Animals in Thailand

Animal encounters in Thailand build a trip of their own, and elephants top the bill. From Bangkok, tours run to the River Kwai in Kanchanaburi, pairing an elephant ride with bamboo rafting; in Phuket, elephant trekking slots into jungle itineraries, while Koh Samui hosts an elephant spa — a half-day of feeding and bathing the giants. There is also a safari format: on Samui you reach the elephants by 4x4 along the island's dirt roads, a programme of about seven and a half hours.

The urban alternative is parks. Safari World outside Bangkok works as a drive-through: animals roam around the vehicles, and the marine section stages shows; a visit takes two to four hours, with lunch-and-transfer packages available. Pattaya adds a dolphinarium with daytime sessions and the Underwater World aquarium with its walk-through tunnel, worth about three hours. Safari World tickets come in three flavours: safari only, marine park only, or both zones at once.

GetExperience lists 14 animal tours across the country from around 40 US dollars. Pages spell out duration, inclusions and rules for children. Pick a date and party size in the calendar; confirmation arrives quickly. Payment is online and the voucher lands in your inbox.