Thailand Guide
The north
Elephant Nature Park
Address: Booking office at 209/2 Thanon Sridornchai
Website: www.elephantnaturepark.org
Though the Elephant Nature Park is essentially a rescue centre and hospital for sick, orphaned and neglected elephants, hands-on educational – and recreational – visits by the public are encouraged. On a daytime visit, you'll get to feed, bathe and learn about the elephants close up, but it's also possible to stay for two days or sign up as a paying volunteer for a week or longer. The park's owner, Sangduan ("Lek") Chailert, has become something of a celebrity in recent years, being featured on the BBC and in Time magazine for her conservation efforts. All visits to the camp need to pre-booked.