Chiang Mai’s Intimate Elephant Refuge

As we pull into the sanctuary we are greeted by Tukta, Mr. Pop’s wife, cooking away in a small open kitchen area. The best Pad Thai lunch you will ever have is included in your day at the sanctuary. Walking around the corner, you are surrounded by rice paddies, a river, and beautiful mountains — the sanctuary lies on 18 acres of lush land. Everywhere you turn it’s green, full of life, and as open as if you were standing on top of your own mountain. And then there they are, three immense, wrinkly elephants roaming freely in this serene atmosphere. There are two adults and one baby elephant.