Once again this spring, Thailand’s annual King’s Cup Elephant Polo tournament provided spectators with exciting matches, a beautiful setting and a great cause to rally around.
This year’s meet was noteworthy for its introduction of a brand-new polo pitch, built on the grounds of the Anantara Golden Triangle Resort.
From March 31 to April 6, 12 elite teams from all around the world descended upon Chiang Saen in the North of Thailand and battled it out for the championship of this unique sport.
The event has been held the last seven years to raise funds for the Thai Elephant Conservation Centre. Over $200,000 U.S. has been raised in that period. In 2006 the funds raised were put to custom-building an elephant ambulance and this year the money will go towards running the vehicle and also establishing a milk bank for baby elephants.
As anticipated by the experts, the finale of the tournament pitted Chivas Regal of Scotland against the Mercedes Benz team. A close game until the end, the Mercedes’ superior polo skillseventually won out.
The Anantara Resort Golden Triangle is located on a ridge overlooking the hills of Myanmar and Laos, on the Ruak river that divides Thailand from Myanmar. Recreational options at the resort include exploring the surrounding forest on an elephant or spending the dayat the Anantara Spa. For more information go to anantara.com.