How To Care For A… (trip)
How To Care For A Thai Elephant
- Thailand
- Volunteer Vacations
- Learning
| from £569* per person | 8 Days | March-December |
| Simple accommodations | Exertion level: 3 | |
| Operator: Inspired Escapes | 15 people max | |
The Elephant Village is located in one of the most authentic and genuine parts of Thailand, located about an hour from Surin. The area is a beautiful sight! The villagers are some of the most welcoming and friendly people you’ll ever meet, they’ll instantly make you feel like at home. This village has lived amongst and worked with elephants for generations, so much so that the elephants are considered to be part of the family. The training of domestic elephants by mahouts is a centuries old tradition. A mahout is someone who works with and rides an elephant. Typically, a mahout is a life-long job - a boy will be assigned an elephant early in its life and they will form a strong bond and spend their lives together. Traditionally elephants were largely trained for logging to support the local community. With the ban of the logging industry and increased mechanisation, the last 30 years or so saw life become more and more challenging for the mahouts and the local community. Mahouts were forced to take their elephants into urban areas to beg, sell photo opportunities and even rent their elephants to shows for local and overseas tourists alike – obviously an awful situation for the elephants and the communities who had been reliant on them for so long.
This opportunity to live with and learn about the elephants and their community, allows the elephants to remain in the village with the community and to lead a much more peaceful life thanks to the sustainable income that is generated through the programme fees. A great balance between supporting the community, the lives of the elephants and the way that traditional elephant villages have been operating for generations.
This is a fantastic, once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to live as and work with real Thai Mahouts. Spend your time each week learning how to work with, feed and wash the elephants and gain a great insight into the unique setting of a rural Thai Elephant village. Please note that we do not condone the riding of elephants by any visitors and it is strictly prohibited, the only person who can ride the elephants is their individual mahout. The bond between the mahout and elephant is very special and culturally complex thus should be respected.
Experience first hand an authentic Thai community lifestyle, help with cooking meals, farming the land, and even help to teach the local kids a few words of English. This opportunity really is something very special – the village may not be luxurious but the experience and insight you’ll gain is worth way more than a week or two in a 5* resort.
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Locations visited/nearby
Thailand, Asia
Itinerary
DAY 1: WELCOME TO THAILAND! - You will be greeted at Suvarnabhumi Airport (also known as Bangkok International Airport) by our friendly team. We will then proceed to check into your accommodation for the weekend - a quaint local guest house on Khao San Road, Bangkok’s famous backpacker hub. You have the rest of the day to relax and explore the bustling streets of Bangkok. If you're stuck for things to do, ask our team for some advice on some must see places.
DAY 2: ORIENTATION AND CITY TOUR - This morning you will formally meet your coordinators and fellow group members who will share this exciting experience with you. At orientation you will learn more about Thailand and the teaching programme. Once we have all the formalities out the way, let's explore Bangkok! We will go on a journey through the Old City which is full of an array of colourful temples, ancient architecture and palaces. To end the day we will go on a peaceful river boat ride. Overnight at Khao San Road.
DAY 3: TRANSFER TO SURIN - After breakfast we will make our way to Surin to begin your volunteering! Your group coordinators will organise transport but typically it will be a 7 hour train ride. Thailand’s trains are slow but full of character making the journey an experience in itself—remember to take photos! On occasion your transfer may be via public bus. Either way you’ll have a comfortable seat, air-con and marvelous views. When you arrive in Surin, our local team will take you to your accommodation and help you settle in and prepare you for visiting the elephants tomorrow.
DAY 4-7: ELEPHANT VILLAGE LIFE - Immerse yourself into traditional life and get up close and personal with one of Thailand’s most iconic creatures, the elephant! From Monday to Thursday you will stay in the village and support the mahouts caring for the elephants. Later in the day you can relax at the house or join in activities organized by the team. Your hosts are excellent cooks and if you are a real foodie, we suggest you take some notes. You will return to your previous accommodation in Surin City on Thursday afternoon.
DAY 8: FAREWELL OR FREE & EASY - Today is free for you to relax and explore Surin if you are staying on to care for the elephants the following week. If this is your final day at the program, our team will assist you with planning your onward travel. Those continuing the program will enjoy a three day weekend to fully unwind and enjoy their surroundings. Please note: placements longer than 1 week will follow the same format as this itinerary. You will stay at the elephant village between Monday to Thursday and Friday to Sunday are free for exploring.
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