Mixed Emotions in Lampang

We arrived in Lampang which is considered "the last paradise in Thailand" by some locals... erm ??? we're not so sure. More of a backwater of wholesale ceramics, white goods and stainless steel stoves.

The view from our room which we were to use as launching pad for the elephant conservation centre the following day.
After a fully ponchoed wander around the streets we did stumble upon a little restaurant for a much deserved pad grapow (a bit salty) and chang beer.
The View up the river
On the bus up to the Elephant conservation centre
Lunch at outside the conservation centerThis baby elephant was 'adopted' by the big female.
With an arse the size of an elephant, you use a lot of paper BOOM BOOM!

if you squint, you can see a mahoot riding an elephant bareback.

Although the proceeds from the conservation centre go to the care of elephants and to the elephant hospital (noble indeed). It's not hard to wonder if the same could be achieved without having to offer tacky tourist elephant rides and shows. I would much rather think that people would support the conservation without wanting to see an elephant paint, play instruments, and walk along a path with a family on their back.

Needless to say, we visited the poorly elephants and products of the breeding programme, but didn't watch any shows, take any rides nor bought any paintings.

Although we did buy some elephant dung paper, It's shite.... BOOM BOOM