elephants and monkeys?

Evaunitone · #1 (**permalink**) 1st October 2011, 08:02 PM

When I got to Thailand in December we'll be in Bangkok for a few days and then down to Krabi and some islands off the east coast. I'm wondering if anyone knows of any places where we could interact with elephants? Monkeys? I'm not interested in getting rabies, but if there are good places you can recommend, I would love to hang out with the animals. I'm a biologist and the ecology / fauna is one of my main reasons for going. Thanks! :)

Emdee · #2 (**permalink**) 2nd October 2011, 12:08 AM

The north of Thailand is generally the best place for viewing/interacting with elephants and to a lesser extent monkeys. Having said that, you will find elephant camps all over Thailand and you shouldn't have any trouble locating some domesticated elephants to interact with in the south of Thailand.

Personally, I tend to steer clear of monkey tribes/families. Rabies is one concern, but they are also prone to swiping sun glasses, handbags and food in the hand. Some of them can be very aggressive. You need to exercise caution around monkeys at all times.

koonel · #3 (**permalink**) 2nd October 2011, 08:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Evaunitone

When I go to Thailand in December we'll be in Bangkok for a few days and then down to Krabi and some islands off the east coast. I'm wondering if anyone knows of any places where we could interact with elephants? Monkeys? I'm not interested in getting rabies, but if there are good places you can recommend, I would love to hang out with the animals. I'm a biologist and the ecology / fauna is one of my main reasons for going. Thanks! :)

Nong Nooch Elephant Show and other attractions is just outside Pattaya. There are some elephant rides in Kachanaburi, near the Bridge on the River Kwai tourist stop.
Nong Nooch Paradise | Attractions - Festival Holidays
Kanchanaburi Trekking Tour, River Kwai Tour Elephant Riding,Bambbo Rafting Kanchaburi Full Day Tour

There is a Monkey Island at Koh Larn, near Pattaya (2 hours from Bangkok.)
Koh Larn (Coral Island), Thailand

Krabi - Monkey Island.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y_4BIApVFpk\

You may lose eyeglasses, women's purses, cameras and get bit when around monkeys.
British woman injured in monkey attack at Krabi - Phuket - Fester LIVE Udon Thani

In Thailand you can get tours through local travel agencies.

Have fun.

#4 (**permalink**) 11th October 2011, 11:49 PM

When I went to Thailand we made a trip up to Chiang Mai where we were able to ride on elephants through the jungle, meet a Karen Hill Tribe, and I also interacted with monkeys at a cave near Cha-Am (just south of bangkok). Here's some video from my experience if you're interested:

Angry Thai Elephants - YouTube

angry elephants!

Riding An Elephant in the Jungles Chiang Mai, Thailand - YouTube

riding an elephant

On the Beach in Cha Am, Thailand - YouTube

More Cha Am Beach Action in Thailand - YouTube

On the Beach in Cha-Am

Enjoy,

KKM