subject: Check Out Pattaya Elephant Village In Your Next Vacation [print this page] The elephant is Thailands national symbolThe elephant is Thailands national symbol. The gentle giants are so ingrained in Thailands history and culture. At one point in Thailands long history, the magnificent animal was part of Thailands national flag. In the past, Thai Royalties had stables of white elephants for their use and at some point have been also used for military maneuvers. More recently there are logging companies that use these gentle giants for heavy work.
Thai elephants are facing a big drop in numbers as many young and matured elephants are abused, starved and poached. The massive deforestation of parts in Thailand played a role in the decline of elephant population as food had become scarce. Elephants used for logging become useless when there are no more trees to cut. There are instances when some of these neglected elephants roam city streets in search for food thereby endangering both humans and elephants.
In answer to this problem, the Pattaya Elephant Village was founded and opened sometime in 1973. The place is the retirement home of elephants that have lost their natural homes and for those left to fend for their own by their masters. It would have been best if the elephants could be safely returned to their natural habitat but the considerable deforestation in Thailand make that option improbable. A trip to the Pattaya Elephant Village is a must-do when in Pattaya. Entrance fees go direct for the care of its elephant residents. Feeding is not cheap as they need 200 to 300 kg of food daily.
A Pattaya Elephant Village day tour is a very unique experience as visitors are taken on a grand tour of the place, educating them about the elephants characteristics and behavior and their unique role in Thai culture. An elephant ride is a popular activity for both the young and the old. Guests can buy bananas and have fun feeding the animals.
The village hosts an elephant show for the guests entertainment. The shows are simple narrations of how elephants lived in their natural habitat and how they are caught in the wild jungles of Thailand. The show continues as guests are shown and told about how elephants work in the jungle; demonstrations of their training techniques how they are rounded up and even how they are bathed and groomed. Two highlights of the show are the parade of elephants and elephants football game.
After the show, visitors can do an elephant trek or just plain trek around the village. A great option is a combination trek that entails an elephant ride, a visit to the Silk House, a walk in the jungle and rafting at a nearby lake. The final leg of the trek is an Ox-cart ride concluded with either a lunch or dinner buffet.
You can also opt to watch a Muay Thai or Thai dancing or sword fighting shows in the village too.
