Photos Thailand Trips & Travels

Riding elephants in the jungle

I’ve always wanted to ride elephants in Thailand, but I never wanted to go to some big elephant camp where they train elephants to play soccer and paint pictures for tourists. Since I was in the remote Mae Hong Son Province, I was able to find small elephant homes in the village. We rode a big elephant bareback through the jungle, and had a blast playing in the water!


I never knew elephants had hairy heads!

I spent the rest of my time in Northern Thailand going on mini-motorcycle trips. We made it out to the Tham Lod Cave, where we asked a local to help us navigate through the cave. The most difficult journey was to the “secret” hot springs hidden deep in the jungle. There are no known maps or written directions to this area. Even after we actually found signs to it, we had to ride at least 30 minutes up and down steep unpaved hills. By the time we got there, I was definitely ready for a swim. At some point, a few young villagers from the hill tribes came by to say hello. They were very shy, but curious/excited about spotting foreigners at their hangout spot. 

11 Comments

  • Reply
    explicit.rex
    February 4, 2011 at 3:24 pm

    aaaaaahhh your trip looks so incredible I won't be able to make it through the day sitting at my desk in Rosslyn. Your photos are seriously otherworldly.

    ADVENTURES IN MARCH

  • Reply
    Michelle of The Feather Den
    February 4, 2011 at 3:30 pm

    Wow, that truly is a once in a lifetime experience. I'm so jealous that you were able to do that!

  • Reply
    Marissa
    February 4, 2011 at 5:42 pm

    awesome! i've never actually wanted to ride an elephant (i have this thing with heights and moving objects) but this looks like it was a lot of fun.

    Girl Meets Handbag

  • Reply
    anabella
    February 4, 2011 at 6:18 pm

    aww your comment made my heart skip. the thought of traveling with my little one is something i truly want to accomplish. i am trying to re inspire my old dreams. and this post! my oh my.. i have goosebumps all over my body.

  • Reply
    observingexpressions
    February 4, 2011 at 7:20 pm

    i love the picture of you laughing on the elephant

  • Reply
    katrina kay
    February 4, 2011 at 9:22 pm

    what an amazing trip!

  • Reply
    kirstyb
    February 5, 2011 at 1:16 am

    looks like your having fun x

  • Reply
    anniken
    February 5, 2011 at 2:14 am

    Ah, it looks soooo wonderful! In the end of May I'm moving to Northern Thailand, and i can't wait!

  • Reply
    nesha
    February 5, 2011 at 1:13 pm

    oh wow!! those elephants look so amazing, the whole thing looks incredible! that's such a fantastic life experience. looks fun ^_^

  • Reply
    Méliné
    February 5, 2011 at 1:28 pm

    Amazing pictures !♥

    Thx for u're comment !
    my favourite one was Bali I think . (:

    retro-junk.blogpsot.com

  • Reply
    Spence.
    February 5, 2011 at 5:33 pm

    Oh wow, it looks like you had an incredible time! The photos on your blog are just beautiful btw.

    x

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