Mueang Tak District, Thailand
Sacred Paths & Wildlife Care: Immersive Journey into Thai Culture and Holistic Animal Sanctuary
Escape the ordinary and embrace the tranquility of Northern Thailand. This is a journey that blends compassionate animal care, cultural immersion, and personal growth at a unique meditation center and animal sanctuary. Join the group to support a project dedicated to enriching difficult mountain soil, caring for rescued animals, and uplifting local communities through charity and cultural events. You'll participate in hands-on activities, from tending to the land to hiking to remote hill tribes, forging deep connections with Thai villagers along the way. Get ready for an adventure that is as rewarding as it is beautiful.
- Mill Phichet
- Worldpackers host since Aug/2025
Available dates
Dec/01/2027 Dec/10/2027
- Coming soon
More dates available soon
Dates to book this experience for 2026 and 2027 will be available soon, stay tuned!
Show moreStarting from
US$ 1,745
Itinerary
Day 1
Afternoon
12h30 - Airport Pick-up
pick-up from the airport and transfer toward Tak province.
18h - Arrival at the Dhamma Yanto Meditation Center & Animal Sanctuary
The first vibe is pure reset: we’ll welcome you with refreshing drinks and ample free time to explore the Sanctuary’s grounds, connect with nature, and find your calm before our first group gathering.
Evening
19h - Welcome Dinner
Gather for our first immersive, locally sourced feast (food and drinks provided). This isn't just a meal, it's where we set the tone.
22h - Rest
Time for bed and rest.
Day 2
Morning
6h to 8h - Breakfast
Start the day with a scheduled breakfast.
8h to 11h30 - Sanctuary Activities
Dive into the Sanctuary mission with a briefing on conservation ethics. Get hands-on assisting with ethical animal feeding, connecting deeply with the rescued residents. Pre-booked riders can experience a horse ride.
Afternoon
12h to 13h30 - Buffet Lunch
Enjoy a buffet lunch featuring authentic Thai cuisine.
13h30 to 16h - Free Time / Volunteering
Choose your vibe: use your free time for rest, or join our hands-on volunteer activity to develop the plantation area. It's self-care versus impact work, your call on how to reset before the evening.
16h to 18h - Cooking Class
Get ready for the ultimate cultural exchange! Join our authentic cooking class led by a local master chef. We're not just making dinner; we're learning traditional recipes and connecting with the culture.
Evening
18h30 to 21h - Outdoor Dinner
Conclude the day's purpose with an epic outdoor camping dinner under the stars.
Day 3
Morning
6h to 8h - Breakfast
Start the day with a scheduled breakfast.
8h - Departure
You depart from our Sanctuary hub and head straight into the wild. Prepare for the transfer to the breathtaking National Park area, our next chapter of immersion and adventure.
9h to 9h30 - Market Visit
Quick pit stop for authentic flavor. We are hitting a local Hill Tribe market, a true cultural hub, to stock up on the freshest fruit and support local producers before hitting the park.
9h30 to 10h - Check-in (Dorm)
Check-in and storage of belongings in the dormitory accommodation at the National Park.
10h to 12h - Hiking
Gear up! We embark on a challenging 5-hour scheduled hiking trip deep into the park. Packed lunch in hand, we explore the wild, but adherence to the specified wearing code is non-negotiable for safety.
Afternoon
12h to 12h30 - Lunch Break
Break to rest and enjoy the packed lunch.
12h30 to 15h - Return Hiking
After the break complete the 5-hour hike in the National Park.
15h to 20h - Relaxation & Free time
Arrival and reset time. We've hit the National Park area, and now you have free time to relax, recharge your batteries after the journey, and fully embrace the epic new environment. Take a breath; the real exploration starts soon.
Evening
20h to 22h - Dinner
As the light fades, we seize the opportunity to witness the sunset over this historic landscape. We conclude this reflective day by enjoying authentic Thai food.
Day 4
Morning
6h to 8h - Breakfast
Start the day with breakfast.
8h to 11h - Cultural Walk
Engage in a genuine cultural exchange as we meet the local Hill Tribe community. They will lead our guided, purposeful walk to their coffee plantation, offering firsthand insight into their sustainable practices and deep connection to the land.
Afternoon
12h to 13h - Lunch
We pause our immersion for lunch at "Coffee on the Hill." This meal is enjoyed with a fantastic, sweeping view of the landscape.
13h to 15h - Cultural Performance
Witness a profound cultural moment: eight local girls from the Hill Tribe community perform a traditional dance. This immersive spectacle is an honoring of heritage, offering deep insight into the customs and artistic spirit of the community.
15h to 16h30 - Return
With the echoes of the dance still resonating, we begin our reflective return journey to the National Park area.
Evening
18h - Dinner
Enjoy dinner in the evening, processing the day's profound cultural immersion and renewing our collective energy for the exploration awaiting us tomorrow.
Day 5
Morning
6h to 7h - Breakfast
Enjoy breakfast at the sanctuary.
7h30 to 8h30 - Departure & Scenic Drive
We depart the National Park, embarking on a beautifully scenic drive. Our journey takes us through Mae Sot, offering glimpses into this authentic small community and providing reflective views of the passing landscape before our next destination.
9h to 10h - Hot Springs Visit
We pause for restorative serenity at the Mae Kasa Hot Springs. This 100% natural thermal spring offers a moment of pure, essential relaxation, connecting us deeply to the earth’s natural energy.
10h to 11h30 - Onsen Relaxation
Dive into deep serenity. Experience the peaceful atmosphere and complete relaxation in the natural onsen area of our restorative complex. This traditional thermal bath is essential for renewal (don't forget your swimwear!)
Afternoon
11h3o to 13h - Lunch by River
We pause for an authentic, local-style lunch served beside the tranquil Moei River.
13h to 15h - Temple Visit
Visit Wat Thai Wattanaram, a stunning testament to regional heritage. Marvel at the temple's distinctly beautiful Burmese architectural style, offering a visual and spiritual immersion into the layered history of the area.
15h to 16h30 - Market Stop
We immerse ourselves at the vibrant Muser Hill Tribe Market. Famous for its incredible fresh fruits and vegetables, this bustling cultural hub offers a chance to sample local flavors and support community producers.
16h30 - Return
The journey circles back. We begin our reflective return drive to the Animal Sanctuary, carrying the rich cultural memories and impactful experiences from the past days.
Evening
18h - Dinner
Relax and enjoy dinner together.
Day 6
Morning
6h to 8h - Breakfast
Enjoy breakfast at the sanctuary.
8h to 11h - Animal Care & Learning or Free time
Track a wild bison herd & dive into critical animal care. Experience survival strategy firsthand while making a tangible conservation impact.
Afternoon
12h to 13h - Lunch
Fuel up with a shared, community-style lunch.
13h to 16h - Cooking Class
Thai Cuisine Immersion: Master classic dishes in a hands-on cooking class. Taste the culture, unlock chef skills.
16h to 18h - Evening Feeding
Get hands-on with evening feeding time. Ensure these incredible animals are happy and healthy. A real, rewarding care experience.
Evening
18h to 21h - Dinner & Relaxation
Relax and enjoy dinner at the sanctuary.
Day 7
Morning
6h to 8h - Breakfast
Enjoy breakfast at the sanctuary.
9h to 10h - Welcome & Introduction
Attend a welcome ceremony and receive an introduction to the local lifestyle of the Ban Pak Rong Huay Chee community.
10h to 12h - Traditional Food Workshop
Learn how to make traditional palm sugar and participate in a hands-on cooking experience of local dishes. Get deep into the region's sweetest secrets.
Afternoon
12h to 13h - Lunch
Enjoy a local lunch, savoring the regional flavors and recharging for the afternoon.
13h to 17h - Weaving Workshop
Join a hands-on traditional palm-leaf workshop and create your custom hat. Master an ancient craft and leave with a handmade, sustainable souvenir.
17h to 18h - Scenic Ride
Take a scenic ride along the Ping River to soak in the chill riverside atmosphere and stunning views. Find your peace on the water and explore the local vibe.
Evening
18h to 19h - Dinner
Experience Khantoke! Dive into a traditional Lanna dinner set at the buzzing Kad Ta Tong local market.
Day 8
Morning
6h to 8h - Breakfast
Enjoy breakfast at the sanctuary.
8h to 12h - Sukhothai Historical Park Visit
Visit Sukhothai Historical Park (Old Town). Rent a bicycle (no extra charge) as it's the best way to explore the vast and peaceful park area.
Afternoon
12h to 13h30 - Lunch
Taste real tradition! Sit down for an authentic, homemade local lunch featuring comforting dishes.
13h30 to 15h30 - Temple & Museum Visits
Visit the Ramkhamhaeng National Museum and Wat Mahathat (the largest and most important temple in the park), which features impressive Buddha images and lotus-shaped stupas.
17h to 18h - Sunset & Views
Catch the epic sunset and soak in the park's stunning scenic views. The perfect moment to relax, reflect, and grab that iconic shot.
Evening
18h - Return & Dinner
Head back to the Animal Sanctuary for a relaxing dinner and peaceful downtime.
Day 9
Morning
6h to 8h - Breakfast
Enjoy breakfast at the sanctuary.
8h to 11h - Animal Tasks
Enjoy a peaceful walk, connect with the rescued animals, and jump into essential tasks like feeding. Experience the real impact of sanctuary life.
Afternoon
11h to 13h - Lunch
Enjoy a delightful local lunch in a peaceful, serene setting. Savor authentic regional dishes and fully recharge your energy.
13h to 16h - Sustainable Living / Recreation
Impact or Play? Choose your adventure! Get hands-on with sustainable farming (planting, fish ponds) OR dive into fun: Horseback riding, mineral springs, or football with the local kids.
16h to 18h - Free Time
Enjoy downtime with complimentary snacks. Recharge, relax, and savor your moment.
Evening
18h to 19h - Dinner
Relax and enjoy dinner at the sanctuary.
Day 10
Morning
7h to 8h - Breakfast
Enjoy the final group breakfast, savoring the last moments and connecting over coffee. Reflect on the journey and share your favorite memories.
8h to 15h - Departure & Transfer
Depart from the Animal Sanctuary and transfer to the hotel in Bangkok.
What's included
What's not included
Requirements
- Intermediate English or Beginner English
- Over 18 years old
Activities
See the activities that will make your trip into an epic adventure.
Learning opportunities
Contribute to your project and make a positive impact while developing new skills.
Palm Sugar & Local Dishes
Workshop to make traditional palm sugar and hands-on cooking experience of local dishes.
Palm-Leaf Hat Weaving
Hands-on workshop for traditional palm-leaf weaving. Create your own hat.
Ancient Temple & Museum
Visit the Ramkhamhaeng National Museum and the important Wat Mahathat temple.
Thai Cooking Class
Cooking class to learn local dishes with the resident chef.
Cultural Dance Performance
Experience local culture through a traditional dance performed by local girls.
Immersion activities
Get to know the local culture and have an authentic travel experience with activities included in your itinerary.
Mountain Hiking Adventure
5-hour hike in the National Park with packed lunch (appropriate attire required).
Sukhothai Park Biking
Visit Sukhothai Historical Park (Old Town) by renting a bicycle (best way to explore).
Evening Animal Feeding
Help feed the sanctuary animals their evening meal.
Plantation Volunteer Work
Use free time to join a volunteer activity developing the plantation area.
Animal Care & Buffalo Herding
Animal care and following a herd of buffalo to learn traditional survival.
Burmese Temple & River Lunch
Local lunch by the Moei River, followed by a visit to a beautiful Burmese-style temple.
River Ride & Khantoke Dinner
Scenic ride along the Ping River followed by a Khantoke dinner at a local market.
Coffee Plantation Walk
Meet the Hill Tribe members and take a guided walk to a coffee plantation.
Extra activities
Additional activities for you to enjoy this adventure even more in your free time.
Sukhothai Airport Zoo Visit
Optional visit to the Sukhothai Airport Zoo. Open weekends (Sat-Sun, 9 AM - 4 PM).
$50 per person
Thai Massage Session
A 90-minute Thai Massage, you can book this service any day from Monday to Friday.
$50 per session
Sukhothai Sunset Views
Relax and enjoy the scenic views and sunset over the historical park ruins.
Free of charge
Free Sanctuary Exploration
Free time to walk around and explore the Animal Sanctuary grounds at your leisure.
Free of charge
Animal Feeding & Horse Riding
Enjoy animal feeding and horse riding.
advance booking only (free of charge)
Local Recreation Time
Choose: play football with children, mineral spring, or horseback riding. Free snacks provided.
Free of charge
Hill Tribe Market Stop
Stop at a Hill Tribe market to buy fresh fruits and snacks.
Cost Varies
Natural Hot Springs & Onsen
Visit Mae Kasa Hot Springs and relax in the natural onsen (bring swimwear).
free of charge
Videos
Lauren
France
Mill is a fantastic host. He was always ready to answer questions and share his knowledge of the culture, and we had a lot of laughs too. During our days off, he suggested several activities.
His sister Rose cooked exceptional meals for us !
Songkran who takes care of the animals, is very hardworking and fun. Even though he doesn’t speak english, he does everyrhing he can to make sure you understand the tasks.
I recommend this experience to anyone who wants an authentic adventure, being with locals and animals.
I already miss this place ! Thank you for everything ! Hope to see you again !
8 days ago
Kaja
Germany
Mill is such a kind guy. He was always caring about us and the tasks were never to difficult or exhausting. Also his food… absolutely delicious !!! He showed us a lot of local food and the culture. Because of his good english skills he answered all of our questions. Also the animals are safed
from the slaughter and live happily. All in all I would definitely recommend to stay at his animal shelter.
about 2 months ago
Jamille
Brazil
This experience was wonderful, I recommend it to everyone who wants to connect with local people and nature. Mill is an amazing person, he stayed by our side the whole time during our work, besides work, we had good conversations and laughs during our time together. Your partner is extremely helpful, assisting us with all the tasks and showing us how to do those activities. Our stay was excellent, they treated us with great care and respect, and we learned a lot from them.
Note: Mill is an excellent chef, I loved him ✨
about 2 months ago
Eline
France
Mill is a cheerful and caring host who goes above and beyond to help, even beyond farm tasks. He made sure we experienced authentic Thai culture working in rice fields, sharing meals with locals, and meditating with a monk. Communication was easy thanks to his great English.
Songkran, who takes care of the animals, is hardworking and always in a good mood. Despite the language barrier, he made a real effort to connect.
The animals are well cared for. I was happy to see how they care rescuing them from slaughter and giving them a peaceful, longer life.
These 10 days were truly a pleasure
5 months ago
Victor
Brazil
Foi uma experiência incrível desde o primeiro dia, fomos muito bem recebidos pelo Mill, um anfitrião de coração puro, bondoso, respeitoso que desde o primeiro dia prezou pelo nosso conforto e bem-estar, um excelente chef de cozinha, um excelente amigo e uma excelente companhia. O ambiente é maravilhoso, você se sente em paz com a natureza e os animais que também são super bem tratados, os locais também são pessoas super educadas e felizes, todas as pessoas nos trataram bem. Com certeza foi uma experiência incrível, seremos eternamente gratos pelo quanto fomos bem recebidos e aconselhados pelo
about 2 months ago
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Connect with others who will also be there
Exchange ideas with other confirmed worldpackers before your trip.
Accommodation options
Shared Accommodation: Bond with 2-8 Fellow Travelers
The group will experience two types of accommodation to enhance the journey. For the main portion of the trip, the stay is at the project's center, which features traveler-exclusive housing. This includes a mixed-gender dorm for up to 8 people and two private rooms suitable for solo women or couples (up to 2 people each). Travelers will be allocated a room upon arrival, with priority given to solo women or couples for the private rooms. In the middle of the experience (Days 3 and 4), the group will stay at a dome-style temporary accommodation within a National Park, which can host 8-12 people. All lodging is within walking distance of the activities, offering dedicated workspaces and shared bathrooms that are kept absolutely clean, though they only have cold showers.
- Free to use laundry machine
- Internet (under 50 Mbps)
- Use our equipped kitchen
- Dedicated Workspace
Meals
Prepare for a culinary journey featuring delicious, healthy, and locally sourced food that reflects the rich Thai cuisine. Given the varied itinerary, meals are served as a buffet most of the time, whether cooked by the host team at the base or by local cooks at different locations. Breakfast is always served buffet-style, and the host team handles all lunches and dinners. A special highlight is the basic Thai cooking lessons offered at the base camp! The host is vegetarian-friendly and can easily accommodate various food allergies and restrictions, provided they are informed in advance. Travelers will also have access to a kitchen if they need to prepare anything for themselves.
Arrival orientation
Your immersive experience begins with a seamless arrival. The host team will pick up all travelers at Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) in Bangkok, with the pick-up scheduled for around 12:30 PM. The group will be met by a host representative holding a sign with the group name at the airport arrival area. Travelers are taken straight from the airport to the project, with no layovers in other cities.
About the project
The core of this experience is led by a dedicated individual, inspired by a lifelong passion for service, moral values, and nature. This mission-driven host has channeled their personal journey of inner growth and compassionate action into creating a meditation center and animal sanctuary. This project is a living sanctuary where people can heal, learn, and reconnect with themselves and nature. The host's work is deeply rooted in supporting the local community—transforming the center for traditional festivals, offering free entertainment and food to locals, and providing support, including free therapy, meals, and supplies, to a local artistic school for almost 300 children from low-income families, many of whom are deaf or blind. The local team includes an employee responsible for animal care and basic medical attention, as well as plant and tree maintenance.
About the destination
Your destination is a stunning, lesser-known stretch of the Riviera Nayarit on the Pacific coast of Mexico. This region is famous for its untouched beaches, lush jungle backdrop, and laid-back, authentic coastal communities. It’s a tranquil paradise, far from the large resorts, where the rhythm of life is dictated by the ocean tides. This immersive location provides the perfect context for deep conservation work and genuine connection with the local culture and pristine nature.
Impact & Purpose
The project’s central challenge is the poor soil condition, which suffers from rapid topsoil erosion during heavy rains. Travelers play a crucial role in tackling this long-standing issue by contributing their labor to build water barriers and assist in transplanting trees into manure-enriched areas. This work is vital for improving the ecosystem and allowing agriculture to flourish. Furthermore, the group's presence provides essential financial support for animal shelter maintenance, food, hay, and veterinary supplies, directly supporting the sanctuary’s mission to care for its animals and serve the surrounding community through charity and cultural events.
This host contributes to Sustainable Development Goals
Good health and well-being
Travelers contribute to well-being by helping to grow chemical-free plants at the center. This commitment enhances the natural ecosystem, ensuring animals are safe and that crops, grass, and food remain free from harmful substances, promoting better health for all inhabitants and the wider community.
Decent work and economic growth
By supporting the project's agriculture, travelers help create job opportunities for local villagers and government agencies. Growing chemical-free crops allows for premium pricing, directly increasing the income of the villagers and contributing to a more sustainable local economy.
Partnerships for the goals
Travelers assist the project in its partnership efforts by supporting the expansion of chemical-free livestock raising and kitchen gardens. This model is shared with local villagers through training, helping them adopt sustainable practices, generate good income, and actively work to reduce poverty and social inequality.
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