There I was, on the first day of my holiday in Phuket, one of the world’s most famous beach destinations known for its glorious sun, sand, and sea. I had arrived with my boyfriend, my oldest friend, and her boyfriend, ready for days of lounging on the beach and snorkeling in the crystal-clear waters. Our bags were packed with bikinis and sunblock, perfect for a tropical getaway.

But instead of heading straight to the beach, the very first thing I convinced everyone to do upon checking into our hotel was… go elephant riding.

I can almost hear you thinking, “Wait, what?” But there’s a reason behind this seemingly random detour. Elephants, known for their intelligence and gentle nature, have been deeply revered in Thailand for centuries. They are a symbol of strength and loyalty, often featured on Thai coins, in Buddhist temples, and even on local beer logos.

Back to my story. I had originally researched an elephant shelter that sounded perfect, but after arriving, I couldn’t find any information on it. Rather than drag my group through the heat in search of it, we opted for an elephant “safari” near Karon Beach. My boyfriend and I were paired with a sweet, female elephant—whom I’ll affectionately call Girl. With a bit of nervousness, we carefully climbed onto her back, settling into the seat she carried. And then, our adventure began.

As we meandered through a forest of rubber trees, time seemed to slow down. Our cheeky guide, full of humor, let us sit “up front,” where we gently nudged Girl behind her ears to guide her. She was incredibly patient, pausing to sip from puddles and snack on nearby shrubs. Every now and then, she playfully veered under low-hanging branches, making us laugh as we ducked and held on. It felt like hours had passed, but in reality, our journey lasted just one blissful hour.

When we returned to the safari reception area, I had a brief moment of anxiety. The guide had taken several photos of us during the ride and I worried he might demand an unreasonable tip for his extra help (this isn’t uncommon in tourist spots). Thankfully, my boyfriend was so delighted with the experience that we happily tipped well beyond the expected amount.

As our ride came to an end, Girl rested by a water trough, looking peaceful and content. I couldn’t resist feeding her some bananas, which she gracefully accepted with her long, sinuous trunk. In return, she gave me a wise, knowing look that I’ll never forget.

I may have come to Phuket for the beaches, but it’s Girl—the gentle elephant I met on an unplanned adventure—who will forever stand out in my memories.