Throughout your experience you will have an experienced guide with you helping you get the most out of your time in Bangkok, Surin and the elephant village. Not only is your guide an elephant expert (as well as being a guide expert!) but they are also on hand to help as a translator with the local community when you’re sharing stories and enjoying learning about each other. 

You’ll be hands-on with the day to day care of the elephants. You will assist with providing food and water, mucking out and helping to bathe them – great fun !  You’ll learn to work with the villagers to plant and harvest the crops needed to sustain the elephants’ vast appetite. You’ll also learn to safely ‘walk’ your elephant for daily exercise. 

As a guest and temporary member of the community we encourage you to interact with the villagers. You may be able to assist with maintaining the village – basic repair and renovation work - as well as joining in with community activities. All the time you’ll be supported by a dedicated English speaking member of the team.

You’ll have the opportunity to learn to cook some delicious Thai dishes and be invited to give alms to the local monks.  In the afternoons, the team will arrange some fun and relaxing activities such as swimming or a kayaking.  You may even catch a fish or two after learning the traditional techniques as well as learning to make your own paper from elephant dung - nice!

Itinerary

Day 1 (Sunday) Arrive into Chiang Mai Airport between 0800 and 1600 and say Sawasdee to Thailand.  After collecting your bags you’ll be met and transferred to your accommodation, a journey of a little over 30 minutes.

Days 2-6 Culture & Activities Week (Monday-Friday) Your first week is packed full of cultural activities where we explore Chiang Mai and its beautiful surrounding areas, getting acquainted with Thai culture.  It includes language and cooking lessons, visits to temples and markets, the Umbrella Village and hot springs.  

The mountainous landscape surrounding Chiang Mai offers a plethora of captivating natural attractions. Known as a hub for Thai handicrafts, this city is also home to two tribal villages. Culture Week provides a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in Thai culture through a variety of cultural activities, sightseeing, and free time to fully appreciate the breathtaking mountain scenery.

Days 7-8 (Saturday/Sunday) There is so much to see and do in and around Chiang Mai – take a daytrip to Doi Inthanon, Thailand’s highest mountain, or visit hill tribe villages, waterfalls or markets – or head to the famous traveller hangout village of Pai for the weekend.

Days 9-13 Elephant Project (Monday-Friday)  During your week at the elephant sanctuary, you’ll be immersed in the mahout way of life, getting hands-on with the day to day care of the elephants who live here.  You will get the chance to experience and bond with these gentle giants by bathing them and preparing their food, which typically comes in the form of grass, sugarcane and banana plants.
 
You will assist with providing food and water, mucking out and helping to bathe them – all great fun !  You’ll learn how to cook their sticky rice, then make rice balls – an elephant favourite!  You’ll collect, wash and prepare their fruit and we’ll spend time with the elephants as they graze and take mud baths.  You’ll also learn to safely walk alongside them as they head to the river for a refreshing swim.

Your last day (Saturday) You’re free to leave any time Saturday morning.  Grab a taxi or local transport to the airport, bus or train stations for your onward travel.

About the Project

​Elephants have long been utilised by humans for a wide range of tasks, but sadly the elephants often suffer from abuse and neglect despite their revered status in Thai culture. Factors such as poaching, deforestation and habitat loss have led to a significant decline in Asian elephant populations, making them an endangered species. In response to these challenges, our project takes place in a sanctuary that provides a safe haven for old, sick, disabled, previously abused or illegally-owned elephants. Our focus is on working for the elephants, prioritising their well-being.  

During the day, the elephants roam freely in the sanctuary and are then taken to the forest in the early evening. You will have the privilege of spending time alongside experienced mahouts, who dedicate their lives to understanding and caring for elephants. The sanctuary welcomes short-stay visitors for respectful interactions with the elephants and it is essential to acknowledge the significant ongoing support required to maintain these majestic animals. Many of them have endured captivity for laborious tasks like logging and farming or entertainment purposes such as riding and shows. As a result, you may witness around 40-50 individuals on-site, working diligently to provide care for the elephants here.
Accommodation & Meals
Participants will be based in our volunteer house in the Chiang Mai suburbs, sharing a single-gender bunk-style room with three to seven others.  Rooms are air-conditioned and there is wifi available throughout.  The bathroom facilities have hot water and western-style toilets.  A private room upgrade option is available on request for a surcharge.

3 meals per day are provided during weekdays and 2 meals (B/D) during the weekend. All the meals are homestyle, vegetarian-friendly typically Thai style dishes, including plenty of rice or noodle dishes with vegetables.  Occasionally some meat and fish will be served as well, along with seasonal fruits for dessert.