25-Day Thailand Elephant Service & Adventure Volunteer Program for Teens

Course Description: 25-Day Thailand Elephant Service & Adventure Volunteer Program for Teens

Thailand Volunteer Program for Teens �*

Experience Thailand through meaningful service, cultural exchange, and unforgettable adventure. Spend impactful days caring for Thailand’s cherished elephants at an ethical sanctuary, work alongside local communities in rural villages, and learn traditional farming practices. When you’re not volunteering, you’ll explore lively Bangkok, float down the Mae Kok River, zip-line in Chiang Mai, snorkel around Koh Phi Phi, and relax on the beaches of Railay Bay. With a small, tight-knit group and supportive leaders, this program blends service, adventure, and friendship into the summer of a lifetime.

👉 A limited number of participants return home on Day 16; the 25-day group continues on to Krabi.

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Program Highlights ✨

• Learn to feed and care for elephants while supporting conservation efforts.

• SCUBA and snorkel in Koh Phi Phi.

• Work alongside a local hill tribe community on a building project.

• Zip-line through the jungles of Chiang Mai.

• Work as an animal conservationist with Thai elephant caregivers.

• Enjoy a bamboo rafting journey down the Mae Kok River.

• Kayak by stunning limestone islands in Krabi.

• Take a Muay Thai kickboxing class.

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Service Projects �*

Elephant Rescue Park – Chiang Mai

Support conservation and rehabilitation efforts for Thailand’s Asian elephants. Prepare food, plant crops, help with enrichment activities, and learn about ethical elephant care. Gain insight into deforestation challenges and the vital work of local Mahouts who protect and rehabilitate elephants.

About Elephant Rescue Park:

A Thai-owned rehabilitation center dedicated to healthcare and sanctuary for injured, abandoned, and abused elephants.

This program does not support or include elephant riding.

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Lahu Tribal Village – Mae Salak

Work alongside villagers on a community improvement project such as building access roads or creating gathering spaces for families. Enjoy cultural exchange through song, dance, and games with the Lahu tribe.

About the Lahu Tribal Village:

A hill-tribe community of about 90 residents who live traditionally, often without running water or electricity, maintaining their agricultural practices with the help of water buffalo.

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Rice Farming in the Karen Community – Chiang Mai

Spend a day learning traditional rice-farming techniques from local Karen farmers. Assist with planting shoots in the paddy fields and learn how rice is cultivated and harvested.

About the Karen Community:

Historically elephant caretakers, the Karen people now thrive through rice farming, using generations of knowledge in irrigation and sustainable forestry.

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Activities �*

Bangkok

Explore the city by Skytrain, canal boat, tuk-tuk, and longtail boat. Begin with a food walking tour at Jodd Fairs market. Visit major sites such as Erawan Shrine, Golden Mount, the Grand Palace, and Wat Pho. Discover Bangkok’s warm culture through its temples, markets, and canal communities.

Chiang Mai

Zip-line between multiple platforms high above a forest canopy. Explore the Old City and famous temples such as Doi Suthep. Try a Muay Thai kickboxing class and watch a professional match. Enjoy a traditional Thai massage and cook your own dishes during a hands-on Thai cooking class.

Mae Salak

Float down the Mae Kok River on bamboo rafts. Spend time with the Lahu community, visit a rice farm, and learn to prepare a traditional Thai lunch from scratch.

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Accommodations �*

Mae Salak – Saranya River House

Air-conditioned rooms with Wi-Fi, TVs, a swimming pool, and scenic river and mountain views.

Bangkok – I Residence Hotel

Features a rooftop restaurant, swimming pool, sundeck, and central location for easy city exploration.

Chiang Mai – Ana Park Hotel

A centrally located property offering a pool, free Wi-Fi, and hearty breakfast options.

Krabi – Peace Laguna Resort

A tropical-inspired resort with a pool, spa, open-air lobby, free Wi-Fi, and striking natural surroundings.

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What It’s Like �*

The perfect blend of meaningful service, cultural immersion, and exciting adventure. This program fosters connection, empathy, curiosity, and close friendships.

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Cultural Sensitivity �*

This program requires an open mind and willingness to experience new foods, environments, and cultural traditions.

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40 Community Service Hours �*

A letter of completion outlining 40 service hours and associated projects will be provided after the program.

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Service Projects

All participants take part in every project. Final assignments are confirmed in late spring and are similar to those described.

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Local Guide

A professional guide accompanies the group to support cultural understanding and provide valuable insight.

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Accommodations

Hotels & lodges.

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Meals

Breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily.

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Activities

Includes all recreation and activities listed.

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Transportation

Chartered, air-conditioned vehicles with a professional driver.

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Group Size

Up to 24 participants.

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Dietary Options

Most dietary preferences and allergies can be accommodated.

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More About This Program ✈️

Flight to Bangkok, Thailand:

A chaperoned group flight departs from New York or Los Angeles. Participants from outside these cities join by connecting into one of these gateways. Leaders accompany the group from check-in onward.

Internal Flights:

A required $685 USD internal flight fee covers flights between:

• Bangkok → Chiang Mai

• Chiang Mai → Bangkok

• Bangkok → Krabi

• Krabi → Bangkok

Return Flight From Bangkok:

A chaperoned flight returns to New York. Participants may join that flight or fly independently from Bangkok with staff assistance during check-in and departure.

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Where We Stay

Accommodations are selected for comfort, cleanliness, and suitability for students. Volunteer programs do not use homestays to maintain group cohesion and ensure consistent program quality.

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Meals & New Cuisines 🍽️

Enjoy authentic Thai dishes, fresh fruit, vegetable-rich meals, noodle dishes, and vibrant street-food flavors. North American-style options are also available. Dietary restrictions such as vegetarian, allergies, lactose intolerance, celiac, and kosher-style can be accommodated.

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Drinking Water

Large containers of clean drinking water are provided for students to refill their water bottles throughout the trip.

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Vaccinations

Participants should follow CDC recommendations and consult their physician. Updated information is provided in March or upon enrollment.

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Laundry

Laundry can be dropped off at a weekly wash-and-fold service and picked up clean and folded.

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What’s Included / Not Included ✅

Included:

• All lodging

• Breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily

• All listed activities and recreation

• Airport transfers during designated times

• Taxes and gratuities

Not Included:

• Transportation to and from the program

• Internal flight fee

• Personal spending money (souvenirs, snacks, laundry)

• Optional travel insurance