Mae Chaem District, Thailand
Live the most authentic experience while supporting an ethical Elephant Sanctuary project
Live a genuine and ethical travel experience by joining a 200-people Karen ethnic minority fighting for the return of elephants home to the forest in the mountains of northern Thailand. Help with research initiatives aimed at enhancing elephant welfare and support us by fostering an environment where these majestic creatures can thrive.
- Cristina Palacio
- Worldpackers host since Dec/2023
Available group trips
Feb 15, 2026 - Feb 19, 2026
Coming soonExperience the best of Thailand with Szimi!
Hey, I’m Szimi — a curious traveler who loves life, nature, and meeting like-minded souls from around the world. 🌞✨ I’m beyond excited to be hosting this experience in Thailand! This trip is all about freedom, joy, and community. We’ll get to know the Thai culture, spend time near elephants and connect under the stars. I can’t wait to welcome you and share the magic of northern Thailand. Let's make some unforgettable memories together! 💙
Starting from
US$ 1,432
US$ 1,132
Dec 09, 2027 - Dec 12, 2027
Coming soonMore dates available soon
Dates to book this experience for 2026 and 2027 will be available soon, stay tuned!
Starting from
US$ 618
Itinerary
Day 1
Morning
09:00 AM – Pick up from Chiang Mai
Kick off the adventure with a scenic drive through lush mountains and ethnic villages.
Afternoon
12:00 PM – Lunch in Mae Cheam
Fuel up with a tasty local meal before heading deeper into nature.
02:00 PM – Arrival at the Village
Meet your host family, staff, and fellow travelers. Learn the ropes and settle in.
05:30 PM – Cooking Class with Your Homestay
Chop, stir, and sizzle your way through traditional Karen recipes.
Evening
07:00 PM – Basket Weaving & Local Market
Learn from village elders and check out handmade goods you can take home.
Day 2
Morning
07:00 AM – Breakfast
Wake up to fresh local flavors and mountain air.
08:00 AM – Elephant Hike
Trek through the jungle to find elephants and observe them in the wild.
11:30 AM – Lunch in the Forest
Enjoy a peaceful, picnic-style lunch right in the elephants' backyard.
Afternoon
03:00 PM – Cultural & Eco Activities
Dive into local language lessons, eco-projects, or a mini jungle cleanup.
Evening
06:00 PM – Dinner at Your Homestay
Home-cooked dinner with your host family, cozy and delicious.
07:00 PM – Quiz, Game, or Movie Night
Wind down with a fun group activity under the stars.
Day 3
Morning
07:00 AM – Breakfast
Another energizing meal before a big day out.
08:00 AM – Elephant Hike
Return to the forest for another chance to observe the herd.
Afternoon
12:00 PM – Lunch at Base
Recharge with a hearty village lunch.
04:00 PM – Arrive in the Village
Get settled and explore your new surroundings.
02:00 PM – Drive to Gibbon Encounters Village
Hop in for a scenic drive to your next unique stop.
05:30 PM – Cooking Class & Dinner
Cook another delicious Karen meal with your new hosts.
Evening
07:00 PM – Evening Village Walk
Wander through the village and take in the peaceful vibe.
Day 4
Morning
06:00 AM – Gibbon Walk
Follow the magical morning calls of the gibbons through the trees.
07:00 AM – Breakfast
Refuel with a fresh breakfast and hot tea or coffee.
08:00 AM – Cave Hike
Explore nearby caves with your guide, full of natural wonder.
11:30 AM – Forest Lunch
Enjoy a simple, delicious lunch surrounded by nature.
Afternoon
03:00 PM – Cultural Workshops
Lend a hand in tea, coffee, or rice farming, or learn weaving with locals.
Evening
06:00 PM – Dinner
Gather for another comforting meal in the heart of the village.
07:00 PM – Evening Walk & Sunset Viewpoint
Stroll to a local lookout and watch the sun dip below the hills.
Day 5
Morning
06:00 AM – Gibbon Walk
One last chance to spot gibbons in their natural habitat.
07:00 AM – Breakfast
Final breakfast in the mountains, savor every bite.
08:00 AM – Forest Hike
Take in the jungle one last time before heading back.
Afternoon
12:00 PM – Lunch at Base
Gather for your last village meal and share stories.
02:00 PM – Return to Chiang Mai or Pai
Say goodbye to the village and head back, heart full and soul refreshed.
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.
Gibbon Walk at Sunrise
Follow gibbons' calls at dawn and track their behavior, wildlife spotting magic!
Community Project: Coffee, Tea or Rice
Help in local farming and learn about traditional practices.
Elephant Hike & Observation
Track elephants and observe their natural behavior in the wild.
Immersion activities
Get to know the local culture and have an authentic travel experience with activities included in your itinerary.
Karen Lessons
Learn the local language and culture with locals and make your trip more immersive.
Quiz & Games Nights
Immerse yourself in Thai and global culture while bonding with the host and travelers!
Cooking Class with Homestay
Cook local dishes with your host family and learn their recipes.
Videos
Emily
United States
The work being done at the shelter is so important and inspirational. The elephants are well taken care of with the freedom to roam as they would in the wild. It was so cool to observe them and learn more about their behaviors, diets, and the crisis happening at the shelter parks all over Thailand. It was incredible to see them be able to just be elephants. The gibbon program is also amazing, although we didn't see too many gibbons. The Karen people are incredible as well!! So welcoming and generous. We got to cook with them and learned how to weave and make coffee with them. Forever grateful!
9 months ago
Lena
Germany
One of the few truly ethical sanctuaries in Thailand. It is an incredible experience to see elephants living freely in the wild. But it is above all the local community that makes this project so special. If you are willing to embrace a simple lifestyle and keep an open mind, this experience will enrich you deeply.
3 days ago
Sam
Canada
Tess and I had a fantastic experience at the shelter. The staff were welcoming and very receptive to any questions we had regarding volunteering or the village itself. The work we did felt meaningful, while maintaining a priority for ethical conservation that should be emulated everywhere. We stayed in the village surrounded by the locals and enjoyed the delicious food cooked for us every day. Everyone greeted us with a smile and we felt we were a part of something truly special. My only regret is that we didn't stay longer.
about 2 months ago
Ma Alejandra
Colombia
This was my very first volunteer experience, and it couldn't have been better! Cristina and the team made me feel welcome from day one. Each day was a new adventure—spending time with the elephants and working alongside the community. It truly makes you realize how valuable it is to support organizations like this, which not only help preserve the ecosystem but also bring lasting benefits to the local community.
about 2 months ago
Tess
Canada
Sam and I are so glad that we did this! It was a really neat opportunity to live remotely, unplug, and get up close (but not personal!) with elephants in an ethical way, the elephants being free to roam in the wild and do all the things that elephants do. The staff were so friendly and it was clear they really cared for the elephants and cared about the research they do to aide their conservation. I would definitely recommend this experience to anyone who loves elephants, research, or even just unique experiences and an adventure!
about 2 months ago
Arabella
United States
This was awesome! Getting immersed in a rural village like Ban Naklang was so beautiful, and I learned so much even though I was only there for a week! I highly recommend!!
5 months ago
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Accommodation options
Shared Dorm
At this project, homestays offer a unique opportunity for travelers and visitors to immerse themselves in the local culture and experience the daily life of the community firsthand. By choosing to stay in a homestay, you’ll directly support the local economy and contribute to the livelihoods of host families.
Homestay accommodations are cozy and comfortable, offering basic amenities. You’ll share the accommodation and communal living spaces with other travelers and the host family. The bathrooms feature Western-style toilets and, since there is no hot running water in the village, you’ll immerse yourself in the local culture of cold showers.
- Fixed-price laundry service
- Use our equipped kitchen
- Dedicated Workspace
Meals
You'll be treated to delicious homemade meals prepared by the host family, featuring authentic Thai dishes made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Sharing meals together is a cherished aspect of the homestay experience, providing opportunities for bonding and conversation.
Varied continental breakfast spread each morning, featuring bread, cereals, pancakes, jams, spreads, and teas. For lunch, be open to try the rich flavors of traditional Thai cuisine, prepared by our homestay hosts, with tantalizing stir-fries complemented by fragrant rice. At night, savor the amazing flavors of an authentic Thai dinner, crafted by your hosts, offering fragrant rice paired with luscious curries, mouthwatering stir-fries, and other delectable specialties.
Arrival orientation
The team will send a trusted driver who will greet you in Chiang Mai's old town. From there, you'll embark on a 4-hour drive to reach the village, where you’ll have an introductory presentation to talk about the project rules and join your homestay host and the local staff on an immersive cooking experience.
About the project
The project is driven by a multifaceted mission to restore the harmony between elephants and their natural habitat. Central to this endeavor is the sanctuary's commitment to reintroducing elephants to their forest homes, while also forging strong partnerships with the local community. Through research initiatives and educational efforts aimed at tourists and the local population, the sanctuary aims to enhance elephant welfare standards and promote sustainable livelihoods. Travelers play a crucial role in achieving these goals by bringing diverse skills and perspectives, advocating for the sanctuary's mission, and providing essential manpower to support various activities.
The sanctuary's impact on the local community is evident through its support for 11 homestays, job creation opportunities, and educational initiatives reaching numerous students. With a history of nearly eight years hosting travelers, the sanctuary values the exchange of knowledge and experiences that occurs, fostering meaningful connections and shared purpose. As a registered foundation and recipient of awards such as the Thailand Green Excellence Award and Responsible Thailand Awards, the sanctuary is recognized for its dedication to conservation and community upliftment.
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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, Italian, Spanish
- How long does it exist
- 9 years
- Worldpackers host
- Since Dec/2023
About the destination
Chiang Mai, located in northern Thailand, is renowned for its rich cultural heritage and stunning natural landscapes. The city boasts ancient temples, vibrant markets, and traditional crafts, offering visitors a glimpse into the region's Lanna Kingdom history. Surrounded by lush mountains and serene rivers, Chiang Mai also provides ample opportunities for outdoor adventures such as trekking and river rafting.
Impact & Purpose
This project focuses on restoring the harmony between elephants, gibbons, and their natural habitat, facilitating their return to forest homes while uplifting the local community. Through research initiatives and educational endeavors, the sanctuary aims to enhance elephant welfare standards and empower the community with valuable skills. The project's positive impact is evidenced by its responsibility for seven elephants and many gibbons, support for 11 homestays, and efforts to gather data for improving elephant welfare guidelines in Thailand.
This host contributes to Sustainable Development Goals
Life on land
Travelers contribute by restoring habitats, monitoring wildlife, promoting sustainable agriculture, and educating local communities. Their efforts help preserve biodiversity, protect ecosystems, and promote environmental sustainability for future generations.
Quality education
Travelers can teach English, lead environmental education programs, and organize workshops for local schools and communities. Through these efforts, travelers empower individuals with practical skills and knowledge for sustainable living while fostering a deeper connection to the local community.
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