An elephant question
 

I am trying to finalize my upcoming trip. I was originally planning on going to Chiang Mai and while there go to the Elephant Conservation Camp near Lamphun. (I think that is the one that I have seen people on the board refer to.) But now we are thinking of adding 3 days at the Four Seasons Golden Triangle. Their three day package includes a full day mahout program including an elephant trek. Would anybody know if it is worthwhile to do both or am I just doing the same thing in two different places. It is included at the 4SGT but wanted to know if that is as nice as the other one. Should I consider doing both or is one enough? Would love to hear from anyone who knows. Thanks,

Well, I would do the elephant trek full day-packing up with pachyderms is fun! I think it would be more interesting that going to the camp, which is good, but you only get a short elephant ride, and of course you learn about the elephants, watch them take a bath, etc.-I think a trek through the jungle by elephant is a real travel experience that would be far more memorable than the Camp visit!

The program at the Four Seasons Golden Triangle is based on the program at the TECC in Lampang. The FSGT and the Anantara Golden Triangle are owned by the same group (Minor International) and the elephant programs at both are managed by the same man...John Roberts, who is resident at the Anantara.

If you are trying to decide between the 3 day mahout training at the Thai Elephant Conservation Center and the Four Seasons stay, then this information should help.

The TECC program is very interesting and varied. You learn about the elephants a lot...how to tell if they are healthy, what they eat and how much, how to clean them, get on and off as well as navigate. You ride twice each day, once in the practice/show ground getting used to the commands, and in the afternoon out to the jungle where the elephants spend the night munching. In the morning you go out to the jungle and ride in before breakfast. After breakfast there is bathing (you too), then show, then training, then a great lunch and time to relax. AFternoon training finishes with a jungle ride. You also try making paper from elephant dung, visit the hospital, ride an elephant taxi. Nights are enjoyable with the other participants and you can also hang out with mahouts if you want to. The accommodation is basic...thatched huts with fans, showers with variable hot water, and great food. The price is 8000 baht for three days. We did this program in December 2005 and it was excellent.

The Four Seasons program is the same as the Anantara's, which we did in August. It is two sessions of riding per day, once in training ground and once in the jungle. The views in this area are outstanding and surpass the views in Lampang for sure. If all you want to do is ride an elephant then you will be more than satisfied. If you hoped for a more in depth experience that includes elephant care and mahout lifestyle (like the Anantara says is included) then you may be disappointed...the Anantara program is morning ride and afternoon ride and bath. That's it. You can hang around the elephant camp, but there is no knowledge shared...at least on our 3 day program. We even had to ask our mahout's name and elephant's name because no one told us. Each of the three days is the same as well, so one day is plenty....where at the TECC each day is a new day so it is fun. The Golden Triangle program is a great program for first timers who want to ride an elephant bareback and learn basic control and enjoy scenery.

The Four Seasons is gorgeous, and would certainly be my pick for accommodation in the area.

If you are choosing between a day at one and a day at the other, I'd choose the FSGT. A one day program at the TECC is OK, but not worth giving up the FS for, and is nowhere near as satisfying as the 3 day program. The one day programs at each place are basically the same.

If you are going to go to the FSGT and are wondering if you should also visit the TECC as a drop in visitor, I'd say skip it. It's a great place, but you'll be doing elephants in the Goldent Triangle and it will be enough I think.

Summary:
Accommodations - FSGT clearly shines here.
3-day program - TECC is the clear winner for variety and overall experience.
1-day program - programs are about the same.

Dear KimJapan and Girlspytravel - I must thank you both (especially KimJapan) for the information. It is so hard to plan a trip like this from halfway around the world and reading this message board with all of the knowledgable posters is such a tremendous help. I realize that I get somewhat compulsive about checking and organizing in advance - but for me and my husband it will be the trip of a lifetime so I am trying hard to do it right. I really prefer to hear from "real people" instead of a sales staff or travel agent who probably doesn't know much more than I do. I got the FS Golden Triangle idea from another poster after I realized that I couldn't work Umpang into my schedule. It fits perfectly and looks like it will make this fantastic vacation a REALLY FANTASTIC VACATION. Now with your additional information I've decided to forgo the ECC and just enjoy Chiang Mai for the additional time I'll have there. It seems like I won't be able to help but love the FSGT. Thanks to you and all the posters. Oh, by the way, I'm sure I'll have more questions before my trip - hope you don't mind.

No problem, brencara, and while in CM make sure and go to the lovely SIAM CELADON TEA HOUSE-pictured here: Great small meals, lunch and tea-tranquil garden, one of my favorite spots in Chiang Mai!

http://chanchao.fotopages.com/?entry=94176

SIAM CELADON is my favorite place to buy celadon in CM, because it is the only celadon shop that makes an entire chess set of celadon porcelain-very unique! One side in traditional green celadon, and the other side blue-I have two sets, and I get great compliments on them. SIAM CELADON shop is located quite a bit aways from its Tea House, which is located on Tae Pae Road-the shop is located on SanKhaempeng Road in CM.

Thanks Girlspytravel - I hadn't heard about this place before - we'll be sure to stop by.