We are staying in Bangkok (3 days)and Kata Beach - Phuket (8 days)in December. Our teens would love to ride elephants, but unfortunately we are not going to Chiang Mai;The Elephant Conservatioon camp sounds great. Would love to hear your suggestions and experiences. Thanks, Liz.

No problem !

Try this link:

http://www.phuketjettour.com/tour/phuket/safari.htm

There are also others tours listed there which might be of interest, prices are very fair and you will find prices are quite standard.
I think they will enjoy!

Although not suggesting this next tour possibility ( I think the Phuketjet one is probably what you are after ) this link does show quite an interesting text about elephants and their meaning in Thailand which you might like to read/print out, gives some interesting points about Thai elephants.

http://www.phuketdir.com/kalimtrek/

James
What a great site for elephant rides. I was going to tell libbob that you can find elephant rides on Phuket, I'm thinking just beyond Karon Beach (on the way to Patong). But those rides do not compare in any way with the ones on the web site you suggested.

Carol

JamesA, great info. I have posted similar requests for info on several sites and you're the first one to come up with this info. Just what we're looking for. Hope to do it and will report for all interested upon my return in late Nov.

As Carol says there are elephants between Karon and Patong on the ridge opposite Safari Club past Meridient, but it doesn't compare with avtually going out on a trip, those prices look 'fair', I have no ideas if there are better, many of the tour/excursion operators actually use one and the same service but oncve you know the ball-park prices you will know what price to expect.

Thanks for your help. The tour JamesA suggested sounds good. Now we just need to decide which one to choose! Decisions, decisions.