Thailand Elephant Steps: Unforgettable encounter with elephants in the jungle of Chiang Rai Chiang Rai, Northern Provinces, Travel to Thailand 4.8 (12)Seeing elephants up close and interacting with them is one of the popular activities in northern Thailand, especially for families with children. While more and more travelers are aware of the excesses of "old-fashioned" elephant camps, where elephant rides in a basket are still offered, many are now turning to places that are more respectful of animal welfare.There are now many elephant sanctuaries throughout the country, and in particular around Chiang MaiWhere Elephant Nature Park played a pioneering role. Its founder, Lek Chailert, is at the origin of this craze for experiences closer to nature and elephants, without exploitation or artifice.The goal here is not to enter into the debate on the domestication of elephants and their place in the jungle (a complex subject that would deserve an article in its own right), but to tell you about a sanctuary based in Chiang Rai.I had already heard about it, because it was created by Sophie, a French woman who has lived in Thailand for over 30 years, and whose story deserves a film. About ten years ago, in addition to running a guesthouse, the Thai Apache, she began taking in elephants from tourist camps like circuses or intensive treks, buying them back from their owners to offer them a peaceful retirement.Here is how a day with Sophie's elephants unfolds, in an exceptional natural setting, in the heart of the Chiang Rai mountains. Summary hide Elephant Steps Moves…Twice What’s a day at Elephant Steps like? Getting to know elephants Jungle walk with elephants Lunch break by the water Return and moment of relaxation Conclusion: Don't forget the elephants of Chiang Rai Elephant Steps Moves…TwiceIt so happened that I learned of the misfortunes of Sophie and her elephants shortly after my first visit to the sanctuary in July 2018.For a little over two years, Elephant Steps was located near the village of Ban Pha Thong, 25 km east of Chiang Rai. But after all the efforts put in to create an elephant-friendly space there, it had to start all over again and move 15 km further, to a more suitable site. This time, the location seems final.Sophie and her husband behind Gypsie, in the original location.The new site is well up to date on Google Maps, but regardless, you will always be picked up from Chiang Rai, so access remains simple for visitors.Beyond Elephant Steps, Sophie is very involved in animal protection and humanitarian aid in the region. She founded Kat Pat Association, which fights against animal abandonment, funds vaccination campaigns, and treats stray dogs and cats in remote villages in northern Thailand.She is also at the origin of the ABCD Foundation for All, which brings help for disadvantaged children from these same villages, providing them with academic support and educational materials.Memory of the “original” Elephant Steps:What’s a day at Elephant Steps like?Since my first visit, I have returned to the "new" Elephant Steps, which allows me to give you details of how a day with Sophie's elephants goes. The price remains unchanged: 2 Baht per adult for the day, and half price for children under 10 (remember to bring pants for them). If you ever want to immerse yourself for longer, she also offers a 2-day + 1-night package for 5 Baht.This price includes any :✔️ Lunch, fruit, water and coffee ✔️ A Karen outfit loaned for the day ✔️ The round-trip transfer from your hotel in Chiang RaiWhen your Reservations, think to communicate the name of your hotel to organize your care. To book, click here.⏰ Departure and journeyPick-up between 8:30 a.m. and 8:45 a.m., for an arrival towards 9h15.Le new site is closer from the city center than before, which facilitates access while remaining in a setting rural and peaceful.The journey takes place in the back of a pickup, with some possible bumps on country roads.If you come in winter (November to February), plan a long-sleeved garment : mornings can be very fresh at this season.Getting to know elephantsUpon arrival, we discover a hilly landscape where pineapples grow, while the valley is occupied by Paddy fields. Even before you see the elephants, it's a pack of dogs that welcomes you. Don't be intimidated: most of them are as adorable as elephants!You should know that beyond the elephant sanctuary, Elephant Steps also welcomes about forty dogs as well as horses, cows, donkeys, chickens, geese, ducks and goats…in short, a real haven for the animals taken in by Sophie.Short briefing and welcome coffeeAfter a little briefing, we start with a moment relaxing over coffee. The opportunity to interact with other participants before the start of the experience. The sanctuary favors small groups, and I have never seen more than 15 people present on the same day.Meeting the HordeOnce awake, it's time for the meeting with the elephants. For a long time, three elephants lived here:Mélanie, almost 50 years old,Gypsy, his daughter, a 25-year-old,Menoune, almost 40 years old.For a time, an old elephant, Metta, also lived here. I was lucky enough to meet her before she joined the elephant paradise after a few months spent with Sophie.Since then, a fourth elephant, Melina, joined the troupe. about thirty years old, she is still young for her species – as a reminder, an elephant can live as long as we do.It's time for introductions.First contact with elephantsContact is made by feeding : they are given fruit and vitamins, which are just a small snack for them. This is a key moment, because it allows the elephants to establish a positive connection with us.Then we put on a Karen outfit loaned for the day, and once everyone is ready, it's the startA group of dogs naturally follows us and will accompany us. throughout the walk in the forest.Jungle walk with elephantsHere they are the elephants that dictate the rhythmThey are completely free, going ahead at their own pace, accompanied by their mahout (appointed guardian, also called a mahout). We follow them, simply observing their behavior in their natural environment.The last two times I did this walk in the dry season, so the trail was pretty easy. However, in the rainy season, the boots provided will be very useful, and you will have to be more careful about slipping. That said, the terrain is less demanding than that of the previous location, where the climb was a little more sporty.Very quickly, we cross a bamboo forest, which is a veritable open-air restaurant for our four-legged friends. They regularly stop to nibble, and with their appetites, it's no surprise: an elephant can eat 200 to 300 kg of plants per day! This gives us plenty of time to observe their behavior.Even without knowing that Mélanie and Gypsie are mother and daughter, we notice that they often follow each other closely, while Ménoune prefers to go at her own pace. But elephants are very sociable animals, so there is no tension in the group. they evolve in perfect harmony.After less than an hour of walking, we arrive at the only slightly tricky section: a descent that crosses a stream, or the only area that can be muddy at this time of year (it must be trickier in the rainy season). Nothing too bad, but it's best to watch your footing and be careful with your shoes.While we're careful with our shoes, the elephants are taking advantage of the place to smear themselves with earth, a natural technique to protect themselves from the sun and insects. A true "sunscreen" ritual, pachyderm style!Lunch break by the waterIt's always impressive to see how easily elephants move in this environment. A few minutes later, It's already lunch time.As expected, the meal is entirely vegetarian, in keeping with the sanctuary's values. Everything is prepared in advance and beautifully arranged with rice and fruit on the side on banana leaves. A real treat.Lunch is served on bamboo benches set up at the edge of a reservoir. After a hearty meal, a bamboo raft ride is offered to enjoy the surroundings. Meanwhile, homemade tea is prepared and small elephants are carved onto our bamboo cups, a unique souvenir to take home with you.If necessary, there are toilets nearby.And it scratches the bamboo.During this break, elephants roam freely around. We are clearly told that this is their time, and that it is important to respect a certain distance. Outside of this break time, there is no problem staying close to them during other times of the day.The dogs, meanwhile, stayed close by, as adorable as ever. One of them, particularly affectionate, even used to stop and watch us, as if to say, "Are you okay? Are you coping?"—a real little companion.Return and moment of relaxationAfter one well-deserved break of about an hour, it's time to resume the walkThe return is either by the same path or by a dirt road along a rice field and a pineapple plantation. In both cases, we find the farm around 14:30 p.m..Last stop: swimming and refreshmentBefore arriving, we make a final stop near a pond, which sometimes serves as an improvised swimming pool for elephants. Depending on their mood, they may decide to make a little splash – or not! Meanwhile, you can also refresh yourself with a small beer (on sale on site) or try a glass of local rice whisky.One last moment with the elephantsBack at the farm, you still have a moment to enjoy the elephants, say goodbye to them and observe their last moments of freedom before change you and get back on the road in a pickup truck.After a busy day, you'll arrive at your hotel around 16 p.m. And if you believe visitor reviews, this experience leaves lasting memories, both for the encounter with the elephants and the unique atmosphere of the sanctuary.It's time to say goodbye!Conclusion: Don't forget the elephants of Chiang RaiIt wasn't the first time I spent time with elephants, but those days remain still so memorableThe good atmosphere of the group (often French speakers, but not only) contributes to this, but above all, this privileged contact with nature and animals is a unique experience.Through this article, I also wanted to remind that Chiang Rai is not just the city and its white templeMany visitors, due to time constraints, only make a quick one-day trip from Chiang Mai. As a result, they miss out on places like Elephant Steps, while they favor the neighboring region, certainly pretty, but much more touristy.In Chiang Mai, there are many elephant sanctuaries, sometimes too many as the trend has taken hold. Conversely, Chiang Rai offers a more intimate approach, with some more authentic experiences, away from the crowd.So, be curious.. Chiang Rai is not just about the Wat rong khun and its city center. It’s a whole province just waiting to be explored.Did you like the article? share on Pinterest! Did you like the article? Vote on the article Note globale 4.8 / 5. Number of votes: 12 No votes yet. Be the first to rate this article! Did you like the article? Follow me on social media Activities and Adventures Nature and landscapes Wildlife observation Hiking 1 1 Roman 14/10/2018
