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   You are here » Home » Tours » Elephant Encounter

Elephant Encounter

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Trip Highlights

Your "Taste of Volunteering" Project

Elephant Nature Park is a unique project, established in the 1990's to provide a sanctuary and rescue centre for elephants. Volunteer jobs are varied, from bathing elephants to basic health care. Help these beautiful creatures and gain an insight into Thai culture as you get to know the people who permanently care for the elephants.

Volunteer jobs are varied, and you should get to:
- Feed and bath elephants
- Help preserve the rain forest, and help with replanting trees
- Learn about diseases affecting elephants and how to treat them when they are sick
- Work on other forest conserving activities with villagers


What’s more, through this volunteering, you can also:
- Learn about elephant communication
- Learn the secret life of the elephants in their natural habitat
- Visit the elephants working at trekking camps
- Learn about herbal medicine
- Visit a Karen ethnic minority hill tribe family (the tribal family traditionally caring for elephants) home stay
- Learn Karen tribal cookery
In some cases you may be required to look after our recent rescues and may be sent to different areas. You are also required to help with household chores and cooking.
You will interact with the Thai people who are permanently caring for the elephants, as well as travelling in various modes of transport whilst volunteering – from 4WD’s to bamboo rafts! You will experience local and tribal lifestyles, culture and hospitality in this amazing, inspiring project.
 

Trip Summary

This remarkable volunteer project blends the stunning sights, fascinating people and delicious food of Thailand, with a unique, hands-on elephant rehabilitation mission.

Delve into the local psyche and culture with some basic language lessons. It is remarkable how a few simple words can open doors and lead to unforgettable experiences. We include a traditional Thai massage to finish your day. Savour these moments and the fantastic scenery as you make your way north.

The northern reaches of Thailand are home to the Asian Elephant. Domesticated for centuries, it is commonly used in the forestry industry and tourism. Unfortunately these magnificent endangered creatures are often mistreated. Feel the rewards of making a real difference to their quality of life and get to know the people that care for them on a daily basis.

Despite this amazing highlight to your trip is far from over. Spend the next days indulging in scenic treks and adrenalin filled rafting to round off a unique and memorable adventure.

Travel by bamboo raft as you sample the generous hospitality of these remarkable people and immerse yourself in local and tribal lifestyles.

Re your accommodation: except while volunteering and trekking, accommodation will be in standard hotels based on 2 persons sharing a twin-bedded room. All rooms are air-conditioned with attached shower and toilet. While being a volunteer at Elephant Camp accommodation will be a bamboo hut. Each hut can accommodate 2 people. The shower with western style toilet is en suite. While trekking, accommodation will be in village huts. Sleeping facilities consist of a floor mat and a sheet.

For more information contact us.

Fantastic Extension Trips
1: Laos
2: Cambodia

Other Great Adventures
Cambodia - Cambodian Explorer
Cambodia - World Heritage Wonders
China - Home of the Giant Pandas
India - Sunderbans Smiles

 

Feel free to contact us if you have any enquiries about this trip.   contact us

Pre-trip Buenos Aires
 
Info
Tour Code:
TL008
Length:
14 Days
Activity Level:
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Comfort Level:
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Projects:
Environmental
Police Check:
None Needed
Guest Numbers:
2 - 12

Price from
US$2,200

Approximately:
NZ$ 3,150
GB£ 1,450
AU$ 2,450
CA$ 2,350
EUR€ 1,650
Extra charge for solo travelers:
US$ 870



The price is per person, based on 2 people sharing a room. We can tailor-make a trip to meet your exact requirements.
tailor-make
With one person booking, please contact us for the price of your trip.
contact us

Dates

You can choose your own trip start dates. Please contact us if you would like to proceed or require any further information.
contact us

Suggested Itinerary

We would be delighted to tailor-make this to your requirements.

Day 1: Arrival Bangkok, briefing (D)
Day 2: Language lessons, shopping, sightseeing, optional night market walk (B)
Day 3: Language lessons, sightseeing, student interaction, markets, overnight train to Chiang Mai (B)
Day 4:
Chiang Mai, Doi Suthep and temple
Day 5: Begin volunteering with elephants (B,L,D)
Day 6-8: Continue volunteering with elephants (B,L,D)
Day 9: Finish volunteering, transfer to Chiang Mai (B)
Day 10: Trekking to Hilltribe villages (B,L,D)
Day 11: Trekking and elephant trek (B,L,D)
Day 12: Bamboo rafting; transfer back to Chiang Mai (B,L)
Day 13: Rest day; overnight train to Bangkok (B)
Day 14: Bangkok, trip ends - extension trips begin

(B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner)

Fantastic Extension Trips
1: Laos
2: Cambodia


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