Thailand Elephant Community Service Program | 25 Days

Thailand Volunteer Program for Teens

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!

Please note that a limited number of participants depart on day 16 while the 25-day participants continue on to Krabi.

Program Highlights

Learn to feed, bathe, and care for an elephant.
SCUBA and snorkel in Koh Phi Phi.
Work alongside a local hill tribe community on a building project.
Zip-line through the jungle of Chiang Mai.
Work as a true animal conservationist, spending quality time with Thai elephant trainers.
Enjoy a relaxing journey down the Mae Kok River on a bamboo raft.
Kayak by stunning limestone islands in Krabi.
Take a Muay Thai kickboxing class.

Service Projects

Elephant Rescue Park - Chiang Mai

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.

Lahu Tribal Village – Mae Salak

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.

Rice Farming in the Karen Community - Chiang Mai

During your time in Chiang Mai, you will have the opportunity to experience a day in the life of a rice farmer. You will be given an introduction by a local farmer from the Karen community, who will share their expertise about working in the paddy fields as well as the rice harvesting process. Afterward, you will assist the community with a hands-on lesson in planting rice shoots. This experience will not only allow you to contribute to the community, but also appreciate the rigor and discipline that is typical of the tradition.

About the Karen Community
In the past, the Karen Community were known for raising elephants, but with time, the Karen people turned to the land, mastering the art of forestry and trade. Today, the community thrives through rice farming, a skill they have perfected with their deep understanding of irrigation and ability to live harmoniously with the land.

Activities

Bangkok, Thailand

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.
Chiang Mai, Thailand

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.
Mae Salak, Thailand

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.
Krabi, Thailand

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.)
Bangkok, Thailand

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!”

Accommodations

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

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:

Depending on the hotel bedding configuration, all friends traveling together may not be able to room together for the first stop.
Roommates are assigned based on gender identity. We welcome all genders, inclusive of those anywhere on the gender spectrum.
On a few programs where we spend an extended period of time at the first stop, participants have the opportunity to rotate after the first two nights.

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