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The Asian elephant is not only the largest living land creature on the continent, but the national symbol of this beautiful country. Dedicated to bringing elephants and their mahouts home to the area, the North-Eastern Province of Surin is not only host to the biggest elephant roundup every year, but to one of the most valuable conservation projects in the country. You’ll help the mahouts with feeding, bathing, grooming and training the charming creatures, whilst teaching them a bit of English on the side (the mahouts that is, not the Elephants!).
You will be working at a well-respected elephant foundation in Ta Klang village in Tha Toom district of Surin (58 km north of Surin down town) The village was established in 2006, under the supervision of the provincial government in order to put into practice the philosophy of “bringing the local elephants home for the development of their hometown”. The aim of the foundation is to encourage mahouts (elephant carers) from various parts of Thailand to return to their home town with their elephants. Currently, the foundation houses over 80 elephants. Volunteers will be working with the elephants and also teaching English language to the mahouts.
It is believed that around 1300 elephants have left Surin province due to lack of traditional work as a result of the extensive de-forestation in the region. Some of these elephants are now working and living in the busy streets of Bangkok - used as a tool for 'begging'. in Surin, the provincial administrative organization has opened the Elephant Village in Ta Klang village to encourage mahouts bring these elephants back to their home province. The elephants and mahouts are re-trained to demonstrate various techniques to show to visitors and also for the Surin Elephant festival, the biggest elephant festival in Thailand. International visitors are needed to raise the profile of the village and volunteers are required to help reach the village’s goal to be the biggest 'elephant village' in the world and to provide a sustainable place for humans and their elephants to live alongside each other.
Conservation volunteers need to be hands-on people who love the outdoors. You must be prepared for some relatively hard physical work, and you must be flexible and pro-active, as this project involves a variety of activities. English teaching skills may also be utilised during your conservation placement. This placement would suit someone with bags of initiative who is prepared to work hard both individually and in a team, However, most of all someone the placement will suit anyone with a real passion for elephants and their future.
As a volunteer you may assist with daily activities such as feeding, cleaning and caring for the elephants. You could, and probably will, also be asked to teach conversational English to the mahouts which is invaluable when income of the Foundation has a focus on tourism and education.
The project is based in Surin, capital of the Surin Province situated approximately 450km North East of Bangkok. Surin is famous as being home to the annual elephant roundup, normally held in November, a huge celebration of these majestic creatures.
Please book your flight to arrive into Bangkok (airport code BKK) on the advertised arrival date to ensure your airport pickup.
It may seem like a strange concept to pay for your volunteer experience. You'd be right if you think you shouldn't and the truth is you actually don't! Your placement is free; it's the benefits around it that you pay for. It's important to note that i-to-i is a travel company and not a charity. We provide a professional travel service. We are responsible for finding and assessing worthwhile projects across the world, preparing you for the volunteering experience and supporting you whilst you're there.
Here’s some more information about what your placement fee covers….
We work with hundreds of locally run partner projects around the world and are constantly sourcing new opportunities. We visit all projects to check that they are worthwhile and legitimate and we also conduct a thorough safety assessment before we'll send volunteers there. More
Almost everyone who works for i-to-i has traveled extensively or worked overseas. This means we're a goldmine of information; we're always available to offer support and guidance before, during and after your trip.
Once you book on to a project you'll receive a Welcome Pack that contains loads of general information about volunteering, about your chosen country and project, and a DVD about how to have fun and stay safe. We'll also give you advice on visas and inoculations.
If you are volunteering on a Teaching project then a 40-hour Online TEFL course is included in your placement fee. This is an internationally recognised and accredited certificate that will help you to make the most of your time overseas. More
It can be pretty daunting arriving in a different country for the first time… especially after a long flight! If you arrive on your project start date, there'll be a welcoming face at the airport to pick you up and take you to your accommodation.
Soon after you arrive you will attend a thorough orientation with our in-country team. This is to cover important safety and security information. You'll also get some tips about sight-seeing options for your time off and maybe even learn some of the local lingo!
Accommodation is included with all projects and meals are even included with some. We only use locally-owned and operated accommodation so that part of your placement fee is filtering back into the local economy. Most projects offer homestay, guesthouse or shared volunteer houses as standard accommodation, but some offer the chance to upgrade to a more comfortable living standard. More
Your in-country coordinator (ICC) will pick you up from the airport and conduct your orientation upon arrival. All ICC's are English speaking and are locals of your destination country. They won't be at your project every day, but will be on call 24 hours a day, seven days a week if you need them. More
Aside from the local support from your in-country coordinators you'll be given access to a 24/7 emergency phone line manned by i-to-i staff in case any problem should arise while you're overseas. We also hire crisis management professionals Docleaf to be on hand in case of a situation that requires additional expert support. More
The safety and security of our volunteers is paramount. For this reason we provide ongoing crisis management and emergency response training to our local teams around the world. At the end of 2006 we flew all our in-country coordinators to the UK for thorough training to help them offer the best safety to the thousands of volunteers they support each year. More
We don't fund our projects directly, but once a year they are all invited to apply for funding for special projects or resources from our registered charity arm, the i-to-i Foundation. i-to-i funds the operation of the i-to-i Foundation and is the largest single donor. Along with the generous support of our volunteers, we have distributed over US$200,000 in funding in the last two years alone! More
We make no secrets of the fact that part of your placement fee is reinvested in to recruiting volunteers just like you! The volunteers recruited in one week will typically deliver over 2000 man-days of service. The difference this makes to projects overseas is immeasurable. Many of our overseas projects rely on assistance from international volunteers, so it's necessary for us to put together brochures and websites to find the people who can support them. This recruitment process is vital to ensure programs have a constant stream of reliable volunteers.
VVolunteering through a company like i-to-i has a lot of intangible benefits to developing overseas communities and the individual projects that we work with. To find out more about our placements. click here
We aim to provide you with a safe and soft landing into your destination by picking you up from the airport, giving you an orientation that helps to settle you into the country as quickly as possible. It's also the best time to ask any questions you have about your time in Thailand. Here's what will happen:
You will arrive on the Arrival Date - Friday and will be met at the airport on that day. You will be taken to the KT Guesthouse (see contact details below) where you will have the first day/night to recover from your flight. There will be a welcome dinner on the Friday evening at a local restaurant.
Note: If you're arriving early we can arrange a meet and greet for you. If you require this please contact us to arrange this service. If you wish to make your own way please arrange to be at the address below on the arrival date:
KT Guesthouse
12 Soi Inthamara
44 Suttisarn Road
Din Daeng
Bangkok
10400
Tel; 02277 4035
Your orientation will take place the next morning on the Saturday at the KT Guesthouse and will introduce you to Thailand as a destination, health and safety responsibilities and getting to know the rest of the group. Your afternoon will be free for sightseeing!
You will spend another night in Bangkok and then travel by train or bus to Surin the next day. You will meet your project and start your work as a volunteer from the Monday. From here on in you will spend your time with the project but the in-country team are there if you need them.
It's important that you get adequate travel insurance for your i-to-i experience and as many of you will be working this often means standard policies won’t work. The good news is that no matter where your coming from we have already found a policy to suit you.
The best time to get your insurance is when you book your project as this means you can get a fully tailored policy exclusive to i-to-i, just ask your consultant for further details at the time of booking.
EU Customers – find out more here >>
Australian customers - find out more here >>
All other customers - find out more here >>
As with insurance we advise you get these booked as early as possible to avoid high prices and to make sure you arrive on the right day. The i-to-i team is right up to date with the best deals no matter where you’re flying from; their insider knowledge could save you some time and money.
If you are arriving before your designated arrival date, we can arrange for an extra meet and greet service for you. For an extra supplement we will be there to meet you at the airport and take you to your orientation accommodation. One additional night accommodation is included in this payment; if you require more than one night please inform the team.
The cost of this Early Pick-up service is US$ 55.00
Today’s Thailand, formerly called Siam, is the product of a plethora of peoples, cultures and kingdoms, culminating in a 10,000 year history of human triumphs and tribulations. Long before the Thais established the kingdom of Thailand in the 13th century, bronze and iron Age civilisations existed and the following centuries saw the Mon, Malay and Khmer kingdoms stamp their presence on the land. The founding of the modern Thai nation, however, is marked by Thai chieftans overthrowing the Khmers in 1238 to establish the city of Sukhothai as the first Thai Kingdom. During this period other Thai kingdoms were established and alliances were made that enabled Sukhothai to expand and prosper. From 1350, Ayutthaya grew to become the dominant kingdom, and most powerful force in Southeast Asia, as its borders grew to represent the Thailand of today. By the 16th century, Burma’s invasion ended Ayutthaya’s reign and it was eventually destroyed after the Burmese attacked again in 1767.
Today, the country is ruled by the Chakri Dynasty, which have been in power since 1782 and is the only Southeast Asian country to have avoided colonisation. The Chakri achieved economic and social progress, increased foreign trade and consolidated its territorial boundaries. The monarchy’s stable position was uprooted when in 1932 a bloodless coup rid the monarchy of its absolute powers and it was converted into a constitutional monarchy and a mixed military and civilian government gained power. For most of the 20th century the country was under military rule who gained the upper hand over brief periods of civilian rule, sometimes via coups and counter coups. In the 1980s the country enjoyed economic growth and employed democratic civilian rule. In 1997, Thailand adopted a new Constitution set out to enforce ethical electoral procedures, strengthen the political party system and promote human rights. Its political stability, however, remains to be seen following the bloodless military coup in September 2006.
Thailand’s economy has also been tested to the limit, it hit a low point in 1997 as economic crisis hit Southeast Asia and the Thai currency lost mightily against the US dollar. In recent years, it has achieved economic growth. The Asian Tsunami of December 2005, however, hit the country hard in many ways, but it has bounced back and is on the road to recovery.
The delights of Thailand are as diverse as they are abundant. From relaxing with total abandonment on its fine beaches to exploring its temples and beyond, it caters for city dwellers, culture vultures and beach bathers.
Northern Thailand is an historical and cultural mecca and is home to the nation’s first capital Sukhothai. On the ‘to do’ list of many, a visitor must take a trek through the northern hills to explore the region’s tribal groups. This popular pursuit offers a unique insight into the distinctive dress, language and customs of various tribes and the treks can last anything from a few days to a couple of weeks on an organised tour. The tours have gone upscale in recent years with elephant rides and plush accommodation thrown into the equation by some tour operators. While Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai are popular starting points, treks in the Mae Hong Sorn and Tak provinces are relatively uncharted territory, though growing in popularity, and are worth exploring.
Sukhothai offers a look back at the past and features a host of ruins and temples. Be sure to go to Old Sukhothai not New Sukhothai which has few, if any, authentic features. In the old city, you’ll find plenty of wats (Buddist temples). Rakhamhaeng National Museum offers an insight into the city’s ancient cultures with an array of ancient finds, while Wat Mahathat is the largest in the city and includes original Buddha images offset by a large ornamented pond. For a slightly less touristy experience, the old city of Si Satchanalai has well preserved ruins such as Wat Chang Lom which features Buddha and elephant imagery.
Bordering with Laos and Cambodia, the north eastern region (known as Isan) isn’t as tourist heavy as other parts of the country but nonetheless it has historic sights together with a mix of Lao and Khmer cultural influences. One of the area’s highlights is Prasat Hin Khao Phanom Rung Historical Park which sits on the rim of a volcano and is known for its range of Khmer ruins; the restored temple dates from between the 10th and 13th centuries.
With beaches and tropical islands galore, the south of the country harbours a series of extremes from party atmospheres to chill out zones, tourist traps to secluded gems. Phuket and Ko Samui have long been two of the main hotspots in the south. Thailand’s largest and most developed island, Phuket, is a top travel destination for its beaches, nightlife and general easy going, friendly attitude. Ao Patong is the Island’s liveliest beach and also the most developed, though there are some secluded beauty spots to be had on the island. Although relatively close to the airport, Nai Thon beach is one of the few undeveloped beaches remaining on the Island and is ideal for a stress-free sunbathing session. Ultimately, the south’s best kept secluded secrets can be discovered by venturing out to the many islands that are easily accessible on ferries and long boats that leave from the main islands like Phi Phi Island and Phuket.
Thailand is also a divers’ paradise with the marine national park of Koh Similan renowned as a world class diving site. It comprises nine islands with lush forests, picturesque sandy beaches and a mix of marine life including Manta Rays. There are no regular boat services to the islands but it’s possible to get a day trip boat from Phuket or Khao Lak that can take anything between 45 minutes and 3 hours depending on the type of boat. Also, trips to the Island can be restricted and sometimes cease altogether from May to October due to weather conditions. Ko Tao is also a popular divers’ haunt and can be reached by boat from Ko Pha-Ngan and takes around 3 hours.
A complete change of scenery can be found at Khao Sok National Park, located in the province of Surat Thani, which boasts the largest area of virgin forest in Southern Thailand. Its huge limestone cliffs, lush jungle and flowing rivers are home to a range of species including gibbons and barking deer. A good way to enjoy it in all its glory, including the noise of the rattling jungle, is by staying in a tree house.
One of the country’s biggest and most loved parties is the Full Moon Party at Haard Rin on the island of Koh Pha Ngan. Enjoyed by over 10,000 people every month, this all night beach party has Djs spinning a mix from techno to reggae, while fire-eaters and fireworks add to the hedonistic atmosphere.
Generally, Thailand’s seasons can be categorised as hot (March to May), rainy (June to October) and cool (November to February), though the best time to go can depend on the area of the country you plan to visit. The north of the country is at its most glorious during the cool season when the scenery is accentuated with flowers in bloom and the climate is cool and dry; mountainous regions, however, can see temperatures dip to as low as freezing.
The centre and east of the country, including Bangkok, are witness to hot temperatures year round and can reach over 40 degrees during the hot season; April tends to be the hottest month. Although the south doesn’t have a cool season as such, it makes up for it by having the most rainfall in the country during the rainy season. Areas lying close to the Thai Peninsula, such as Phuket and Koh Samui, are best visited March and April to avoid the monsoon season. However, there are differentiations between east and west of the peninsular outside of these months; the west (Phuket) is best November to April to avoid the monsoons, while May to October is better for the east side (Koh Samui).
The peak seasons are July and August, November and December, and January to March, during which the most tourist driven areas like Bangkok, Phuket and Chiang Mai, experience high visitor numbers, though it’s still possible to find less crowds in off the beaten track areas. April to June and September to October are the best times for solitude seekers.
Thai currency is the Baht;1B makes up 100 Satang. The current exchange rate is $1 to 37.2469 THB. Check www.xe.com or equivalent for the most up to date exchange rate.
The average costs of life’s little essentials are as follows:
Chiang Mai is the capital of the north, a major visitor hotspot and home to over 300 temples. From gold plated shrines to stone carvings, there’s a lot to see in the city’s temples with some dating back to the 13th century; highlights include a 500 year old bronze Buddha at Wat Suan Dawk, while Buddha Sila and the Crystal Buddha are housed at Wat Chiang Man, the oldest wat in the city’s walls. One of the most visited temples is the hill-top Wat Phra That at Doi Suthep, which takes in some of the best views of the city.
Retail therapy is one of the country’s biggest draws and Chiang Mai’s Night Bazaar is happy to satisfy the urge to spend. It runs from around 7pm to midnight at Chang Klan road between Tapee and Loh Kroh roads and has stalls selling everything but the kitchen sink, from tourist trinkets to clothes you might actually want to wear.
One of the liveliest times to visit Chiang Mai is during Songkran (Thai New Year) which takes place in April over several days. Processions line the streets with Buddha statues from each wat on parade and it’s seen as a time of cleaning and renewal which has traditionally been symbolised with the sprinkling of water. In Chiang Mai, water is thrown left, right and centre in a celebratory fashion and if anything, gives you sense of the community spirit.
Bangkok (known in Thai as Krung Thep) is a full on experience. On the surface it can seem like a diluted westernised Asian metropolis with never-ending traffic jams, pollution and bright lights. But beneath its tourist heavy veneer, the city and its surroundings have managed to hold onto their cultural allure. With over 400 temples, it’s possible to find calm in the sometimes intrusive urban sprawl. The city’s oldest and largest wat is Wat Pho which is renowned for its huge reclining Buddha. The one-time royal residence, the Grand Palace, is a major visitor spot, and deservedly so. Dating from the 18th century, the palace complex offers a step back in time and also includes Wat Phra Kaew which contains the scared Emerald Buddha. It’s best to visit later in the day to avoid the crowds and the queues.
Bangkok also promotes the temptation to delve into the purse strings. Chatuchak Market is the largest market in the country, if not the world, with over 15,000 stalls selling everything you could possibly need or want, at low prices with bargaining banter thrown in. There’s almost everything on sale from food and clothing to pedigree pooches and plants; Saturday and Sunday are the main market days and over 200,000 shoppers arrive daily. While the busy crowds and heat are not for the faint hearted, it offers a genuine insight into Bangkok life.
For an alternative shopping experience, floating markets may do the trick. Although once a traditional way of life, these canal and river based markets are now mostly billed as a tourist experience but it does serve as a reminder of how the Thais bought their wares before the supermarket giants took over the city. One of the most popular floating markets is Damnoen Saduak, around 2 hours driving time from Bangkok, which is serviced by regular buses. There are less populated floating markets in Ratchaburi, which is under 2 hours away from Bangkok by train, and the markets can be reached by hiring a long-tailed boat for a few hundred baht depending on your bargaining skills.
Cruising down the city’s waterways is also one of the best ways of experiencing Bangkok. A good route is to take an express riverboat from the Wat Ratchasingkhon pier to Nonthaburi which takes in life along the Chao Phraya River. A river bus from Bangkok to Bang Yai also provides a look at how Bangkok used to be when canals were the mainstay of the city.
As the country’s transport hub, Bangkok is the best place to explore from; it has a host of gems within an easy day’s reach. Highlights include one-time capital Ayutthaya which is entrenched in history with an array of ruins and old temples. Close to the Burmese border, Sangkhlaburi offers a real taste of Thai country life. The town lies on the scenic Vajiralongkorn Lake and is a popular weekend retreat amongst Bangkok based Thais. The laidback lifestyle of the town also takes in trekking, rafting and elephant riding.
A host of domestic airlines serving the country’s main cities and resorts makes flying a popular and attractive option. Some of the most popular routes from Bangkok are to Chiang Mai, Phuket and Ko Samui. The country’s main carriers, Thai Airways International and Bangkok Airways, serve major routes, while other smaller carriers serve specific areas such as Air Andaman which flies to southern cities only. When budgeting for flights, it’s also worth noting that Thailand charges a departure tax for international flights, currently 500 Baht, which is not included in the ticket price and is charged upon departure.
Buses also provide a convenient long-distance mode of travel. The major routes are served by private, air conditioned buses. As well as running throughout the day, long haul journey’s also run through the night, such as the 13 hour journey from Bangkok to Phuket. Although not as extensive as its bus system, Thailand has comprehensive rail links. Prices vary according to which class you choose. Second class is more than adequate but if open plan berths are a turn off, first class has berths in compartments for two people only. Third class doesn’t have the luxury of air conditioning, just the fresh air of an open window, but it is suitable for short distances of a couple of hours of less.
Local transport is readily available throughout Thailand, from bicycles in rural areas to water taxis on the Chao Phraya river in Bangkok. Tuk-tuks, motorised pedal rickshaws, are noisy little run-a-rounds that feature in large towns and cities like Bangkok. As is applicable for taxis and other unmetered forms of transport, it’s best to negotiate a price before you set off. Samlor’s are the non motorised version, while songthaew work on the same principle as tuk-tuks but have a row of seats down each side. In larger cities, these forms of transport tend to be used by tourists rather than locals as they’re not always the quickest or cheapest way to get to where you want to go. Aside from its boats and river taxis, one of the best ways to avoid the traffic in Bangkok is to take the SkyTrain. It’s an elevated metro system covering over 23km with 23 stations.
www.lonelyplanet.com
Lonely Planet are leaders in the travel guide sector and their website is a great source of travel information.
www.fco.gov.uk
The Foreign & Commonwealth Office’s website provides up-to-date political news, travel advice and information on visas.
www.bts.co.th
Bangkok’s SkyTrain service.
www.airportthai.co.th
AOT operates five of the country’s main international airports: Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket, Hat Yai and Chaing Rai.
www.railway.co.th
State Railway of Thailand, government operator of the country’s rail system, offers fares and timetable information on its site.
www.tmd.go.th
The website from the Thai government’s Metrological Department provides daily weather forecasts and climate information.
We work in partnership with hundreds of established projects that are run by local communities. The information on our website comes directly from the projects and we work with them to ensure this information is as accurate as possible. However, due to the very nature of the projects themselves the exact details of what happens on a daily basis can change with little or no notice. If you have travelled with us and have any updates to this information, please let us know.
* We can be held responsible for any starry-eyed and amazing journeys of enlightenment, discovery and thorough enjoyment...
