General Info
Domesticated elephants used to be used for logging, now banned, this means that many families cannot afford to keep their elephants and have to send them to the cities to make money from tourism. The project aims to put a stop to the cruel conditions these creatures face in cities by generating enough income to keep elephants in their natural habitats.
You will spend your mornings working at the project; planting bamboo, wild grass and other crops that ensure there is a cheap and plentiful supply of elephant food on hand. You may also be needed to assist with community projects such as teaching at the local school.
Afternoons are free to explore, you can choose to take a wander in Surin, learn traditional Thai fishing methods, kayak on the local river or spend more time with and ride the elephants, under the supervision of their handlers. Plus if the weather is good, you may even be able to take an elephant down for a bath and a splash in the river!
You will spend 3 nights each week living at the home of a Tha Thum village elder and his family and 4 nights in Surin City. This is an incredible way to experience traditional Thai life first-hand, learn to cook local dishes, master some Thai conversation and get your fill of another culture!
What's included?
* Airport meet and greet
* Arrival airport transfer
* 2 nights accommodation in Bangkok on arrival
* Transfer from accommodation in Bangkok to project
* Accommodation
* Food whilst in Tha Thum on project
* Project Coordinator
What's not included?
* Flights
* Travel insurance
* Food whilst in Surin at the weekends
* Return transfer from Surin to Bangkok
Benefits:
Prices range depending on activity and duration. Volunteering starts from £389 for 2 weeks, Adventure Travel starts from £799 for 2 weeks and our Paid Work options start from £299 for up to 12 months. All trips come with, accommodation, some food, transfers, support and back up in-country and 24/7 emergency contact numbers. Before you leave full comprehensive information is provided through an Online Accounts and our expert travel advisers are always available to give help and advice.
Requirements:
There are no specific qualifications or requirements needed to take part on this trip. We do however require that all travellers have a sense responsibility for other travellers, project staff and local community and most importantly... a sense of fun and adventure!
