After a local Thai lunch, it was time for the elephant rides at the Hua Hin Elephant Village Camp (about 3 km west of the Hilton Resort Hotel). The elephants with passengers can travel over any rough terrain, however steep and treacherous.
This was the most efficient form of land transport in Thailand until the arrival of the railway and the automobile, and in the jungle and mountain areas today is still the most desirable and the safest way to go.
With a broad a wooden seat strapped onto their backs and tied with heavy rope, the mahout, or trainer, rests on the elephant's neck and guides him along the slow bumpy ride. If there is anything comforting, handphone reception was excellent !!
Half way along the ride along village paths and dung filled ponds, the enterprising mahout sundden stopped under a shady spot and out came "elephant made" products for sale. Small ornaments from elephant's teeth, hair from their tails and small bits of their tasks were out for sale. (A Jumbo Sale, not to be missed !!!).
Almost like being held for ransom, we had to buy something before the gear were back in place for the animal to start walking again. At the end of the ride (back at the village), a baby elephant with a slightly larger one put up a show, played football and dance to music, for bannans. More means to squeeze out a few more bahts from the visitors.
This was the most efficient form of land transport in Thailand until the arrival of the railway and the automobile, and in the jungle and mountain areas today is still the most desirable and the safest way to go.
With a broad a wooden seat strapped onto their backs and tied with heavy rope, the mahout, or trainer, rests on the elephant's neck and guides him along the slow bumpy ride. If there is anything comforting, handphone reception was excellent !!
Half way along the ride along village paths and dung filled ponds, the enterprising mahout sundden stopped under a shady spot and out came "elephant made" products for sale. Small ornaments from elephant's teeth, hair from their tails and small bits of their tasks were out for sale. (A Jumbo Sale, not to be missed !!!).
Almost like being held for ransom, we had to buy something before the gear were back in place for the animal to start walking again. At the end of the ride (back at the village), a baby elephant with a slightly larger one put up a show, played football and dance to music, for bannans. More means to squeeze out a few more bahts from the visitors.
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