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Koh Lanta Island Activities:
Elephant Riding

Elephant Riding in Thailand is a growing industry as more and more logging elephants are becoming redundant, and justifyably so, their use in logging camps. For the past 10 years mahouts and their elephants have been drifting south to start a new life in Thailands southern provinces providing trekking tours through the jungle foliage.

The Elephants living conditions are far better than they ever had in the logging camps that they slaved away in up in the north of Thailand. If you want to take a ride on one of the majestic beasts, you can do so close to Phra Ae Beach and at Nui Beach.

Elephants have always been an important part of Thai culture and the Thai way of life. They are a traditional symbol of Royal power and an essential feature of Buddhist art and architecture. They are a spiritual mentor for people from all walks of life, have always performed the most exacting physical tasks, been well loved but not always well treated.

In the early part of this century, elephants roamed freely and in mass throughout Burma, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam. Prior to the 18th century they were the main vehicle of war in Southeast Asia. A Thai King of the late 17th century had 20,000 war elephants trained for battle.

Conditions in the logging camps were hard and took their fare toll on the elephants.

Even though conditions are still not optimal for elephants, elephants working in the tourist areas certainly enjoy a better lifestyle than those in the logging camps and if you would really like to ride one of these magnificent beasts, you can do so on Ko Lanta Island.