VOLUNTEER ABROAD PROGRAM |
ELEPHANT CONSERVATION14 DAY Chiang Mai Elephant Sanctuary Experience |
Experience the magic of Chiang Mai Elephant Sanctuary, where you can spend a day with happy, healthy elephants in their natural jungle habitat.
Assist in their daily care routines. Located in Chiang Mai, this sanctuary offers an immersive and ethical encounter, ensuring the well-being of the elephants. Join this extraordinary adventure and create unforgettable memories with these incredible animals.
Accommodation
Enjoy 13 nights of accommodation in shared standard rooms, staying close to your placement and local amenities. Accommodation is comfortable, clean and social, giving you the chance to relax, connect with fellow volunteers and experience everyday life in Thailand.
Arrival Pick Up
You’ll be met on arrival and transferred to your accommodation within the designated pick-up times, making your first day stress-free and easy after landing.
Transportation
All transport required for your volunteering programme is included as per the weekly schedule, ensuring you can travel safely and reliably between your accommodation and program.
Meals
Meals are included throughout your stay, with three good-sized meals provided on weekdays and two meals per day on weekends. Expect a mix of local cuisine and familiar options.
Materials & Tools
All materials, resources and tools required for your placement are provided, so you can focus fully on your elephant experience!
Training
Receive full training and ongoing supervision from an experienced local coordinator.
Support
You’ll have access to local team support 24/7 throughout your programme, with help always available if you need advice, assistance or reassurance.
Cultural Session
Take part in a cultural lesson and country introduction, designed to help you understand local customs, traditions and daily life before starting your placement.
Local Tour & Onwards Travel
Discover your new surroundings with a guided visit to local hotspots and points of interest. You’ll also receive ongoing travel support, plus access to discounted tours across Southeast Asia to help you plan what’s next.
To make your booking, select your chosen departure date and any optional extras you would like to book. If you are unsure about optional extras or if you need additional accommodation before or after your program, you can let us know later via email.
We'll send you a booking confirmation as well as important information about your program. You can make payments on your program balance sooner, or regularly, via our website here. A non refundable 5.25% booking processing fee applies to each booking, calculated on the value of your booking.
Travelling solo? Great! Most of the people you meet on program will also be on a solo adventure! If you are curious as to who you could be travelling with, or want to make some friends before arriving, join our Travel Community and reach out to your potential new travel mates!
Booking with ULTIMATE is easy! We take payments securely via Mastercard or Visa Credit and Debit Card and we will charge you in Australian Currency (AUD). Your deposit is flexible and if you can no longer travel, you can save your deposit for a later trip or destination if you notify us 30 days before your scheduled program date.
Making your booking is easy. Choose a date below, and if you have any questions about extras, deposits, or meeting other travellers, just get in touch — we're happy to help.
What is the criteria to participate?
The Chiang Mai Elephant Conservation Volunteer Program is open to participants from a wide range of backgrounds who are interested in wildlife conservation and animal welfare. No previous experience working with elephants or in conservation is required. The most important qualities are respect for animals, willingness to help, and a positive attitude when working in a team environment.
Basic Requirements: Minimum age: 18 years old (participants aged 16–17 may join with parental consent). English level: Intermediate English is recommended to communicate with coordinators and fellow volunteers. Police check: A CRB or police background check is required during the signup process. Passport: A valid passport is required for international travel. Experience: No previous elephant or conservation experience is required.
Additional Requirements: Participants should be in good physical health as the program involves outdoor activities such as walking, cleaning and feeding elephants. A reasonable level of fitness is recommended due to the physical nature of sanctuary work. Participants must respect sanctuary guidelines and follow instructions from the mahouts and conservation team. Participants over 65 years of age must provide medical clearance confirming they are fit to participate. Travel and medical insurance covering the duration of the program is mandatory.
Recommended Equipment: Volunteers should come prepared for outdoor work in a warm tropical climate. Lightweight, breathable clothing suitable for outdoor work. Long pants for walking around the sanctuary. Closed-toe shoes suitable for uneven terrain. Hat and sunglasses for sun protection. Reusable water bottle to stay hydrated. Personal toiletries and medications. Participants should be comfortable working around large animals and following the guidance of the sanctuary team to ensure the safety and wellbeing of both volunteers and elephants.
Where does the program start and finish?
A transfer coordinator will be waiting for you at CNX (Chiang Mai) Airport Level 1, Door 5. You will then be taken to our TGL Chiang Mai Elephant Experience Accommodation. This is where your program will start and finish. Whilst on your program you can arrange onwards travel with us.
Who will I be travelling with?
Whether you’re travelling solo or with a mate, you’ll meet like-minded travellers from all over the world. Group sizes vary with each program.
Do I need vaccinations?
Vaccines are recommended for Thailand, consult a doctor for personalised advice based on what is best to get before coming. We recommend organising all vaccines at least 4-6 weeks before your trip.
Can I book extra nights?
If you need additional nights before or after your trip, just add them to your booking when you checkout. Not sure if you need extra nights? Get in touch to chat with a member of the crew before or after you book.
Who can volunteer?
For this volunteer program we recommend participants are in good physical health as the program involves outdoor activities such as walking, cleaning and feeding elephants. You will have a experienced project coordinator and Mahouts, our elephant experts. We encourage everyone to try volunteering abroad who have a keen interest in culture, community and learning new life skills whilst making a difference. Respect, energy and the adaptability to work in a team and diverse environment is a must.
When is the best time to travel to Thailand?
The best time to visit Thailand is the dry season (November to May) for sunny, warm weather, especially November to February for cooler, less humid conditions. The wet season (June to October) offers lush green landscapes, fewer crowds, lower prices, and dramatic scenery, with rain often in short, heavy bursts, making it great for photographers and budget travellers who don’t mind getting wet.
Do I need a visa?
Yes! The visa you need is a Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC). The TDAC is a digital system designed to provide convenience for all foreigners entering Thailand. TDAC should be submitted within 3 days of arriving in Thailand.
What airport do I fly in and out of?
CNX (Chiang Mai Airport)
What do I need to bring?
Comfortable shoes. Weather safety clothing such as hat, rain jacket and fleece sweater. Modest clothing for visiting temples. First-aid kit. Small day pack. Reusable water bottle. Work clothing you don’t mind getting dirty. Passport and print off all visa, insurance and vaccinations. Toiletries (insect repellent and sunscreen!).
Can I volunteer with a dietary requirement?
Yes! We do our best to cater to dietary requirements. Make sure at the time of booking you tell us any dietary requirements so we can be prepared.
How do I book?
Ready to start your volunteering abroad adventure? Select your preferred start date to start your volunteer experience. Once you book, we’ll send you a confirmation along with everything you need to prepare for your overseas volunteer program. If you’ve found the perfect volunteer project but aren’t ready to pay in full, you can secure your place today with a $300 AUD deposit. The remaining program balance is due 45 days before your departure date.
695-699 George Street.
Sydney, NSW 2000
ABN: 91 133 215 166
