Elephants have been abused in Thailand for many years. In more recent years it has been great to see that many elephant owners are beginning to set up reserves that are rescuing those elephants that have been mistreated.
We found one reserve that provided an amazing experience (Ran-Tong Elephant Rescue) that helped those visiting get educated on the history of elephants in Thailand and the way an elephants keeper call a Mahout (interacts and builds a relationship with each elephant). Read more about our experience below. This should be added to anyone itinerary when traveling to Northern Thailand. Ran-Tong: Instagram Profile and Facebook Page
Northern Thailand is made up of 17 provinces in Thailand. Its most famous city of Chiang Mai is easily accessible through its international airport and has multiple flights arriving daily from many countries. Weather in Chiang Mai is much more seasonal then the rest of Thailand with higher elevations. Northern Thailand is by far my favorite area of Thailand.
Similar to most tours taken with companies in Thailand after you arrange a date you will be picked up at your hotel or your nightly accommodation that morning. Usually you will have to decide a 1/2 day or a full day adventure with different prices. At the time of writing this 1/2 day was $48 per person with a full day priced at $80 per person.
When first arriving at the Ran-Tong reserve we were so excited to see the elephants! They let us spend a few mins interacting with them, fed them some bananas, rubbed their trunks, etc.
First Hello 
Feeding Bananas 
Snack Time
It was important for us to learn about the elephants before we spent much more time with them. Our entire group was gathered together and sat on the ground. (This is the traditional way you sit with groups of people) The owner of the reserve who was from Europe and spoke great English began to share insights into the history of elephants in Thailand. It was fascinating, and also very educational to better understand how elephants have been abused by many throughout the years.
The reserve then brought over a couple of elephants to our group and taught us some simple commands that allow the Mahout’s to communicate with the elephants. We learned simple commands like “stop” and “go” which we would be able to try out in a few mins while going on a short ride on top of the elephants.
You can see there are no saddles or seats on top of the elephant. Not only is it so much more fun to ride bare back but it doesn’t hurt the elephant. Elephants are also very hairy but it is hard stiff hair.
Our very favorite part of the day was that we got the opportunity to bathe the elephants in a river right after our short ride. You could tell the elephants just loved cooling off in the water. It was also a fun place to take some pictures.
After an hour or so we all gathered together said goodbye to the elephants and Mahouts (they accompanied us and their elephant the entire day) and took the quick hike back to the starting point and the reserve had prepared an amazing traditional Thai lunch.
Delicious! 
Amazing Food!
This is something we will 100% do again someday. If this is not on your travel bucket list, it now needs to be.
Updated: April 2020 – Many of these Elephant Sanctuaries have adjusted their policies and no longer allow people to ride on the Elephants. I appreciate that they are doing all they can to take care of the animals, but I will have to say one of the best parts of the experience was to interact up a close with the Elephants and riding on the elephant was an experience you will never forget.
Mahout Elephant Trainers 
Hello! 
Elephant Kisses 
Fun Group 
Elephant Kises 
Hugs 
Hugs 
Fun Day
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