Patara Elephant Farm

There are dozens of elephant sanctuaries in Northern Thailand, places that force-train elephants to perform for tourists by playing basketball and delivering choreographed routines. Patara Elephant Farm is different. Set amongst lush rice fields with streams flowing down from the nearby mountains, the setting alone is worth a visit.

Founder Pat Trungpaken started Patara in 2001, with a mission of saving the declining elephant population in Thailand. From the moment you arrive, Pat and his assistant Jack are observing your personality and body language, information they use to pair you with an elephant. Once the introductions have been made the bonding process commences, and along with your elephant’s trainer (a young man from the local Karen tribe) you will feed, bathe, and check the health of your mammoth creature. Then, small groups embark on an hour and a half bareback ride through gorgeous scenery to a waterfall for a picnic lunch. A visit here is a highlight to anyone’s Chiang Mai trip that should not be missed.