Address: 299/22
Phone: 66-81 9922551, 66 81-6710958

http://www.pataraelephantfarm.com/

Traveler Reviews

Once in a lifetime experience
Reviewed by JTravelBug1 on Feb 5, 2011


Was such an amazing experience and something I will never forget. I am very dubious about animal attractions anywhere in Asia, but this was superb. The elephants are absolutely beautiful and obviously happy and well cared for. The farm is out of Chiang Mai city in the peace and quiet, the trainers are lovely and make sure you have an enjoyable/safe time and the elephants are just wonderful... so sad the day was over! Money well spent and would highly recommend to others. Pay the extra and see the real thing, not some cheap imitation where the animals are not looked after.

Very special
Reviewed by travelbee37 on Feb 5, 2011


Had a great day at Patara Elephant Farm and instantly fell in love with our elephant. Very individualised service, beautiful surroundings, elephants seem reasonably happy, beautiful ride, fantastic lunch. Bathing with the elephants was the highlight for me, as you could truly tell how much they enjoyed this! The reason why I couldn't give 5 stars was that I was under the assumption that no hooks were used (which to me justified paying the extra $$$) . I realise elephants are big animals and this is one way to keep them under control. However, one elephant was bleeding at the end of the trip (from the use of the hook). I believe that most of the staff treat the elephants very well, but there seem to be some "black sheep" (maybe the company is growing too fast?). However, still sth. I would recommend (hoping that the above was a one off incident). My child (5 years) loved the experience as well and was looked after very well!

An amazing experience
Reviewed by CalifTravelBuddy on Feb 5, 2011


During our 50 days in Africa & Asia this was our most amazing day. Research all the other elephant places in Chiang Mai and on a previous trip even visited a elephant "show" place.Where the animals did tricks and even "painted pictures" which they sold. We wanted a more real experience. Therefore picked Patara because of Trip Advisor and Pataras web site. We were not disappointed. It was everything they said and more. It was a real genuine experience. The elephants were well cared for and you could see immediately they really loved elephants. Patara was a full day..they pick you up at 8AM and were on time. Back by 5PM They provide tops/pants.Photograph you and give you an included DVD at the end of the day for no extra charge Bring a bathing suit under your clothes and a towel. You wash off under a waterfall. You feed,check feces,dust,wash,swim with and of course ride your own elephant. The trainer carries your backpack/bag/shoes....you ride barefooted. Commands are written on your forearm and you get detailed instructions including how to get on your elephant. Getting off is easy since your elephant pulls along side a rock by the waterfall and you just step off...Remount after a great lunch of native foods. Dismounting at the end is also easy via a wooden structure at their office area. Personal transportation was provide then or you can go on another 30 minute ride with two on each elephant.Then back to your hotel after an amazing day

You will never look at an elephant in the same way again!
Reviewed by bamboo401 on Feb 5, 2011


Like many others, chose Patara on the educational aspect and needing our nellies to be treated humanely. Totally amazing experience and definitely worth the extra money. From inspecting our elephant's sweat between the toenails, to brushing them, scrubbing them, learning the mahout language, this is something we will never forget, and even our young kids, aged 3 and 6, got to participate every step of the way. After lunch, our elephants gobbled the remains in 2 mins flat, totally hilarious! In short, believe the hype and pay the extra. You will learn a ton, have an amazing experience, and rest assured that your Nellie will remain happy and healthy long after you are gone. P.S. The baby twins are very cute!

the most memorable day of my life
Reviewed by etb874 on Jan 28, 2011


We knew we wanted to have an elephant experience and selected this from TripAdvisor recommendations. My husband and friend were skeptical of spending a whole day at the refuge but by the end....really by about 20 minutes into the day....they were as excited by the experience as I was. There is no way to convey in words the thrill of a personal relationship with an elephant, including feeding, checking health, bathing, riding and....do not miss this....swimming with! I would go back to Thailand just for another day at Patara.