Ride the Yangon Circle Train like a local and see…. The elephants get a chance to rest, eat, sleep and play alone. Unfortunately, the fact is, many places aren’t ethically run and the abuse of these animals is a widespread problem.

They were the sweetest, most soft-spoken girls who would never put a foot out of line. The money this sanctuary makes from tourism goes into this program to save elephants from being hunted, killed by farmers, or abused by the tourist camps (as well as saving women from sex slavery). Chai Lai Orchid operates an eco-lodge nature retreat that’s beloved by mindful travelers due to its commitment to wildlife conservation, and social and environmental sustainability. The baby does have a rope tied to its mum, to. These are wild animals that crush human beings, so they’re contained when their handlers are not with them. The Chai Lai Orchid Riverside: An Ethical and Unique Experience - See 508 traveler reviews, 759 candid photos, and great deals for The Chai Lai Orchid Riverside at Tripadvisor. The Chai Lai Orchid Riverside: Ethical Elephant Tourism!

Instagram: @just.globetrotting & @justcreative, Just Globetrotting | Jacob & Emily Cass. Lile everyone has said, it's ethical, the elephants are outside and or roaming around the premises with a mahout. Is there electricity in the bungalows? We will say, if you want to ride an elephant, please, please do so somewhere that DOES NOT use metal chairs.

They are all well-fed and high in energy, unlike many other elephant attractions in the country. programs, an anti-trafficking non-profit. It's cheap, warm and full of flavor... plus…, Want a true Myanmar experience? The Chai Lai Orchid Riverside: beautiful, ethical, friendly... rather disorganised! Please note: The below information is based on our knowledge and our personal experiences with Chai Lai Orchid and we are not associated with them in any way. Other “Elephant camps” are tourist attractions where the elephants are abused. The real appeal of this place is all of the work they’re doing. Sadly, these poor women are immediately at the hands of their traffickers and are controlled entirely through fear. It’s important to do a substantial amount of research before you visit any animal-related destination in Thailand, as even those that call themselves “sanctuaries” may be that in name only. This organisation focuses on providing training programs for at-risk and rescued girls to learn English and hospitality which in term gains them confidence, experience and economic independence. Guests stay in beautiful palapas (open-sided, thatched roof dwellings) on a riverside where the elephants bathe. The decisions we make in travel can affect people in immeasurable ways.

1-day elephant treks starts at $45. Pack for the outdoors, even if you don’t plan on trekking. The elephants for the most part roam free on their property. Thanks for your opinion. You have outlined some important factors when doing so.

Another thing to consider is the “elephant riding “ aspect which is highly controversial. The elephant situation in Thailand is quite complex. Is there really a “right” way to experience this dream? The elephants are treated very well. Whilst some will still agree that all interactions should be banned, the fact is they aren’t and likely won’t be but there are healthier ways to go about them. Elephants are often subject to long days, bar hooks, and heavy metal chairs overloaded with two or three people on top of them. Chai Lai Orchid is a new organisation that is in the process of trying to rescue elephants from a neighbouring camp.

I agree, I think they seemed ethical.

As for being the “best elephant sanctuary”, this is only a guide based on our experience – it would impossible to evaluate every single one. From 11am-4:00pm, the elephants are taken into Chai Lai and are free from the continuous hours of metal chair work. The social enterprise has created a peaceful sanctuary for elephants in their natural habitat so that they can spend their days grazing the bamboo forest, swimming in the river, and walking freely. The huts were basic yet comfortable and clean. Alexa’s goal is not only to remove all of the elephants from the neighbouring camp but also prove to other camps that tourists are still willing to pay to play with, bath, feed the elephants but on a more sustainable level.