Though pricey by Thai standards, the day-long trip at the Patara Elephant farm is well worth the $$$. Only 8 elephants are taken out per trip, so the group is small. The trek takes the riders through the jungle, down a steep mountainside to a beautiful waterfall, and finally across a rice paddy. Each elephant has its own trainer, and... more

Jen & I had a terrific day at the Patara Elephant Farm. We were picked up from our accommodation by Nat. She has university qualifications in SE Asian Studies and the trip went quickly as she answered our questions about the history and culture of Thailand. On arrival at the farm, tour leader Pat introduced us to the other guests... more

My family and I just recently visited the Patara Elephant Farm and we had a wonderful time. We had the opportunity to spend the day working as elephant owners/trainers and to each work closely with our own elephant. We learned, by doing, how to care for them and then how to ride them by ourselves. It is a great experience... more

If you are in Chiang Mai, this is a must do. The price was a little high for me but it was worth every cent. You get to really experience a piece of Thai culture. You will spend quality time with some amazing animals. You actually do " elephant trecking" not just go around some stupid course in a saddle... more

I just returned from 2 weeks in Thailand and this was an excellent way to end my trip. The crew there was great and obviously very caring about the elephants. You are there with only a few others and really get to spend a lot of time with the elephants - washing them, feeding them, riding them bareback and watching... more

We went to Patara Elephant Farm at the end of June. All of the people we met were wonderful and kind, and the owner, Pat, comes and talks to the group at lunch about the program. Of course, the elephants were great, and we had plenty of time riding bare-back. One really cool thing about this is that they send... more

Can't speak highly enough about Pat, Nat and his team, they make sure that you have a wonderful day, even giving you a CD with loads of photo’s of you interacting with your elephant, and it was so uplifting to be around a group of people so dedicated and committed to the welfare and well being of their elephants. The... more

We have been in Thailand for a month and yesterday we had the best day ever. We were picked up at 7:30 and as soon as we arrived at the farm the day was wonderful. We were able to feed, bathe and ride the elephants, ride the elephants like they were ment to be ridden, on the head. The day... more

This was the BEST part of our honeymoon for us, it was a most memorable day and one we will never forget! Thanks to Pat and everyone else! This is a MUST do activity..... more