I'm reviewing three elephant sanctuaries/parks here in Chiang Mai and felt good enough about this one to review it right away. I did the entire day solo during a very slow time so please take that into account. First, Woody and Manny took excellent care of me all day. Unlike where I was the day before as soon as our small group arrived we dove right into feeding. You and I are spending a chunk to do this and we are not interested in a lecture about the difference between African and Asian ellies. That might be relevant to some but not when we are eager to get down and dirty. Boy did we. I am VERY at ease with huge animals and so leapt right in. We waded into a pool, got wet, then got really really REALLY muddy when we took our charges and guides to the mud bath. Look. This is what I came here for, so the full immersion, getting seriously seriously filthy and muddy, feeding the animals and having ridiculous fun was right up my alley. The best part was that I stayed for the whole day, so after going to the banana plantation and cutting down a bunch of trees for food I got to do it all over again. I was able to take my time with the elephants, under supervision of course, and that's what I am paying for. Intimate time, fun time, mud and dirt time, and being able to feed them and rub their great bodies. That is why I come here. I would add that the facilities for showers are fully equipped, the lunch was excellent, and for my ellie dollar, this place gets my vote. Next time I am back I am coming here again. I value the fact that when I do this kind of event the guides watch for my comfort level and when they see they can trust me around their charges, I am allowed to play with them. Please be mindful that if you fear ellies, this is NOT for you. I like that there are only seven elephants. The mahouts sleep here, and the warm relationships they have with their animals is evident. If you do not like getting dirty, if you don't want thick mud in your hair, if you get bothered by getting stuck in sucking mud, this isn't for you. However if you enjoy a childlike day with enormous beasts, time out with one of the world's great mammals, this might be your spot. Five stars. Well done.
Çevir