Elephant Trekking in Chiang Mai

The city of Chiang Mai, nestled in northern Thailand, is a quick flight from the bright lights big city of ultra urban Bangkok, but it might as well be another world altogether. Here you can hire a tuk tuk, a small carriage drawn by a motorcycle, to motor you around the small but thriving city, sampling delicious native foods such as fish curry and banana coconut pudding. In the hot afternoon, you can take a bamboo raft down the river. Or spend a day exploring the famous Chiang Dao Caves, and visit a nearby village where Karen Long Neck Ladies purposefully extend their necks with the help of metal neck extenders.All of these are optional. But, one thing you absolutely must do while you are in this exotic city is to go on an elephant trek. The driver sits on the elephant head, while the passengers (usually two) share the seat strapped across the animal back. The elephant can cross streams on tiny stepping stones with the grace and balance of a gymnast. As he steps down, you are tilted at a 90 degree angle to the ground. (The motion may make you feel sick at first, but your body will soon become accustomed to it.)