Immersion and volunteering at the elephant sanctuary

Accompanied by your guide, you head to the quays and board a public water bus. Along the water, you travel upstream towards the historic center, on the right bank, as far as the flower market of Pak Khlong Talat. Strolling through the fragrant aisles and your first immersion in authentic and traditional Asia.

You embark on a journey to discover Bangkok's architectural gems. Be amazed by the splendor of the Grand Palace of Bangkok, built in 1782: a sumptuous ensemble of buildings and inner courtyards, including the Wat Phra Kaeo (Temple of the Emerald Buddha). You will discover the famous Emerald Buddha, a precious statue dating from the 14th century, at the heart of one of the country's most venerated sanctuaries.

Then, on foot, you reach Wat Pho, one of Bangkok's oldest temples, renowned for its peaceful atmosphere and elegant pavilions. You discover the impressive Reclining Buddha, an iconic figure of the place, as well as the interior courtyards dotted with stupas and refined decorative details.

Then, you cross the river by small boat to reach Wat Arun, the famous "Temple of Dawn", standing on the right bank. Upon arrival, you admire its spectacular central prang, finely decorated with porcelain mosaics and floral motifs that shimmer in the light.

Ride aboard a private traditional "longtail" boat-taxi on the Chao Praya river, one of the country's most important waterways and the true lifeblood of Bangkok. As you travel along the water, you discover the "Venice of the Orient", with its peaceful klongs, stilt houses and small temples hidden along the banks.

Full day with an English-speaking guide

Next to Chinatown, you'll find the amazing Talat Noi district, one of Bangkok's oldest neighborhoods. Steeped in Chinese culture, this place is full of curiosities of all kinds, from street art to atypical houses and timeless temples. A true discovery of authentic Bangkok.

Set off on a bike tour through the lungs of the capital in the extraordinary neighborhood of Bang Kachao District - a true jungle in the heart of the city. At the entrance, you can rent bikes to explore the park.

You can also visit an incense stick manufacturing workshop and several small temples and see old houses in the neighborhood.

Visit to Wat Traimit or the Golden Buddha Temple, and the small but very interesting Yaowarat Chinatown Heritage Museum, which traces the history of Chinese immigration to Bangkok.

In late afternoon, we set off for an English-speaking traditional cooking class, organized in the countryside, outside Chiang Mai, in an old house in Lanna style. In a friendly atmosphere, we discover the basics of Thai cuisine and learn to balance the emblematic flavors: spicy, sweet, salty and tangy.

Throughout the session, we will prepare several must-try recipes, before tasting our creations on site.

Vegetarian or vegan options available. (Please inform us in advance)

Menu (indicative):

• Tom Kha Gai (coconut lemongrass soup)

• Pad Thaï (stir-fried rice noodles)

• Nam Prik Ong (Northern specialty with tomatoes and chili)

• Khao Soi Gai (curry noodle soup, Northern specialty)

• Dessert: Khao Niao Mamuang (sticky rice with coconut milk and mango)

In the afternoon, enjoy a stroll through the center of the old town, including a visit to the magnificent Wat Sri Suphan temple, located in the Wualai silver craftsmen street quarter. This temple is entirely covered with silver plaques and other metals; you can see craftsmen working metal on site.

Night at De Lanna Hotel, for 3 nights, in a Deluxe room.

We set off on a guided hiking trip in the mountains of Mae Wang to discover the Karen populations of northern Thailand.

We begin our trek through the hill tribes of Mae Wang. We walk along a mountain stream before reaching the lush rice fields of the region in the heights. We have lunch near a waterfall where we can also cool off.

In the afternoon, our walk continues through the heights. We reach a Karen village where we make a stop before venturing into the rice fields where our guesthouse is located.

Day accompanied by an English-speaking hiking guide. Duration of the excursion approximately 5 hours 30 minutes including 3 hours 30 minutes of actual walking.

9:00 AM - Departure for the mountains north of Chiang Mai, and arrival at the elephant sanctuary where we check in and meet the other volunteers. You will take possession of your accommodation - basic, directly on the camp, which you will share with at least 2 other participants. Presentation of the program, and first meeting with the elephants. 6 nights in shared accommodation on the camp.

Each day, you will collect food from the plantations and help prepare meals for the elephants, which you will feed before they bathe in the river. You will also help with all sanctuary maintenance tasks. Numerous exchanges with elephant advocates who work year-round at the sanctuary to better understand the challenges facing elephant conservation in Thailand and the role this project plays in preserving these pachyderms.

The activities during your internship will be: Presentation of the sanctuary and meeting with staff and mahouts; Discovery of elephant families and their social relationships; Discovery of the problems elephants face in Thailand today; Discovery of the aid provided by the sanctuary to the elephant cause; Feeding the elephants, collecting their droppings and performing various care tasks; Cleaning and preparing elephant food; Building, maintaining mud pits and helping villagers; Hiking in the surrounding area; Taking care of dogs and more; Strong human encounters with other volunteers from around the world and sanctuary staff. An exciting human adventure for all nature lovers and elephant enthusiasts.

Breakfast is served at 7:00 am and dinner is at 6:00 pm. Meals are vegetarian.

Last morning sharing with the elephants, and the friends we made during this emotionally-charged week. As our internship comes to an end, we head back to the road to Chiang Mai after lunch, our heads full of memories.

Check-in at our hotel and last evening, free, in northern Thailand. Night at the De Lanna Hotel, for 1 night, in a Deluxe room.

Rest of the day free. Possibility to fly to Phuket for an extension in the Andaman Sea islands. Contact us.

Check-in at Phranakorn Nornlen Hotel in a double room.