LATEST NEWS Book selected Africa programs before the end of April to receive a £100/$160 discount. Get more details here!Secure a $250 discount on our popular Thailand Summer Study and Intern program. Sign up for the early bird price before January 14th, 2022.  Check out the details here

  • CONTACT
  • 0161 870 6212
  • 1.413.517.0266

CONNECT

kaya logo

Responsible Travel

  REQUEST A CALLBACK CALLBACK   REQUEST MORE INFO MORE INFO
  • Responsible Travel
  • Destinations
    • A WORLD OF CHOICE

      Destinations Map

      We offer over 150 exciting projects across 4 continents and 32 countries. If you aren’t sure where you would like to have an experience of a lifetime then please use the program finder below.

      • Latin America
      • Belize
      • Bolivia
      • Brazil
      • Costa Rica
      • Ecuador
      • Jamaica
      • Peru
      • USA
      • Africa
      • Botswana
      • Eswatini
      • Ghana
      • Kenya
      • Morocco
      • Mozambique
      • Namibia
      • South Africa
      • Tanzania
      • Uganda
      • Zambia
      • Zimbabwe
      • Asia-Pacific
      • Australia
      • Borneo
      • Cambodia
      • China
      • India
      • Indonesia
      • Nepal
      • New Zealand
      • Philippines
      • Sri Lanka
      • Thailand
      • Vietnam
  • Volunteer Abroad
    • PICK OF THE MONTH

      Teaching in Ghana

      Kaya Teaching in Ghana placement provides participants with the opportunity to learn about the local ...
      FIND OUT MORE
      • Project Types
      • Arts
      • Business
      • Community
      • Conservation
      • Education
      • Healthcare & Medical
      • Volunteer Types
      • Career Break
      • Family
      • Gap Year
      • Honeymoon
      • Individual
      • Over 50’s
      • Under 18’s
  • INTERN ABROAD
  • Program Types
    • Online Programs
    • Volunteer Abroad
    • Intern Abroad
    • Gap Year
    • Study Abroad
    • Customized Groups
    • Language Courses
    • Earn Credit
  • Customized Groups
  • Kaya Community
    • About us
    • Blog
    • Edu Resource
    • Reviews
    • Videos
    • Special Offers
    • Contact us
    • Portal Login
 
 
 
 
 

Work with Rescued Elephants, Reforestation and Rural Communities in Thailand

  • Conservation
  • Thailand
  • Fridays
  • Select 1 week2 weeks3 weeks4 weeks5 weeks6 weeks7 weeks8 weeks9 weeks10 weeks11 weeks12 weeksExtra Week

  • Home
  • Destinations
  • Asia-Pacific
  • Thailand
  • Work with Rescued Elephants, Reforestation and Rural Communities in Thailand
Project Summary

What is the Work with Rescued Elephants, Reforestation & Rural Communities in Thailand project all about?

Volunteer in northern Thailand on an elephant rescue and reforestation project, based in a rural community just outside Thailand’s second largest city, Chiang Mai. This placement works with three different projects. The first is an eco-tourism elephant camp that supports sick and aging elephants as well as unemployed Mahouts (elephant trainers), providing both with better opportunities, homes and food. Second is a reforestation project that works to restore the local jungle and to educate the community to better maintain their resources. Finally, the project works with local schools to provide the rural children with an opportunity to develop English, environmental, and leadership skills.


Why choose this Work with Rescued Elephants, Reforestation & Rural Communities project?

This is poor region has been lucky to have the support of a dynamic local governor who is working to improve the community’s future. The involvement of international volunteers helps educate the residents about boosting their tourist appeal as well as their language and communication skills. Extra man-power is needed for the labour-intensive jobs of: reforestation, camp maintenance and improving the school facilities.


Role of the Conservation Volunteer

Within the elephant camp, help is needed with marketing, developing materials and English teaching. In the community jungle, tree planting and water system construction will be completed. Within the schools, there is a need for people to help with building and water sanitation as well as with the school’s education program – teaching English, environmental and leadership skills.


What skills do I need to be a Conservation Volunteer in Thailand?

No specific skills are required for this project, but any background or training in forestry, environmental sciences, or tourism is a bonus. Experience in teaching can be an advantage and any experience in marketing would also be valuable.


Travel during COVID times

The health and safety of our travelers and our local communities remain central to our plans for reopening countries and projects. As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, we have been adapting our programs and protocols to protect all those involved, and ask for everyone’s patience and collaboration as new rules are implemented in-country. For all projects, new standards of sanitation, procedures and social behaviors are in place, including new health and hygiene protocols and social distancing practices. You can read more here. Each location may be slightly different in the way they operate.

To enter Thailand you must be fully vaccinated and have a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours before traveling. Quarantines have been lifted for travelers entering Thailand, but on arrival, you currently have to spend one night in an approved hotel while you take another PCR test and get the results. (This requirement may be removed in early 2022) The cost for this “test and go” package start from about £90/US$120 and include transfer from the airport, accommodation and meals. The test has to be booked separately at an additional cost or about £70/US$95 and are administered at the airport on your arrival. Instead of a tourist arrival visa, the government has implemented a free-of-charge Thailand-pass, which  must be applied for at least 1 week prior to travel and works as an app on your smartphone. 

Read all about our project reopening response to COVID-19

REQUEST MORE INFO   RESERVE YOUR PLACE

 

RECRUITING NOW

WHY JOIN THE PROJECT

To work with a local organisation and improve the lives of elephants

To carry out vital community work supporting eco tourism

To be situated near Chiang Mai and explore Thailand’s beautiful north

FEATURED VIDEO

PROJECT TESTIMONIALS

Stuart’s Thailand Experience
"The whole experience was amazing, thanks for your support before and I after I went." ...
Stuart C.
READ FULL EXPERIENCE
Arya’s Thailand Experience
"Meeting the elephants for the first time and getting closer to them each day was truly a remarkable and unforgettable experience." ...
Arya V.
READ FULL EXPERIENCE
Ellen H.’s Thailand Experience
I could not ask for better support or a better service than Kaya Responsible Travel to organise my first trip abroad. I was so impressed by the Kaya approach and am very thankful to the entire Kaya team. I had such a positive and rewarding trip to Thailand which was a very influential experience in ...
Ellen H.
READ FULL EXPERIENCE
The Location

Where will I work in Thailand?

This ecotourism camp was set up by a local man who was concerned about the way animals were being treated in the area. The camp is located about 45 minutes away from Thailand’s north capital, Chiang Mai. Founded in 1296, Chiang Mai was constructed in the shape of a square surrounded by a moat used to mark its boundaries and safeguard its people. These landmarks are conserved in the city center and are just one example of this city’s unique character. You will spend the first couple of nights, acclimatising and receiving orientation in Chiang Mai, then you will move to the rural community, where you will stay in comfortable eco-tourism lodges as you complete your volunteering.

Fruit, vegetable and rice cultivation are the main elements of the local economy. In the past 10 years, tourism has become an increasingly important economic growth point for the city. Other industries include cottage industry, handicraft production, exporting, small-scale business and manufacturing.

Details & Costs

  • Duration: 2+ weeks
  • Cost: £1585 / $24074 for 2 weeks
    £451 /$704 for each extra week thereafter
  • Requirements: Age 18+
  • Location: Chiang Mai province, Thailand
  • Working hours: Project is open Monday – Sunday, so you can work 7 days if you wish!
  • Project availability: All year round
  • Arrival day: Every 1st Friday of the month in Chiang Mai

What is included

  • Accommodation: single or shared room in a Thai Hut, guest house in Chiang Mai on arrival weekend
  • Food: 3 meals per day
  • Airport, train station or bus pick up in Chiang Mai
  • Training: pre-departure information pack and onsite orientation
  • Support: 24-hour support
  • Excursion planning: staff will help organise activities and excursions
  • Certificate of Mahout Training

 

What is not included

  • Flights
  • Insurance
  • Visas
  • Return journey from project to Bangkok
  • Airport transfer at the end of the project
  • Quarantine cost of 1 night hotel stay in Bangkok (this requirement may be removed in early 2022)
  • Any costs for COVID-19 PCR tests required pre-departure and in-country
Gallery

Pictures from our Work with Rescued Elephants, Reforestation & Rural Communities in Thailand project

Thai Elephant Work with Rescued Elephants Reforestation and Rural Communities in Thailand
Thai hut Work with Rescued Elephants Reforestation and Rural Communities in Thailand
Elephant Work with Rescued Elephants Reforestation and Rural Communities in Thailand
Seating area Work with Rescued Elephants Reforestation and Rural Communities in Thailand
Spicy dip for fish Work with Rescued Elephants Reforestation and Rural Communities in Thailand
Thai huts Work with Rescued Elephants Reforestation and Rural Communities in Thailand
Palm tree Work with Rescued Elephants Reforestation and Rural Communities in Thailand

Easy 4-step application process

APPLY ONLINE

Click here to apply online and pay your application fee to apply for your space on your chosen project. Our advisors will then contact you to guide you through the next steps.

TELEPHONE INTERVIEW

Once we’ve received your application, we’ll review your details and be in touch to arrange your informal telephone interview with your Kaya Placement Advisor.

CONFIRMATION

Following your interview, we will provide you a placement offer. Once you are ready to confirm your placement and dates, you can pay your confirmation fee to book and secure your space.

GET PREPARED

When you have confirmed your project dates we'll send you your Welcome Pack and lots of other helpful information to assist you with preparing for your placement.

Similar ProjectsOther Projects in Thailand
8-Week Wilderness Gap Year Program in South Africa

Join our 8-week wildness gap year program and discover more about both yourself and South Africa!

View projectAdd to
wishlist
Remove from
wishlist
Sustainable Food Security Project in Belize

Join this organic farming and food security initiative, aimed at providing a sustainable source of healthy foods for young mothers and inner city youth in Belize.

View projectAdd to
wishlist
Remove from
wishlist
8-Week Community and Conservation Gap Year Program in South Africa

Join our 8-week wildlife conservation and community development gap year program, and explore South Africa in an exciting and meaningful way!

View projectAdd to
wishlist
Remove from
wishlist
Lion, Elephant and Wildlife Conservation Project in Zimbabwe

Volunteer in Zimbabwe and participate in wildlife protection and conservation efforts at a leading game park, working up close with Africa's most incredible animals.

View projectAdd to
wishlist
Remove from
wishlist
4-week Gap Year program: Thailand Culture and Service

Participate in our 4-week Gap Year expedition: Thailand Culture and Service in 2022 and live your best cultural experience in Thailand!

View projectAdd to
wishlist
Remove from
wishlist
Temple School Construction & Renovation in Thailand

Get involved with tourism development in a rural community of Thailand and help build the future of the local community!

View projectAdd to
wishlist
Remove from
wishlist
Gibbon Conservation and Rescue Sanctuary Volunteering in Thailand

Get involved with tourism development in a rural community of Thailand and help build the future of the local community!

View projectAdd to
wishlist
Remove from
wishlist
LGBTQ NGO Development Internship in Thailand

Join our LGBTQ NGO Development Internship in Thailand and develop your understanding of this community and provide hands on support

View projectAdd to
wishlist
Remove from
wishlist
Medical Internship at a District Hospital in Chiang Mai

Use your medical training and join an internship at a district hospital in Chiang Mai and learn about healthcare provision in Thailand.

View projectAdd to
wishlist
Remove from
wishlist

Experience new cultures whilst making a real difference. Choose from over 150 volunteer and internship placements across Asia, Africa and Latin America. Travel to the real world.

BOOK NOW

ABOUT KAYA

Kaya Responsible Travel offer volunteer and internship placements on over 150 sustainable community development and environmental initiatives in Asia, Africa and Latin America.

CONTACT US

Our experienced placement advisors are here to help. Feel free to reach out if you have any questions. Visit Contact Page

  • 0161 870 6212
  • 1.413.517.0266

info@kayavolunteer.com

BOOK NOW PAY NOW

DESTINATIONS

With projects in 32 countries across 4 continents we have something for everyone.

AMERICAS

  • Belize
  • Bolivia
  • Brazil
  • Costa Rica
  • Ecuador
  • Jamaica
  • Peru
  • USA

AFRICA

  • Botswana
  • Eswatini
  • Ghana
  • Kenya
  • Morocco
  • Mozambique
  • Namibia
  • South Africa
  • Tanzania
  • Uganda
  • Zambia
  • Zimbabwe

ASIA-PACIFIC

  • Australia
  • Borneo
  • Cambodia
  • China
  • India
  • Indonesia
  • Nepal
  • New Zealand
  • Philippines
  • Sri Lanka
  • Thailand
  • Vietnam

PROJECT TYPES

  • Arts
  • Business
  • Community
  • Conservation
  • Education
  • Healthcare & Medical

VOLUNTEER TYPE

  • Career Break
  • Family
  • Gap Year
  • Honeymoon
  • Individual
  • Over 50’s
  • Under 18’s

OTHER

  • Scholarships
  • Kaya Job Vacancies

RESOURCES

  • About
  • FAQs
  • Educational Resources
  • Resources for Parents
  • Where Does My Money Go
  • Fundraising
  • Flights and insurance
  • How can I manage my money abroad
  • General Safety
  • Gender Relationships
  • LGBTQ+ Travel Resources
  • Culture Shock
  • Related links
  • Privacy Policy
  • Online program Agreement Terms and Conditions
  • Terms of Use
© Copyright 2022 Kaya Responsible Travel | All rights reserved | Designed by Tripsixdesign
  • 0161 870 6212
  • 1.413.517.0266
CONNECT
By continuing to browse the site you are agreeing to our privacy policy.