The Elephant Mahout/Orphanage Project gives volunteers an opportunity to get a basic understanding of the Thai domestic elephant and the close relationship with their mahout. You will not only learn how to ride your elephant but also how to approach, mount, dismount and walk the elephant. You will enjoy the unique experience of bathing with your elephant in the river. Each day you will ride your elephant into the jungle to eat and you will have a chance to practice your riding and training skills. There will also be the opportunity to work with baby elephants!

The seven-day project runs from 8:30 a.m. to about 4 p.m. for the week. A traditional Thai dinner is served daily at 5:00 at the campsite. Meals can be prepared for vegetarians if desired. TRAKS must be informed of this diet preference upon application to program.

Evenings and weekends can be spent freely exploring the local area or doing a bit of traveling or relaxing in the comfortable accommodations in local guesthouse/hotel are provided. The project is located in a quiet rural area away from roads and the elephants have spacious areas where they can eat, bath and relax.

Working with nature’s largest mammal requires strength and some degree of agility; therefore, applicants should be in a reasonably fit condition.

Volunteers should bring at least two sets of loose fitting clothes, preferably cotton. You will enter the river at least twice a day; therefore long cotton pants/trousers are ideal.

For those who would like to extend their volunteer commitment, an option exists for volunteers to spend time at an orphanage, located in Kanchanaburi., Volunteers are needed to build, repair and teach in this community of children. Volunteers can elect the length of time they would like to devote to the orphanage.