Suggested Itinerary
HIGHLIGHTS
- Learn about Southeast Asia’s dwindling elephant population and how key conservation efforts are working to save this species.
- Meet local mahouts (elephant handlers) and discover their interesting way of life.
- Explore the Thai rainforest, embarking on hikes and camping in the lush undergrowth overnight.
- Immerse in local culture and develop lasting connecting with your host family during a homestay.
- Snorkel and island-hop around the clear, turquoise water of Phuket.
Day 1: Arrival Chiang Mai
Rimping Village
Upon your arrival in Chiang Mai, you will be met by our representative and escorted to Rimping Village where the rest of the day is yours to spend to leisure.
Rimping Village is situated in Wat Kate, an old trading community of Chiang Mai where an eclectic mix of cultures would descend for daily business. The resort is well appointed with all of the creature comforts one could need and it’s stylish architecture mirrors that of its historical roots.
Overnight at Rimping Village
Dinner available for purchase
Day 2: Elephant Nature Park
Rimping Village
This morning, drive through the picturesque Thai countryside along the Mae Taeng Valley to the Elephant Nature Park. Expert guides will share personal stories of rescued elephants, educating you about the problems elephants face in Southeast Asia and how the Elephant Nature Park is helping to care for the dwindling elephant populations here.
Guests are welcome to assist with feeding time, feeding elephants from the viewing platform! Feeding time for humans also, you will enjoy a varied buffet of Asian and international dishes for lunch.
After learning how to safely and properly bathe an elephant, plunge right in and help scrub these giants as they splash around! Around 5:00 pm it’s time for goodbyes to the elephants and to Elephant Nature Park before the hour-long drive back to Chiang Mai where you will be dropped off at your hotel.
Enjoy the evening walking around in Chiang Mai with your guide and choose from a variety of restaurants to sample authentic northern Thai cuisine.
Overnight at Rimping Village
Breakfast and lunch included
Day 3: Mahout Elephant Project
Karen Village Homestay
The local Karen community has initiated a successful elephant re-wilding program which takes captive elephants and their mahouts (elephant trainers and handlers) into a semi-wild existence, foraging in the forest and relearning the ways of wild elephants. Today, you can participate in this project to help sustain their efforts.
During your first day as a volunteer, you will make the 4-hour drive to Huay Pakoot Village, enjoying lunch en route. Upon your arrival in the village, you will be greeted by your host family who will give you a briefing about the village and project.
Later in the afternoon, join your hosts to forage for vegetables and cook traditional Karen dishes over an open fire stove. This evening, take part in a welcoming ceremony with your host family and meet the village elders.
Overnight in rural, Karen Village homestay
All meals included
Day 4: Mahout Elephant Project
Karen Village Homestay
Today, you will immerse in traditional Karen culture. Learn about Karen handicrafts and try your hand at weaving your own bag or basket. Depending on the season, you can also assist your host family harvest rice in the paddy fields.
Alternatively, you can venture into the forest to meet the elephants and mahouts. This is a long day of hiking!
Overnight in rural, Karen Village homestay
All meals included
Day 5: Mahout Elephant Project
Forest camp site
Set out on a 2-3-hour trek through the forest to your camp site. Your bags will be transported for you, so you can set out on foot to meet the elephants and mahouts.
On the trek, you’ll learn how to track elephants in the forest, understand elephant behavior, learn about why elephants need to free-forage and what types of vegetation they need to consume, as well as how the mahouts fish in the nearby river. Later in the day, help the mahouts cook fish inside bamboo over an open fire.
Tonight, you will camp in the forest in tents and hammocks. Please note that you will have to bring your own sleeping bag.
Overnight in forest camp
All meals included
Day 6: Return to Chiang Mai
Rimping Village
Visit the elephants one last time this morning before packing your belongings and returning to Chiang Mai. Enjoy a relaxed afternoon exploring the beautiful temples and markets of Chiang Mai with the help of a knowledgeable guide, or on your own, if you prefer.
Enjoy a delicious dinner at a local restaurant and return to Rimping Village for the night.
Overnight at Rimping Village
Breakfast included
Day 7: Fly from Chiang Mai to Phuket
Six Senses Yao Noi, Phuket
Take a mid-morning flight from Chiang Mai to Phuket, where you will be greeted by a private guide and driver who will escort you to lunch followed by a walking tour of Old Town and the Gibbon Rehab Center.
On the walk, you’ll learn about the local lifestyle here, visit shrines, and learn traditional medicine that is still used today! On the scenic streets of Thalang and Soi Romanee you will find a mix of food and art that stem from historic Chinese and Indian influences. At the Gibbon Rehabilitation Center, you will see how gibbons are cared for before being returned to the rain forest.
After a day of touring, check-in to your new hotel and spend the rest of your day enjoying the beach! Six Senses Yao Noi exudes luxury. Extraordinary views over the sea, combined with acute attention to detail and an eye for style gives this exquisite lodge a look and feel above the rest. The lodge specializes in personal wellness and is truly a retreat to leave you feeling refreshed and renewed.
Overnight at Six Senses Yao Noi, Phuket
Breakfast and lunch included
Day 8: Snorkeling Tour and Marine Park
Six Senses Yao Noi, Phuket
Today, spend a full day enjoying a shared snorkeling boat tour! At 8:30 am you will be transferred from your hotel to Royal Phuket Marina, where you will depart for Phi Phi Island. The first stop will be at Bamboo Island where you can swim, snorkel and sunbath!
Next, visit Phi Phi Don Island for lunch, followed by Phi Phi Ley Island, Monkey beach, Viking Cave, Pileh Cove, and Maya Bay. After a full day of exploring pristine beaches and crystal-clear water, return to the hotel at 5:30 pm in time for dinner.
Overnight at Six Senses Yao Noi, Phuket
Breakfast and lunch included
Day 9: Snorkeling Tour and Marine Park
Six Senses Yao Noi, Phuket
Take some time to relax and enjoy the beach! The morning is yours to indulge in the Six Senses opulent offerings and luxurious spa.
If you are feeling active, set out on a scenic bike, beach, and boat tour of Koh Yao Noi Island where you can experience some traditional ways of life that have since disappeared from more developed places like Phuket. Take a well-deserved break for a picnic lunch on the mysteriously uninhabited island of Koh Kudu before returning to the hotel for the evening.
Overnight at Six Senses Yao Noi, Phuket
Breakfast included
Day 10: Departure
After breakfast, your driver will transfer you to the Phuket International Airport to connect with your flight home.
Inclusions and Exclusions:
Trip includes:
- All transfers and transport as per program
- All accommodation as per program (based on double/twin sharing room)
- Service of English-speaking station guides/representatives where applicable in program
- All meals as mentioned
- Volunteer days
- All entrance fees on tours
Trip does not include:
- Air tickets both domestic and international
- Travel insurance
- Personal expenses
- Drinks (except for clean drinking water while volunteering etc.)
- Visa fees and/or visa authorization
- Tips
- Other expenses not mentioned on the itinerary
- Any compulsory and peak season surcharge (normally New Year periods)
Interested in booking this itinerary or customizing a trip to Thailand? Get in touch with a private travel designer!
