Thailand, Pattaya 1 of the Best Elephant Sanctuary~ Cruise Life

Day 3

On our cruise, we docked in Thailand. The plan for the day is to go to Pattaya so that we can try something that Thailand is well known for. Riding Elephants! We are all excited but not sure of what to really expect.

Before we actually left to start this cruise David and I both spoke with a few different people who had differing views about Pattaya, Thailand. There were those that were upset that we would go to this place and encourage the abuse of these animals by riding them. Then there were those who were excited for us and said that would be such a cool experience. Hope you have fun!!!

So here is a little bit of information about Pattaya and their elephants:

This place was opened in 1973 by Khun Phairat as an elephant sanctuary. The elephants here are those that got injured for one reason or another, whether as one of the elephants used for heavy work, or in the wild. Their natural habitat is diminishing at a rapid pace so that even if they were well enough to be let loose in the wild, it would not be in their best interest.

Elephants used to be captured and trained to handle the transport of heavy timber. They would carry about 500 kilos (1100 lbs), haul about 2000 kilos (4409 lbs), or push with their head 4-5 tons of timber from 6-10 hours a day. The income that was earned doing these jobs was just enough to keep them fed and get the medicine that they needed. These jobs are no longer available for the domesticated elephants, and a new way to earn their keep has to be found.

Enter the Pattaya Village Thailand

Khun Phairat has loved elephants since he was a young boy and would wonder how much an elephant ate and how much it would cost. Elephants can spend 12-18 hours eating a day and they consume 200-600 lbs of food and can drink up to 50 gallons of water. To Khun, this could cost anywhere from 1000-5000 baht ($157.33) a day per elephant. He has 30. Source

Tourism was the answer to Khun’s dilemma of feeding and caring for these elephants. Khun organizes only 3 shows a day to over 1000 tourists for these 90-minute demonstrations. He only has the elephants that are strong and healthy in these shows. They can carry no more than 150 kilos for 2 people, and work only for 2-3 hours a day. He employs 100 people to feed and care for these elephants every day. Pattaya Village is a non-profit organization that depends completely on tourism. They do not receive any government support or any sponsorship from any large companies.

Our Experience

When we first get to the village we were amazed at how pretty the whole area is. We were taken to a row of tables in front of a stage. We sit here waiting for the tour guide to tell us where we are going next, and are introduced to some of the handlers, and others who work here. Soon we had a snack and were surprised by a very colorful traditional dance by the villagers. Not long after, we are led down a path on the left to the arena where we see elephants meandering around with their handlers.

The elephants were really fascinating to watch. There were some that were without handlers just walking around. They sure like to bathe a lot! The elephants weren’t made to perform anything crazy. They stood up straight, threw a ball, and other neat stuff. The main event was really getting a ride on these animals.

Let me tell you, getting onto one of these beasts was not easy at all. The handlers asked for a volunteer (me) to come up and mount it. I thought this would be a piece of cake how they did it, not! Needed a boost. I thought the elephant would stink, and be very uncomfortable. The elephant did not smell, the skin is rough but not uncomfortable. The most uncomfortable part of the elephant was its hair! These felt like bristles on a broom!!!!

Sitting high on the neck of the elephant, almost on their head (at least that is how it felt) was pretty nerve-wracking. This was because it felt like I would fall forward if the elephant moved or turned fast. Of course, I made it to the dismount area with no problem. Everybody loved it! Well mostly. 🙂

All in all it was a great trip! If you are ever in the area we highly recommend a stop to Pattaya Village.

For more information about elephants click here.

Day 5

Thailand is Great!

Mary H

Mary is a mom, wife, combat veteran, Etsy shop owner, traveler, a life-time learner. Mary loves to learn and try new things, and share these experiences with her family.

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