Nancy discovered this activity while talking to a couple at baggage claim in Ho Chi Minh City airport. She got the details and booked this adventure, an entire day with an elephant.
We were picked up from our hotel and gathered a few more people, Karen (not related to the tribe) from Queens and a couple from Japan. With our crew complete we set off on the 2.5 hour drive into the mountains above Chiang Mai. Once we got into the mountains, the roads became a little bit dodgy, but our driver was experienced as he makes the round trip 2x daily.
We got acquainted with the elephants through feeding and a quick wash off. We checked the elephant’s health by observing physical signs of their wellbeing including evaluating their droppings. After lunch, it was time to take the elephants on a walk and then a bath.