Patara Elephant Farm.

The entire reason that we went to Chiang Mai was for the elephants.  A friend of mine recommended the Patara Elephant Farm – a Thai-owned elephant farm that focuses on elephant conservation.  Once I researched the place, I knew that we would be changing our whole trip to make it up there.  

At Patara, you have the opportunity to be elephant caretakers for the day.  You spend the morning learning about what makes them happy and healthy.  This includes feeding them, brushing them, bathing them, checking their dung (yes, we paid to do this), learning commands so that you can communicate with them, and riding them.  Just to be around these majestic animals was unbelievable in itself, but to learn so much about them and their lives was such a crucial part of the experience.  It was, without a doubt, one of the best days of my life.   

  

Not only does Patara match you with an elephant for the day - they also take pictures and videos all day long for you!  Just a note of warning if you are traveling to Chiang Mai and want to go to Patara, you have to make reservations months in advance.

Here is our day spent at my dream job...

Matt's elephant was Ma Moon - it was love at first sight!

Mine was the biggest - his name was Du-Du (otherwise known as Big Daddy).

It actually didn't smell bad!

Check out how Big Daddy is helping me get up.