Thailand is one of the most beautiful countries in the world. A very popular tourist destination in Southeast Asia, the country is renowned for its rich culture and heritage, and of course, the natural beauty that it offers. Each year, millions of tourists from different parts of the globe visit Thailand to explore the many cultural sites located around the country. It is an excellent way to unwind and relax. Thailand is also relatively inexpensive, so you won’t be spending a lot of money.
One of the biggest attractions in Thailand is their elephant sanctuaries. The elephant is the national animal of Thailand, and it is one of the most revered creatures in the local culture. While there has been quite a bit of poaching in the last few years, many of the elephants around the country are protected in sanctuaries.
These sanctuaries have also become popular tourist destinations, with many people planning visits to see how elephants live in their natural habitats. If you are thinking of visiting the best elephant sanctuaries in Thailand, there are plenty of options available to you. But, before you do, there are some important things that you should keep in mind.
What’s an Elephant Sanctuary?
A lot of people don’t even know what these elephant sanctuaries are, and usually have misconceptions about them. Many believe that these sanctuaries are like zoos, which is certainly not the case. These are designated areas in natural environments where elephants are taken care of. You will see many monks caring for these elephants, and professionally trained staff is available at all times to cater to their needs.
Another important thing that you should know about these elephant sanctuaries is that they are completely protected, so the chances of poaching are relatively low. To fund their operations, many sanctuaries offer tours to people visiting the country or the locals, allowing them a close-up view of elephants in their natural habitats.
Visiting a Sanctuary
If you are interested in visiting an elephant sanctuary, there are a few important things that you must keep in mind. First and foremost, you need to check online for different sanctuaries that are offering tours, and make a booking. It’s a simple way to narrow down your options and figure out the best option.
Once you have made a booking, you need to reach the pick-up point on time. From there, you will be taken to the sanctuary and given a tour. One of the best ways to visit an elephant sanctuary is to choose an overnight tour. These are quite comprehensive and will take you around the entire sanctuary. You can also take pictures of the elephants for some fantastic memories. It’s a great way to complete your trip to Thailand. You will get to see these majestic creatures and how they live, and learn more about their daily habits and other things that are important for their upbringing and protection as well.
