I absolutely loved my time in Thailand and was able to see so many different things while working at my placement. The elephant welfare program was truky unbelievable!
Elephant Welfare in Chiang Mai
Purpose
Assist in elephant conservation efforts
Start dates
Programs start every Monday
Duration
Choose from 1-12 weeks
Volunteer hours
Up to 6 hours a day
Age
Volunteers aged 17+ and families
Accommodation
Volunteer house in Chiang Mai
Who is going?
Group video calls
Once you have secured your place, join regular video calls to meet your Program Manager and other volunteers before your trip.
This program is ideal for:
Animal lovers needed, no experience required. Work closely with our experienced staff.
Project details
Immerse yourself in an unforgettable encounter with gentle giants at a Chiang Mai elephant sanctuary. Join a passionate team dedicated to protecting these majestic creatures. Roll up your sleeves and experience hands-on interactions – feed, bathe, and observe elephants in their natural habitat. Your participation directly supports a vital sanctuary nestled amidst Thailand’s lush jungles, making a real difference in elephant welfare.
What to expect and how you'll make an impact
At the Elephant Welfare sanctuary in Chiang Mai, volunteers will be fully engaged in supporting the well-being of elephants. Often the elephants have been rescued from an environment of abuse, neglect or captivity; so this project offers a unique chance to learn about and care for these animals firsthand, while knowing they are in a safe and caring environment.
Volunteer tasks include:
- Learning elephant behavior and care by assisting mahouts.
- Practically applying knowledge by feeding, bathing, and caring for the elephants.
- Maintaining the elephants’ sleeping areas.
- Accompanying elephants as they roam freely through the jungle.
Please be aware that this project can be physically demanding due to tasks like cleaning and walking with the elephants. Volunteers should consider this to prepare adequately.
Why do Elephant Welfare volunteering in Chiang Mai with IVHQ?
This Thailand Elephant Welfare project offers a unique opportunity for professional development while directly contributing to local conservation. Participants will:
- Engage in practical, hands-on conservation work.
- Bolster efforts to protect elephant populations.
- Deliver educational programs to local communities.
- Raise awareness about the critical need for conservation.
- Fully immerse themselves in the local culture.
Volunteer requirements
Volunteers under the age of 17 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian, provide IVHQ with parental consent in order to participate on the program, and may be asked to provide additional document to the local team.
Volunteers aged 16 or 17 on their start date, if unable to obtain a criminal background check, can provide two character reference letters instead, and will be required to provide IVHQ with parental consent in order to participate on the program, and may be asked to provide additional documents to the local team.
Are you eligible to volunteer?
Submit a free application so we can confirm your eligibility and check availability for your preferred dates.
Not sure which program to join?
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Who is going?
Group video calls
Once you have secured your place, join regular video calls to meet your Program Manager and other volunteers before your trip.
Thailand photo gallery
🌾 Harvesting Elephant Food
🌳 Elephant Jungle Trek
🐘 Walking Beside Elephants
💦 Bathing Elephants in the River
🍌 Preparing Elephant Treats
🍉 Cutting Food for Elephants
Academic course credit
Academic course credit
Gain course credit from your college or university and meet your academic requirements when completing a volunteer abroad program with International Volunteer HQ!
Learn about course creditLocation
Location
Chiang Mai offers a rich culture, historical depth, and stunning natural landscapes, providing an ideal blend of ancient traditions and contemporary life.
Volunteer accommodations are situated roughly 15 minutes by car from Chiang Mai’s central area. Placement locations vary within and near Chiang Mai, resulting in typical travel durations of under 30 minutes.
Arrival and orientation
Upon registering for the program, book your flight to arrive at Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX) on Sunday between 8 am and 4 pm. Airport pickup within these hours is included in the Program Fee.
A member of the Local Team will meet you at the airport and transport you to the volunteer accommodation, approximately a 15-minute drive. Your accommodation, covered by the Program Fee, includes the Sunday night before the program orientation.
There are two options for orientation in Thailand - Chiang Mai, a One-Day Orientation and a 5-day Culture Week.
The One-Day Orientation: This begins on your selected start date and all volunteers will attend. It covers everything you need to know for your volunteer program in Thailand, including an introduction to the IVHQ Thailand - Chiang Mai program, the local team, general rules, health and safety, travel opportunities, project/placement overview, and a class on the local culture and language. The orientation will also give you a chance to meet other volunteers and swap contact details for weekend travel and socializing.
Culture Week: The 5-day Culture Week begins every Monday and your volunteer program will commence the following week. The Culture Week is very popular among IVHQ volunteers. We recommend all volunteers take advantage of this week to gain a deeper understanding of the Thai culture, a true appreciation of life in Thailand and bond with fellow volunteers. You will take part in a cooking class, participate in outdoor adventures, explore Chiang Mai’s stunning mountain landscapes, tribal villages and tour local attractions. It’s also a great way to help settle the culture shock you can face when arriving in Thailand.
The Culture Week in Thailand - Chiang Mai does incur an additional cost. If you wish to participate in the Culture Week, you can indicate your interest on your application form when you apply for the program or you can add it to your itinerary via the ‘add ons and tours’ section of your pre-departure checklist you will gain access to once registered.
Volunteer schedule example
First Day
On the first day of the volunteering placement, you will be escorted to the project by our local staff and introduced to the staff at the placement you will be working with.
Weekdays - A typical day would be as follows:
| 7:00 AM - 8:00 AM | Breakfast at accommodation |
| 8:00 AM - 8:30 AM | Travel to the placement |
| 8:30 AM - 12:00 AM | Volunteering |
| 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM | Lunch |
| 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM | Volunteering |
| 4:00 PM - 4:30 PM | Travel back to the accommodation |
| 4:30 PM - 5:30 PM | Rest/free time |
| 5:30 PM onwards | Dinner |
Please note that the schedule may occasionally change due to weather, public or school holidays, or other unforeseen events that could affect your placement. We recommend checking in advance whether your intended travel dates coincide with any public or school holidays.
Weekends
You will have your weekends to spend as you please! This is a great time to explore further by booking sightseeing tours, getting involved in traditional cooking classes, witnessing the amazing hospitality of the locals and participating in leisure activities. Your weekends will be a great time to get a cross-cultural understanding.
Accommodation and WiFi
Volunteers will be accommodated in a lakeside volunteer house about 15 minutes away from the main city centre of Chiang Mai. Close to the accommodation you will find ATMs and small local stores, but all other facilities can be found 15 minutes away.
In the volunteer house you can expect to share a room with up to 4-6 other volunteers of the same gender. The rooms are air-conditioned rooms with bunk-beds and you will have bedding provided. There are plenty of communal areas for volunteers to relax outside of their room, including a large dining area with lakeside views & table tennis.
The volunteer house has hot showers and western-style shared bathrooms. WiFi is available in public areas of the volunteer house, but it can be limited due to the disruption of the signal. While you won’t have access to laundry facilities, you will be able to handwash your clothing or the Local Team can assist you in getting your clothing washed at a nearby laundromat.
Private room upgrades (bunk-bed or king-bed rooms) with a private bathroom may be available for an additional cost, and these are subject to availability. Once registered, you will be able to add these to your file to check availability via your Pre-departure Checklist that you will gain access to.
Meals
Food is included for volunteers: breakfast, lunch, and dinner are provided on weekdays, with brunch and dinner available on weekends. The meals are primarily local Thai homestyle dishes, mostly vegetarian, although meat and fish are offered sometimes. Seasonal fruits may also be served for dessert.
Coffee, tea, and filtered drinking water are accessible throughout the program. Tap water is unsafe to drink; however, bottled water is easily found in Thailand.
Inform the Local Team of any dietary requirements. They will make efforts to accommodate you, but flexibility is necessary as meals will likely differ from what you typically eat at home.
Accommodation Exterior in Chiang Mai, Thailand
Waterside Accommodation in Chiang Mai, Thailand
Shared Bedroom
Shared Bedroom with Private Bathroom
Spacious Social Area
Modern Common Area
Dining Area with View
External Bathroom Facilities
Bathroom
Shared External Bathroom
Balcony with Pond View
Pricing
Secure your place for just US$329 (approximately $329), pay your Program Fee later.
Spots are limited. For a Registration Fee of just US$329 (approximately $329) you secure your spot and unlock all our preparation and training tools.
You don't need to worry about paying your Program Fee until you get closer to your start date.
|
Duration
|
Program Fee
Due 30 days before you start, or within 48 hours if you register inside of 30 days. Covers the cost of hosting you.
|
|---|---|
| 1 week | $630 Equivalent to $90/day |
| 2 weeks | $1,200 Equivalent to $86/day |
| 3 weeks | $1,770 Equivalent to $84/day |
| 4 weeks | $2,340 Equivalent to $84/day |
| 5 weeks | $2,910 Equivalent to $83/day |
| 6 weeks | $3,480 Equivalent to $83/day |
| 8 weeks | $4,620 Equivalent to $83/day |
| 10 weeks | $5,760 Equivalent to $82/day |
| 12 weeks | $6,900 Equivalent to $82/day |
- All programs attract a Registration Fee of US$329 (approximately $329) in addition to the Program Fee. This covers all pre-departure support services.
- A 5% international banking fee is added at point of payment.
- Meals
- Airport pickup
- Transport to and from your placement each day
- Accommodation
- 24/7 in-country emergency support
- In-country program orientation
- Pre-departure support from your Program Manager
- Personalized preparation tools, guides and check lists
- Access to IVHQ’s preferred insurance and flights partners
- Comprehensive in-country day to day support and guidance
- Certificate of International Volunteer Service
Learn more about what's included in your IVHQ Registration Fee and Program Fee.
- Return to the airport when your program finishes
- Flights
- Visa (if required), travel insurance (mandatory), vaccinations, criminal background check.
- Personal spending money for snacks, laundry, public transportation, drinks and leisure activities during your free time.
Popular add-ons & experiences in Chiang Mai
Take your volunteer experience to the next level with these popular add-ons and experiences. Explore your options below and learn how to book them once you've been accepted onto the IVHQ Chiang Mai program.
Chiang Mai Culture Week
Learn more about Thai Culture and tick off some must-do Thai experiences
$315
Airport Drop-off
Enjoy a stress free ride from the Chiang Mai volunteer accommodation back to Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX)
$60
Airport Pick Up (for volunteers arriving outside of the airport pick up window)
If you’re arriving outside the airport pick-up times, book this add on now!
$60
Check what's required to visit Thailand
Entry requirements can change at any time, so it's important you monitor this right up until you depart for your trip.
Safety and support
Safety and support
IVHQ follows best practice and industry-leading health and safety procedures, which are regularly reviewed and optimized as part of the B Corporation recertification.
- All volunteers encouraged to complete our interactive pre-departure training.
- All local teams trained on best practice volunteer management & First Aid.
- All IVHQ programs are required to adhere to IVHQ's Risk Management Policy.
- All volunteers have access to 24/7 in-country support from our local team.
Essential country information
Essential country information
| Capital | Bangkok |
| Population | 71.7 million |
| Languages | Thai |
| Currency | Thai Baht (THB) |
| Time zone | GMT+7 |
Weather and climate: The climate in Thailand varies between the north and south regions, however, the temperature is relatively hot year-round throughout the country. The southern coastal region is characterized by a monsoon climate, which brings heavy rainfall from April to October in the South West and from September to December in the South East. In central and northern inland parts of Thailand, the climate is tropical with the rainy season lasting from May to November, bringing hot and humid weather. During the dry season, temperatures are cool from November to February and are hot from March to May. In Chiang Mai, the hottest average temperature is 36°C (96.8°F) in April and the coolest average temperature is 15°C (59°F) in December. Please see Weather Spark for more details on the climate and weather forecast.
What recent volunteers said about their IVHQ experience
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Sophie Ekman
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Olivia Fisher
I wanted to get out of my comfort zone and totally did! And was able to do so in a safe environment with lovely friendly people.
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Channy Roeung
I found the guidance and preparation resources from IVHQ really helpful overall. The pre-departure checklist and online training modules were clear and easy to follow, which made planning a lot less overwhelming. I especially appreciated the country-specific guide - it gave a good sense of what to expect and how to prepare. The support team was also responsive whenever I had questions.
The local team honestly made this experience unforgettable. I can’t say enough good things about my main coordinator. She was so warm, organized, and always made time for me - even when things got hectic. You can tell she genuinely cares. The local team was such a kind presence - always patient, always helpful, and just made things feel easier. They also brought such great vibes - funny, approachable, and super supportive. I felt really cared for the whole time I was here. It didn’t just feel like a program - it felt like being part of a little family.
This week reminded me that even small contributions can matter when done with care. Whether it was helping prep food for the elephants, cleaning, or just being present - it all added up to support the daily rhythm that keeps the sanctuary running. I know I was only here for a short time, but I genuinely hope I was able to give back even a fraction of what I received in return. The experience left a mark on me, and I leave with a deeper respect for the work that goes into ethical animal care and conservation. It’s not glamorous - but it’s real, and it matters.
This experience gave me a deeper appreciation for the behind-the-scenes work that goes into ethical wildlife care. It’s not just about being around elephants - it’s about supporting the people and systems that protect them. I gained perspective, new friendships, and honestly, a sense of peace that came from stepping out of my routine and doing something meaningful.
If you’re hesitant about joining - just go for it. You don’t need to have special skills or be super outdoorsy. Just show up with an open heart and a willingness to help. The program, the team, and the elephants will meet you halfway - and then some.
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