A curious elephant used its trunk to try to reach for a tourist's shoes while wading through a river.

The jumbo was giving a holidaymaker father and son a tour around a cafe by the water when it was distracted by the bright yellow Crocs of a visitor in Chonburi, Thailand on November 7.

Footage shows the animal walking towards the edge where there was Mutthita Chewasan lounging with her friends.

It extended its trunk to sniff the bright-coloured rubber footwear, which Mutthita said it might have mistaken for banana.

She said: 'The elephant was gentle, but maybe it was thinking my shoes were fruit. When it realised they were not, it left.'

Tourists often come to Thailand seeking authentic experiences. They believe elephant rides, among other activities, offer a chance to engage in a traditional part of Thai life, including exploring jungles or rural landscapes.

However, the practice is criticised due to alleged ethical, environmental, and welfare concerns related to the treatment of animals in tourism.