Lampang and the Elephant Refuge

Trip Start Feb 15, 2008
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Trip End May 31, 2008

Flag of Thailand  ,
Tuesday, May 27, 2008

Lampang is a northern province of Thailand and is located in the broad river valley of the Wang River, surrounded by mountain chains. The location is quite layback and is known for being the only town in Thailand still using horse drawn carts. It's not overrun by tourists and there are some good restaurants alongside the river. We stayed at the Riverside Guesthouse which is nice and has a terrace area overlooking the river.
The following day we travelled by songthaews to the elephant conservation centre. This is a great experience and a must see for anyone travelling through the region. Highlights include watching elephants bath in the river, the elephant parade and taking an elephant ride through the jungle. Though the highlight is watching the elephant show which features displays of how elephants have assisted in the timber industry though this region by moving and dragging logs, elephants playing music and elephants painting.
After lunch we continued on to visit the Friends of the Asian Elephant hospital. The hospital was formed in 1993 to provide medical assistance to Thai elephants, both domesticated and wild. The foundation also helps domesticated elephants by assisting in the upgrade of their living conditions. Another significant threat to the safety of elephants is the land mines which line the Thai Burmese border. The hospital has assisted a number of elephants who have wandered over the border and stepped on mines.
As soon as forests are destroyed, the number of animals dwelling in natural forests alarmingly declines and larger creatures, namely "elephants", are placed in serious danger. As a result of loss of habitat and poaching there are now only 2,000 elephants in the wild and 2,000 elephants in captivity in Thailand. The elephant is Thailand's symbol and Friends of the Asian Elephant endeavours to assist this remarkable animal.
On the way to our accommodation at Aoi's Homestay, which lies in the hills surrounding Chang Mai, we stopped at San Kamphaeng hot springs which are set amongst tropical gardens and are a pretty relaxing spot to spend the afternoon. My travel buddies all opted for a one hour Thai massage so I was the only one who took a dip in the hot pools.
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