Thalang District, Thailand
Reconnect with nature: Support rescued elephants & explore the hidden side of Phuket
Immerse yourself in Northern Phuket’s lush landscapes while supporting rescued elephants and connecting with local communities. This journey blends hands-on conservation, authentic Thai culture, and mindful travel. From volunteering at an ethical elephant sanctuary to joining local farmers and learning Thai traditions, travelers experience a side of Phuket that few ever see.
- Sawanya Sae Lao
- Worldpackers host since Oct/2025
Available group trips
Apr 19, 2026 - Apr 27, 2026
Coming soonThai Elephants and Nature immersion
Step away from the typical tourist path and into the natural rhythms of Phuket. This is an opportunity to slow down, disconnect from digital life, and truly immerse yourself in the environment. We focus on experiencing the island's quieter side - exploring the dense tropical landscapes, learning about the local flora and fauna, and finding moments of calm on secluded shores. It’s about being present, breathing the fresh air, and allowing the natural beauty of Thailand to be your primary guide. An intentional journey toward simplicity and peace.
Starting from
US$ 1,650
US$ 1,550
Jun 07, 2026 - Jun 15, 2026
Coming soonExperience the best of Thailand with Maddie & Luke!
We’re Maddie and Luke. We’re all about having a laugh, keeping things chill, and making travel fun. Whether you’re a couple, solo or dragging your mates along, everyone is welcome. Thailand is seriously sick (Luke's favourite country in the world) —The best food, the kindest locals, and insane views. Come on… it'll be fun! We are non-serious people and if you don't like one of us (there's another!).
Starting from
US$ 1,813
US$ 1,613
Dec 01, 2027 - Dec 08, 2027
Coming soonMore dates available soon
Dates to book this experience for 2026 and 2027 will be available soon, stay tuned!
Starting from
US$ 1,228
Itinerary
Day 1
Afternoon
Welcome to Phuket!
Take a moment to settle into your cottage, meet your host and fellow travelers, and soak in the atmosphere of an inspiring week ahead.
Evening
Welcome Dinner
Savour a freshly made Thai-style dinner and connect over a shared meal with your host.
Day 2
Morning
Breakfast at the sanctuary
Take a short ride to Phuket Elephant Sanctuary and start the day with a relaxing breakfast.
Meet the Elephants
After a short video documentary about Asian elephants, you’ll visit the sanctuary grounds, observe the elephants as they roam, forage and bathe freely, and get to know their individual stories and characters.
Afternoon
Lunch
Enjoy a delicious, home-made vegetarian Thai lunch at a lakeside Sala.
Elephant Food Preparation
Join the team at Phuket Elephant Sanctuary to prepare rice balls, cut fruits, or plant new food sources like Napier grass
Evening
Dinner
Treat yourself to another helping of Thai cuisine before returning to the cottage.
Thai Wine & Local Delights
After a warm shower, join your host to enjoy the sunset over some delicious Thai wines and local delicacies.
Day 3
Morning
Breakfast at the cottage
Start the day with a delicious breakfast buffet at the cottage before setting out to explore.
Pineapple Harvesting
Learn from Paklok locals how to slice and savour freshly cut, juicy Phuket pineapples.
Rubber Tree Tapping
Discover the traditional process of making Para rubber sheets with the local community.
Coconut Picking Workshop
Try your hand at coconut picking and join a cooking workshop to uncover local secret recipes.
Afternoon
Lunch
Enjoy a local lunch at Phuket’s first community Halal restaurant overlooking the Bangrong pier.
Free Time
Return to your cottage to unwind in the tranquility of nature or take this time to enjoy an extra activity.
Thai Language Beginner Class
Get a fun introduction to Thai and pick up phrases you can use right away.
Evening
Dinner
Share stories from your day over a comforting homecooked meal.
Day 4
Morning
Breakfast
Start your day with breakfast at the sanctuary before diving into meaningful elephant volunteering.
Afternoon
Lunch
Enjoy a delicious, home-made vegetarian Thai lunch at a lakeside Sala.
Creating New Food Sources
Team up to harvest banana trees, pineapple leaves, and Napier grass—or plant new food sources to sustain the elephants.
Evening
Dinner
Treat yourself to another helping of Thai cuisine before returning to your cottage.
Lemongrass Candle Making Workshop
Learn how to make a delightful lemongrass candle with your host – the perfect souvenir to bring home.
Day 5
Morning
Breakfast
Share a scrumptious breakfast before heading out to Old Phuket Town.
Transfer Old Town
Explore Phuket Old Town however you like during two hours to enjoy the beautiful Sino-Portuguese architecture and local flavors. Only round-trip transport is included for this outing. Any local activities, entrance fees, or personal purchases are paid individually. Please keep in mind that lunch and dinner are not included on this day.
Afternoon
Transfer Patong Beach
Discover Patong Beach beauty and soak up Phuket’s bustling vibe during the rest of the day with beachside cafés and shopping. Only round-trip transport is included for this outing. Any local activities, entrance fees, or personal purchases are paid individually. Please keep in mind that lunch and dinner are not included on this day.
Evening
Heading home or keeping the night alive?
You can arrange a return time with the host (up to 11 PM), or you can stay longer and enjoy the nightlife on Patong Street. If you choose to stay later, you will need to request a taxi or ride via an app — the host can help you with this.
Day 6
Morning
Breakfast
Share a scrumptious breakfast together at the cottage.
Free Day!
After a busy day the day before, relax and enjoy the tranquility of the cottage.
Afternoon
Community Flavors
The group will gather for a delicious local lunch at the stay before the afternoon activities begin.
Phang Nga Bay Optional Tour
If wanted, you can take half a day to see the a world away. Cruise through Phang Nga Bay’s emerald waters, marvel at dramatic limestone cliffs, and glide past hidden lagoons. Dinner is included in this extra activity.
Evening
Dinner & Relaxation
For the explorers: Dinner is included as part of the Phang Nga Bay extra activity. For those staying back: A cozy dinner will be served at the stay, followed by a chill evening with the rest of the group.
Day 7
Morning
Morning Yoga
Begin the day with a magical morning yoga session as the forest awakens around you.
Breakfast at the sanctuary
Share a scrumptious breakfast at the sanctuary to start your last day of volunteering work.
Elephant Hospital
Assist at Phuket’s first elephant hospital with tasks such as refilling the hydrotherapy pool or arranging medicine.
Elephant Food
Support in preparing supplementary food for the elephants
Afternoon
Lunch
Enjoy a delicious, home-made vegetarian Thai lunch at a lakeside Sala.
Final Jungle Walk
Enjoy the afternoon in the jungle observing the elephants before bidding farewell to them and the sanctuary team.
Evening
Dinner
Treat yourself to another helping of Thai cuisine before returning to your cottage.
Lemongrass Candle Making Workshop
Put the finishing touches on your lemongrass candle and enjoy some quiet time.
Day 8
Morning
Breakfast
Enjoy breakfast and fuel up for an active morning ahead!
Countryside Cycling
Cycle 21 km through Phuket’s farmland, forests, and villages—discover hidden trails and local life.
Lunch with a View
Finish the cycling tour at the photogenic Laem Sai pier and enjoy lunch with a view.
Afternoon
Optional ATV Tour
Ride an ATV through Yamu’s scenic trails in Paklok, exploring forests, plantations, and coastal views.
Evening
Farewell Dinner
Enjoy one last dinner, reminiscing about the unforgettable moments of the week, and new friendships formed.
Day 9
Morning
Breakfast
Your final breakfast, enjoy!
Departure
Time to say goodbye – a trusted driver will take you back to Phuket International Airport.
What's included
What's not included
Requirements
- Intermediate 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.
Rubber Tapping
Learn the traditional method of rubber tapping and making rubber sheets
Thai Language Class
Take part in a beginner Thai language class to learn useful phrases
Lemongrass Candle Workshop
Enjoy a lemongrass candle-making workshop with a local host
Cooking Class
Pick coconuts and join a community cooking workshop to prepare local dishes
Immersion activities
Get to know the local culture and have an authentic travel experience with activities included in your itinerary.
Elephant & Wildlife Conservation Experience
Assist with daily care: prepare food, clean the elephants’ shelters, help with maintenance and more
Plant and harvest new food sources
Plant and harvest crops that feed rescued elephants and support sustainable living
Immersive Cultural Evening
Taste truly Thai wine and local delicacies during a cultural immersion evening!
Jungle Walk
Join a jungle walk to observe elephants in their natural forest habitat
Harvest Pineapples
Harvest fresh Phuket pineapples with local farmers
Wellness sessions
Take morning yoga sessions surrounded by the forest
Cycling Tour
Countryside cycling tour (21 km) through villages, farmland, and coastal trails
Extra activities
Additional activities for you to enjoy this adventure even more in your free time.
Boat Trip to Phang Nga Bay
Cruise through Phang Nga Bay’s emerald waters and see limestone cliffs hidden lagoons.
This activity costs around $70 to $80, including transportation and dinner
Bang Pae Waterfall & Gibbon Rehabilitation Project
Enjoy a short hike and learn about gibbon conservation in this spot in Khao Pra Theao National Park
There is a THB 400 entry fee to the park and an THB 1,000 fee to Gibbon Project
Wat Phra Thong (Temple of the Golden Buddha)
A cultural landmark in Thalang district, about 15 minutes from the cottage
Entry is free, but donations are welcome
Transfers to Phuket Old Town
Explore Phuket Old Town your own way — wander the streets, try local food, and enjoy the city vibe.
Tour not included, but your host offers free transport so you can get there easily
Transfers to Patong Beach
Spend a free afternoon at Patong Beach with the option to enjoy the nightlife
Tour not included, but your host offers free transport so you can get there easily
Accommodation options
Shared Dorm
Travelers will stay at a cozy cottage surrounded by tropical gardens, just 5-10 minutes from the main activities. The property has four air-conditioned rooms, each with a private bathroom, small fridge, and workspace. Rooms are shared (up to three travelers), with flexibility for smaller groups. Common areas include an open-air dining space for group meals and morning yoga sessions. WiFi, hot showers, and laundry facilities are available for a comfortable stay close to nature.
- Pay-per-use laundry machine
- Internet (over 100 Mbps)
- Dedicated Workspace
- Hot water showers
Meals
Meals are freshly prepared each day, blending authentic Thai flavors with healthy, locally sourced ingredients. Breakfasts feature tropical fruits, eggs, toast, and coffee, while lunches and dinners include vegetarian green curry, Pad Thai, Massaman curry, and homemade spring rolls. Shared family-style meals take place at the cottage or local restaurants, creating warm moments of connection. Regarding dietary needs, we accommodate vegan, vegetarian, and lactose-free diets, as well as other restrictions upon request.
Arrival orientation
Travelers are welcomed at Phuket International Airport (HKT) with scheduled pick-ups arranged based on flight details. Up to three transfer times are coordinated to ensure convenience for everyone. Look for the driver holding a sign with the group name. The ride to the cottage takes about 20 minutes. That evening, travelers enjoy a welcome dinner where the host introduces the itinerary and shares important local insights for the week ahead.
About the project
- Hosted by Sawanya Sae Lao
This project was created by a Thai tourism professional with 15 years of experience in wellness and sustainability. The host collaborates with an ethical elephant sanctuary and a network of local farmers, artisans, and families to design meaningful, responsible travel experiences. Together, they aim to redefine tourism by protecting animals, preserving cultural heritage, and uplifting local livelihoods—all while offering travelers a safe, inspiring, and purpose-driven journey.
About the destination
Located in the tranquil northeast region of Phuket, this area offers a peaceful contrast to the island’s busy beaches. Lush forests, rural farms, and coastal trails surround the community, creating a natural haven ideal for reflection and connection. Nearby, travelers can visit waterfalls, Buddhist temples, and local markets. This side of Phuket invites you to slow down, breathe deeply, and experience Thailand’s island life in its most authentic and sustainable form.
Impact & Purpose
This experience transforms tourism into a force for good. By supporting ethical elephant care, joining community workshops, and choosing local-led travel, every traveler helps protect wildlife, empower small businesses, and preserve Thai traditions. The result: meaningful connections that enrich both the traveler and the people and nature of Phuket.
This host contributes to Sustainable Development Goals
Good health and well-being
Travelers support rescued elephants’ care while improving their own mental and physical wellbeing through yoga, nature walks, and mindful cultural immersion.
Decent work and economic growth
By joining community-led workshops and dining at family-run restaurants, travelers generate fair income for local farmers, artisans, and guides in rural Phuket.
Life on land
Hands-on volunteer work helps sustain elephant habitats and raise awareness about wildlife conservation, inspiring more responsible travel practices worldwide.
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