From monolithic temple protrusions, to the living, breathing, legendary white elephant herds of the royal order, the faded beer vests of Khao San Road travellers, to the somewhat infamous, green and gold labels of ‘Chang’, if there is one symbol that reverberates the mystical and multifarious character of this Eastern land more than any other, it is the Thai Elephant. Discover their ways on the Xtreme Elephant Experience and spend one or even 2 weeks with these magnificent animals!


 

Thai Elephant Experience in Umphang, Lak Province

Historically, the Thai people’s ally in work and war, at once both strong and placid, roaming the jungle smothered hills of a nation curiously similar in spirit and character to these colossal yet graceful beasts, the decline in wild elephant populations all over Southeast Asia has focused modern attention more vigorously than ever on the enduring character, survival and habitats of the Asian elephant.

We’re offering you the chance to really get stuck in; with our week long Thai Elephant Experience package in Umphang, you’ll be surrounded by trunk and tree from beginning to end, living and working ‘at the coalface’ with these undeniably inspiring creatures. Nestled in the limestone valleys of Tak Province in North-central Thailand, amidst the low mists of rice paddies (the local labour staple), soaring Burmese mountain horizons to the west, and some of the most traditional, untouched, ‘un-touristy’ Thai towns of yesteryear, where the local folk still cast curious glances at western visitors and sizzle up regional dishes from fiery track-side stalls.

Xtreme Elephant Experience Highlights:

  • Live with and look after Elephants
  • Discover one of the most beautiful parts of Thailand
  • Bathe with Elephants in Waterfalls
  • Learn from Mahouts and help conservation efforts
  • Have the experience of your life!

 

Photos

The Elephant Experience

Our elephant experience package runs from Monday to Saturday and aims to give you an encompassing introduction to what life is like working with these animals. We try to make sure you get the broadest possible experience by getting you working with elephants of all ages and genders, always in their natural habitat.

Naturally the elephants are free to roam the project grounds during the day, when you will have the opportunity to participate in a variety of activities necessary to providing good care, whilst helping to ensure the stability of the elephants’ lives here.

With rich, thick, natural jungle terrain and forested hills typical to this region of Thailand, we are lucky to be able to maintain an environment very similar to that enjoyed by the remaining few thousand wild elephants in Southeast Asia, and, with only a few elephant sanctuaries so indelibly surrounded by nature, our ability to do this is largely unique throughout the country.

The elephant care at our sanctuary is comprehensive, and we like to get participants involved with all aspects of this. From health-care check-ups and veterinary procedures, to washing the elephants in the natural lake (one of many in the areas surrounding Umphang) on our grounds, or perhaps, simply socialising with these animals, so strangely human in their own way, your responsibilities are wide ranging and aim to give a broad cross-section of elephant care experience.

In addition, with a diet of up to 180kg of vegetation daily, you can see how preparing the elephants’ intake of greens (usually a mixture of locally sourced sugarcane, banana plant or grasses) could represent one of your main daily tasks, while the routine evening ‘trek of the elephants’ back to their forest sleeping areas as the pink Thai sun drops behind the distant hill vistas, is something to always look forward to.

You will work directly with experienced native mahouts (elephant carers) who have grown up with these creatures, training them and ensuring their continued survival. Consequently, there are perhaps no people more readily in tune with the elephant mind than native Thai mahouts, and no better people with whom to experience what life with an elephant is like.

Every group will be assigned their own English speaking tour coordinator, who will be able to answer any practical questions you have about the structure of the experience or the practicalities of staying in Thailand.

Accommodation

Thailand just wouldn’t be Thailand without its bamboo, jungle shrouded cabins, looking like they’ve just popped up from the earth, just like the waxy banana plants and bending palms around them. During your stay here you’ll crash in one fully equipped with all the necessities of a rural Thai excursion: Mosquito nets, showers, and sun drenched decking for those cold Changs after a long day with the elephants.

You will receive three square meals a day, all healthy and packed full of the rich flavours Thai cuisine has become so famous for. We try and strike a nice balance between western styles and the spiced-up, aromatic local dishes of Umphang, to keep everything nice and varied.

Accommodation is shared with other experience participants, giving you a great opportunity to socialise with like-minded, elephant-loving people.

Arrival and Departure

Included is transportation to and from our base camp at Singburi; any other transportation arrangements (like international or domestic flight connections, and any internal travel to and from Singburi) are up to you, but we recommend you take your time, as there’s plenty to see in and around this region of Thailand – from the intensely religious temple towns to the south, to the free-love Rasta retreats to the north.

You can easily add on an introduction week.

 

Read more about the introduction week below.

Starting on the Sunday, you will be transferred to your new home in Singburi, a couple of hours from Bangkok, to embark upon a comprehensive introduction to Thailand.

During the intro week you will learn more about Thailand, get to know other members of the group, and the local surrounding area. Emphasis will be placed on learning about Thai culture, Thai language and even try your hand at some Thai cooking. The perfect start to your Elephant Experience

Programme Description

Sunday: Pick up from the airport

Monday: After breakfast we will have a group meeting and take a short walk around the village.  Schedules will be pointed out and a brief explanation of the program will follow. A Visit to Singburi town for sight seeing and we will have lunch in a restaurant.

In the afternoon, there will be an introduction into Thai culture: do and don’t s in Thai society. In the evening, there will be an introduction to the projects and discussion about other programs if applicable. There will be a welcome party in the evening with the school students from the local town performing a Thai traditional dance. During the party we will try to know each other quickly and play a presentation game in which you can perform something that is typical for your culture of origin

Tuesday: All day trip to the ancient city of Ayutthaya is scheduled. Many ancient ruins and art works can be seen in a city that was founded in 1350 by King U-Thong when the Thais were forced Southwards by northern neighbors.  We will then visit the “Elephant village” followed by dinner near the river side.

Wednesday: In the morning we start with another Thai lesson, after which will visit some of the beautiful and famous monuments and Buddhist temples near our centre: Wat Phranon Jaksi (A huge reclining Buddha image) and the Bang-Rachan hero monument. In the afternoon there will be some free time to spend in  town, whether to shop or check email. In the evening, we will dinner at a famous Thai BBQ restaurant.

Thursday: In the morning, we visit a school where we will do some activities with the children or teach English. During school holidays (from mid-March till mid-May and in October), when the school is closed, we may visit a palm tree farm instead.  Just before lunch, we will visit a local handicraft place.

There will be a continuation of Thai language lessons for those who are interested in learning more Thai. Following this, we have an interactive Thai cooking class: after a short Thai lesson introducing the different ingredients you will learn how to cook these ingredients into a Thai dish, and to cook dinner.

Friday: A full day travel with several visits in the Lopburi province. Some of the highlights would be visit to the famous Somdet Phra Narai National Museum and the Wat Phraputhabaht Temple (Buddha’s footprint) and we will experience some local cuisine at a nearby restaurant.

Weekends: Free time at the centre. Most people choose to swim in Singburi’s swimming pool or take a nice massage in our center. Others like to go with some friends to town or visit Bangkok. Participants can choose between optional Thai Cooking Class or Thai Language lesson or visit to the Swimming pool or visit to the Singburi Town.  (these are extra-curricular, please request on site!). Sunday you will be transferred to the Elephant week!!

 

 

Trip Frequently Asked Questions

Other Activities

Umphang is one of the few remaining untouched and remote, natural gems of Thailand. Like Kanchaniburi to the south, it retains the reputation as one of the ‘jump-off points’ (no pun intended) for waterfall enthusiasts and, aside from the Thee Lor Sue on the Mae Klong (which is claimed to be Thailand’s biggest, a two day organised trek from Umphang), there are two local falls (Nam Tok Tharark and Nam Tok Pha), with fresh, cool water; a place to distress your post-work muscles and swap elephant stories with your fellow travellers.

You’ll also be able to tick off one of north Thailand’s must-do activities: Rafting. The local medium-speed rivers provide the perfect raft ride through remote jungle scenery, and it’s a great way to spend a day away from the project.

Please note additional activities are not included in the price and must be authorised by the local co-ordinator.

I am travelling alone. Is this a problem?.
No, most of our travellers are solo travellers. You will meet lots of people on the different weeks. With group start dates and lots of group activities you will make new friends really easy.
Do I need a visa?
If you are planning on travelling to Thailand for 28 days or less and you have British, Dutch or USA passport you can get a Visa exemption on arrival. This is valid for 28 days and cannot be extended in Thailand. If you are planning on being in Thailand longer than 28 days you will need to pre-arrange a Visa. You can prearrange a visa for 60 days which you can extend to 90 days in Thailand.
There are two ways of arranging your visa. When you are from the UK. You can either go in person to the Thai embassy in London, or you can post your passport along with the necessary documentation and fee to one of the Thai Consulates. In general this works the same for the other countries like The Netherlands and United States too, but please contact the nearest Thai Consulate for visa enquiries.
What is Sing Buri like?
Sing Buri is a province in the centre of Thailand. It has got a ver nice and chilled atmosphere. You stay in eco houses in the shade of banana palms trees by the Noi Nam river. Sing Buri is rich of cultural history. The province houses many temples, museums, and historical sites. You can easily say it is the epic centre for Thai history and a great place to get under the skin of the country.
Will I be met at the airport?
Yes, if you arrive during the weekend we will pick you up. When you arrive during a week day we can still pick up at any time, but there is a €50 extra payment. If you wish a few extra days in Bangkok before hand you will have to make your own way on the Sunday to the meeting point at the Royal Hotel. Meeting time is at 1pm.
What is the average age of the groups
This is a hard question as age range does vary. On the groups that join the intro and culture weeks the average age is between 18 and 22. On Koh Tao with the Koh Tao Adventure (which are the last 2 weeks of this programme) the average age tends to be in the twenties.
How many Elephants are there?
There are about 10 Elephants at the moment. Average about b 10 people are on the conservation project, with a maximum of 20.

 

 

Price

  • One week £399
  • Two weeks 659
  • Add on a Intro week for just 199 extra!

Included

  • All Accommodation
  • Transport to and from the Elephant Camp to our base in Singburi
  • Meals
  • Trips to Waterfalls
  • Elephant (not to keep of course!)
  • Instruction and supervision from trained Mahouts.

Excluded

  • Flights
  • Travel Insurance
  • Visas

Dates

You can start this trip on any Sunday.

 

“I will definitely recommend you to all my friends and book through you again! See more reviews here.”
Louise Penman
” Hi Debby! The trip was absolutely incredible! more reviews here.”
Alice Horsfield
” Hello, Im now home from the trip of a life time!! See more reviews here.”
Eddie UK