What is the Thailand Elephant Sanctuary program?

Get up close to Thailand’s elephants in this amazing sanctuary where retired and rescued elephants (due to age, ill health, disability, abuse or illegal ownership) now find a forever home.  The elephants can freely roam around the sanctuary by day, and then are taken to the forest in the early evening.

You will be spending time alongside experienced mahouts, who invest their entire lives gaining an understanding of the elephants and how best to care for them. You will get the chance to experience and bond with these gentle giants by feeding and bathing them, and by swimming with them !  Here, we work for the elephants, not the other way around.  As at all Totally Travel programs worldwide, there is no elephant riding here.

What did previous participants think?

“10/10 My time at the elephant sanctuary will always hold a special place in my heart.  Thank you Totally Travel for the wonderful experience and helping me create good memories.  I couldn’t be happier with my experience with Totally Travel and with the elephant sanctuary.  The people at the sanctuary were just so generous, kind and considerate. I made some great friends and the accommodation was great - who else gets to wake up to elephants walking past their windows!?.”  ​Madeline from QLD

Where will I stay?

Accommodation is provided in a spacious, wooden house within the Sanctuary grounds. The rooms are simple, yet comfortable and appropriate for this setting.  Volunteers share a bunk-style room with up to four others, and bathrooms are shared.  Rooms are lockable and there is wifi access, a safety box for your valuables, hot showers and western toilets.  Three delicious meals a day are included so you’ll enjoy the luxury of having your breakfast, lunch and dinner prepared for you.

What will I do?

During your week at the sanctuary, you will get the chance to experience and bond with these gentle giants by swimming with them, bathing them and preparing their food, which typically comes in the form of Bana grass, sugarcane and banana plants.

You’ll be immersed in the mahout way of life here, getting hands-on with the day to day care of the elephants.  You will assist with providing food and water, mucking out and helping to bathe them – all great fun !  You’ll learn how to cook their sticky rice, then make rice balls – an elephant favourite!  You’ll collect, wash and prepare their fruit and we’ll spend time with the elephants as they graze and take mud baths.  You’ll also learn to safely walk alongside them as they head to the river for a refreshing swim.

How do I apply?

If you're interested and want some more info or to apply to this program, chuck in your details below or download the info pack and someone will be in touch to help you out!