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MAKE A DIFFERENCE
Volunteering Changes Lives
Volunteering abroad can completely transform your experience in Thailand and as a volunteer you’ll have the opportunity to go beyond the usual tourist attractions – forging meaningful connections with elephants from a respectful distance and experience the culture like a local person. As a volunteer, you will learn all about the Asian Elephant, their history, how our mahouts care for them, and the ways you can help preserve the future of these endangered creatures. In 1998 logging was banned in Thailand and elephants were forced to perform tricks as tourist attractions or engage in illegal logging near Myanmar. Many elephants died or have serious injury after falling because of overworking or from being injured badly by bull hooks.
Elephants were also given large amounts of amphetamine or other drugs make them work longer hours. Deforestation and development are two of the main reasons there is only 20% forest land left in 1992 compared to 80% in 1957 so finding natural land for elephants is an ongoing problem. The Sanctuaries are the best and safest way to protect these elephants so ongoing work to help to maintain their environment is crucial work for volunteers. That’s where elephant Sanctuaries are vital part of the future of the Asian Elephant. Volunteers are important to the sanctuary by helping the staff at Rantong Elephant Centre they can contribute to making the elephants have a better quality of life in their natural environment. Our elephant volunteer Thailand Chiang Mai programs include how to support the elephants' well-being; learn how to prepare herbal medicines and food while observing them living in their natural habitat.
Introduction
For the entire duration of your program you'll
be based in the countryside living in a typical
bamboo hut. You will help support the elephants
by sourcing and preparing their food, observing
their natural bathing behaviors, helping with
medicine preparation, and maintaining the
sanctuary facilities.
Volunteer Day
On the first day you will not engage in any heavy
work duties. It's more like the first day at school,
you will just famillarize yourself with the
environment at Rantong Elephant Centre, meet
the mahouts, the staff and observe the elephants.
We will teach you about the elephants' behaviors,
their needs, and our ethical observation guidelines.
For the rest of your stay
Help prepare food, observe elephants' natural
routines, join in daily camp tasks, cook Thai meals, and support the sanctuary in many ways. In the evenings, meet other volunteers and local staff, and even get involved in the local community such as teaching English at the village school.
Time off
Time off can be spent exploring the area
around the camp. You can hire a bicycle at
Rantong Elephant Centre for free and visit
the local villages and experience real Thai
culture.
The program
The program is geared towards volunteers
that enjoy working outside, are flexible and
most importantly love for elephants! No
experience is necessary and operates all year
round. We do have an over 18 age limit
without a guardian. Positions are available
from 2 days to 28 days and beyond.
Program Fees
Take time out from your travel plans or holiday
and help make a difference to you and the
elephants' lives. Learn about the life of a
mahout while supporting our elephants from
a respectful distance.
"All prices are per person, children under the
age of 10 will receive a price discount.
VOLUNTEER PROJECTS
Make a Real Impact
Our volunteer program has been recognized and loved by travelers from around the world.
#76 of 547
Outdoor Activities in Chiang Mai TripAdvisor Traveler Rating According to TripAdvisor travelers as of August 2026
4 Weeks
Durations
Ban Chang (Mae Taeng) Chiang Mai, Thailand
Meeting point
What's included
What’s Included Insurance Accommodation in a bamboo hut during orientation and entire project time All meals and water during your stay Transportation to and from Chiang Mai and the Elephant Camp Free bicycle
What's not included
Not Included International Medical Insurance Personal expenses
Cancellations
Customers will receive a full refund or credit with 24 hours notice of cancellation. Customers will also receive a full refund or credit in case of operator cancellation due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances. Contact us by phone to cancel or inquire about a cancellation. No-shows will be charged the full price.
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