There are few animals that balance power and grace, like elephants. For many wildlife lovers, being able to see elephants in their natural habitat is an experience worthy of the bucket list. As well as being able to see Elephants on an
African safari holiday, you can also see them in Asia, and more specifically,
Thailand.
In Thai culture, elephants are incredibly significant - they're the national animal of Thailand! Thailand is home to Indian elephants, a type of Asian elephant, and it's thought there are nearly 3,500 wild elephants and nearly 4,000 domestic elephants living in Thailand today.
For those who want to meet elephants in Thailand, there are some brilliant ethical resort options that can make this dream come true. One such example is
Elephant Hills in Khao Sok. As the name suggests, this resort is perfectly positioned for an elephant encounter, and you'll be able to feed and interact with this incredible species during your stay.
Or, you could plan your stay at
Four Seasons Tented Camp Golden Triangle in Chiang Rai. Set amidst the bamboo jungle, you'll be able to experience up-close elephant encounters with rescued elephants and walk through the surrounding jungle with them, watching them bathe in the river and being fed.
If you want to experience Thailand in all its glory, then our 15-night tour, Two Wonderous Weeks in Thailand, is the perfect solution. With all of the organisation taken care of, as well as visiting Elephant Camp, you'll be able to spend time in Bangkok and Phuket.
Tigers are a beloved animal. They are fierce, beautiful and powerful. However, they are also elusive if you don't know where to look. On a
luxury holiday to India, you'll be able to explore some amazing national parks and seek out beautiful Bengal tigers in their natural habitat with the help of passionate guides.
Known as the 'Tiger State', those who aspire to spot those iconic orange and black strips should visit
Madhya Pradesh when travelling to India. Thanks to pioneering conservation work, the natural flora and fauna here are incredible, and any keen naturalist will feel in their element. As well as seeing tigers when exploring the national parks here, you can also find amazing birds, leopards, wild dogs and more.
If you're interested in seeing tigers in the wild, read our article below for all the information you'll need to arrange an unforgettable trip.
READ MORE:
Wildlife Encounters: Seeing Tigers in India
Is there a creature more lovable than the Giant Panda? Endemic to China, the giant panda is adored the world over for their bold personalities and even bolder coats, with iconic black eyes. However, the giant panda is one of the rarest mammals in the world and one of the world's most threatened animals.
For those who want to see pandas, we recommend you stay in
Chengdu. Home to the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding (Panda Base for short), Chengdu is home to dozens of pandas, including cubs. The base is built to resemble a natural panda habitat and is the best place to see pandas. We recommend that when you visit the base, you arrive as early in the day as possible, as the facility gets busier as the day goes on, and the pandas tend to become tired and less playful later in the day. If you aren't a resident of China, you'll need to bring your passport along to enter.
If you want to see giant pandas, then we've got some brilliant holiday options that can make your stay in Chengdu even more unforgettable. The
Shangri-La Hotel Chengdu is a wonderful choice, with the in-house CHI, The Spa, brilliant dining options and panoramic views of the city. Or consider
The St. Regis Chengdu. Perfect for families, The St. Regis has amazing facilities and can ensure your trip is extra special.
If it's elusive animals you want to experience, then the amazing snow leopard, residents of the Himalayas, is the ideal candidate. Majestic, fierce, solitary; there are many ways to describe the snow leopard. Their low numbers and elusive home means that they are one of the world's rarest animals and one that very few people get to see in their lifetimes.
On our trip, snow leopards in the Mighty Himalayas, you'll be able to work with an expert guide and trackers and search out snow leopards across three Himalayan valleys, giving you the best possible chance to spot this elusive animal. You'll stay at the Snow Leopard Lodge in Ulley and have a chance to see not only snow leopards but wolves, Himalayan foxes and predatory birds.
As well as looking for snow leopards, you'll spend time in Delhi and Leh, where you'll learn more about snow leopard conservancy and the work that's done to protect them. Leh doesn't only allow your body to acclimatise on your ascent, but you'll be able to explore this classically Tibetan city amidst towering valleys.
When it comes to a
wildlife encounter holiday, Asia can offer the experience to see a wealth of elusive and impressive animals. Whether you choose to track snow leopards in the Himalayas or meet elephants in Thailand, you'll be sure to have an unforgettable experience that will stay with you for a lifetime. And, with our selection of
luxury holidays, you'll be able to do so in style.
Are you looking for more travel inspiration? Filled with first-hand travel tales, expert destination guides and more, our
luxury online travel blog can help.