Thailand: Elephant Conservation Project

Arrive at the airport where you’ll meet your group. Check in, go through security and get to know your fellow travelers as you prepare for your journey.

You’ll seemingly lose time as you travel through time zones, but don’t worry you’ll get the hours back when you return home.

Sawatdee, and welcome to Thailand! You’ll arrive in Chiang Mai, the laid back and relaxing “Emerald of the North” and former capital of the Lanna Kingdom. Meet your program leaders and then transfer to your hotel to freshen up, unpack and enjoy a delicious Thai welcome dinner. Undergo a program orientation and then get some rest for your upcoming adventure.

Start your program by focusing on how deforestation affects elephants and other endangered species in this biodiversity hotspot. Delve deep into the topic while spending time with Chiang Mai University’s Forest Restoration Research Unit.  Head up Chiang Mai’s famous Doi Sutep mountain to learn about different forest types and ongoing efforts to protect and restore fragile ecosystems. Learn how to identify and propagate different seeds and work in the onsite nursery.  Have lunch in the cooler mountain air and then stop at Doi Sutep Temple to take in the views from this sacred mountain-top monument.

Get an early start to work with a happy herd of elephants at a local conservation center. Meet the caregivers or mahouts who devote their lives to these elephants. After an orientation, meet the elephants and help with daily tasks, including bathing the herd in a nearby lake and collecting food and medicinal herbs. Visit the onsite nursery and learn about elephant mating and efforts to conserve a diverse gene pool among the fragmented elephant populations. Track the herd in their natural setting and help collect data on behavior and phenology. In the evenings, enjoy traditional Thai games in the forest and make a trip to the Lampang Walking Street Market.

On your final morning at the conservation center, plant elephant food onsite and visit the male Tusker elephants. Their long ivory tusks are a rare phenotype and require extra protection from potential poaching.  After lunch, say goodbye to the herd and head to a nearby elephant hospital that treats sick and wounded elephants from across the country.  Learn about common ailments and difficulties in treating these giant patients.

Head back to Chiang Mai and visit the Sunday Night Market, the highlight of Chiang Mai’s weekly events calendar. Stroll through a giant open air market on main street, enjoying music, food and plenty of shopping.

Dive into the wide world of Thai cuisine with a group cooking class! Learn how to prepare several delectable dishes from scratch with the guidance of an expert chef. Enjoy your homemade Thai meal and then head to the gym to learn about the ancient art of Muay Thai kickboxing – the national sport that’s an integral part of the culture in Thailand.

At the program’s end, gather for a closing discussion and the traditional Rustic Ties ceremony. This unique and powerful activity allows students to capture their memories and contemplate ways to share what they’ve learned with their communities back home.

After one last breakfast it’s time to head to the airport.  With epic memories of elephants, forests and smiling Thai people still fresh in your mind, say farewell to your local program leaders and board your flight home.  Chokdee and come back to visit soon!