I
t was just after dawn when I walked along the banks of the Ruak, alongside a column of four elephants, seemingly unconcerned by my presence — occasionally bumping me with a swinging trunk or flap of an ear. They paused from time to time, uprooting vegetation, thwacking off the soil, before chewing on a mouthful. Then they huddled beneath the shade of a fig tree, where they feasted on their favourite fruit. I myself plucked some ripe figs to offer them, which they snaffled up.
This is the new face of elephant experiences in Thailand, found here at Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp & Resort in the north of the country. Guests can walk with elephants, as well as meet their mahouts, the on-site vet and researchers.
The bar and lounge of Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp & Resort
Anantara also has an outdoor pool, overlooking the lush landscape
