Thailand > Rafting on a bamboo raft

Today the Elephant Trek is on the program. Participation is optional, but everyone decides to join. We got up around seven, and after breakfast we leave in two minibuses for the elephant training camp. Before I cross the rope bridge over the river, I put on insect repellent—better safe than sorry in the jungle.

Thailand - A demonstration by the elephants

First, we take a ride on the back of an elephant. The route goes through the forest one way and back through the water. It’s a fun little trip to do. Afterward, we watch the elephants being bathed and attend a demonstration. The elephants drag heavy wooden logs and then stack them together. Finally, we feed bananas to the elephants. I even get to feed a baby elephant. Our journey continues on the water. On three bamboo rafts we float quietly downstream. The gondolier steers the raft past the shallow parts.

Thailand - Bamboo raft on the Ping River

After a while I decide to take over the paddling from him. It goes almost perfectly, and I only get stuck once. Geert and Sjoerd each take a turn as well. Along the way we pass several villages where the residents stand in the river with goods for sale. We also see several elephants bathing in the river. After about an hour, we dock and get back into our minibuses. We have lunch at an orchid farm. Besides a large collection of orchids, there are also some old cars and unusual fish on display. After the orchids, we visit a butterfly garden. Finally, we drive back to our hotel in Chiang Mai. In the evening we take the hotel’s taxi service into the center. Near the night bazaar we eat at a German restaurant. After strolling around the bazaar, we take the minibus back to the hotel at nine o’clock.