Our initial plan is to take the Elephant ride in Ayutthaya. That's why I was so sad and disappointed when we were not able to do such. Since we booked a group tour in Ayuttahaya, we were not able to have our own free time and we missed the Elephant ride because we had to follow the tour programe.
Good thing, Angelo can't stand seeing me unhappy. On our last day in Bangkok, he asked the hotel's concierge where can we have the elephant ride. They gave us two options: 1. go back in Ayutthaya 2. visit the Elephant village near Damnoen Saduak Floating Market. We chose option 2 because it's nearer in Bangkok (about 1 hour ride), it's cheaper and we also wanted to see the floating market.
We booked a taxi through the hotel for 1500 baht. The taxi would take us to the elephant village and floating market and would also wait for us and take us back to the hotel. So it's like having our own private transport.
The taxi driver's english name is Potato (maybe he loved french fries too much). He's kind, can speak English and hospitable because he bought us buko juice, gave us fruits and also willing to buy our lunch in the floating market --- which we have to decline because we're not really into Thai food.
Despite Potato's kindness and hospitality, I was kinda irritated with him that day because he kept on insisting that we should ride the boat in the floating market. We politely told him that we just wanted to take pictures of the market and after that we'll go straight to the elephant village. Sadly, he still kept on saying that we should try it, that all tourists who visited Thailand ride the boat and blah blah blah. So to make him stop blabbering, Angelo told him that we would check it out. So, he took us there, upon arrival there were already locals waiting for us, a lady explained to us the tour interinary, after that she guided us to the cashier without even asking if we're interested or not. We asked how much and it's 2000 baht per person. Seriously, a little boat ride to the canals to see different markets should not cost that much. Of course, we know that this is a tourist trap. They were still willing to haggle with us but we firmly said no and walked away.
Potato FINALLY took us to the actual market. We went inside, took pictures and went straight to the Elephant village.
Welcome to Elephant Village! Elephant ride costs 600 baht per person, this is cheaper than Ayutthaya which is 1100 baht per person. The elephant would go around the forest and would dive into a river---but tourists won't get wet since you'll be seated in a high chair.
At the middle of the ride, the mahout will offer you jewels that said to be lucky charms. We said we're not interested and the mahout kept it right away. Gladly, he didn't insist anymore and I like the mahout who was assigned to us. When he saw us, he asked "Philippine?" and we said yes, and he answered back.. "Philippine..Manny Pacquiao". I asked if he knew Mario Maurer but he didn't. I laughed and we learned that he's an avid boxing fan. PacMAn is really global!
I will not forget my first elephant ride! It's amazing how this huge and strong beast can be so gentle, playful and smart. I would defintely love to have an elephant ride again!
Before we head back to our hotel, we visited the Holy Redeemer Church in Pathumwan. It's a Catholic Church amidst the Buddhist Temples in Thailand! Amazing, isn't it? We prayed inside and thank God for our memorable trip.
We had our late lunch n Siam Paragon, went back to the hotel and headed to Suvarnabhumi airport for our 9:00 pm flight back to Clark via SeaAir. We left Bangkok on time and arrived in Clark earlier than our estimated time of arrival. Thumbs up!
Kob Khun Ka Thailand! Till my next visit!
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hi, where did you stayed in Bangkok? I read that Sukhumvit area is the best place to be when you're visiting thailand. Thanks for sharing your elephant experience.
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