Thailand lets you relive your childhood fantasies with elephants by providing opportunities to join an exciting elephant-ride or by visiting them at several farms, zoo and entertainment centers.

Thai people have always held elephants in high esteem.  Traditionally, they were considered the highest of beasts.  A white elephant (albino) is regarded noble and even of divine birth.

Elephants are such pre-eminent in their culture that, during the early Rattanakosin Period (late 1700's), the emblem of the Thai Kingdom was a white elephant on a yellow flag.  And, when heads-of states visited Thailand, they were always welcomed with an elephant procession - considered the greatest honor one can bestow a visitor.

Their nobility made them the company of Thai monarchs during battles.  Some elephant get important titles because of that, such as the elephants "Plai Pimarchai," and  "Plai Aiyaramat," "Chao Phraya Prabtrichak,"  "Chao Phraya Chaiyanupharb," who earned their titles in the battlefield.

But even with their nobility, elephants are used as beasts of burden, and what beasts of burden they make.  They not only take part in royal functions, but also carry logs to and from the rivers. And in these modern times, are herded into elephant villages, where you see them at work and at play.

A member of the mammal family; elephants are characterized by a long trunks, which is an elongated nose.  It uses this trunk to pick up food as well as to suck water that is then sprayed into its mouth.

These tusks can grow into enormous lengths.  Its large head consists of a honeycomb skull bone, which, compared to its overall size, is relatively light.

Its average life span is about 60-100 years.  A new born elephant calf weighs about 90 km and stands about one meters tall. They mate at about 8-12 years.  Wild elephants live in herds, each led by a bull elephant.

No one has successfully kept count of wild elephants in Thailand.  But, if you are lucky, you may see several wild elephants at the Khao Yai or the Huay Kha Khaeng national reserve forests.

Or better, you can join an elephant trek as that will not only keep you near the animal - you will actually be carried by him.  You will also get to learn more about life in the raw countryside.  Your agency can arrange that easily for you.

Otherwise, you have to be contented with watching them in special shows in zoos, farms, and cultural centers.  Where, still, you can have a jumbo-full of fun.