Visitors to Thailand often have an experience of a lifetime when it comes to elephant riding. One will tell you that riding on an elephant's head gives you the tickles as you will feel the elephant's thick hair protruding though the cloth mat at you. However, riding an elephant and watching elephant shows are one thing, and observing an elephant undergoing its logging training is another whole new experience.

The Thai elephant Conservation Centre, 28km outside Lampang on the main highway to Chiang Mai, has replaced the former Elephant Training School at Ngao. Logging training sessions for young elephants are held daily at 9 a.m. in an attractive forest setting, and visitors are welcome.