STYLETHREAD -- LET'S TALK SHOP!

chloe · BCBG

Elephant trekking in phuket, thailand?

Lilykind · Hermes

I haven't been to Phuket, though my mom and brother have. My brother told me the snorkeling is wonderful there.

I can say riding on top of an elephant is super-fun and that it seems like most of the tours aren't terribly expensive. I saw some of the rates for elephant treks on Phuket Excursions (http://www.phuket-excursions.com/phuket_excursions/elephant_trekking.htm), and they seem to run around $25-40. (1 dollar = approx 33 baht)

I'd maybe do some more internet research. like seeing if others have posted at travel forums, before calling to set up a reservation.

Escrime · Kate Spade

Phuket is awesome...the beaches are amazing.

As for the elephant treks, I would wait until you get to your hotel (which one is it, if you don't mind me asking?). Your hotel concierge can help you arrange for the tour, and if you opt to do them yourself, you can probably negotiate a lower price.

If you're hesitant about an elephant tour company, I can probably give you more info if you know the name. I know a lot of the people who work in elephant conservation groups in Thailand, and they can give me info.

However, I strongly suggest that you use one that your hotel arranges. There's issues with tourism and elephants in Thailand, and I won't write it all out here, but there are "renegade" elephants out there with their mahouts who shouldn't be doing what they are doing.

Riding an elephant is an amazing experience, and it gives you time to enjoy the scenery and everything around. I'd highly recommend it (not that I am biased or anything!

)

chloe · BCBG

thanks for your replies!
Lilykind, I absolutely love snorkeling and will be sure to do so once im there. The beaches look unbelievable.

Escrime, yes ive seen your amazing pictures. Im a bit lurker as I am a sort of shy, i apologize but i just have to say that i think your awesome...hahaa. Im staying at Leelawadee Boutique Hotel on Patong beach. I made a request to Phuket-travel.com. They sent me an email with a link requesting prepayment. THis is what is said:

Thank you very much for your interest. We will make a request to travel agency or hotel on your behalf. We will contact you for the pre-payment once all items in your itinerary are confirmed. To speed up the process you may leave your credit card details here.

So im not quite sure where they will send my request to. DO you have any recommendations as to which agencies/companies are reliable? I suppose I can just make the arrangements the day I get there, Im just worried that the tours will be booked for the next day which is when I want to do it (for S birthday).

I appreciate any help you can provide me. Thank you soooo much :D

Escrime · Kate Spade

Chloe:

From that e-mail, it looks like the travel company books it through someone else who does the trekking, that's how I am reading the e-mail.

Fromt talking to my friends, it seems like a lot of the tour companies use this company: Siam Safari as their subcontractor for these tours. They are reputable, and you can book directly through them, if you are hesitant to do it through a place you found on the web, and it looks like you should do it beforehand, so you can make sure you get a spot on the day you want it.

Have fun and take LOTS of pictures! I will be in Chiang Mai in April, and I can't wait!

chloe · BCBG

Thanks so much Escrime! I really appreciate your help! I cant wait!!!!