Elephant Fun Friend

Elephant Fun Farm is a family run elephant camp in Nam Phrae, Hang Dong district, on the south-western edge of Chiang Mai. Elephant Fun Friend is the farm's shortest program: a brief visit to meet and feed the elephants, listed at around half an hour with the animals. It suits people passing through Hang Dong, travellers who are unsure how they feel around large animals, and families with very small children who will not last a full program.

You are introduced to the elephants by the family who keep them, hear a little about how Thai elephants live, and feed them by hand with food the farm provides. There is time to stand beside the elephants and take photos. The farm also keeps other small animals, including meerkats, that you can hold. If you find you want more, the farm's half day and full day programs add walking with the elephants and washing them.

Practicalities: the farm lists round trip transport from your accommodation in Chiang Mai, an English speaking guide, a local meal, drinking water and the elephant food for this program, but with only half an hour at the farm our office confirms exactly what applies to this visit before you pay. Groups are capped at 12 people.