The latest addition of tourist destination in Hatyai Songkhla Thailand is the newly open Ton Buri Camp located near Tonga Chang waterfalls. It's on the right side of the road going to the waterfalls. Just 2 kilometers before you will reach the waterfalls and it's just along the highway.
We accidentally found this place when we went to Tonga Chang Waterfalls and an elephant trekking signboard along the highway caught our attention and we have seen a lot of elephants on the camp. We talked about it while enjoying coldness of the water at the waterfalls.
We accidentally found this place when we went to Tonga Chang Waterfalls and an elephant trekking signboard along the highway caught our attention and we have seen a lot of elephants on the camp. We talked about it while enjoying coldness of the water at the waterfalls.
When we go home, we inquired about this place but the manager encourages us to try it. Since it was a newly open camp, he said he will go to give us a discount if a lot of us will ride. So most of us decided to try it, especially the kids are very excited. For a ride 400 baht for adults, 200 baht for children (promotional price) and tips. At least 4 elephants were used, each elephant can ride two adults and one kid. Before we ride, we were asked if it's Ok for us to get wet.
Riding an elephant is very thrilling and scary. The road that the elephant is going to take is a hill. Not so high but it gives you a scary feeling. The elephant will pass into a river and they let you swim and play with the elephant. The tour guide will ask the elephant to throw water to you. It was fun and we enjoy it a lot. Then the elephant will take the hills again but this time it will be higher and scarier. We are really more scared of looking at the road that the elephant is taking. The elephant trekking will take more than 30 minutes of your time. The jungle has a lot of trees so it's not very hot compared to Chang Puak Elephant trekking. It was warm because it's near the river.
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| at the back is the 8 years old elephant that's hyperactive. |
Because a lot of us wants to ride. An 8 years old elephant was used. This elephant was very energetic and he was acting strangely throughout the travel. In the sense that my friend with his son and my nice decided to stop riding the elephant. My niece was ready to jump anytime. She was so scared riding this young elephant. But the elephant handler told them "it's ok, never mind". But they were just praying throughout their journey. So please avoid this little elephant. But the other 3 groups including us are riding the big elephant. So we enjoy the ride, the elephants are swinging while walking.
After the ride, fruits served, it depends upon the seasonal fruits but for us since it's summer. A cold watermelon was served and bottles of mineral water. Then after 5 minutes, they have an elephant show for us and they allowed us to ride in the elephants head. Scarier than riding an elephant with a wooden chair. Although I'm scared I tried. It's once in a lifetime experience so I must grab that opportunity. But I will never ride an elephant again. It's enough that I tried it once in my life. While riding they let the elephant take a few steps. It's scarier so I ask the guide to put me down. Then free picture taking with the elephants.
All in all, we enjoyed this place so much and the staff were nice but don't forget the tips. They will really ask for it. He told us that the camp is still under renovation, they will build more facilities for additional activities like monkey show and cobra show.
After the ride, fruits served, it depends upon the seasonal fruits but for us since it's summer. A cold watermelon was served and bottles of mineral water. Then after 5 minutes, they have an elephant show for us and they allowed us to ride in the elephants head. Scarier than riding an elephant with a wooden chair. Although I'm scared I tried. It's once in a lifetime experience so I must grab that opportunity. But I will never ride an elephant again. It's enough that I tried it once in my life. While riding they let the elephant take a few steps. It's scarier so I ask the guide to put me down. Then free picture taking with the elephants.
All in all, we enjoyed this place so much and the staff were nice but don't forget the tips. They will really ask for it. He told us that the camp is still under renovation, they will build more facilities for additional activities like monkey show and cobra show.
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| Picture taking with an elephant |
Things to bring:
Sunblock
Wear swimwear (optional)
Caps or hats
Sunglasses
Free: seasonal fruits and bottled mineral water
Update: We are sorry to inform you that Tone Buri Elephant Camp is close now. 😞
