This was undoubtedly one of the highlights of our Bangkok trip. I've always wanted to have a close encounter with elephants in a place that truly prioritises their welfare, allowing visitors to interact with them in a safe and respectful environment.
The day before, I booked a half-day morning excursion to Bangkok Elephant Park. I was picked up from the hotel at around 7.30 a.m., and after about an hour's drive, we arrived at the sanctuary. The programme began at 9.45 a.m., and we were each given a traditional top to wear for the activities.
We started with a short introduction about the elephants and the sanctuary's mission. Many of the elephants had been rescued from industries where they were exploited for logging, elephant rides, and circus performances. It was heartwarming to learn how the sanctuary is giving them a better and more peaceful life.
Our first hands-on activity was making a traditional Thai herbal inhaler using natural herbs and spices. Next, we prepared nutritious elephant supplements made from salt, rice, bananas, and tamarind. It was then feeding time! We offered the elephants bananas and bengkoang (jicama), and it was such an unforgettable experience to be able to feed, pat, and walk alongside these gentle giants.
After their meal, the elephants enjoyed a mud spa, which helps regulate their body temperature and keeps their skin healthy. Watching them happily rolling around in the mud was both entertaining and adorable.
The caretakers then guided the elephants to a bathing area before they headed into a swimming pool for some playtime. We even had the opportunity to help scrub away their dead skin while they splashed around. It was an amazing experience to interact with them so closely while knowing they were being treated with care and respect.
In the afternoon, my hubby and I headed to the trendy Song Wat neighbourhood. The area is filled with charming cafés, boutique shops, and local brands showcasing beautifully designed products. Of course, we couldn't leave without trying the viral mango sticky rice at Wan Jai cafe, freshly prepared only after you place your order. It definitely lived up to the hype!
As we continued exploring, we stumbled upon a unique dessert café called Agar Raga, where many of the menu items are made using agar-agar. Since we were still quite full, we opted for a refreshing drink and one of their signature desserts—perfect for cooling down in Bangkok's afternoon heat.
As the sun began to set, we walked over to the iconic Wat Arun. Our original plan was to watch the sunset and see the temple beautifully illuminated at night. Unfortunately, the sky was cloudy, and we also needed to catch the last ferry to IconSIAM.
Although we missed the sunset, we still managed to take a few beautiful photos with Wat Arun as our backdrop before boarding the ferry.
We ended our day at IconSIAM with a light dinner. Feeling a little adventurous, we tried crocodile meat for the first time—it surprisingly tasted very similar to chicken! Before heading back to the hotel, we also picked up some crispy Thai rice crackers to bring home to Singapore as souvenirs.
Looking back, it was one of those days that perfectly combined meaningful experiences, delicious food, and hidden local gems—definitely a day I'll always remember whenever I think of Bangkok.
Comments
Post a Comment