Discover Thailand on a captivating two-week expedition with a group of international teens aged 15-17. Engage in a transformative volunteer program that not only promises a unique educational experience but also seamlessly blends working with elephants in a renowned sanctuary, humanitarian projects and cultural adventures. Delve into an all-inclusive itinerary meticulously crafted to not only stimulate cultural exchange but also foster personal growth, all while actively participating in initiatives that make a positive impact on local communities.
Program Highlights:
Your Schedule at a Glance (Two-week commitment):
Arrival Day, Friday: Participants will arrive at the Suvarnabhumi Bangkok International Airport where they will be met upon arrival by our staff and transferred to their accommodations at the Hua Hin volunteer Center approximately 3.5 hour drive away from the airport.
Days 1-3, Friday through Sunday: The volunteer work starts on Monday, so the first couple of days over your arrival weekend will feature the following activities to help welcome you and settle into your new home away from home: A welcome dinner will be hosted, followed by a short introduction to the center and some relaxing time. Participants will receive a program introduction, registration, and general information session. An introduction to Thai culture, covering local customs, dos and don’ts, will follow, along with an exploration of the Hua Hin night market. On Sunday, your morning will start with a Thai cooking class, while the afternoons will include cultural lessons. Evenings will be reserved for exploring the Ciceda and Tamarine night markets, offering a vibrant cultural immersion.
Days 4-8, Monday through Friday: During these days, volunteers will work at the elephant sanctuary alongside the mahouts (elephant handlers), following a daily schedule focused on elephant care. Responsibilities may include cleaning enclosures, maintaining pools and mud baths, creating enrichments, observing elephant behavior, harvesting food, and feeding, washing, and walking the elephants to forage naturally. Volunteers will also care for the on-site dogs, though there is no direct physical interaction with the animals at the rescue center. Evenings will feature visits to local markets and cultural night activities.
Days 9-10, Saturday through Sunday: After wrapping up the elephant sanctuary project, participants will spend the weekend touring and adventuring. The weekend will include a visit to Pala U Waterfall, Chicken Drop Cave, Huay Mongkol Temple, and relax at Khoa Takiep beach. Evenings will offer free time to unwind and enjoy the local surroundings with the group.
Days 11-13, Monday through Wednesday: These days will be dedicated to a school renovation project, focusing on construction in the playground and classroom. Mornings will be spent on construction work, and afternoons will feature workshops like souvenir making. On the final evening, a volunteer meeting will take place, followed by a farewell BBQ and a last visit to the Ciceda and Tamarine night markets.
Day 14: Participants will experience a private transfer to Bangkok Airport for their departure.
What’s Included
What’s not Included
Flights, visas (if required), travel health insurance, personal expenses.
Hua Hin, a captivating city renowned for its beaches, serves as the backdrop for this immersive program. Explore the local culture, indulge in culinary delights, and engage in meaningful volunteer work.
Participants in the Hua Hin volunteer program contribute significantly to diverse and impactful projects uplifting local communities. The program seamlessly combines renovation initiatives and elephant protection & stewardship, promising a unique volunteer journey in Thailand. This immersive experience extends beyond volunteer work, encompassing cultural activities, up close work in an ethical elephant sanctuary, work to improve facilities in local communities, and exploration of Thailand’s natural wonders, fostering a comprehensive cultural exchange.
As a volunteer at the elephant sanctuary, you will work in an ethical refuge that provides rescued and injured elephants with the opportunity to live in a natural, chain-free environment. The sanctuary was created by a local non-profit to give elephants retiring from the tourism industry a safe space to roam, socialize, and recover in a near-natural habitat. The largest elephant enclosure is 20 hectares, featuring forests, lakes, and grazing areas.
Volunteer tasks include:
Please note, there is no physical interaction with the elephants as the sanctuary follows a strict “hands-off” policy. Volunteers play a critical role in supporting the elephants’ care and ensuring their long-term well-being.
During the second week, your volunteer work will focus on construction and renovation projects aimed at improving the local community’s living conditions in Hua Hin, Thailand. Many families live in poor housing, and public facilities such as schools, temples, and hospitals are in need of repair.
Volunteer tasks include:
You will work about 4-5 hours per day, with close supervision to ensure safety during construction activities. This program will not only offer practical construction skills but also foster cultural exchange with local community members.
These two weeks provide a balanced and impactful experience, allowing volunteers to engage in wildlife conservation during the first week and community development in the second.
Please take note of this project’s minimum requirements:
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