Thailand – The Elephant Conservation Expedition

Like many creatures, elephants are under threat from a variety of forces, including deforestation. This inspired a Thai family to come together and create a place where elephants can thrive in their natural habitat. Tucked in the lush green mountains of Northern Thailand lies this village.

Spend part of the time caring for elephants alongside the community and ensuring their survival for future generations. You’ll also explore the area around Chiang Mai including the region’s bustling craft markets, hike through the lush mountain landscape & uncover a part of Thailand that very few experience. Discover how the colorful Thai culture intermingles with age-old traditions and elephant conservation.

The first days will be spent exploring the cultural epicenter of Chiang Mai before traveling to a village where mahouts, elephant trainers, dedicate themselves to raising elephants and conserving their habitat. Work alongside the mahouts and learn exactly what it takes to care for an elephant. From morning walks through the jungle to bathing elephants in a nearby river, you’ll directly contribute to the well-being of these amazing creatures.

You’ll also visit a hospital for sick and injured elephants to see how these majestic creatures are rehabilitated. Then see how another social enterprise is creating decorated elephant statues and placing them around the world to raise awareness of elephant conservation.

Spend your days alongside the friendly village elephants and the local community. Engage with the cultural blend of traditional and modern and enjoy the slow pace of village life.

You’ll also venture into Thailand’s authentic street markets in Chiang Mai, zip-line through the jungle, explore shimmering temples and raft down the Mae Taeng River. Travel into the mountains to a long-neck Karin village. Learn about their ancient traditions, meet with village elders and discover a community lost in time.

Over the course of the journey across Northern Thailand, you’ll stay in two locations. The first three nights will be spent in a delightful boutique hotel centrally located in the quaint Old City of Chiang Mai. Relax by the hotel’s tropical pool or take the short walk into town to explore the markets and small shops that line the streets. Head into the hills surrounding Chiang Mai to the elephant sanctuary for the next four nights. Spend the evenings in a basic lodge at the sanctuary and enjoy the fresh mountain air. Descend back into the city for the last two nights at the same  boutique hotel we started at.