PART 4 – ELEPHANTS!!! 🐘

Today we are going to see the elephants!
Honestly: We had some moral dilemmas when we decided to book this. That’s why we made sure there was no elephant riding and that animal welfare is prioritized. As much as possible.

We chose the Elephant InWild Sanctuary. And spoiler alert: It was absolutely the right decision.

But let’s start from the beginning. We are picked up in the morning in Chiang Mai and set off in a small group of eight people. First destination – even before heading to the elephants: the Sticky Waterfalls (Bua Tong).

The Sticky Waterfalls are famous for their mineral limestone rocks that provide amazing grip. So much so that you can actually climb the cascades with bare hands and feet. And what can I say: I had an enormous amount of fun. As soon as I see water, I turn into a fish. I bounce from step to step, occasionally lying down in the waterfall to enjoy the coolness. Fantastic!
The small downside: I end up completely wet in the car afterwards. But details.

Onward to the Sanctuary. Once we arrive, we first get an introduction: information about the elephants, dos and don’ts – and protective clothing to wear so we don’t get dirty. I seriously wonder how exactly I’m going to get dirty here… I will know very soon.

Next up: cutting melons. Or rather chopping. Elephant food.
The gentle giants are already ready when they see us with the green baskets. Four elephants curiously greet us. They obediently open their mouths to get the melon directly – or they just cheekily snatch it from my hand.

As a thank you, I get a big trunk kiss right in the face. Result: a proper hickey. Sunny, the biggest of the four, grabs me and completely wraps me in his trunk. It is an incredibly fascinating feeling – warm, powerful, and yet so gentle.

After feeding, the next program point follows: elephant spa.
And now I also know why I am wearing protective clothing.
A mud hole. With an elephant.
The question: “Who wants to go in and rub the elephant?”
My answer: Yes. Right now. Of course.

I am so in. And afterwards, I am so dirty.

To wash off all the mud, we head down to the river. Sunny is already bathing there – and we are basically bathing together. He has great joy in splashing us with water. At one moment, he wraps his trunk around me again and gently presses me against him.
I’m officially in love. 🐘❤️

What a day. What an experience. The InWild Sanctuary was simply incredible. Putting this experience into words – not possible! To finish off, we go rafting – and I am back in my element: water!

Back at the base, we can shower and put on something dry. This day will definitely remain in my mind forever.

Back in Chiang Mai, we head to the street food market in the evening. I grab a chicken-tuna wrap – nom nom. And after this really exhausting day, we definitely deserve a massage.
I just realized: I didn’t mention the previous massages at all. But hello – I’m in Thailand. Massage is a must.
This one is particularly good. I come out feeling like I’m on clouds: deeply relaxed, everything is light. Thank you, Mesa Thai Massage!

The next day, we simply do… nothing. Well, almost. We brunch at Hanna, stroll a bit through the old town, and do laundry. Just vacation.

In the evening, we end up in a cozy little restaurant. I have Pad Thai – a classic – and a Tom Yum cocktail. Tequila, rum… everything I need is in there.
Afterward, we stroll through the evening streets and treat ourselves to a drink at a rooftop bar. Very fancy. She’s Lost Control is the name of the drink – and yes, the name fits.

Then it’s back to our accommodation.
Good night, Chiang Mai.