A mere two hundred kilometers from Bangkok, on the west coast of the Gulf of Thailand, you will find Hua Hin. Resorts of the luxurious kind, upscale condominiums and holiday homes all offer spectacular ocean views. This beach side town has become a popular holiday getaway for both locals from Bangkok and tourists. Hua Hin was even a favourite vacation spot for the Royal Family in the 1920’s. It was once a quiet fishing village; today there are multiple housing developments, golf courses, shopping malls and hotels like the Anantara Hua Hin Resort but the town has managed to hold onto much of its old world charm.
Elephants have been a part of Thai history for centuries. They were used for transportation of people and goods, they were made to assist in construction and even participated in cultural and religious rituals. Today, elephants have become almost redundant as a mode of transport but in Hua Hin you will have the rare opportunity to visit an elephant camp make a trip on elephant back. These tours also offer the experience of meeting the elephants, petting and feeding them.
The jungle tour consists of a wooden seat placed on the elephant’s back. It is in this seat, fitted with a hand rail that riders will sit. The mahout sits up front, on the animal’s neck. He will direct the elephant on the course. An hour’s trip will show you elephants bathing, how they are used for logging and guests will be offered refreshments. It is wise to carefully follow instructions of the mahout, as elephants are large beasts that can be very dangerous if angered. In recent times there has been much scrutiny into the welfare of elephants and controversy surrounding elephant rides. It is worth conducting your own research prior to visiting these attractions, in order to make an informed decision.
Thanuja Silva is a travel writer who writes under the pen name Auburn Silver. She has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.