We did a lot of research into the ethical and kind treatment of elephants and what we found suprised us! Unfortunately the implications of mass tourism in Thailand have resulted in elephants being mistreated or kept as toys, forced to perform ‘tricks’ and ‘shows’ to well paying tourists.
If you’re looking for a once in a lifetime experience where you have the privledge of getting up close and personal to elephants, while still prioritising ethical and conscious travel, then Elephant Peace Project is for you.
For half a day we learnt about the Karen Hill Tribe and their unique relationship with the elephant. You’ll be taught how to connect with, feed and care for the elephant while gaining an understanding of the important history between the Karen Hill Tribe and the elephant.
The day began with us being picked up from our accomodation and jumping in the back of a songthaew. That in itself is quite exciting. Ripping through the streets of Chiang Rai, before finding ourselves on the outskirts of town amongst bamboo fields and farmland.
On arrival we were met by our host and founder, Dada, who introduced us to the two elephants that have been part of her family for generations. These same elephants would remember her great-grandparents and have grown up along side her, remembering her as a little girl. How incredible is that! After the initial meet and greet we spent time with the elephants through the Karen way, learning about their physical needs by feeding and bathing them.
Perhaps our favourite part of the day was gaining an insight into how the Karen Hill Tribe connect with the elephant. We became the Mahout, or the trainer, learning to take care of the elephant not just by meeting their physical needs, but attending to their emotional and mental wellbeing, through communicating achieved when speaking their language.
We were shown how to safely and carefully sit on top of the elephant in the correct way so as not to hurt them. The Karen Tribe have been doing this for generations as a way to work with the elephant and promote connection, working together as one.
After spending the morning with the elephants we went for a walk together, observing their behaviour and watching the Mahout interact with them. At the end of our walk both the elephants and the four of us enjoyed a tasty traditional Karen Tribe lunch.
More than anything, the most touching part of the day came after we’d all finished lunch. The girls started to sing to the elephants and we watched them fall asleep. We witnessed a precious moment where the girls experienced love, connection, gentleness and kindness in a totally unexpected way. The most incredible thing was seeing the building of trust between the girls and these gentle giants throughout the day. There is a reason elephants are known as one of the worlds most empathetic animals. You could quite literally see the regulation between the girls and elephants as they became more and more comfortable with each other. I will forever remember the way the girls sat by the elephants, their trunks sniffing them, while they sang songs.
Elephant Peace Project is more than just a ‘fun day out’. It is truely a unique experience that brings awareness to the wellbeing and future of the Asian elephant, while teaching you about the history and ways of the Karen Hill Tribe. You will be touched by the gentleness and beauty of these incredible animals. We will remember this experience for a long time to come.
Tip:
- Wear clothes and shoes that can get wet and dirty
- Pack a change of clothes
- Bring cash for payment
The Whole of Us 
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