Thailand Elephant Service & Adventure 25 Days
Experience Thailand through a fulfilling, once-in-a-lifetime volunteer opportunity on this elephant service and adventure program. Spend meaningful days caring for this nation’s cherished species at an elephant sanctuary. This Thailand community service program is led by our amazing staff, who are there to provide guidance and reflection on the impact of the work we do throughout the program and promote the value of empathy and cultural sensitivity. Thrilling adventures across Thailand are also included to make the summer experience even more memorable! Explore the bustling canals of Bangkok and nearby floating markets and chill on the beach in Railay Bay. Meaningful service, amazing adventures, and new friends? A perfect recipe for the summer of a lifetime!
The perfect balance of meaningful service projects, cultural immersion and unforgettable adventures.
This program requires an open mind to experience a different culture, new foods and new surroundings.
A letter of completion detailing the program's service hours and projects will be issued after the program.
Your service hours are eligible toward the President's Volunteer Service Award.
Everybody participates together in each project. Specific projects are confirmed in late spring and are similar to those described.
A professional guide accompanies the group to assist, educate and immerse the students into the local culture.
Hotels & lodges.
Includes breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily.
Includes all recreation & activities listed.
Chartered, air conditioned vehicles with a professional driver.
Up to 24 participants.
We can accommodate most dietary preferences and allergies.
Enjoy a total of three breathtaking days getting up close and personal with Thailand’s spectacular national animal, the Thai elephant. Foster close bonds with these magnificent mammals through the daily tasks of feeding, bathing, and communicating with them using a variety of spoken commands. Contribute to future elephant meals by planting new crops and preparing the harvest that is ready for them to eat! Thanks to the expertise of local mahouts (Thai elephant trainers), you will walk away with newfound awareness of the dangers that elephants face from acts of deforestation, causing them to lose their habitats. During your unforgettable time spent at the Elephant Rescue Park, you will gain true appreciation for the pride in which locals take to protect and care for the species, understanding the extent that these local organizations will go to in order to rehabilitate the nation's gentle giants.
About Elephant Rescue Park
The Elephant Rescue Park is a Thai-owned farm and rehabilitation center whose main focus revolves around health care and breeding management for injured, abandoned, and abused Thai elephants.
The service work you will perform in a hill tribe village further develops our cross-cultural experience. Work with the locals on a community improvement project that will benefit the people of this region. Past projects include building a road to improve access to this remote community, as well as building a center for families to have a place to read, gather and display their crafts to tourists who come to see their way of life. Enjoy a cultural exchange with the Lahu tribe for an evening of song, dance & games.
About the Lahu Tribal Village
The Lahu Tribal Village is a hill tribe community made up of approximately 90 people who live a very rural way of life. Most homes have no running water or electricity. The Lahu Tribe keep their agricultural traditions alive by farming by hand with the help of water buffalo.
After a warm welcome greeting and orientation to Thai customs, you will experience this intriguing city with multiple modes of transport – by elevated Skytrain, canal boat, three wheeled tuk-tuk and longtail boat. The first stop is a food walking tour of Bangkok at Jodd Fairs market where you will be introduced to many traditional Thai dishes and flavors. As you take in the major sights including Erawan Shrine, Golden Mount, Grand Palace and Wat Pho (Reclining Buddha), the city’s people will continue to amaze you with their warmth. Be amazed as you visit some of the stunning temples and sites that Thailand has to offer.
Get ready for what is no ordinary zip line! From multiple platforms, zip from tree to tree with spectacular views of one of the province’s oldest forests. Discover the region’s beauty and history as you explore the old city and some of its most famous temples, including Doi Suthep. Get a taste for the country’s national sport at a Muay Thai kickboxing class followed by a viewing of a professional match. Reap the benefits of a well-deserved Thai massage from those who know it best! Learn how to cook traditional dishes and, of course, enjoy the feast you’ve prepared at our very own Thai cooking class.
Float down the Mae Kok River on bamboo rafts steered using long bamboo poles. Become immersed in the local Lahu Village community, spending the day at a rice farm where you will learn to prepare a traditional Thai lunch from scratch.
Kayak Krabi Klong Talen’s ‘Mangrove Maze’, a chain of rock gardens, limestone canyons and semi-hongs filled with mangroves and plenty of wildlife. In Koh Phi Phi, whether you choose to snorkel or SCUBA in the emerald waters of this paradise, you will see exotic fish, sea turtles and coral. Enjoy a second snorkeling opportunity at Chicken Island and chilling on the beach at Railay Bay. (For your safety, all SCUBA operators restrict participants with certain medical conditions. Please ask about your own circumstances if applicable.)
Fly back to Bangkok, where it all began, and travel south of the city to venture to the wetlands and explore the canal communities and the floating markets. At your farewell dinner, enjoy a laugh with friends as we reminisce and reflect on all that you have learned, seen, tasted, and experienced. After your time with the friendly Thai people, you will understand why it is called “Land of the Smiles!”
Bangkok, Thailand
The I Residence hotel features a rooftop restaurant, swimming pool and sundeck with city views of Bangkok. The central location makes it easy to get around and the perfect place to start and conclude your journey in the Land of the Smiles!
Chiang Mai, Thailand
The Ana Park Hotel is a relaxing, centrally-located property featuring a swimming pool, free Wi-Fi access, and delicious breakfast options.
Mae Salak, Thailand
When you are not working in the tribal village, enjoy the picturesque river and mountain views at Saranya River House. Hotel features include WiFi, TVs, air-conditioned rooms and a swimming pool.
Krabi, Thailand
The Peace Laguna Resort stands out with a stylish combination of tropical lifestyle and contemporary design set in striking natural surroundings. You will enjoy the swimming pool, spa, open-air lobby, and free Wi-Fi.
Flight to Bangkok, Thailand
We begin this program with a chaperoned group flight from New York or Los Angeles to Bangkok. Our program leaders greet you at the airport and are with you from check-in onward. Everyone has the opportunity to begin bonding before we even land. For our many travelers from outside the New York area, we require all participants to join our group flight to Thailand and are happy to assist you with arranging connecting flights at suitable times into New York.
Internal Flights
Separate from the airfare to and from this program, there is an additional $685 USD fee for internal flights from Bangkok to Chiang Mai, Chiang Mai to Bangkok, Bangkok to Krabi, and Krabi to Bangkok.
Return Flight Home from Bangkok, Thailand
For your return from Bangkok, we offer a chaperoned flight to New York. You may choose to join that flight and arrange transfers (if required) at suitable times after the group has cleared customs and immigration in the USA; or you may fly from Bangkok to your home city and our leaders help you to check-in and remain in the airport until flights in designated times have departed.
Where We Stay
We carefully select clean and comfortable accommodations with the needs of our students in mind. While our volunteer programs do not stay at luxury resorts, we do know that a good night’s rest, in your own bed, is key to performing your service hours well and having enough energy to enjoy the day’s activities. For this reason, and also to maintain the close group bond and to uphold the quality of this program, we do not offer any homestays.
Meals & New Cuisines
Eating well while away from home is an important part of a summer’s success. Part of your travel experience will be immersing yourself in the local cuisine and culture so please bring with you an open mind and a willingness to try new things. For example, in Thailand, your mouth will water over authentic spicy local dishes, there is plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables and many noodle dishes but don’t worry, they also have North American style options on the menu.
We have satisfied the choosiest of eaters and gladly accommodate most special dietary requests including vegetarian, food allergies, lactose intolerance, celiac disease, and kosher style. We welcome discussing your individual requirements with you and have extensive experience in this area.
Drinking Water
On this program we will have large containers of clean water for you to fill up your own water bottles as needed.
Vaccinations
We recommend you follow the advice of the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), and consult with your physician for current immunizations and medication required for travelers to Thailand. These recommendations may change from time to time. We will send you detailed information in March (or upon enrollment if later) regarding the current recommendations for this itinerary.
Laundry
You will only need one week’s worth of clothing as outlined in the packing list that will be sent to you prior to departure. You will have the opportunity to do laundry at your convenience by dropping off your laundry at a local wash and fold service and then pick it up clean, folded and ready to go.
What’s Included
Included in your program tuition is all lodging, breakfast, lunch and dinner daily, recreation & entertainment listed, airport transfers in designated times, gratuities & taxes.
Not included is transportation to and from the program, internal flights, and personal spending money for snacks, souvenirs, and laundry. We also make available optional travel insurance that is not included, but highly recommended.
Please contact us with any questions. We are happy to hear from you!
What if I need to contact my teen during the program?
Participants may bring their cell phones so parents may call and message their kids directly. You may also contact our Communication Centers which serve as the official link between programs on the road and parents. We are staffed every day during the summer and have somebody on call for after hours emergencies ready to assist you 24/7.
Who are the staff and what are their qualifications?
Our staff are educators, guidance counselors, coaches, college and university students, former camp counselors, residence life coordinators, community volunteers, world travelers, and other leaders with diverse backgrounds. Many are former participants themselves who couldn’t get enough of the Westcoast experience! Learn more about our summer leaders.
How are roommates assigned?
Giving everyone a chance to make new friends creates a cohesive group and the warmest and most welcoming social environments in our industry!
On our Active Teen Tours, Global Adventures and Community Service programs, rooming rotation is as follows:
To promote this we’ve found the best system is for the Program Director to assign the rooms for the first and second stops. For the first stop, independent travelers room with other independent travelers and any friends who enrolled can room together. All participants will be assigned a different roommate for the second stop. After the first two stops, choice of roommates is always up to you!
On our Pre-College Enrichment programs & Career Experiences, rooming is as follows:
We assign independent travelers with another independent traveler for the duration of your stay. Any friends who enrolled together can room together.
Important notes:
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