Redefining elephant tourism
Venture deep into Northern Thailand’s elephant country–where ethical encounters, empowered communities, and native jungles are reshaping elephant tourism.
Thailand Elephant Experience
8 Days – Chiang Mai • Doi Inthanon • Mae Chaem
Walk alongside semi-wild elephants with local mahouts, support sanctuaries caring for rescued herds, and learn how communities are reimagining ethical tourism. Between encounters, hike waterfalls, spot wild gibbons, cook Khao Soi, summit Thailand’s tallest peak, and unwind with a Thai massage.
Combine & Save up to $1,200:
🇹🇭 Thailand Hill Tribes • 14 days
🐘 Thailand Elephants • 8 days
🤿 Thailand Scuba • 11 days
🇱🇦 Laos Community • 14 days
Already Applied? Book Now.
“My experience with GIVE Volunteers was nothing short of life changing. P’Ann was an incredible guide who was so knowledgeable about everything she showed us; the good, the bad, and the ugly aspects of elephant tourism and its history. I’m so grateful for my experience where I learned so much more in this hands-on, culturally immersive adventure than I ever could in a classroom. If you want to truly see the elephants of Thailand and their people, this is how you should do it.”
– Hanna, Elephant Experience Volunteer
Why support ethical elephant tourism?
Aside from spending a full week hanging with elephants in the jungle…
“Because you vote with your dollar,’ I voted to have my tourism dollars support the first Elephant Hospital in Thailand, which offers free veterinary care to elephants throughout the country, a mahout-training program that teaches positive reinforcement training techniques, and a reforestation program that regenerates the tropical forests necessary to sustain elephants in the wild.”
This Keystone Species is Disappearing
Asian elephants are currently listed as endangered and their population is decreasing. By supporting elephant sanctuaries and conservation centers, you’ll help to ensure these incredible creatures are around for future generations to see.
Understand Elephant Conservation
Every day you will be learning from local elephant trainers, mahouts and conservationists about the complex issues Asian elephants face. More importantly, you will be able to support and witness their holistic solutions in action.
Preserve Mahout Culture & Integrity
The bond between mahouts and elephants is centuries old and, unfortunately, is being lost with each passing generation. Empower mahouts to maintain their culture, livelihood and integrity, and directly support elephant welfare.
Elephant Experience Itinerary
here’s A GLIMPSE of ALL That awaits you
Day 1
Touch Down in Chiang Mai
Touch down in Chiang Mai and meet your GIVE guides and fellow travelers. Kick things off with orientation, get hyped for what’s ahead, and enjoy your first Thai meal together.
Day 2
Hike & Swim with Elephants
Journey into the Doi Inthanon mountains to visit an ethical elephant camp and meet the local mahouts who care for them. Feed, bathe, and walk alongside elephants in the forest—then head to a nearby Karen hill-tribe village for slingshot practice, cultural exchange, and a traditional dinner with your hosts.
Day 3
Journey to Huay Pakoot
Spend the morning with the elephants before heading to Huay Pakoot, a remote village at the heart of ethical elephant tourism. Explore the community, play sports with local youth, and enjoy a Thai BBQ feast with your homestay hosts and mahouts.
Day 4
Track Elephants in the Wild
Trek deep into the northern Thai jungle with local mahouts to find a roaming herd of semi-wild elephants. Spend the day observing their natural behavior and learning about the deep spiritual bond between elephants and their caretakers. Along the way, craft your own bamboo cup and soak in the sights and sounds of the jungle. While you may have a few close-up moments, most of your time will be spent watching these majestic creatures from a respectful distance.
Day 5
Get Up Close to Bull Elephants
Take a short hike to spot bull elephants in the jungle, then head to the mountain town of Mae Chaem. Receive a blessing from a Buddhist monk at a local temple and explore a colorful market filled with fresh produce, handmade goods, and everyday life. Wind down in this peaceful village as you get ready for tomorrow’s adventure.
Day 6
Support Elephant Sanctuaries
Spend the day at BEES—an ethical, no-contact sanctuary for aging and injured elephants. Learn about their mission, help with food prep or upkeep, and observe the elephants roaming freely in a peaceful forest setting. That evening, cook your own Thai dinner and celebrate with traditional Northern Thai music and dance during a night of reflection and community.
Days 7-8
Temples, Massages & Farewell
Start your day atop Thailand’s highest peak, exploring sacred mountain temples at the summit of Doi Inthanon. Back in Chiang Mai, unwind with a traditional Lanna-style spa treatment before a final dinner, night market strolls, and heartfelt goodbyes. Soak up your last moments with your GIVE crew—or gear up for your next adventure in Southeast Asia.
Ready for more?
Keep the adventure going in Southeast Asia—extend your trip up to 5 weeks and save up to $1,200 when you combine trips. [See how it works]
What's Included
When you travel with GIVE, you won’t be surprised by hidden fees upon arrival. Dive into all that’s included in our all-in-one trip prices.
- All accommodations
- Transportation (not including flights)
- 3 meals per day & clean drinking water
- 24/7 guide support
- All adventures and cultural experiences
- Funding for volunteer projects & sustainability initiatives
- Pre-trip & in-transit support from GIVE’s Travel Specialists
- Access to your personalized GIVE Profile
- Access to GIVE’s preferred insurance & flight partners
- Trip preparation tools, guides and checklists
- Access to GIVE’s Ambassador Community post-trip
Simply put: we care. GIVE goes above and beyond for our travelers before, during and after your trip. See all that’s included in your GIVE trip here!
What's Not Included
Pretty much everything except your flights, insurance and travel documents, but GIVE will help you organize it all! Dive into what’s included here.
- Flights
- Visa (if required), travel insurance (mandatory), & vaccinations (if required)
- Personal souvenirs, snacks and refreshments (drinking water is included 24/7)
- See all that’s included in your GIVE trip here!
* GIVE reserves the right to change program dates
* Winter trips are slightly shorter due to school/holiday breaks
Extend Your Trip
Southeast Asia Packages
Thailand
Volunteer in Thailand with GIVE and immerse yourself in Thai culture and remote hill-tribe villages as you work alongside host community members on our organic farming, reforestation and English education projects. Learn more about GIVE's Thailand Volunteer Trip!!
Elephants
GIVE’s Thailand Elephant Experience takes you trekking deep into the jungles of Northern Thailand for a unique, eye-opening experience with these gentle giants while learning about elephant conservation. Learn more about GIVE's Elephant Experience Add-On!
Scuba
GIVE’s Thailand Scuba Conservation trip takes you to breathtaking Southern Thailand to get PADI Open Water Scuba Certified and dive amongst incredible marine life while engaging in marine conservation projects. Learn more about Thailand Scuba Marine Conservation with GIVE!
Laos
GIVE’s Laos volunteer trip takes you into the heart of Laos for an authentic cultural experience filled with adventure. Volunteer alongside host community members on wildlife conservation, permaculture, English education projects, and more. Learn more about GIVE's Laos Volunteer Trip!