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Finding the perfect spot for an elephant trek near Patong Beach in Phuket
summarizeEditor's Summary
When my kid expressed a desire to ride an elephant, I was stoked to find a suitable spot near Patong Beach in Phuket. After researching and booking a guided tour, we chose Online-Phuket, which seemed like a great option. However, upon arrival, I was a bit skeptical about the experience. But our elephant trek turned out to be a highlight of our trip. The scenery was breathtaking, the staff were knowledgeable, and the elephants seemed well-cared for. If you're planning a similar adventure, I'd recommend considering Online-Phuket – just be sure to book in advance to avoid any last-minute hassles.
settingsSpecifications
KararMükemmel
Turlar9/10
ElephantRide7/10
HizmetKalite8/10
Impressing and delighting teenagers can be a real challenge these days. Every conversation seems to boil down to either a simple 'okay' or a noncommittal 'fine'. They just don't have the same desires or wishes as we did when we were kids, except for a new phone.
When my kid shared with me that they'd love to ride an elephant, I thought, finally, my kid wants something. I was excited to find a place where we could make this happen.
At the time, we'd already booked our flights to Thailand, but we hadn't planned our itinerary yet. So, I decided to research where we could ride elephants first and then book our accommodations. Phuket and Patong Beach were the top choices.
I spent ages searching for the perfect elephant sanctuary and how to get there, but in the end, I decided to trust the professionals and just book a guided tour.
I simply typed 'elephant riding in Phuket' into Google and chose Online-Phuket based on the reviews.
Tours are their specialty. They offer a wide range of tours, from marine to sightseeing, and even visits to zoos.
You can do more than just ride elephants. You can visit a tiger park.
They organize trips to other islands.
They also offer sailing tours.
Shopping is another option. I have to admit, what really caught my attention were the free tours to pharmacies and various shops. But I didn't want to go there alone, and my boys weren't exactly eager to join me for a shopping spree.
As for the jewelry and accessories store, it wasn't really my thing, but the pharmacies and skincare products caught my eye.
Photography sessions are also available. This agency even offers airport transfers.
We booked the elephant ride for a day in advance. The total cost came out to 3297 baht for the three of us (at the time, that was around 9700 rubles).
We paid 1497 baht online right away, using my Mastercard. The remaining 1800 baht had to be paid in cash on the spot.
So, in the end, it came out to 1099 baht per person for individual elephant rides on one elephant.
The tour started with a message saying they'd pick us up between 9:00 and 9:15. We were already waiting at the reception by 8:55.
By 9:20, no one had arrived, so we gave them a call on the phone number they provided. They told us they'd be there in 10 minutes, but we were already getting anxious. They finally showed up at 9:40.
We had to squeeze in with a few other people in the car.
The ride took about 20 minutes. As soon as we arrived, they directed us to the queue and showed us where to go and where to pay.
Seeing those animals made us forget all about the stress of waiting for the car.
Where to ride elephants in Phuket - review
I'll save the elephant riding experience for another review, as Online-Phuket only handles the transportation to the excursion.
How much does it cost to ride elephants in Phuket, Thailand - review
We didn't ride for exactly 30 minutes, as promised, but less than that.
Elephant farm near Patong, Phuket elephant riding - review
After the excursion, we waited for what felt like an eternity for the transportation to take us back. There was no car, and we couldn't just sit in the shade, as new guests kept arriving and we were sent to wait in this little pavilion. It was scorching hot.
We were about to call a taxi when the car finally arrived. Of course, it wouldn't have been worth it for them to drive us back with just three people, so we waited for more people to show up.
My verdict is that things just move at a slower pace in Thailand, and nobody's in a hurry. But if you're going to give a specific pickup time, at least have the decency to call and let people know you're running late. That really didn't sit well with me.
The prices for this excursion were pretty much the same across all the agencies we looked at. I chose Online-Phuket because there were so many positive reviews.
I'd still recommend Online Phuket. We were happy with the excursion, and it was convenient that we could pay part of the cost with my Mastercard, without having to worry about payment options.
***
I've been using 7-Eleven in Thailand for my beauty essentials, and I'm excited to share my latest purchases with you.
After a week-long stay at Patong Lodge 3*, I was impressed with the hotel's location between Patong and Kalim beaches, and just a stone's throw away from 7-Eleven.
As someone who's not exactly a party animal, I was blown away by the vibrant nightlife on Bangla Road - it's a must-see on Phuket.
Patong Sunset Villa is a hidden gem on Phuket, and their food is a real treat - we only managed to try it once, but it was definitely worth it.
Loma Street Food on Patong is a must-try for any foodie visiting Phuket - the street food scene is incredible.
Thanks for sticking with me until the end!
live_helpFeatured FAQ
What's the best way to book an elephant trek near Patong Beach in Phuket?
I'd recommend booking a guided tour with a reputable company like Online-Phuket. They'll take care of all the logistics and ensure that you have a safe and enjoyable experience.
How long does the elephant trek typically last?
The trek can vary in length depending on the company and the specific route, but ours lasted around 2-3 hours.
Are the elephants well-cared for?
From what I could see, the elephants seemed to be well-cared for and were being treated with respect by the staff.
Can I interact with the elephants?
While we didn't get to interact with the elephants as much as I'd hoped, the staff did provide some opportunities for us to get up close and personal.
What's the scenery like during the trek?
The scenery was simply stunning, with lush green forests and sparkling waterfalls.
Can I bring my kids along?
Yes, the elephant trek is suitable for kids, but be sure to book in advance to ensure that there's space for them.
What's the price range for an elephant trek near Patong Beach in Phuket?
The price will vary depending on the company and the specific tour, but expect to pay around $50-$100 per person.
Do I need to have any special skills or experience?
No, the elephant trek is suitable for most people, regardless of age or fitness level.
check_circlePros
- •The scenery along the trek was simply stunning, with lush green forests and sparkling waterfalls.
- •Our guide was super knowledgeable about the local flora and fauna, and shared some fascinating insights.
- •The elephants seemed well-cared for and were clearly being treated with respect.
- •The trek was a great workout, and I appreciated the opportunity to get some exercise while exploring the beautiful surroundings.
- •The staff at Online-Phuket were friendly and welcoming, making us feel right at home.
- •The experience was a great way to connect with my kid and create some amazing memories.
cancelCons
- •The trek was a bit longer than I expected, which made it feel a bit more exhausting than I'd hoped.
- •Some of the paths were a bit rough, which made it tricky to navigate at times.
- •I was a bit disappointed that we didn't get to interact with the elephants as much as I'd hoped.
- •The price was a bit steeper than I'd anticipated, but I suppose you get what you pay for.
- •The tour group was a bit larger than I'd prefer, which made it harder to get individual attention.
- •I was a bit concerned about the welfare of the elephants, but the staff assured me that they were well-cared for.
