Visiting the Thai Elephant Conservation Center in Chiang Mai, Thailand

For the past 4500 years, elephants have been captured, domesticated and used for labor, transportation and even warfare. The Thai government created the Thai Elephant Conservation Center to educate the public about elephants, and it works to ensure their survival in the future. If you are ever in Chiang Mai, I highly recommend a private elephant trek to discover the vibrancy of this unique center. My family and I spent an afternoon there and enjoyed an amazing learning experience.

When an elephant is born into domestication, it is assigned a mahout (an elephant caretaker) who will be responsible for the elephant the rest of the mahout’s life. When I asked about the nature of the relationship, it was described as companionship: they are a lifelong team.

Here's something else we learned about these great beasts: elephants are quite graceful in mud, stepping carefully and never slipping - more solid than an SUV!

Part of the center’s mission is to promote the elephant as a healthy element of eco-tourism and increase understanding of the animals. If you are in Chiang Mai, be sure to stop at the Elephant Conservation Center, it's an experience you'll never forget.

Great News If You're Traveling To Hong Kong this Fall

We are happy to announce today that beginning in November, our company travNET will offer non-stop service from Los Angeles to Hong Kong through our contracted preferred travel partner United Airlines.

The new, non-stop LA to Hong Kong flight provides direct service to Ho Chi Minh City. It also offers an additional connection to Singapore. We are very proud of our valued, longstanding relationship with United Airlines, and this new non-stop route from Los Angeles to Hong Kong enables us to continue providing our clients with the highest level of service.

For information about visiting Hong Kong and other parts of China, check out: http://kiplingandclark.com/pagesNew/destinations_china.html

The Athleticism and Ancient Ritual of Sumo (相撲)

If you are planning a trip to Tokyo, you must be sure to include a Sumo (相撲) experience. Sumo is a unique part of Japanese culture; it is Japan's national sport.

Two wrestlers face off in a circular area called a dohyō (土俵). The basic rules are simple: the wrestler who either first touches the floor with something else than his sole, or leaves the ring before his opponent, loses. The fights usually last only a few seconds. The main Sumo tournaments are held six times per year, every other month beginning January.

If you cannot attend a Sumo match, an early morning private Sumo wrestling practice session is most compelling. In Musashigawa Beya my family and I were given a unique opportunity to see the Sumo wrestlers in a practice session; it was an amazing experience. Despite their weight and immense girth, the wrestlers displayed astonishing agility and durability.

I encourage you to attend a Sumo practice session or a Sumo match – we’re happy to make the arrangements for you!

Quick Facts about Thailand

- The Karen hill tribes of northern Thailand are also known as the Long Neck People. Starting at a very young age, girls wear heavy brass necklaces to elongate their necks. Women with long necks are considered to be the most beautiful in their village.

- Thailand has the potential to be the next Napa Valley. It has a burgeoning wine industry centered on the cool hills of Khao Yai where chenin blanc grapes prosper.

- Southeast Asia’s largest aquarium is located in Bangkok’s Siam Paragon shopping center: SiamOceanWorld. http://www.siamoceanworld.co.th/

- The popular Red Bull energy drink has its origins in Thailand. It was originally called Krating Daeng, or Red Gaur, a type of fox.