Koh Samui Elephant Trekking

It's a bit like The Big Buddha, The Grandmother and Grandfather Rocks and the Namuang Waterfall. Elephant trekking is one of those things that you just have to do if you're planning on more than just lying by the pool or partying the nights away.

But don't pack your overnight bag. Some parts of Thailand have elephant treks that last all day - or at least for most of it. But Samui has its own way of trekking, involving a 30-minute or 60 minute lumber (the elephant, not you) in a circle. Having said that, it's really enjoyable!

Over on west coast is Lipa Noi, it's in one of the prettiest parts of the island. It takes in the delightful surroundings of the Namuang Waterfall where the elephants are based.

There are two different ways you can go about this. One is to make your own way over to the Namuang Waterfall, dip, bathe and relax for a while, eat something at one of the several small cafes - and then go off to the nearby elephant-area and thumb one down!

The other - and much more straightforward - way is to book a tour from your resort or one of the many tour operators that are scattered around. You'll be collected from your resort and returned there again afterwards with the minimum of fuss and bother. The cost is similar to other island tours, it varies from one operator to another, but expect to pay between 1,000 baht and 1,500 baht for your large mammal travel experience!