Mae Wang District, Thailand
Elephant trails & cultural immersion in the jungles of Northern Thailand
Step into the jungle of Chiang Mai and connect deeply with nature and culture. Travelers will walk alongside elephants, learn Karen traditions, and discover sustainable ways of living. With a balance of hikes, community exchanges, and mindful downtime by the fire or under the stars, this journey offers both impact and meaning. Meals, pick-up, and guided support are all included for a safe and transformative experience.
- Jack
- Worldpackers host since Aug/2024
Available group trips
Feb 22, 2026 - Feb 28, 2026
Coming soonWalk alongside Elephants in Thailand with Amy!
Hey, it's Amy! I've been travelling this big, beautiful world for 10 years and this will be my 4th group trip :) I'm so excited to connect with like-minded women, build new friendships and get to know the local Thai culture, people and animals đ. I can't wait to see you there!
Mar 24, 2026 - Mar 30, 2026
Coming soonđđ Thailand Elephant Immersion with Maria Hashmi
An ethical conservation adventure led by a NatGeo Explorer Join Maria Hashmi (@rebelzoologist) for a once-in-a-lifetime journey into the heart of Thailandâs elephant conservation efforts. Over the course of this immersive experience, youâll connect deeply with elephants, learn from local conservationists, and participate in hands-on fieldwork while living in one of the most breathtaking landscapes on Earth. What makes this trip special? đż Science & Storytelling Maria brings her expertise as a National Geographic Young Explorer and childhood educator to guide you through the ecology, behavior, and cultural significance of Asian elephants. She blends scientific insight with storytelling in a way thatâs engaging, accessible, and unforgettable. đ Ethical Elephant Encounters This is conservation work â not tourism. Youâll spend time observing natural behaviors, assisting with daily care routines, collecting data, supporting enrichment, and learning about the challenges elephants face in human-dominated landscapes. đ¤ Community-Led Impact Work alongside local experts who dedicate their lives to elephant protection. Youâll contribute directly to ongoing conservation initiatives, from habitat restoration to sustainable community education programs. đĄ Immersive Cultural Experience Live in a rural Thai community surrounded by mountains and forests. Experience traditional meals, learn local practices, and form meaningful connections with the people protecting Thailandâs wildlife. đ Nature, Connection & Growth Expect peaceful mornings, meaningful conversations, and moments that reconnect you with nature and yourself. This trip is designed to foster empathy, purpose, and a deeper understanding of our role in global conservation. Who is this trip for? ⨠Nature lovers ⨠Aspiring conservationists ⨠Students ⨠Adventure seekers ⨠Anyone wanting ethical elephant experiences ⨠People craving connection, purpose, and field experience ⨠Spots open November 28th. đŹ Group chat reopens November 24th for all official details. đ¸ Start dreaming â Thailand is coming.
Dec 05, 2027 - Dec 11, 2027
Coming soonMore dates available soon
Dates to book this experience for 2026 and 2027 will be available soon, stay tuned!
Itinerary
Day 1
Morning
Pick-up time!
Meet your driver at Chiang Mai (CNX) or local stations. Enjoy the scenic ride to the jungle camp.
Afternoon
Lunch & Rest
Settle in with a light meal, relax after your trip, and get to know your surroundings.
Evening
Welcome Dinner & Game Night
Share your first meal together and join optional games to connect with fellow travelers.
Day 2
Morning
Breakfast
Start your morning with a delicious and energizing breakfast before heading out for the day's adventures.
Elephant Hike
Walk alongside elephants in the jungle to create a bound with these animals.
Afternoon
Lunch
Recharge with a nutritious and fresh meal.
Elephant Food Preparation
Help chop sugarcane, bananas, and grasses to prepare meals for elephants.
Waterfall time
Cool off and swin at a nearby jungle waterfall.
Evening
Dinner & Campfire
End the day with a shared meal and stories around the fire.
Day 3
Morning
Breakfast
Start your morning with a delicious and energizing breakfast at the camp.
Elephant Hike
Walk alongside elephants in the jungle to create a bond with these animals.
Afternoon
Lunch
Recharge with a nutritious and fresh meal.
Herbal Remedies for Elephants
Learn to prepare natural herbal medicine for elephant care.
Elephant Food Preparation
Help chop sugarcane, bananas, and grasses to prepare meals for elephants.
Evening
Cooking Class & Dinner
Discover how to cook a traditional Thai dishes with local ingredients.
Day 4
Morning
Breakfast
Start your morning with a delicious and energizing breakfast at the camp.
Day trip to Doi Inthanon National Park
Explore Doi Inthanon, Thailandâs highest peak, and its trails, waterfalls and wildlife.
Afternoon
Lunch
Recharge your energies with a meal provided during the excursion.
Park's Pagoda Visit
Visit the famous National Park's pagoda and take in breathtaking mountain views.
Evening
Dinner & Campfire
End the day with a shared meal and stories around the fire.
Day 5
Morning
Breakfast
Start your morning with a delicious and energizing breakfast at the camp.
Elephant Hike
Trek through the jungle and form a deep bond with rescued elephants.
Afternoon
Lunch
Recharge with a nutritious and fresh meal.
Get to know the surrounding area
Explore a nearby village, meet locals and walk through rice paddies to learn about daily life at the surrounding landscapes.
Evening
Dinner
Taste traditional dishes and share stories from the day's activities.
Movie Night
Relax outdoors with a film under the stars.
Day 6
Morning
Breakfast
Start your morning with a delicious and energizing breakfast at the camp.
Elephant Hike
Join elephants on a jungle walk and connect with these gentle giants.
Afternoon
Lunch
Recharge with a nutritious and fresh meal.
Bracelet Beading
Make a handmade bracelet guided by Karen artisans.
Free Time
Unwind at camp: explore the nearby facilities, rest or connect with fellow travelers.
Evening
Farewell Dinner
Celebrate your last night with a delicious group meal and gather for a final campfire to share memories before departure.
Day 7
Morning
Breakfast
Enjoy one last breakfast with the group.
Departure
Return by shuttle to Chiang Mai, closing your journey.
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.
Morning elephant walks
Walk alongside elephants in their natural habitat and learn about their behavior and routine.
Elephant food preparation
Prepare sugarcane, bananas and grasses for elephant meals.
Cooking classes
Cook Thai and Karen dishes with local ingredients and the host's help.
Herbal remedies for elephants
Learn how to make traditional herbal medicine to care for elephants.
Immersion activities
Get to know the local culture and have an authentic travel experience with activities included in your itinerary.
Rice planting
Join locals in planting rice fields the traditional way.
This activity is seasonal, with its peak season running from May to July.
Hand-harvesting
This activity is seasonal, with its peak season running from October to November.
Seasonal
Stargazing
Relax under clear jungle skies and watch the stars above.
This activity is seasonal, with its peak season running from November to February.
Extra activities
Additional activities for you to enjoy this adventure even more in your free time.
Visit Doi Inthanon National Park
Discover Thailandâs highest peak and take time to do hikings along its waterfalls and forests.
Doi Inthanon National Park requires a 300Â THB foreigner entrance fee
Beaded bracelet making
Design a colorful bracelet guided by Karen artisans.
This activity has an extra cost, please contact the host to schedule it.
Karen and Thai Class
Learn basic Karen and Thai phrases to connect locally.
This activity has an extra cost; please contact the host to schedule it.
Videos
Jente
Belgium
Jack made us feel at home at this beautiful place in the jungle. He knows a lot about elephants in general and takes care of Khao and Pailine very well. He runs a homestay for visitors and has volunteers coming at the samen time. The food is very good, they separate spicy and non spicy :). There is a waterfall next to the homestay where you can swim. The main job is to bring food (corn, Sugar cane...) to the elephants, walk with them and watch them. In the afternoon, you are free to do what you want. Jack is a lovely and funny person. I would definately recommend this stay !
21 days ago
Tuanny
Brazil
5 starts are not enough for Jack and his family! I feel so proud of them, it made me start off my journey in Thailand on the right foot. Jack is an incredible human being, absolutely generous, patient, sensitive and understanding about everything. Not only he was effortless in explaining us every detail of how the beautiful elephants live and need, but also tried his best to make every volunteer feel comfortable in each period of the day. These 7 days I spent on this project had a great impact on my personal development, which I am and will always be fully grateful for Jack and his peers â¤ď¸
25 days ago
Nick
United States
Wow. I've been here one day and I can tell you in full confidence, that this is one of the greatest experiences of my life. Jack is so kind and welcoming and always makes sure we're well fed. The rooms are great and private showers. You wake up and step out of your room onto a porch looking out o na waterfall. There's hammocks, a fire pit, kitchen, and everything you could need. It's beautiful, peaceful, quiet, and beautiful. The experiences with the elephants is amazing. You get to feed them and go into the water with them as well. I am so happy and 100% recommend this to everyone
25 days ago
Renske
Netherlands
I really enjoyed my 4 days stay in the homestay and with the elephants. Jack is a very good host and has taught us a lot about the elephant's behaviour and his mission to make them live in nature. I was nice to help out with the feeding, hiking and observe them. I would recommend this place to anyone who wants to see the elephants in a ethical, natural, and peaceful environment.
about 2 months ago
Madison
United States
This experience was such an amazing experience! Jack is super sweet and funny and took us around the area and to the national park/ villages on our off days. I had some stomach issues while I was there but he was super accommodating whenever I asked for it. Khao and Pailin are so cute and still playful since they're younger but the work was exactly what is stated. Super laid back and you have plenty of free time!
about 2 months ago
Pippa
Australia
Volunteering at the shelter was my favourite experience! Jack is an amazing host, he's very accommodating, helpful and passionate about his elephants. Jack also try's to select people of similar age and gender to stay together, which made making friends easier!! Getting to spend so much time around the elephants in such an ethical and kind way is something i will never forget, they're so beautiful. The food was amazing too! Not only did we get three meals but we were also allowed any snacks from the kitchen too. Overall, my stay was a truely unique and once in a life opportunity.
about 2 months ago
Talk to those who have lived the experience
In our community, you can talk to worldpackers who have already collaborated with this host and get your questions answered directly.
Connect with others who will also be there
Exchange ideas with other confirmed worldpackers before your trip.
Accommodation options
Cozy shared dorms
Travelers stay in simple yet comfortable dorm-style rooms, with a maximum of four same-gender people per dorm. Amenities include beds with mattresses, blankets, towels, soap, and shampoo. A kitchen and dedicated workspace are also available. Bathrooms have flush toilets and showers, with six total bathrooms on-site. Showers are cold only, adding to the authentic jungle immersion.
- Free to use laundry machine
- Internet (under 50 Mbps)
- Use our equipped kitchen
- Dedicated Workspace
Meals
Meals blend Thai and Karen cuisine, with options for meat, vegetarian, and vegan travelers. Expect fresh rice, vegetables, local herbs, and traditional dishes. Breakfast is simple and energizing, while lunches and dinners highlight regional flavors. The host family often cooks, but travelers are welcome to join in, learning recipes firsthand. Dietary needs such as lactose-free and vegetarian are accommodated with care.
Arrival orientation
Pick-up is available from Chiang Mai Airport (CNX), bus station, train station, or local hotels. Travelers can pre-arrange a time and place, and the shuttle driver will provide clear details, including the vehicleâs license plate. On the way, there can be a quick stop at a local market or supermarket before heading directly to the project. A short orientation is given upon arrival to introduce the group to the schedule, safety guidelines, and the local culture.
About the project
This project is a community-based wildlife conservation initiative dedicated to protecting elephants and preserving Karen culture. The hosts work with local elephant caretakers and farming families, ensuring sustainable tourism benefits both animals and people. With years of experience living in the region, they integrate travelers into daily lifeâthrough cultural exchanges, conservation efforts, and local support initiatives that empower the surrounding community.
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Top host
- This host receives a lot of worldpackers and has a high average rating.
- Languages spoken in this project
- English, Thai
- How long does it exist
- 4 years
- Worldpackers host
- Since Aug/2024
About the destination
Located in the lush mountains outside Chiang Mai, the project sits in a serene jungle setting surrounded by rice fields, waterfalls, and traditional Karen villages. Travelers can enjoy the quiet of nature, with solar and hydroelectric power providing a sustainable stay. Though remote, itâs just a couple of hours from Chiang Mai cityâperfectly balancing immersion in rural life with access to cultural landmarks, markets, and natural wonders like Doi Inthanon National Park.
Impact & Purpose
This journey empowers travelers to support elephant conservation while strengthening Karen communities. By joining daily walks, preparing natural food, and learning local practices, the group contributes directly to sustainable livelihoods. Every activityâfrom buying fruit locally to sharing traditionsâcreates positive impact, helping preserve culture, protect elephants, and promote a responsible future for tourism in the region.
This host contributes to Sustainable Development Goals
Partnerships for the goals
Collaborating with local farmers, artisans, and conservationists fosters meaningful Partnerships for the Goals.
Decent work and economic growth
Through supporting local jobs for elephant keepers and caretakers, this experience advances Decent Work and Economic Growth.
Sustainable cities and communities
By engaging with Karen traditions and sustaining rural livelihoods, travelers contribute to Sustainable Cities and Communities.
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