Elephant Trekking is one of the top things to do with kids in Phuket, Thailand.   When visiting Thailand, you can’t help but notice elephants everywhere, from elephant motifs on souvenirs to wooden elephant statues.  Elephants are revered in Thailand, and going on an elephant safari is something that many would love to include in their travel bucket list.

Phuket, Thailand

However, after reading numerous comments about how unethical elephant tourism is, we were a little apprehensive.  Fortunately, the elephant camp at Siam Safari Nature Tours is an elephant camp (and the only one in Phuket and Southern Thailand) that is certified by the Royal Thai Government and follows international safety standards.

 

Elephant Trekking at Siam Safari

Before the ride, we were introduced to the elephants and their professional handlers (also known as mahouts).

Phuket Thailand

 

Each elephant can take 2 persons on average, or 1 adult and 2 children, excluding the mahout.  The elephant trek is about 30 to 45 minutes through a lush jungle.

Siam Safari Phuket

About halfway through the trek, we were treated with a fabulous view of Chalong Bay and its many islands.

Siam Safari 4-in-1

Elephant Trekking in Phuket

Coffee Break

After the elephant trekking, a light snack of Thai coconut and corn pancakes were served together with aromatic Thai coffee or tea.

Thai Coffee

 

While having our coffee break, the kiddos got to see how a water buffalo ploughs through a rice paddy field.

Phuket Thailand

Phuket, Thailand

We were also given a chance to ride on a wooden cart pulled by the buffalo.

Phuket

 

Learning about Rice Farming

The kiddos learned a little bit about rice farming at Siam Safari.  They were able to see different stages of growth of the rice paddy fields.

Phuket, Thailand

They also learned the traditional way rice is processed after harvest.

Phuket, Thailand

After much pounding and tossing, they saw how rice grains get separated from the husks.

Siam-Safari-Rice-Paddy

 

Thai Curry Cooking Demonstration

Next, we learned how Thai curry is prepared.

Phuket, Thailand

Siam-Safari-Thai-cooking

 

We also learned many things about coconut, from coconut husking, grating, and producing coconut oil and toasted coconut.

Phuket, Thailand

 

After the curry and coconut oil demonstrations, we visited a rubber plantation and learned how rubber tapping is done, and how the rubber sap is used to produce natural rubber.

Siam Safari Nature Tour Making Rubber

 

Meet Siam Safari’s Young Elephants

Phuket, Thailand

At Siam Safari, visitors had the the opportunity to interact with the young elephants.  My girl was happy to be given a chance to feed the baby elephant.

Phuket, Thailand

The young elephants put on a show for its guests and even demonstrated their ability to paint.

Phuket Thailand

We ended our memorable Siam Safari tour with a Thai buffet lunch overlooking the hills of Phuket.

 

Tips on visiting Siam Safari

  • You can arrange book either a morning or afternoon tour. The morning tour starts at 9am while the afternoon tour starts at 2pm. Tickets can be purchased online through their official site www.siamsafari.com.
  • Round-trip hotel transfers are included in the tour price.

 

Where to Stay in Phuket

There are plenty of hotels in Phuket.  Find available hotels and the great rates here -> Hotels in Phuket.