Phuket elephant trekking

Posted by admin on July 30th, 2009 filed in Activities, Family fun, Tourist tips

There was a time that wild elephant families roamed Phuket’s lush jungles but as rubber plantations and tin mining negatively infected their natural habitat the mighty animals slowly vanished.

Only three years ago the sole elephants living on Phuket Island were those entertaining visitors at tourist attractions, such as the ‘Crocodile Farm and the ‘Thai Village’. ‘Siam Safari Nature Tours’ in 1994 introduced the concept giving tourists the option to ride on an elephant across their living environment in the hills that overlook Chalong Bay.
 
Controlled and regulated properly ‘elephant treks’ may provide a much-welcome boost to the island’s tourism industry, and finance the funds assuring that a large number of elephants can survive in a dignified way. The bad news is that the opposite of this noble cause is possible as well due to the actual uncontrolled rush making quick profits with this new business option.
 
As the amounts of newly established elephant camps grow so do the disturbing reports of exhausted and mistreated elephants. Caring visitors demanding humane living conditions for the elephants might be the final chance saving numerous of these intelligent creatures.

A 45-minute elephant trek through the dense jungle and along Chalong’s rivers offers an unforgettable and exciting travel experience! These offered safe treks are suitable for young and old participants and all abilities. Your Phuket holiday would not be complete without experiencing an elephant trek, which is carefully organised by an internationally recognised operator.

All elephants were decently trained and are well taken care of. Experienced and professional elephant handlers guide the entire trek so you can relax, sit back and enjoy the ride while being close to one of these wonderful but unfortunately endangered species.

   

Visit the Siam Safari Nature Tours website for detailed information.