Chiang-Mai- The Elelphant Camp

Chiang Mai

The "Elephants Show" in Mae Sa

A visit to Chiang Mai would not be complete until one has visited the Elephant Shows in the Mae Rim-Sameang area. Or in other words, visiting Chiang Mai is just like going there for the Elephant Show. Sort of pre-requisite. But over the years, this offering to the tourist reached new heights. Shows from most outlets follow the same pattern and is really of high standards.

The names I have inserted is not for knowledge but for the fact that each camps had so much more Elephants than I could imagine. So collectively, you can imagine the final numbers of animals in business. Some figures - This camp at that time housed 77 elephants, 30 of which are under 20 years of age.

You could also get involved with the Mahouts lives. The National Elephant Institute provide Home Stay activity in mahout village for tourists who would like to learn the mahout life style. Tourists will have a chance to live in mahout's family and do activities as mahout such as get up in the early morning to take an elephant for basic elephant riding, learn how to order an elephant including exchange the experience of mahout. In the evening, after take an elephant bake to the forest, tourists will have a chance to do the local food and have Kantoke dinner while listen to the local music play by mahouts.

Our visit to Chiang Mai was right in the heat of the World Cup Football season. Of course, the camp had selected that prevailing events as a selling point. Again, the performances rendered exceeded our expectation.

The Elephants, not one but several played the Harmonicas and drew paintings.

There was an event to have this skill recorded in the Guinness World Record. Thousands of spectators witnessed elephants painting abstract works for 6th National Thai Elephant Day. A painting by eight elephants from this northern province has sold for a world-record Bt1.5 million.

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Pavilion for watching the Elephants having their bath

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Receptionists

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A chance to get close to Elephants

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Really close

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Demonstration of riding skills

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Rest places for show Elephants

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Satellites TV dishes are legal in Thailand

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Visitor can also buy snacks to feed the Elephants

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The receptionists once more

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Rushing to make a sales

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Show times schedule

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Getting to know the Performers

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Semi-white elephant

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Last chances to mingles before they leave for the show

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Bathing

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Some are going for Elephant rides

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Show Started

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After finishing the show on Football matches Getting ready to show their painting skills. Out with paint brushes

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It was a competition among Elephants

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While the judges took time to deliberate on the results A show of riding skills

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Crowd gathered to see the results of the competition.

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Another show - see the discipline of the animals.

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Just complete painting offered for sales

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That's the price!

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Then more! Elephants at work

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Farwell!

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Was a good show and experiences for the tourist and an income for the trainers.