Itinerary
Day 1 (Friday) Arrive at Bangkok Suvarnabhumi airport (airport code BKK) and say Sawasdee to Thailand. After clearing customs and immigration, you’ll be met by our local team and taken straight to your accommodation in the heart of Bangkok’s backpacker district, a journey of around 40 minutes, depending on traffic. Arrive any time between 6am and 10pm and we’ll be there to meet you at the airport with a warm welcome.
Day 2 (Saturday) After a good night’s sleep (and/or a late night enjoying the Khao San scene), you’ll meet your coordinator and other members of your group at orientation (it is highly likely you met already yesterday). At orientation you will learn more about Thailand, it’s history, culture and modern day life; as well as what to expect from your trip. Later we take you on a fun city tour of Bangkok – we’ll explore the old city and its magnificent temples, and we’ll head out by long tail boat down the river, stopping off at the incredible Temple of Dawn and the huge Reclining Buddha at Wat Pho. On return, we’ll enjoy an evening out on lively Khao San Road. Day 3 (Sunday) This morning we head to Surin, usually by train (sometimes bus), a journey of up to 7 hours through the Thai countryside. Thailand’s trains are slow but full of character making the journey an experience in itself! On arrival in Surin, we’ll check in to our city accommodation with time to explore this great regional city, where tourists remain a novelty and are often met with a warm welcome.
Days 4 to 7 (Monday to Thursday) For the next four days you will be volunteering at a local school or community project in need of a helping hand, doing hands-on renovation work alongside our local team. Projects vary and range from constructing a basic roof, renovating local community buildings or painting the local school. Whatever the specifics of your project you’re not expected to be an expert and you’ll not be exposed to anything risky – our coordinator is there to guide and advise you, and work gloves and water are always provided. Days 8 to 10 (Friday to Sunday) Now that you’ve completed your renovation project, you have free time for the next 3 days to relax and explore as you please. Surin is a fairly laidback town but at weekends the pace picks up with a livelier night-life to explore – there are dozens of great places to eat, plenty of bars and even a few clubs to check out. If you’re lucky, there may also be events such as Muay Thai exhibitions, concerts or festivals. Visitors to Surin remain a novelty and are met with a warm welcome. If you’re feeling adventurous, then neighbouring Cambodia and the bucket-list temple site of Angkor Wat is within reach and well worth the effort. As are the idyllic white sand beaches of Koh Samet island or the lush national park of Khao Yai. Just ask our team to help you plan your weekend adventure. Days 11 to 14 (Monday to Thursday) On Monday morning we’re off to the elephant village, in the countryside outside Surin city. Here you’ll live alongside the local people and of course the elephants, immersing yourself into traditional village life and get up close and personal with one of Thailand’s most iconic creatures. From Monday to Thursday you will stay in homestay accommodation here in the village and support the mahouts caring for the elephants. You will assist with providing food and water, mucking out and helping to bathe them – great fun ! Afternoons are about relaxing at the house or joining in fun activities organised by the team. Your village hosts are excellent cooks and all meals while at the village are included. On Thursday afternoon, we return to Surin city for one more night before we hit the road again. Day 15 and 16 (Friday / Saturday) Our team will drop you at the bus station with all you need for the journey to Bangkok - tickets, hotel reservation and taxi fare with instructions in Thai for the driver. You’ll spend Friday night in Bangkok and all day Saturday, before taking the overnight bus south which leaves around 9pm (Saturday). Long distance overnight bus travel in Thailand is very normal, very safe and a fun part of any travel experience here, and our team will have provided everything you need for a seamless journey with problem-free connection to the Koh Tao ferry. Days 17 to 21 (Sunday to Thursday) You’ll be met on arrival next morning and taken to your home for the next 5 nights in paradise ! Koh Tao is a beautiful island where you can choose to laze on the beach, book a snorkel trip or take an Open Water PADI course. There is plenty to keep you busy! Days 22 to 27 (Friday to Wednesday) Just a short ferry ride over to the party island of Koh Phangan where you can relax, party, and immerse yourself in island life. Your days and nights here in your island paradise are yours to play with as you wish. Koh Phangan has some of the most incredible beaches in Thailand, with white sand, clear water and blue skies at every turn so find a shady spot in the sand and relax. Take a hike up to one of the many awesome viewpoints on the island for a breathtaking panorama. There are loads of temples, waterfalls and jungle to explore on the island.Whatever your pace, come sunset you’ll want to grab a cocktail or coconut and enjoy the good vibes. Koh Phangan is world famous for its parties – full moon, half moon, black moon…you name it, there will be a party of some sort most nights. For a more chilled evening, grab dinner in a beach shack restaurant and chat with backpackers from across the globe. Day 28 and 29 (Thursday / Friday) Time to wave goodbye to Koh Phangan as you make an early start on the ferry to the mainland, heading back to Bangkok on the daytime bus, arriving in the city late evening. One last night in Bangkok with a final chance to shop or party on Khao San Road, before you depart any time on Friday. |
Elephant Village projectThe training of domestic elephants by mahouts is an ancient tradition in Thailand. Traditionally elephants were largely trained for logging to support the local community. With the ban of the logging industry many mahouts were forced to bring elephants into urban areas to beg for money.
The Elephant Village Experience provides a responsible and sustainable alternative. It provides an experience that financially supports the whole community whilst allowing visitors to participate in village life. This fosters an opportunity for travellers to learn about rural Thai culture as well as begin to understand the diverse challenges that face elephant communities in Thailand. Along with your group, you will spend lots of time up close to these magnificent animals. You will also come to understand the meaning of ‘sanook’. If it's not ‘sanook’, it's not worthwhile! – boy do the villages know how to have a great time! Please note that we do not condone the riding of elephants by visitors. Riding of the elephants by customers is not allowed. The bond between the mahout and elephant is very special and culturally complex thus should be respected. 
Accommodation In Bangkok, you’ll stay at a local guest house In Bangkok, you’ll stay at a local guest house on Khao San Road, the backpacker heartland of Bangkok. Rooms are basic but comfortable, allocated on a shared basis and with air-con, hot shower and en-suite bathrooms. Wifi is available for a small fee.
In Surin your home will be one of our team houses which are rented from the local community in a great location. Rooms are fan-cooled and hostel-style and bathrooms are shared. Free access to wifi is provided, though don’t expect reliability or lightning speeds here in the provinces. At the elephant village , accommodation is a local family homestay, basic but clean and comfortable. You will live ‘Thai style’ sleeping up to five a room on floor mattresses. Fan-cooled rooms have mosquito mesh windows to keep the bugs out, and shared bathrooms have cool showers. There is a shared kitchen where our team will help you prepare some delicious meals. No wifi here. In Koh Phangan, you’ll stay in a twin/triple/quad-share room at a beachfront hotel with pool in a relaxing area, easily accessible to busy Haadrin. Meals All meals are provided whilst at the elephant village - purchase or self-cater elsewhere |
