Login

Select travel dates to see prices

Excellent 4.84rating (25)

Voices of the Forest: Elephants & Gibbons

location
1 - 1 weeks  ·  Age 18 - 50+
Verified

Highlights

  • Experience encounters with both majestic elephants and agile gibbons in their natural habitats.
  • Be a catalyst for crucial conservation initiatives, working to rescue elephants from distressing conditions and observing wild gibbons in their natural habitat.
  • Empower local communities through English education, fostering awareness about wildlife conservation's vital role.

Highlights

  • Experience encounters with both majestic elephants and agile gibbons in their natural habitats.
  • Be a catalyst for crucial conservation initiatives, working to rescue elephants from distressing conditions and observing wild gibbons in their natural habitat.
  • Empower local communities through English education, fostering awareness about wildlife conservation's vital role.
  • Immerse yourself in lush forests, observing the fascinating behaviors of elephants and gibbons in the wild.
  • Drive essential conservation efforts focused on conserving the habitat of elephants and gibbons, igniting transformative change.

  • You don't have to pay anything yet

    Especially good for

    Age 18+
    Singles
    Couples
    Families
    Groups
    50+

    About the program

    Join our award-winning foundation! Partnering with local communities, we bring elephants home to the forest and help conserve gibbons in their natural habitat.

    Embark on a transformative journey with Kindred Spirit Elephant Sanctuary's immersive 5-day program, nestled in the heart of Thailand's lush forests. Delve into the rich tapestry of local Karen culture as you engage with two distinct villages—one dedicated to the majestic giants, elephants, and ...

    About the program

    Embark on a transformative journey with Kindred Spirit Elephant Sanctuary's immersive 5-day program, nestled in the heart of Thailand's lush forests. Delve into the rich tapestry of local Karen culture as you engage with two distinct villages—one dedicated to the majestic giants, elephants, and the other to the playful gibbons—both working tirelessly to safeguard their natural habitat.

    Witness firsthand the profound connection between indigenous communities and the land they call home, as you learn about traditional practices harmonizing with modern conservation principles.

    Immerse yourself in the daily rhythms of life alongside these majestic animals, gaining insight into their behavior and needs under the guidance of experienced caretakers. From watching elephants to observing wild gibbons swinging through the canopy, every moment is an opportunity for discovery and connection.

    Our gibbon encounters project is the first of its kind in Thailand – a truly unique experience. Join us in fostering positive change for the environment and wildlife, as we strive to create a sustainable future where humans and animals thrive in harmony. Come be a part of something bigger thanyourself with Kindred Spirit Elephant Sanctuary's 5-day program and help protect two endangered species —a journey of conservation, community, and compassion.


    Typical day

    Volunteers and visitors are expected to wake up early in the morning and be prepared for a long hike into the forest. Hikes will usually return to the village around early afternoon but the day doesn’t end there. Volunteers and visitors will have the opportunity to participate in teaching English ...

    Typical day

    Volunteers and visitors are expected to wake up early in the morning and be prepared for a long hike into the forest. Hikes will usually return to the village around early afternoon but the day doesn’t end there. Volunteers and visitors will have the opportunity to participate in teaching English to the local community, help out with local plantations, as well as learn about the elephants and gibbons in Asia and the local language and culture. 


    Your Rough Schedule:

    • Day 1: Begin your adventure with a 9 am pickup from Chiang Mai (with possible pickups from Pai or Mae Hong Son upon inquiry). Traverse through a national park and picturesque mountains inhabited by local hill tribes until reaching our distinctive village.

    2pm Meet your homestay family, our welcoming staff, and fellow volunteers. 

    5.30pm Immerse yourself in hill tribe culture by participating in cooking sessions with your homestay!

    6pm Dinner time

    7pm Learn the art of basket weaving from village elders.

    • Day 2: Rise early for a forest hike to locate our resident elephants:

    7am Breakfast time

    8am Elephant hike: Spend the morning observing, documenting, and understanding these magnificent creatures and their natural behaviors. As a volunteer, you will help keep our elephant diaries up to date by collecting information about their behaviours and daily anecdotes.

    12pm Enjoy a forest lunch in the company of elephants. Return to the village in the late afternoon.

    3pm Join us to gain deeper insights into our conservation work, local language, culture, and possible engagement in community and teaching initiatives. As a volunteer you will learn some of the local language, assist in teaching English at the nursery or to our villagers, or participate in activities such as litter pick-ups or making ecobricks.

    6pm Dineer time with the team and other volunteers. Enjoy sharing your anecdotes of the day!

    • Day 3: Another early start awaits as we trek to observe our elephants! once more before relishing lunch in the village. 

    7am Breakfast time

    8am Elephant hike: Spend the morning observing, documenting, and understanding these magnificent creatures and their natural behaviors. As a volunteer, you will help keep our elephant diaries up to date by collecting information about their behaviours and daily anecdotes.

    12pm Lunch at base and get ready to leave to your next experience.

    2pm A new adventure beggins! Venture to our Gibbon Encounters village.

    5pm Discover the fascinating world of gibbons, relish Karen cuisine, and explore the village surroundings.

    • Day 4: Awaken to the enchanting sounds of gibbons right outside your door!
    6am Follow their calls around the village, guided by our local expert, in hopes of catching a glimpse of these agile creatures. Gather data on the diverse gibbons you encounter, aiding in monitoring the various groups within the nearby forests.

    7am Enjoy breakfast before embarking on a forest exploration.

    8am The hike starts! Visit a local cave, and savor a traditional forest lunch.

    3pm Engage in community projects such as aiding in coffee, tea, or rice plantations, or learning the art of weaving from local artisans.

    5pm Witness a breathtaking sunset from a village vantage point after dinner.


    • Day 5: Hike to the gibbons

    6am Begin the day with another attempt to spot gibbons near the village!

    8am Gibbon hike! After breakfast, embark on a deeper forest hike. You will collect data on the gibbon population to track of the different groups inhabiting the area.

    12pm Enjoy lunch and get ready to say goodbye!




    Free-time activities

    Experience the Heart of the Village:
    • Immerse yourself in the vibrant local community as you explore the village, partake in traditional festivities, and embrace the enriching rhythms of village life.
    • Dive into the refreshing waters of the river, just like the locals do, and enjoy a leisurely swim ...

    Free-time activities

    Experience the Heart of the Village:
    • Immerse yourself in the vibrant local community as you explore the village, partake in traditional festivities, and embrace the enriching rhythms of village life.
    • Dive into the refreshing waters of the river, just like the locals do, and enjoy a leisurely swim amidst stunning natural surroundings.
    • Take amazing pictures of the lush surroundings, the local community or the traditional weaving by Karen women.

    Requirements

    Requirements

    Minimum Age: 18 years

    In order to join the program you need to be at least 18 years old on the program start date. There might be exemptions if you can provide the permission of your legal guardian(s) or if your are accompanied by your parents.

    Language Skills

    You need to speak English (fluently)

    Nationality Restrictions

    No restrictions. Helping hands from all over the world are welcome.

    Other Skills

    Volunteers under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

    Time Commitment

    Your helping hand will be required on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday

    What's Included

    What's Included

    On-site Services

    Included in these fees are: transport to/from project/Chiang Mai Old Town on arrival and departure, food & accommodation and insurance.

    Accommodation

    We provide an income for our communities by housing our guests, volunteers and interns in their own homestay provided by the local people.

    All of our home stays are different from each other, some being a private room inside the family home, others being a wooden hut just outside the family home. Some home stays have a western toilet, others have a traditional squat toilet. Each one beautifully unique, just like their welcoming hosts.

    The accommodation is basic but comfortable and provides all bedding, a mattress, mosquito net, extension cord to charge electronics, filtered water and usually a shared bathroom with cold showers and toilet paper provided. Hot shower may be provided at our base hut (depending on water pressure). Please be aware that during the dry season there might not be a lot of water available in the pipes for running water, but there will always be a bucket of water in your homestay toilet to be used for showering or flushing the toilet. Electricity can also come off and at different intervals during the dry and rainy seasons. 

    Food & Beverages

    Basic western breakfast and Thai lunch & dinner and filtered water included. Home stays will provide a packed lunch and dinner in their home whereas breakfast will be provided at our communal base hut where our visitors/volunteers hang out during free time.

    Internet Access

    Limited access at the project site
    You don't have to pay anything yet

    What's NOT included?

    What's NOT included?

    Airport Pickup at Chiang Mai International Airport

    An airport pickup isn't included within the program fees either.

    Flight Tickets

    The nearest airport is Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX) in Chiang Mai. We assist you to find cheap flights to Thailand. FIND CHEAP FLIGHTS

    Travel Insurance

    Going abroad is an adventure and it is always best to be prepared. Sudden illness or injury, cancellation or theft - a travel insurance for Thailand provides security and is a plus to have. GET A QUOTE

    Vaccines

    If you are intending to volunteer in Thailand you should seek medical advice before starting your social journey. Check your required vaccinations for Thailand. VACCINE CHECKER

    Details on arrival

    This program starts on any day from Sunday to Wednesday

    Availability
    Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

    Program Fees

    $770 per week 1 - 1 weeks Age 18 - 50+

    Payment methods

    Visa Master Card Maestro American Express PayPal

    NO CREDIT CARD FEES


    Duration

    1 - 1 weeks

    Deposit

    Reserve your spot with just a few clicks and a small, secure deposit. You can pay by credit card, PayPal, or other convenient methods.


    Final Payment

    You’ll agree on the final payment method with your local organization during the application process. This final payment is only due closer to the start of your trip.

    You don't have to pay anything yet
    4.8
    Top Pick
    One of the top picks on Volunteer World, according to travelers
    2025
    I was already an elephant lover... but know I know so much about them. I recommand this experience to who want's to connect with nature, ...
    Guylaine Boies

    Visit and Help Elephants

    2024
    I've booked a 2 nights experience and it was wonderful! After we arrived there was a welcome drink prepared and we were introduced to our ...
    Nadine Reichert

    Visit and Help Elephants

    Location

    Asia > South East Asia > Thailand > Chiang Mai

    Meet your project coordinator

    Cristina
    25
    reviews
    4.84
    Excellent
    2015
    Founded

    Verified

      Good response rate
    Spoken languages: Italian, English, Spanish, Thai
    Travel safely by using Volunteer World for your communication and bookings. This way, you can benefit from the Flex Option, Refund Guarantee, and Resolution Support.

    You might also be interested in

    Contact Cristina
      Good response rate
    Italian, English, Spanish, Thai

    Most volunteers ask about


    Do you have any more questions? Send a message to Cristina
    Please don't share personal contact details for your privacy

    Travel dates

    1. - 1. Jan 1

    Book with Flex Option!

    Choose new departure dates or change to a different volunteer program at no extra costs within 12 months.

    Complete Support for Every Volunteer

    This helps us run our platform and offer essential services like Comprehensive Support, Refund Guarantee, Flex Option without rebooking costs, and Price-Guarantee. This includes VAT.

    Price details