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You’ll be matched with your personal volunteer travel expert who’ll guide you every step of the way.
Meet Your Travel Expert
Receive your welcome pack with everything you need: arrival info, contacts, visa and insurance help, packing tips, vaccines, language basics, and so much more.
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Choose your dream project and apply for free—no commitment, just excitement!
Pick Your Destination & Apply
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Once your dates are confirmed, pay your program fee—choose to pay in full or in easy installments.
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Want to volunteer as an elephant conservation assistant in Thailand? Our Travel Roots Elephant Conservation Program in Northern Thailand is your chance to work hands-on with rescued elephants in their natural forest habitat, while also engaging with the local Karen hill tribe community.
This ethical sanctuary prioritises the wellbeing of elephants, offering them a life free from exploitation and unnatural interactions. Here, elephants are observed from a respectful distance as they roam freely in the forest—feeding, socialising, and behaving naturally.
As a volunteer, you'll contribute to vital elephant research by hiking into the forest each day to track and monitor the herds. Your role will also involve collecting behavioural data, assisting with forest ecology research, supporting education programs in local schools, and even contributing to English teaching or community projects.
You’ll also have the opportunity to:
Learn about traditional Karen culture
Support local livelihoods through eco-tourism
Immerse yourself in a fully off-grid lifestyle surrounded by pristine nature
This is a program for those seeking an authentic, meaningful experience in elephant conservation—far from the tourist trails and close to what truly matters.
By volunteering on our Elephant Conservation Program in Northern Thailand, you will:
Hike through lush forests daily to observe rescued elephants living freely in their natural environment
Collect behavioural data and contribute directly to long-term elephant research
Support sustainable, ethical elephant tourism that prioritises animal welfare
Learn about elephant biology, behaviour, and the impact of captivity vs. freedom
Immerse yourself in Karen hill tribe culture and experience authentic village life
Assist in teaching English at local schools or to mahouts (elephant caretakers)
Take part in cultural exchange activities like traditional weaving or Thai cooking
Gain hands-on conservation skills and develop your own mini-project or research portfolio
Contribute to a community-driven sanctuary that provides education, employment, and empowerment for local people
Enjoy stunning mountain views, serene forest hikes, and evenings filled with meaningful reflection or cultural presentations
What to Expect: A Day in the Life of an Elephant Conservation Volunteer
Volunteering at the elephant conservation program in the lush highlands of Northern Thailand offers a deeply immersive and meaningful experience. Your days will be filled with forest hikes, elephant observations, data collection, and community engagement—all while surrounded by stunning mountain landscapes and a welcoming village atmosphere.
Each weekday follows a structured yet dynamic schedule that balances conservation work, research, education, and cultural immersion.
Example Daily Schedule (Monday to Friday)
08:00 – 12:00 – Elephant Forest Hike & Monitoring
Begin the day by tracking and observing elephants in their natural habitat. Volunteers hike through the forest alongside experienced guides and mahouts, recording behavioural data and monitoring the health and movement of the elephants.12:00 – 13:00 – Lunch in the Forest
Enjoy a peaceful lunch surrounded by nature—often shared in the forest near the elephants, offering a rare opportunity to witness their interactions up close.13:00 – 14:00 – Data Entry & Research
Head back to camp to compile and analyse data gathered during the morning hike. This important task helps inform the ongoing conservation strategies and contributes to each elephant’s individual welfare plan.14:00 – 17:00 – Project Work & Cultural Activities
Spend the afternoon on varied activities including developing elephant research portfolios, assisting with community projects, or engaging in educational outreach. Some days may involve teaching English in local schools or helping with environmental awareness sessions in the village.18:00 – 19:00 – Dinner with the Host Family
Share a delicious home-cooked meal with your host family, gaining insights into traditional life and local customs.19:00 – 20:00 – Evening Presentations & Free Time
On designated nights (such as Wednesdays), enjoy talks on elephant biology, forest ecology, or conservation challenges. Other evenings are free to relax, reflect, or connect with fellow volunteers.This daily rhythm offers a perfect blend of active conservation work, thoughtful learning, and cultural exchange. Whether you're trekking through misty forests, collecting vital data, or teaching a local child English for the first time, every moment contributes to a greater purpose.
Your Impact as a Volunteer
By volunteering on our Elephant Conservation Program you are contributing to a powerful movement focused on ethical wildlife conservation, community empowerment, and environmental education. Every action you take during your stay helps drive positive change for both elephants and the people who live alongside them.
Conservation Impact
Welfare over Performance: Your support helps maintain a sanctuary where elephants roam freely in their natural forest habitat—free from chains, rides, or performances.
Research & Monitoring: The data you collect on elephant behaviours and health is critical for developing long-term care strategies and assessing release readiness.
Protection from Exploitation: By supporting forest-based elephant care, you directly reduce the demand for exploitative tourism practices.
Community Impact
Sustainable Livelihoods: The program provides alternative income for villagers through homestays, local jobs, and eco-tourism, helping to reduce reliance on unethical elephant practices.
Education & Skills Sharing: Volunteers engage in teaching English to schoolchildren, mahouts, and families—empowering the community with new opportunities.
Cultural Exchange: Living with a host family fosters meaningful relationships and mutual understanding between volunteers and local residents.
Personal Growth & Transferable Skills
Develop research and data collection skills applicable to conservation science
Build confidence, teamwork, and leadership through hands-on projects
Enhance cross-cultural communication and adaptability
Gain firsthand knowledge of Asian elephant ecology and forest ecosystems
Experience deep personal fulfilment by contributing to a mission of compassion and sustainability
Your time, energy, and willingness to learn not only supports elephants who have been given a second chance at a natural life—it also strengthens a community working to protect them. When you leave, you take with you not just memories, but a renewed purpose and a deeper understanding of the interconnectedness of all life.
Your Home in Thailand
During your stay on our Elephant Conservation Program in Northern Thailand, you’ll be immersed in local culture through an authentic homestay experience with a Karen Hill Tribe family.
This setup not only gives you a genuine insight into daily life in the village, but it also helps support sustainable community development by providing income directly to the host families.
You’ll be staying in a private room in a traditional wooden home, with simple but comfortable amenities:
A mattress on the floor with bedding and mosquito net provided
Private or shared bathroom facilities (either squat or Western toilets depending on the house)
Cold water showers—perfect after a forest hike!
Access to a communal base hut, where volunteers relax and share experiences during free time
Meals
Breakfast: A simple Western-style breakfast (toast, eggs, fruit, tea/coffee) is served daily at the base hut
Lunch and Dinner: Enjoy delicious, home-cooked Thai meals prepared by your homestay family, often using locally grown ingredients
The village is nestled among forested hills, with breathtaking views and a tranquil atmosphere. The surrounding jungle is not only home to your elephant companions but also offers plenty of space to relax, explore, and reflect.
Living in such close connection with both nature and the local community creates a deeply personal and enriching experience that makes this program truly unforgettable.
History
This award-winning sanctuary was established with a deep commitment to elephant welfare and ethical tourism. Since opening in 2016, the project has focused on returning elephants to their natural forest habitat, where they can live freely and exhibit natural behaviours away from the harmful practices of captivity and tourism exploitation. Their founding mission was to combat the illegal wildlife trade, educate the public about the realities of elephant tourism, and advocate for a better future for these majestic animals.
Over the years, the organisation has gained widespread recognition for its work, receiving honours such as the Responsible Thailand Community-Based Tourism Award and commendations from global animal welfare authorities. The sanctuary stands as a beacon of change in the world of elephant conservation.
Mission & Vision
The sanctuary operates with a vision to create a future where elephants live freely, without forced interactions or performances, and where local communities thrive alongside conservation efforts. Their mission is two-fold:
Elephant Welfare: To offer a safe, forested home for elephants rescued from trekking, logging, or performance industries, allowing them to heal physically and emotionally through freedom and companionship with other elephants.
Community Empowerment: To support the surrounding village by creating sustainable income through homestay partnerships, land rentals, and employment. Volunteers directly contribute to the local economy, while also participating in meaningful cultural exchange—such as teaching English at schools, homestays, and to mahouts.
Through ethical conservation and education, the project seeks to inspire a shift in public awareness, moving away from exploitative tourism and toward genuine, sustainable experiences that protect both animals and people.
Program Fees & What’s Included
Program Fees
Duration Total Cost (EUR) Daily Equivalent
1 week €439 €73.16
2 weeks €876 €62.57
3 weeks €1172 €55.80
4 weeks €1465 €52.32
5 weeks €1522 €43.48
6 weeks €1753 €41.74
7 weeks €1903 €38.83
8 weeks €1998 €35.68
For prices 8 weeks or above please contact us for discounted rates.
Longer stays provide more affordable weekly rates, allowing you to make a greater impact at a better value.
What’s Included
✅ Your own private room in a local homestay
✅ Three daily meals (breakfast at the base hut, Thai-style lunch and dinner with your homestay)
✅ Return transportation from Chiang Mai to the project site
✅ Full conservation training and research orientation
✅ Daily elephant hikes and observation with trained local guides
✅ Access to all project activities, workshops, and community involvement
✅ Cultural immersion and Karen language learning opportunities
✅ Support from experienced local and international team members
✅ Access to our communal base hut, research materials, and shared space
✅ Certificate of completion and personal reference upon request
✅ Welcome pack full of necessary and useful info
✅ Full support before, during, and after your program
✅ 100% Cancellation Money-Back Guarantee
✅ So much moreYour Investment in Elephant & Culture Preservation and Yourself
Volunteering on our Elephant Conservation Program isn’t just about giving—it’s a personal investment in your growth, knowledge, and global impact.
The experience you gain will not only contribute to meaningful elephant welfare and community development but will also equip you with valuable skills in conservation, data collection, education, and cross-cultural collaboration.
Where You'll Be: Northern Thailand – Karen Hill Tribe Village
This program is located deep in the lush, mountainous landscapes of Northern Thailand, home to one of the most culturally rich and ecologically vital regions in Southeast Asia.
Volunteers will be based in a remote Karen Hill Tribe village, far from the tourist trail, offering an unforgettable glimpse into traditional rural life and elephant conservation at its most authentic.
The setting is a haven for nature lovers—surrounded by thick forests, jungle-clad hills, and the peaceful sounds of wildlife.
The area provides the perfect environment for semi-wild elephants to forage naturally, and for volunteers to reconnect with nature while contributing to ethical conservation efforts.
About the Karen Hill Tribe Region
Cultural Immersion: The Karen people are originally from Myanmar and migrated to Thailand generations ago. They have preserved their own language, clothing, and customs, providing volunteers with a rare chance to live among a deeply traditional community.
Traditional Knowledge: Known for their skills in elephant care and sustainable farming, the Karen are highly respected in Thailand. Volunteers may get the opportunity to assist with planting, harvesting, and learning their traditional weaving and food preparation techniques.
Biodiversity: The surrounding forest is home to a wealth of native species, making it an ideal backdrop for elephant tracking, wildlife observation, and jungle hiking.
Why Volunteer in Northern Thailand?
Stunning Landscapes: From misty mountains to tropical forests, the region is one of the most visually spectacular in all of Thailand.
Unique Tribal Culture: Live among a welcoming indigenous community and learn first-hand about their customs, language, and lifestyle.
Real Impact: Your presence supports both elephant conservation and rural livelihoods, helping to reduce the need for exploitative tourism.
Off-the-Grid Living: Escape the city and reconnect with nature while experiencing a simpler, more purposeful way of life.
Volunteering offers not only meaningful conservation work but also the opportunity to immerse yourself in the rich cultural and natural landscapes of northern Thailand during your free time. Whether you're seeking adventure or relaxation, the sanctuary and its surroundings provide a variety of activities to enhance your experience.
Cultural Immersion
Engage with the local Karen community by participating in traditional activities such as basket weaving and scarf making. Learn the Karen language and cooking techniques, fostering a deeper understanding of the local culture.
Relaxation and Wellness
Unwind after a day of volunteering with a traditional Thai massage, available in the village. These massages offer a perfect way to relax and rejuvenate.
Nature Exploration
Embark on bio-hikes to explore the diverse flora and fauna of the surrounding forests. These hikes provide an opportunity to learn about the local ecosystem and contribute to biodiversity recording efforts.
Community Engagement
Participate in community projects such as teaching English at the local school or assisting with environmental initiatives like litter pick-ups and eco-brick projects.
These activities provide a well-rounded experience, allowing you to contribute to conservation efforts while enjoying the diverse offerings of Chiang Mai and its surroundings.
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