Thailand and Chiang Mai
9 days, 8 nights
Known as a tourist hotspot around the world, Thailand is a very special country that people from all over flock to see. Behind the country’s beauty are the wonderfully welcoming people and diverse wildlife. However, despite recent economic gains, much of Thailand’s population still lives under challenging conditions and threats to the natural world persist.
During your trip you will engage in conservation work with elephants and assist in a construction project to support local communities. Getting to know the real Thailand will leave a lasting impression and you can make a positive impact whilst learning a few new skills along the way.
But it’s not all hard work! During your stay you will go on a two-day trek, visit a hill tribe village, tour the city of Chaing Mai and receive Thai language and cooking lessons.
Day 1: Arrival
You will be picked up at the airport by your tour manager and taken to your accommodation. Once you have had time to settle in, the afternoon will be dedicated to the program orientation, letting you know what to expect over the next few days.
Overnight: Chiang Mai
Day 2: Project Work with Elephants
Humans have worked with elephants for thousands of years, using their strength and intelligence for various tasks. However, this alliance has often been one-sided, as these revered animals face abuse and neglect despite their esteemed status in Thai culture. Mistreatment, poaching, deforestation, tourism exploitation and habitat loss have led to a critical decline in Asian elephant populations, endangering their existence. In response, this project operates within a sanctuary that offers refuge to vulnerable elephants. Their well-being is paramount here, and it focuses on their welfare.
The day begins with an introduction to Asian elephants, followed by preparing Thai herbal medicines for them and observing them taking a mud bath. In the evening there is a tour of the city.
Overnight: Chiang Mai
Day 3: Project Work with Elephants
On your second day with the elephants, you will help clean and renovate their living areas, then learn how to make a nutrition ball.
Overnight: Chiang Mai
Day 4: Project Work Community Construction
In Thailand, numerous families live in inadequate housing conditions, while community facilities like temples, hospitals, and schools also require significant improvements. This program helps raise these underprivileged communities' living standards. Through essential construction and renovation work, you will help to create proper sanitation facilities, improve housing safety, and empower communities in their development initiatives.
Tasks range from lighter activities like cleaning and painting, to more challenging ones such as plastering walls and repairing roofs. Participants will receive close instruction and supervision from our experienced coordinator to ensure the safety and betterment of local living conditions. This evening, you will be given a Thai language lesson to learn the basics and converse with the locals.
Overnight: Chiang Mai
Day 5: Project Work Community Construction
Following a hard day of work, it’s time to extend your culinary repertoire this evening with a cooking lesson. You’ll be able to show off your skills back home and rustle up a dish that will remind you of Thailand, no matter where you are.
Overnight: Chiang Mai
Day 6: Project Work Community Construction
Spend the morning and afternoon working on the project followed by time to relax in the evening at the accommodation. This is the last day of project work so take some time to admire what you have completed and contributed to the community.
Overnight: Chiang Mai
Days 7 and 8: Trek
Your two-day trek through the jungle and mountains surrounding Chaing Mai starts today. Along the way you will stop off at a secluded waterfall where you can take a refreshing swim. During your travels you will also visit a Karen tribal village. The Karen are the largest ethnic minority group in Thailand, believed to have originated in Tibet; they are kind, warm, and gentle people who live harmoniously with nature.
After the second day of your trek, you will return to your accommodation for one last evening meal together in Thailand.
Overnight: Chiang Mai
Day 9: Departure
In time for your flight home, you will be taken to the airport, and it is time to say Lā k̀xn to Thailand!
What is included:
Activities:
Vist secluded waterfall
Two-day trek
Visit a hill tribe
Thai language lesson
Cooking class
Accommodation and services:
A 24/7 tour manager accompanying you throughout the trip
Entrance fees and tickets
Private transportation throughout the trip
Project accommodation is in project center
Post-project accommodation in 3 and 4* hotels
All meals (please note we can cater to all dietary requirements)
Medical insurance up to $50,000 and baggage insurance
Tickets and tours:
City tour of Chiang Mai
Projects:
Volunteer with Elephants
Construction project
Not included in this Trip:
International flights (we can set these up for you)
Visa costs
Cancellation insurance (Medical insurance up to $50,000 and baggage insurance are included)