LGarabito

I found a great deal for the Aleenta in Phuket for May 2012. Has anyone stayed there? Can you give feedback about the area? I have read reviews and i see the location is not really on Phuket but in Phang gna Coast (forgive my mispellings). I dont mind being away from the Patong/nightlife areas of Phuket but i dont want to be so far away that i wont be able to book day excursions to the Phi Phi Islands or the Bay area as i really am looking forward to do some sight seeing/kayaking. im also trying to find a good place to do Elephant trekking but im afraid to shell out any money to companies that abuse their elephants. My guidebook recommended Limestone Lakes Tours and Phukket Trekking Club as elephant friendly tour companies. I went to their websites and they promote that their elephants are not abused and well-kept. But is any of that true? I also cant seem to find any reviews on either tour company. So if you have booked them please let me know your thoughts.

qwovadis

Aleenta is GREAT check recent reviews booking.com good deals.

Watch "Water for Elephants" prior to economically supporting

http://www.phuket-guide.net/phuket_a...s/elephant.htm

Majestic Creatures such as these should not be subjected

to abusive practices such as these for tourist kicks/revenue

Donate tour cost to baby elephant orphans instead

and feel better about yourself...

gorp.com for excellent info on DIY trekking

far cheaper and more humane.

Kathie

If you really want to see, ride, interact with elephants at a place that takes good care of the elephants, go to northern Thailand. The Thai Elephant Conservation Center is excellent. It is outside Chiang Mai, at Lamphang. Or, for a luxe elephant experience, there is a small outpost of the Thai Elephant COnservation Center at the Anantara at the Golden Triangle.

Personally, I wouldn't trust the elephant places in Phuket.

Cattail

I spent a great deal of time researching trekking companies in anticipation of a trip there next January. Sadly, what quovadis and kathie says is spot on. My husband and I will be spending time at the Elephant Conservation Center and feel great knowing that we'll be helping them, rather than supporting their further abuse. The center advertises different length trips, including day trips.

I commend you for looking into this!!!

dannii

For anyone who has doubts:

Please read what Dr. Joyce Poole, elephant researcher of 37 years, has to say about elephant rides:

“The brutal truth is that most elephants are trained for elephant back rides or safaris through a practise no elephant owner will talk about. The elephants' spirits are broken through unbelievably gruesome methods, while they are tied up or chained in a pen where they cannot move….. With the growing number of tourists and many ignorant travel agencies and tour operators, the life and well being of hundreds of elephants both in Asia and in Africa is at stake.” Her entire statement: http://tiny.cc/rides-evo

The elephants thank you.