Applications for 2026 marine conservation placements are open
Asian elephant bathing in a river at a Northern Thailand sanctuary

Chiang Mai, Thailand

Northern Thailand Elephant Sanctuary

Support a sanctuary caring for elephants displaced, abused or removed from unsuitable working conditions.
Check availabilityDownload the brief
Duration
1 or 2 weeks (3 or 4 weeks for vet students)
From
A$1,320
Deposit
A$495
Dates
Via calendar

See yourself there

Real moments from the project, the surroundings and where you’ll stay.

Why it matters

The sanctuary provides a safe environment for elephants who have been displaced, abused or removed from unsuitable working conditions.

Volunteers support the daily care of the elephants and assist the sanctuary team with practical tasks.

What you’ll do

  • Help prepare food and feed elephants
  • Clean living areas and maintain mud pits
  • Support bathing routines
  • Care for rescued dogs and other animals
  • Assist staff with education-focused activities

How Your Contribution Creates Impact

  1. 01

    60%

    Conservation & Program Delivery

    Your core experience: hands-on wildlife care, habitat support, and field guidance from local hosts.

  2. 02

    5%

    Accommodation & Meals

    Safe accommodation and nourishing meals, locally produced

  3. 03

    10%

    Ethical Employment

    Fair wages for local teams contributing directly to the success and safety of your project.

  4. 04

    18%

    Program Coordination

    Essential behind-the-scenes work such as volunteer onboarding, logistics, and ethical oversight.

  5. 05

    4%

    Donation

    Future Impact Fund – Additional contributions that extend support beyond your stay through ethical projects.

  6. 06

    3%

    Governance & Compliance

    Taxes, permits, and legal charges that uphold international and local standards.

  • Registered Australian charity
  • No-touch welfare policy
  • Vetted project partners

“They do not allow elephant riding or forced interaction, which was extremely important to us. The focus here is on rescue, rehabilitation, and allowing the elephants to live as naturally as possible. You observe them on their terms, and that’s exactly how it should be.

The setting is absolutely beautiful — lush countryside north Thailand with mountains, open land, and a river running through the sanctuary. Just being there feels peaceful. Watching the elephants roam, socialize, bathe, and simply be elephants in a safe environment was unforgettable. What makes the visit especially powerful is learning the individual stories of the elephants — many rescued from logging, riding camps, or other harsh conditions. The staff and volunteers are deeply knowledgeable and clearly committed to ethical care. You leave not just with great memories, but with a deeper understanding of why responsible tourism matters.”

Row G

Practical detail

What’s included

  • On-site accommodation
  • Three meals a day
  • Project information pack, orientation and training
  • Field coordinator and 24-hour support
  • Return transport from Chiang Mai to the project
  • Certificate

What’s not included

  • Flights
  • Visas and vaccinations
  • Travel insurance
  • Snacks and spending money
  • Local transport, in-country tours and return airport transfer

Book your place

Live fees and dates come straight from our booking system. Choose your dates in the calendar, or and our team will come back to you.

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