Countdown with Elephants and a Karen Elephant-Keeping Community

In today’s fast-paced world, large family gatherings have become increasingly rare. Families are scattered, and many traditions of coming together are slowly fading away. Yet, there is still one special place where family bonds remain strong. That place is hidden in the mountains of Mae Taeng, Chiang Mai.

On New Year’s Eve, December 31, 2025, I had the chance to join a New Year countdown at Rai Om Kod Phu Khao, a private and peaceful elephant camp nestled in the mountains.

The people here are Karen (Pa-Ka-Gae-Yaw). The camp is led by a kind-hearted Pa-Ka-Gae-Yaw elder whom everyone lovingly calls “Khun Poo (grandfather).”

That night, he welcomed his large, multi-generational family, along with all the elephant caretakers, to celebrate together. Grandfather has raised his children and grandchildren with strong values, teaching them kindness, respect, and unity. Because of this, everyone lives together in harmony. Even the elephant caretakers, though they are workers, are treated and cared for as part of the family.

The New Year celebration began with everyone gathering together and sitting around the campfire.

We helped ourselves to a variety of food that was served, all traditional local dishes from the village. There were many options, such as Khao Ber (rice porridge), stir-fried noodles, soup, fried pork, vegetables, and fruits.

I didn’t really know how to eat any of the local dishes, so I brought two chickens with me and asked a friend to grill them.

If you ask me why I didn’t try the food they served, I could have, of course. But I felt that since they kindly invited me for free, it was only respectful to bring my own food and drinks, so as not to trouble them too much.

During the celebration, there was live music performed by the singers from another Pa-Ka-Gae-Yaw village. Most of the songs were Thai, from the era when I was in high school, so I could even sing along, and there were also songs in the Pa-Ka-Gae-Yaw language. The music was soft and relaxed, perfectly matching the cool, comfortable mountain air. The evening started with these chill tunes, creating a calm and cozy atmosphere.

Later, there was a traditional hand-tying ceremony to warmly welcome the tourists who joined the celebration. After experiencing it myself, I realized I wanted to organize a tour like this, giving others the chance to experience something truly special that only happens once a year. If you’d like to join, you can contact me in advance to book your spot.

After that, children from the village performed simple shows. Not everyone danced in sync, and some songs had small mistakes, but everyone understood, since it wasn’t a formal event.

What I loved the most was that everyone wore their traditional clothing, which clearly showed how much they cherish and preserve their culture.

There was also a gift lottery, and I brought a small gift. I ended up winning a radio, which made me realize how much this village still preserves its traditional way of life. People here still listen to the radio, something I haven’t done in a very long time!

The night ended with an open karaoke session, where anyone who wanted to sing could join in. I gave it a try too, haha.

At midnight, we released lanterns together, letting go of all the bad things and negativity, and wishing for a good year ahead for everyone.

For those who would like to experience this celebration next year, the program is more than just the evening countdown. In the morning and afternoon, everyone can join various activities with the elephants, such as walking in the forest with them, feeding them, and observing their daily lives.

On the day of departure, there is a special New Year’s feeding for the elephants, making it a meaningful and unique experience. Guests also stay overnight at the elephant camp, where you can open your window and see the elephants up close, truly a very special chance to connect with these magnificent animals.

This celebration made me realize that even simple things can bring happiness. It also showed me that while I can enjoy being alone, I can just as well find joy in being with others. Normally, on special occasions like New Year’s Eve and countdowns, I prefer to stay by myself and not see anyone. But celebrating here gave me a completely different experience, it was refreshing, exciting, and full of warmth.

Coming to this countdown with people I didn’t know was unusual for me, yet it became a truly memorable and enjoyable experience. My message is to try something you’ve never done before, put yourself out there, meet new people, and experience new things.

Happy New Year!