Giving Back: Elephantstay

It is not uncommon to see majestic elephants being paraded down the clogged streets of Bangkok, and often tourists are encouraged to buy treats to feed them. Do not support this trade: these urban elephants are worked to exhaustion and abused. (The elephants’ plight is a major concern in Southeast Asia overall, as the animals are no longer needed for the work they performed for decades and are frequently kept in major cities in unbearable conditions.) Rather, if you want to interact with these regal animals, consider donating time to Elephantstay, an amazing program in Ayutthaya, a one-hour drive from Bangkok.