What you need to understand is that the elephants are domesticated and not wild. They cannot go back to the wild. They have interacted with people and not always well in their earlier life. That was the mission set by Patara they look after the elephants well and stress free but still allowing them to interact with people/tourists as elephants not performers. Some of the negative comments I have seen are unfounded and without knowledge. I also know that there is a social media discrediting attack initiated by other elephant camps in the area on Patara. You need to make your choice from the facts presented in front of you. Understand the requirements of these magnificent animals. Having visited many elephant camps over the years around Chiang Mai there are poor to excellent and Pat and his crew are up at the top.

We provide traditional outfit for who participated and also have whoes outfir for sale at our farm.

Aunque seas dueño por un día de un elefante, estás con todos!! Son una pasada.

There were 2 young/baby elephants in our small group. Very playful.

Everyone in our group rode, but be warned: it isn't easy. A few of our party got off and walked some of it when it got scary because they go up and down hills. I don't know what you would do for an hour while the group heads off atop their elephants.

Hi, I hope I'm not to late answering your question, but at the river, we bath the elephant that is assigned to you for a short period of time. Then the surprise, it they bathe you back. Take pictures!! It will be worth it!

Swimsuit to bathe the elephants, tennis shoes, sunblock, cel phone or camera, lots of love and willingness to have a blast with the gorgeous elephants!

Hi kelly0603, from my experience, while I was there, they never use the batons or other kind of instrument on animals or another situation. I think it’s for an urgent situation they might have to secure the area or something. The elephants are very kind, friendly and well fed and treated. Guides and staff are very responsible and kind. I totally recommend this place. All the activities were very relaxing, with or without, the elephants. It’s a great experience and, in my case, totally change my point of view about the elephants. Although they are huge, their kindness and emotions are amazing. I wanted to have a different experience, those parks with elephants playing football, or painting or… other thing else, it’s not for me. I wanted something very close to typical rural/jungle kind of life. And this one, fulfilled my expectations. Hope it helps 😉 Gi

I recommend you come with your swimsuit with a cover up. I was picked up directly from the hotel and taken to the sanctuary so you need to carry minimal stuff. The bathroom is like a portable potty size.

They have change rooms down near the elephant bathing area which you can use.