Elephant Conservation Experience in Huay Pakoot, Thailand
- Tour Operator:
- GVI
- Max group size:
- 20
- Physical rating:
- Age range:
- 15 to 80
- Operated in:
- English
- Tour id:
- 42163
Itinerary
- Introduction
- Day 1: Arrive in Chiang Mai
- Day 2: Travel to Huay Pakoot
- Day 3: First Day on Project
- Days 4 - 6: Project Activities
- Days 7 - 8: Your Weekend
- Days 9 - 13: Project Activities
- Day 14: Return Home
What's Included
- Accommodation
- Meals
- Additional Services
- Transport
- Flights
- Additional Services
Where You'll Stay
Customer Photos
Customer Reviews
- Overall RatingExcellent
- ItineraryExcellent
- GuideExcellent
- TransportExcellent
- AccommodationExcellent
- FoodExcellent
Kristina· March 20th, 2018I recently spent an extended amount of time in Huay Pakoot Thailand. It was a fantastic and magical place full of excitement, adventure and culture. I spent my mornings observing elephant behaviour and getting to know their mahouts. My homestay family... Show more
Trip date: August 2016- LLottie· February 5th, 2018I have been on this project for a month and am absolutely loving it. GVI offers the opportunity to watch the elephants in the forests giving a more natural experience for the volunteers and a better life for the elephants. During my time so far I have... Show moreTrip date: January 2018
- ILIsabel· February 5th, 2018GVI is the best experience of my life EVER!! I have been on project for five months and it is amazing to get to see elephants in their natural habitat as well as teach local kids at the school!! I would absolutely recommend this program for anyone... Show moreTrip date: September 2017
- VIVictoria· November 15th, 2017Completing an internship on the Elephant Reintroduction programme is one of my proudest achievements to date. It was a complete honour to have had the chance to experience the real authentic Thai culture, whilst living with my host family and being... Show moreTrip date: April 2016
- MMarna· November 14th, 2017GVI has been truly amazing helping me getting ready for my trip to Thailand Chiang Mai. Being in Thailand was a great experience and I learned so much from the local people and the GVI staff. GVI staff met me at the airport and was with me for my... Show moreTrip date: August 2016
- SJSam· November 4th, 2017I recently volunteered with GVI in Thailand. I had an incredible experience with them both before the expedition and during my time in the country. On the secondd day, we came to the ‘Cave temple’, so called because it is situated in a huge cavern at... Show moreTrip date: July 2017
- CChelsea· November 5th, 2016I have done a few GVI programs and had a great time. The programs are very different from one another but I definitely walked away with a lifetime experience each time! :)Trip date: March 2016
- EBEmily· October 18th, 2016I participated in a three month internship with the elephants in Thailand, and I wish I could have stayed longer! Getting to be a part of an amazing project like this was truly a life-changing experience. There is nothing better than waking up with the... Show moreTrip date: May 2016
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is this program mainly focused on wildlife or is there opportunity to get involved in the community?
It is not compulsory for volunteers to get involved in the community side to our project however it is strongly recommended. Normally we teach English 3 days a week at the local primary school, twice a week to homestays, mahouts and women’s English groups. We also teach at the local kindergarten and nursery once a week and have after school clubs at the local nursery throughout the week.
- I see this project involves quite a bit of hiking, what is the physical fitness requirement?
We recommend volunteers to have a moderate to high level of fitness. Daily hikes are typically 5-8 hours long, where you will go off the track to where the elephants are located in the reserve. This means steep climbs, potentially uneven ground, crossing thick undergrowth and sometimes slippery terrain.
- I need to do an internship as part of my study course, am I able to use this program for my internship
Yes of course you can! We have an Elephant conservation internship program (24 week duration) that runs alongside this project, you will have specific training and complete a leadership course and we will
give you a certificate after participation on project and this can act as a reference to your University or any future employer. Please do inquire for more information on this program option. (Shorter internship available on request - What are some tips for volunteers travelling out to the field?
We always encourage all our travelers to go with the flow, be openminded, expect the unexpected and embrace the ever-changing nature of Thailand.
Shopping is incredibly cheap here & you can pick up most things in Chiang Mai, so don't overdo the luggage
Expect challenging hikes!
Make sure you are fit and comfortable on steep uneven ground - we go wherever the elephants go!
Smiles will get you a long way; Thai people are incredibly friendly & kind
Be as prepared as you can be - read all the info, check out the blog, ask questions, 'know before you go'. - What are the various durations of this program that are available
This program runs for anything from 1 – 12 weeks, depending on the time of year and specific starting date. Please inquire for information regarding this
- Where is the project based & how far is the closest town?
The project site is in the mountains, in a small Karen village known as Huay Pakoot. It is about 5 hours drive from Chiang Mai and has a cooler (~5 degrees) and less humid climate which makes for a very pleasant living/working environment.
It is a 2 hour drive to the town of Mae Chaem. Travelling around the local area is easily done on foot. There is no public transport but visits into the city by car can be arranged at your expense
Good to Know
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