Project Overview
Overview
Want to help preserve the national symbol of Thailand?
The Asian elephant is not only the largest living land creature on the continent, but the national symbol of this beautiful country. Dedicated to bringing elephants and their mahouts home to the area, the North-Eastern Province of Surin is not only host to the biggest elephant roundup every year, but to one of the most valuable conservation projects in the country. You’ll help the mahouts with feeding, bathing, grooming and training the charming creatures, whilst teaching them a bit of English on the side (the mahouts that is, not the Elephants!).
Trip Highlights:
- Working with these huge, lovable animals
- Learning about the lives of the mahouts
- Experiencing what many people consider as the 'real' Thailand
Itinerary & Details
Project details:
You will be working at a well-respected elephant foundation in Ta Klang village in Tha Toom district of Surin (58 km north of Surin down town) The village was established in 2006, under the supervision of the provincial government in order to put into practice the philosophy of “bringing the local elephants home for the development of their hometown”. The aim of the foundation is to encourage mahouts (elephant carers) from various parts of Thailand to return to their home town with their elephants. Currently, the foundation houses over 80 elephants. Volunteers will be working with the elephants and also teaching English language to the mahouts.
Why the project needs volunteers:
It is believed that around 1300 elephants have left Surin province due to lack of traditional work as a result of the extensive de-forestation in the region. Some of these elephants are now working and living in the busy streets of Bangkok - used as a tool for 'begging'. in Surin, the provincial administrative organization has opened the Elephant Village in Ta Klang village to encourage mahouts bring these elephants back to their home province. The elephants and mahouts are re-trained to demonstrate various techniques to show to visitors and also for the Surin Elephant festival, the biggest elephant festival in Thailand. International visitors are needed to raise the profile of the village and volunteers are required to help reach the village’s goal to be the biggest 'elephant village' in the world and to provide a sustainable place for humans and their elephants to live alongside each other.
What kind of skills you need to go on this type of project:
Conservation volunteers need to be hands-on people who love the outdoors. You must be prepared for some relatively hard physical work, and you must be flexible and pro-active, as this project involves a variety of activities. English teaching skills may also be utilised during your conservation placement. This placement would suit someone with bags of initiative who is prepared to work hard both individually and in a team, However, most of all someone the placement will suit anyone with a real passion for elephants and their future.
Your role as a volunteer:
The team in couontry will assign you to a homestay where most of the families have their own elephant which you will help to take care of during your stay. You will go out in the fields to cut sugar cane which will be needed to feed these great animals, you will probably do this twice a day as the elephants eat a lot! You may also be involved in helping with the elephant show such as feeding bananas, collecting money etc and during the day you will also go bathing with the elephants although this won`t be every day. You may also be planting sugar cane / bamboo for the elephants to eat when it is fully grown! You could, and probably will, also be asked to teach conversational English to the mahouts which is invaluable when income of the Foundation has a focus on tourism and education.
Where the project is based:
The project is based in Surin, capital of the Surin Province situated approximately 450km North East of Bangkok. Surin is famous as being home to the annual elephant roundup, normally held in November, a huge celebration of these majestic creatures. Please be aware though that due to the sheer size of the animals they can be dangerous and it is not uncommon to see the elephants chained to ensure safety.
Please book your flight to arrive into Bangkok (airport code BKK) on the advertised arrival date to ensure your airport pickup.
Stories
josephine kelly gives this project 10/10
Here is what josephine had to say:
What were the highlights of your trip?
everything the elephants and the fun i had with the people there
Was there a part of the project that changed the way you look at the world or affected you in some way?
no i wasnt as rural and hard as i had expected i would have enjoyed much more physical work
Do you have 3 top tips for future travellers?
just relax
Give Us Up To 10 Words That Sum Up Your Experience: For example - "A life changing experience!"
fun and re invigorating
Is there anything that would have made your experience better?
more phisical work but it was all great
Stephanie Bove gives this project 10/10
Here is what Stephanie had to say:
What were the highlights of your trip?
Getting to know the mahouts and being aroud the elephant is a huge highlight. I also really enjoyed . Spending time with Apple and Nang outside of the center/project
Was there a part of the project that changed the way you look at the world or affected you in some way?
Being relaxed , going with the flow of things and not letting small things irritate me was huge. I'm very meticulous in my day to day life, but here I've learned to get it done more than worry about the fine details
Do you have 3 top tips for future travellers?
1. Bring toilet paper of your own.
2. Learn some Thai before you get here.
3. Forget the net
Give Us Up To 10 Words That Sum Up Your Experience: For example - "A life changing experience!"
" I want to come back! I plan on it "
Is there anything that would have made your experience better?
I would have prefered getting up earlier and working in the cool hours of the morning. I would like to have worked the language much earlier in the trip. teaching english and learning Thai with the mahouts.
Sarah Gray gives this project 10/10
Here is what Sarah had to say:
What were the highlights of your trip?
Swimming in the water with the elephants and camping! getting to know the Mahouts their culture - enjoyed home stay. Nang & Apple have been fantastic & my Mahout Thai!
Was there a part of the project that changed the way you look at the world or affected you in some way?
Not taking things that we have back @ home Being relaxed & chilled out enough to think about what / want out of life.
Do you have 3 top tips for future travellers?
1. Learn Thai @ least basic Thai.
2. long sleeve tops.
3. lots of mosquito repellent.
Give Us Up To 10 Words That Sum Up Your Experience: For example - "A life changing experience!"
A real eye opening experience for me participated in activities I've never alone before.
Is there anything that would have made your experience better?
The experience was amazing and everything about it was fantastic.
Wendy Bertram gives this project 10/10
Here is what Wendy had to say:
What were the highlights of your trip?
Being able to ride , swim , eat , live and do such things with our own adapted elephant.
Was there a part of the project that changed the way you look at the world or affected you in some way?
These people didn't know us . ever want out of their way to help relieve evil spirits . They made everyone feel so wellcome.
Do you have 3 top tips for future travellers?
1. make the most of every moment they pass so quickly.
2. get involved as much as possible.
3. give back it the best gift you can give to anyone.
Give Us Up To 10 Words That Sum Up Your Experience: For example - "A life changing experience!"
People come together for different reasons, it only takes two weeks to help change the way you can live the rest of your life.
Is there anything that would have made your experience better?
Learn more of the language to be able to share more stories and friendship with these lovely people.
Samantha Hills gives this project 10/10
Here is what Samantha had to say:
What were the highlights of your trip?
The total immersion in another culture and the amazing experience of working so closely with elephants, riding, washing, feeding them and farming with the Mahouts. Also the amazing social aspect, hanging out with a likeminded group and having the mahouts and locals join us on so many occasions for fun meals and evenings.
Was there a part of the project that changed the way you look at the world or affected you in some way?
I was hugely affected by witnessing the lifestyle of the locals, their positive attitude and their satisfaction with what little they have, it felt strange going back to Western comforts and excess. It also made me realize that I am not happy with my home country and am ready to move on again, so thank you i-to-i, I've already started looking for work in the east!!
Do you have 3 top tips for future travellers?
1. Go with a totally open mind and a view to making the most of all the new experiences, smile!!
2. Get in touch with as many other volunteers as you can before leaving, it's great to have ready made friends who you can enjoy the ride with!
3. Don't forget your camara, it will be an experience you don't want to forget.
Give Us Up To 10 Words That Sum Up Your Experience: For example - "A life changing experience!"
An amazing wildlife adventure that made me feel truly alive
Is there anything that would have made your experience better?
No
Lucy Kolodynska gives this project 10/10
Here is what Lucy had to say:
What were the highlights of your trip?
Seeing and riding the elephants everyday, the other volunteers that made the trip amazing, and the food!
Do you have 3 top tips for future travellers?
Learn a bit of Thai before going
Try and talk to the Mahouts and their families
Be prepared to have a good time
Give Us Up To 10 Words That Sum Up Your Experience: For example - "A life changing experience!"
An amazing experience I will never forget
Jack Brown gives this project 9/10
Here is what Jack had to say:
What were the highlights of your trip?
Working with the elepahnts, and getting to know the people there in particular making friends with my mahout.
Was there a part of the project that changed the way you look at the world or affected you in some way?
Realising the difficult political pressures the camp was under made me realise how difficult it would be to implement a western solution to the troubles of the elephant village.
Do you have 3 top tips for future travellers?
Mosquito repellent, get involved and drink samsong
Bethany Parsons gives this project 8/10
Here is what Bethany had to say:
What were the highlights of your trip?
Without a doubt giving the elephants their bath in the pond at the end of everyday
Do you have 3 top tips for future travellers?
1. Takeclothes you don't mind throwing away
2. Enjoy every second because it's over before you know it!
3. Try and talk as much Thai as possible...the locals love it and its much easier than you think
Give Us Up To 10 Words That Sum Up Your Experience: For example - "A life changing experience!"
Something I'll never forget
Is there anything that would have made your experience better?
Can't fault it
