Thailand: Thai Elephant Conservation Project

Thailand: Thai Elephant Conservation Project

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2025 Travel Dates

July 2 – July 10, 2025 Limited Enroll Now
July 16 – July 24, 2025 Limited Enroll Now

How does it feel to walk with giants, the earth trembling underfoot? A grassy, musky smell fills your nose and mouth. And a pair of deep, grey, knowing eyes pierce your heart. You are a mahout — an elephant trainer. Actually, a junior mahout. It takes a lifetime to become a real mahout. This proud tradition is passed down, generation to generation in Thailand and for a short nine days, you will take part in the history, traditions, and customs of this world. By day, you’ll don the signature “mahout suit,” learning to feed, wash, and preserve Earth’s largest land animal. At night, by the glow of the campfire, you’ll play games, reflect, and bask in the glory of nature.

Please note that our teen travel program does not include elephant riding. We are proud to support responsible and ethical tourism that protects elephants.

Service projects support UN Sustainable Development Goals
Sustainable Development Goals
Program Profile
Program Profile
A mystical feel radiates from every corner of Thailand; tastes, colors, and scents seem more vibrant than anything you’ve encountered before. Experiencing village life — where time slows down, food is homegrown, and family comes first—refreshes the soul. Experiencing this lifestyle will help remind you to notice the small things and how beautiful life can be without so many distractions.

Quote by: Keegan Kennedy Southeast Asian Regional Manager

Accommodation

The students will stay in several different types of accommodations during their program. Here are the highlights:

Hotel in Chiang Mai

The students will arrive in Bangkok and then transfer to Chiang Mai. There they will stay at the Mercure Hotel near the local university and one of the popular marketplaces. The hotel has a swimming pool and wifi. The students will share rooms based on gender and have access to private bathrooms.

Elephant Center in Lampang

The next stop is the Thai Elephant Conservation Center. The elephant sanctuary has Western amenities, such as air conditioning and private bathrooms. However, it does not have internet access.

The center is run by the government and includes 300-acres of land near Doi Khun Tan National Park. The site includes an elephant hospital and training center.

About 50 Asian elephants elephants and their caretakers called mahouts live at the center. A number of scientists and researchers also work at the facility to find ways to promote the well-being of elephants across the nation.

Return to Bangkok

The students will wrap up in Bangkok. After enjoying their last day together in Thailand, they will settle into the Cottage Hotel near the airport to get ready for their international flight. They’ll share rooms based on gender and have access to private bathrooms.

Service Projects

The students will provide 20 hours of community service while on the program. This time will be spent caring for elephants and working on reforestation projects.

During their stay at the Thai Elephant Center, the teens will interact with the herd of Asian elephants that live on the grounds. They’ll spend time with some adorable baby elephants in the nursery. They’ll also learn about the lifestyle of the local indigenous people who are the caretakers or the mahouts.

The lessons begin with an introduction to the basic care the elephants need. The students will help bathe the pachyderms and plant and collect their food. At an onsite nursery, the teens will learn about efforts to conserve a diverse gene pool. They’ll also track the herd and collect data on elephant behavior.

On the health front, the students will see how herbs are used to create medical treatments. They’ll also visit the animal hospital to learn more about caring for the animal’s health needs.

Later the students get a glimpse of how the struggle for the elephants began. When the teens head back to Chiang Mai, they’ll learn about deforestation and work in a tree nursery.

Rustic Pathways’ Southeast Asian Regional Manager Keegan Kennedy says saving the forests is crucial work.

“Habitat loss is the biggest threat elephants face,” Kennedy said. “The students see how conservationists are planting fast-growing trees to attract pollinators and help wildlife.”

Food

Students will be able to try standard foods that Thailand is famous for, such as pad thai. However, they also can grab something really different like fried crickets, roaches or other insects while traveling.

Overall during the program, students will have an opportunity to eat foods from the diverse regional cuisines across Thailand. That food will be prepared by onsite chefs or at local restaurants. However, there’ll always be western and “comfort” food options for less adventurous eaters.

During the trip to Thailand, I had so much fun tasting exotic cuisine and experiencing local Thai culture. For me, the trip was all about being independent… Along the way, I built the habit of learning ceaselessly and keeping my mind open each time I went to different countries.

–Tingyuan Chen, Rustic Pathways Alumna

During the trip to Thailand, I had so much fun tasting exotic cuisine and experiencing local Thai culture… For me, the trip was all about being independent and open-minded.

– Tingyuan Chen, Rustic Pathways Alumni

What’s Included in Your Program

Program Leaders & Guides

English Speaking Rustic Pathways international and local leaders

Airport Transportation

Meet and greet with private transportation to and from the airport

Comfortable Accommodations

All nights of accommodation in our Rustic Pathways Basehouse

All Meals Included

Breakfast, lunch, and dinner throughout your stay

Ground Transportation

All transportation between program locations and activities

All Activities

Every activity, entrance fee, and experience in your itinerary

24/7 Support

On-call support throughout the program for peace of mind

Emergency Coverage

Included emergency evacuation assurance plan

All Fees & Tips

Airport taxes, departure fees, donations, and guide tips

What’s Not Included in Your Program

International Flights

Souvenirs

Additional Snacks

Visa Expenses

Passport Fees

Hear from Past Students on Their Experience with Thai Elephants

Brice Cooper working with elephants in Thailand

Brice Cooper is just one of the students whose life took a different course after learning about
elephants in Thailand. She joined a Rustic Pathways program on elephant conservation that immersed
her in the caretaker process.

“It was as if a switch was flipped in my mind. It opened up a world to me in which I was working with animals in nature rather than a clinic or a zoo. It sparked a change from wanting to be a veterinarian to becoming a wildlife conservationist.”
– Brice Cooper, Rustic Pathways Alumna

Cooper went on to earn a degree focused on wildlife conservation from Cornell University and is taking steps to rehabilitate animals. Now other students will be able to walk in her footsteps.

Mahouts working with elephants in Thailand

The Role of the Mahouts

Many of the elephant caretakers, or **mahouts**, are part of the Karen indigenous group. Their role
is passed down through generations, and they form a lifelong bond with the elephants in their care.

During the program, students are paired with a mahout to see firsthand what it takes to care for
these gentle giants. They assist with feeding, bathing, and learning the deep-rooted traditions of
elephant conservation in Thailand.

“These were not wild elephants. They were born with people so they couldn’t be released or they’d die. Conservation centers were created to support the elephants and teach people how to live with them. Elephants need people as much as people need the elephants.”
– Keegan Kennedy, Southeast Asia Regional Manager

Bringing Conservation Lessons Home

The lessons students learn on this program extend far beyond their time in Thailand. Alumna
**Maya Elia** says her experience working with elephants changed how she saw the world.

“When I came back to Dallas, I looked around and saw crowded shopping malls and I missed the vast Thai jungle. Rather than waking up to bathe our elephants in a river, I woke up to check social media. I missed being surrounded by the gentle giants that I had become so close to during my week in Thailand.”
– Maya Elia, Rustic Pathways Alumna

Inspired by her time at the sanctuary, Elia spent nearly three years selling handmade elephant-themed
products to raise funds for conservation efforts.

Rustic Pathways student with elephant in Thailand

Don’t Miss the Opportunity

Alumna Sully Sims almost missed out on this life-changing experience, hesitant to travel so far
from home. But after encouragement from a friend, she took the leap.

“I got to work with one of the world’s most amazing creatures! Sometimes I think back to those weeks and have a hard time believing they were even real. And to think I almost didn’t go!”
– Sully Sims, Rustic Pathways Alumna

If you’re considering joining this program, take it from past students: it’s a once-in-a-lifetime
experience that will stay with you forever.

Enroll Now and Begin Your Conservation Journey

Here is a detailed packing list for your time in Southeast Asia this summer. Packing the right gear (and not too much of it) is the first step to an incredible travel experience. Remember that you’ll be responsible for carrying your belongings everywhere you go, so PACK LIGHT! If your bag weighs more than 35 pounds, you’ve overpacked!

Weather in Southeast Asia

Summer in Southeast Asia is known as the “rainy season” or the “green season”—days are generally hot and humid, with brief and refreshing showers that keep the land very lush and green. Temperatures sometimes cool off once the sun goes down, making for more pleasant evenings. Because of the heat, you’ll need to drink a lot more water than you’re used to drinking to stay hydrated! Your clothes should be able to get wet, dirty, and / or destroyed during service work and program activities.

Important Notes About Your Luggage

Airlines in Southeast Asia have weight restrictions for checked and carry-on luggage. Please limit your checked luggage to no more than 33lbs (15kg) and your carry-on luggage to 15lbs (7kg). For your one checked bag, a backpacking backpack or a duffel bag that is easy to carry are perfect. Make sure everything you pack in your carry-on bag complies with the carry-on regulations of the TSA. Lastly, remember to leave your valuables or prized possessions at home. It’s easier for things to get lost, stolen, or damaged while traveling.

Our Dress Code Expectations in Southeast Asia

Southeast Asian cultures are very conservative. Despite the hot climate, people in these parts of the world show less skin than in many Western cultures, and you’ll rarely see low-cut shirts or short shorts in rural communities. As we seek to respect and preserve the culture of the communities we work with, we ask that our students dress conservatively while in country. If you’re not wearing proper attire, we’ll ask you to change your clothes or abstain from the service project of the day.

To dress respectfully in Southeast Asia, please bring loose-fitting pants or shorts that cover just above the knees (think basketball length). Bring basic t-shirts that cover your shoulders, and please leave all tank tops, cut off shirts, low-cut, see-through, or crop tops at home. As mentioned in our packing lists, yoga pants and leggings are not appropriate because they are too form-fitting. The key is to show less skin and to stay cool by wearing loose-fitted clothing.

Temple Visits

Personal hygiene is important in Southeast Asia, so when visiting temples we want to clean up more than while doing service. Wearing modest, clean clothes that cover the knees and shoulders is a must, as per usual. Being respectful is the name of the game!

Laundry

Access to laundry can vary, but most programs find access once a week, though not guaranteed. If you’re getting laundry done in a village or rural town, expect to pay $1-2 per kg. If you’re at a hotel, it can be up to $20 per load.

Carry-On

A school backpack is ideal as it will be used for day trips. Include the following:

  • Passport!
  • Photocopy of passport
  • Visa documentation
  • Consent to Travel form
  • Rustic Pathways emergency contacts list
  • Additional community service forms if needed
  • Wallet / money / ATM card
  • Pens and journal
  • Book
  • Phone
  • Chargers
  • Outlet power converter (for transit only! Thailand uses the same plugs as the USA–just make sure all electronics are compatible with 220v)
  • Camera
  • Earbuds / Ear plugs
  • Reusable water bottle
  • Sunglasses
  • Medication
  • One change of clothing

Checked Luggage

A 50- to 70-liter duffel bag or backpack is ideal.

Clothing

  • 2-3 pairs of lightweight pants, jeans (too hot to wear often) or capris; leggings are not culturally appropriate as they are too form-fitting
  • 2-3 pairs of long, loose shorts/skirts, which must go to the knees or longer.
  • 7-10 tops (t-shirts and sports shirts) – they can be cotton, or quick-dry shirts like capilene or polypropylene; tank tops are generally not acceptable unless for time at the pool or beach; keep in mind you’ll find cool t-shirts and other clothing at markets you’ll visit throughout the summer, which can supplement the tops you bring over
  • 1 light, long sleeve t-shirts – breathable is best for the sun and certain areas of the region can get buggy or chilly (if you’re lucky!) at night
  • 1 lightweight hoodie – most likely needed on flights, in movie theaters, or in airports. Most people will be fine without one
  • 7-10 pairs of underwear – quick-dry material is best
  • 3-4 pairs of socks – lightweight cotton or quick dry athletic socks are best
  • 2 swimsuits – two piece suits are fine but need to be very modest
  • 1 sarong / shawl / lightweight towel (not white!) – many accommodations will have towels for you to use, but it is handy to have something of your own for sitting poolside or visiting a waterfall
  • A nice casual outfit – for special end of program dinners.

Important Items

  • Flashlight or headlamp – rechargeable batteries are preferable
  • Ultra-lightweight rainproof jacket – fear not if you don’t have one; ponchos are widely available and do a better job!
  • Hat – for the sun
  • Strappy sandals – like Tevas or Chacos
  • Comfortable flip-flops or crocs – footwear that is easy to clean and easy to take on and off (you’ll be amazed at how often you’ll be taking your shoes off and on!); cheap flip-flops and crocs are widely available in Asia for a fraction of the cost
  • Closed-toed athletic shoes – shoes that dry quickly, that you can hike short distances in and that protect your feet are best; shoes will get muddy and dirty, so don’t bring your favorite pair.
  • A color photocopy of your passport

Toiletries

Most general toiletries are available throughout the region at a fraction of the cost. We suggest packing all items that could leak in a plastic or ziploc bag.

  • Deodorant
  • Shampoo and soap – you may want to bring biodegradable or natural soap and shampoo, but they’re not required
  • Toothpaste and toothbrush
  • Lip balm
  • Insect repellent – we suggest a natural option or something with DEET
  • Hydrocortisone/anti-itch cream or after bite
  • Hand sanitizer – 1 small bottle; we don’t want you getting sick this summer!
  • Contact lenses and solution
  • Oxybenzone-free sunscreen (reef-safe) and aloe vera – good quality sunscreen is not readily available in Southeast Asia and is expensive!Feminine hygiene supplies – tampons aren’t widely available in Southeast Asia; past staff have suggested trying a diva cup; we recommend you bring what you think you will need for the duration of the program

Additional and Optional Items

  • Local language phrasebook
  • Deck of cards, portable games
  • Lip balm
  • Digital camera – waterproof style shock resistant cameras are great for our programs; again, do not depend on your phone –  we encourage our students to disconnect from their phones while on program.

Important Reminders

  • Please cover your shoulders and knees while in Southeast Asia.
  • Dressing respectfully is very important. Southeast Asian culture is conservative, with ancient customs based mostly on Buddhism. Regardless of gender, Rustic students should be wearing loose Bermuda or basketball length shorts or pants. Please leave short-shorts at home, as well as leggings, which are too form-fitting. T-shirts should cover the chest and shoulders, nothing low cut, and no undergarments should ever be showing.
Important Reminders

• Please cover your shoulders and knees while in Southeast Asia.

• Dressing respectfully is very important. Southeast Asian culture is conservative, with ancient customs based mostly on Buddhism. Regardless of gender, Rustic students should be wearing loose Bermuda or basketball length shorts or pants. Please leave short-shorts at home, as well as leggings, which are too form-fitting. T-shirts should cover the chest and shoulders, nothing low cut, and no undergarments should ever be showing.