the elephant we then began I trek further
into the jungle.
Guided on foot by the two Sams, we began trekking further
into the Thai jungle and for the next 30 minutes we went through river streams,
palm trees and muddy paths. The two Sams also stopped and let us have a great
photo opportunity, were you could move out of the saddled seat to sit on the
elephants neck – I was too much of a wimp to do this, however my travel partner
in crime did and said it was amazing.
As we heading back to the elephant camp, we got to feed the
elephants some more fruit after their trek and then watched them have a giant
hose pipe bath which they seemed to love.
Overall this experience is one that I would definitely recommend
to anyone who is looking to travel Thailand. The combination of beautiful Thai scenery
and being with the elephants is such a peaceful and tranquil feeling.
Note* If you like to be prepared and book online before you
leave for your trip, then you can check out Trip Advisors page on the best places to take Elephant Treks in Thailand.
