Following a restful evening at the Bodhi Serene, those travelling aboard the Blue Jasmine got themselves ready to spend the day with a living Thai icon: the elephants of Northern Thailand.
Here, they would learn more about these gentle giants, many of whom were rescued from maltreatment at circuses or were otherwise browbeaten into hard labour at logging facilities.
Travel Daily Media’s Gary Marshall said of these rescued elephants: “It is awe-inspiring how such a big creature could be so gentle. But it is also galling to know how they’ve been abused to provide entertainment, or made to work under really cruel conditions. They’ve found a home in Chiang Mai and they’re being given the very best care.”
Indeed, the Chiang Mai Elephant Sanctuary prides itself on an observation-only approach: visitors may only watch the resident pachyderms from the sidelines, creating a truly valuable encounter unencumbered by interference as it respects the boundaries and overall well-being of the elephants.
As such, guests were advised not to expect the usual baths, rides, or tactile stimulation common to many so-called sanctuaries.
In Chiang Mai, it is enough to watch these majestic beasts as they go about their day in their natural habitat.
A vital element of Lanna culture
Interestingly, elephants have long been part of the culture of Northern Thailand, not only as a motif in traditional design, but a key element in the region’s history and mythology.
We previously mentioned the Temple of the White Elephant, and the name comes from the tale of how a monk sought divine guidance for a place in which to build a temple.
The white elephant under his care suddenly began to roam about, the hapless monk following in its wake, until it came upon a clearing atop Doi Suthet where it trumpeted joyously three times before slumping wearily to the ground.
Even today, elephants remain a focal point in local religion: these are associated with the Hindu god Indra and are depicted as protectors in temples.
Among Buddhists, the elephant represents mental strength and is believed to be a living talisman that draws in good luck and prosperity.
To the mountaintop
While guests were reluctant to leave their massive new friends behind, sunset brought its own thrills to the group.
Those from the Blue Jasmine made their way to a hidden mountaintop retreat to witness breathtaking sunset views across the horizon, a fitting end to a great day about.
Whilst enjoying the serenity of their surroundings, travellers were regaled with a live classical music performance that served as an exquisite soundtrack to the experience.
An exceptional meal at a local farm-to-table restaurant rounded off the day, fortifying the travellers for the next leg of the journey which would take them to Sukhothai.
Read our previous entries on our Blue Jasmine journey:
- Bangkok-Ayutthaya: https://www.traveldailymedia.com/all-aboard-the-blue-jasmine-meandering-into-ayutthaya/
- Overnight on board through Uthai Thani: https://www.traveldailymedia.com/all-aboard-the-blue-jasmine-curated-luxury-into-uthai-thani/
- Chiang Mai idyll: https://www.traveldailymedia.com/all-aboard-the-blue-jasmine-beguiled-by-the-beauty-and-spirit-of-chiang-mai/
