My Elephant Tours in Thailand – Phangan Safari

Every tourist in Thailand must have heard of the famous elephant tours, carried out in the Northern part of the country. However, if someone had told me, that one could participate in an elephant tour in Koh Phangan, I would have probably take it a joke; Koh Phangan is quite a small island to be occupied by elephants. As usual, my estimation was wrong: soon enough I’ve realized, that Phangan Safari is big enough to accomodate everyone… including huge almost prehistoric elephants.

“Phangan Safari” company organizes the elephant trekking in Koh Phangan. I participated in this unusual activity as a part of the “Eco – Nature Tour”, including trekking in Phaeng Waterfall National Park, visiting the Chinese temple and the Than Sadet Waterfalls, snorkeling, and enjoying the homemade ice cream and a lunch served at one of the most picturesque viewpoints in Koh Phangan. The cost of pleasure was 1,700 baht for each of us– fairly high in comparison to the Koh Phangan standards, but because the package included an elephant tour involved, and a private guide for company, the value is quite worthwhile.

I took a part in the “Eco – Nature Tour” together with my 14 y. o. daughter, and for both of us it was a refreshing, childish and exciting experience. At the beginning of the ½ hour trek I felt little bit worried, because the elephant was much smaller than I imagined, and after a week of enjoying the amazing Thai food I felt myself an elephant myself. (Not sure who should have carried whom). Luckily, it came out that our elephant is a genuine survivor and coped real well with a weight of one young girl, one food enthusiastic and one tiny Thai rider. As the elephant walked in rapid steps in the jungle, swaying like a jeep on an unpaved road, I felt like a grown Mowgli. I have to admit I have waited years to be a part of such a childish experience as riding in the jungle on the elephant’s back.