In Thailand, There’s an Elephant in The Tourism Boom – Gentle Giants To The Fore

Elephants have always been linked with Thai culture and have been present throughout the country’s history be it at royal palaces to being used to transport goods. While the number of elephants has dwindled, at present these once beasts of burden are being protected and at the same time used as a draw for tourists. The prevalence of elephant camps around the country and at such Chiang Rai hotels such as Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp & Resort give visitors a chance to not only get up close with these animals, but learn more about them as well. Tourists also have the opportunity to engage in a number of activities ranging from elephant treks through jungles to getting to know more about what it is to be a mahout. Another tourist attraction is the King’s Cup Elephant Polo Tournament which is used as a fundraiser for elephant welfare.