A game of noble giants

Described as the game of kings, travellers should take a flight to Thailand in September for the unique sporting experience that is the annual King's Cup Elephant Polo Tournament.

Held in the resort of Hua Hin on the Gulf Coast of Thailand, from September 4th to 10th, the unusual sporting event attracts teams from around the world to compete for the Elephant Polo cup.

The tournaments are played out between two teams, each with three elephants using specially designed polo sticks but regular sized balls.

Games last for two chukkas of around ten minutes each, in what is a rather slower, but certainly no less interesting, version of horse-backed polo.

Part of a week-long fundraising celebration of elephants, visitors to the event in Thailand can also enjoy the Grand Parade of Elephants, accompanied by the Royal Navy Marching Band, an elephant blessing ceremony, an elephant orchestra and elephant painting.

All funds raised from the events go to the Thai Elephant Conservation Centre in Lampang, Northern Thailand.

For more information on the event take a look at the Thai tourism website.

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