Sanctuary Highlights
- Volunteer with elephants and experience life at our sanctuary in the mountains.
- Upon entering our sanctuary, civilization will seem so far away.
- Work alongside mahouts gathering elephant feed from the forest, preparing vitamins.
- A perfect retreat in the countryside, offering a refreshing escape from daily routines.
- An excellent opportunity for wildlife enthusiasts to contribute to elephant conservation.
- Connect with like-minded volunteers from around the world.
- Become an elephant chef extraordinaire by whipping up delicious and nutritious meals for your new giant friends.
- Entertainment rooms are onsite, including billiards, ping-pong, and reading rooms.
- Private and shared accommodations are available.
- Free use of onsite all terrain bikes.
- Hiking distance to the Mae Wang Waterfall.
Spending time with elephants has been shown to reduce stress and anxiety, as their gentle nature and rhythmic movements create a calming atmosphere. Interacting with these majestic creatures can also foster a sense of connection and emotional well-being.
Volunteer Program Thailand - Overview
If there is one thing Chiang Mai Thailand is known for aside from its scintillating beaches, it is definitely the Elephants. Elephants are immensely popular and highly revered in Thailand. The love and affection for these giant mammals are pretty evident, and that is exactly what elephant camp volunteering is all about.
Gap-year travelers who are wildlife enthusiasts whom look to volunteer for wildlife conservation and welfare can join this program in Chiang Mai. They will stay at our elephant sanctuary, the Jurassic Park of Thailand, 60 minutes outside Chiang Mai City. The Camp is a beautiful setup, situated in a lush green forest surrounded by tall mountains.
At our Camp, every contribution, no matter how small, plays a crucial role in the development of the sanctuary. In the late afternoon and early evening, volunteers have the unique opportunity to spend quality time with the elephants and their trainers. This hands-on experience is when volunteers truly bond with these magnificent creatures and learn the best ways to care for them. This program is great for wildlife enthusiasts and those who are ready for outdoor challenges.
Program Requirements
- A valid passport for the entire duration of your stay.
- Insurance that covers both your volunteer placement and any planned independent travel.
- Transportation to Chiang Mai city.
- Costs for independent travel.
- Additional expenses such as excursions, snacks, and entertainment (budget a few hundred Baht per day, depending on your preferences).
- A visa is generally not required for stays under 30 days for citizens of most Western European countries.
- No mandatory vaccinations are needed, but it’s a good idea to check with your doctor to ensure your polio, typhoid, and Hepatitis A & B vaccinations are current.
Volunteer Roles & Responsibilities
What Will I Be Doing?
Breakfast is served at 7:00 am, lunch at 12 PM and dinner is at 6:00 pm.
Each day, you’ll assist in preparing food for the elephants and experience the joy of watching them bathe in the river. This will give you a chance to observe how they behave in their natural habitat.
During your stay, you’ll gain insight into the challenges of elephant conservation in Thailand and learn about the important role this project plays in preserving the herd.
Activities will include:
- Cutting food from the plantations.
- Assisting with maintenance tasks around the sanctuary.
This experience offers a hands-on way to understand and contribute to the conservation mission, while also allowing you to enjoy a peaceful setting far from the usual tourist paths.
Life At The Sanctuary
A Week at Elephant Retreat: What to Expect
Living at Elephant Retreat for a week offers an immersive and serene experience surrounded by nature in the heart of Chiang Mai’s mountains. Volunteers can expect peaceful mornings, starting with breakfast at 7:00 am, followed by daily tasks that allow them to form a deeper connection with the elephants. Each day, you’ll help prepare the elephants’ meals and witness their joy as they bathe in the river—a truly unforgettable experience.
Your afternoons will be spent contributing to the sanctuary’s mission by cutting food from the local plantations and assisting with maintenance tasks. You’ll also have the chance to learn about the challenges of elephant conservation firsthand, while playing an active role in preserving this majestic herd.
In your free time, enjoy our entertainment area where you can play billiards, ping-pong, or ride on all-terrain bicycles. We’re also just a short hike from the Mae Wang waterfall and the river, offering more opportunities to explore the natural beauty of the area.
Evenings offer a quiet reprieve, with dinner served at 6:00 pm, allowing you to unwind as the day comes to a close. By the end of the week, you’ll leave not just with memories, but with a sense of fulfillment from contributing to a meaningful cause.
Costs
1 Week (Shared Room)
฿13,500
2 Week (Shared Room)
฿25,000
1 Week (Private Room)
฿18,500
2 Weeks (Private Room)
฿34,000
3 Nights (Shared Room)
฿6,500
3 Nights (Private Room)
฿8,500
Please Note: – Cancellations must be made seven days before the arrival date at the sanctuary for a 100% refund.
What’s Included?
- 24 Hrs Assistance and support from Staff
- Comprehensive Pre- Departure Information
- Airport Pickup & Drop off (Small Surcharge)
- Orientation and half day village tour
- Three meals daily
- Accommodation (shared or private)
- Certificate Of Completion (Upon Request)
What’s NOT included?
- Airfare to Chiang Mai
- Visa Fee (if applicable)
- Airport Pickup & Drop off (Small Surcharge)
- Local Transportation Outside of Sanctuary
- Vaccinations
- Sun screen, bug replellent
- Swimming Attire
- Travel & Medical Insurance
