Venture East // Thailand
Schools Conservation Project, Thailand
Asian Elephant Conservation
Thailand’s tropical climate, coupled with an interesting history and rich culture, makes it an excellent destination. Its diverse natural environment ranges from beautiful beaches and stunning coastline to lush dense jungles which are home to fascinating and diverse wildlife.
We have looked far and wide for an elephant conservation organisation whose ethos suits ours. Jakrapob Thaotad (or Jake to his friends) set up the Phang Nga Elephant Park in 2015 and is the founder of the Southern Thailand Elephant Foundation (STEF). STEF works to promote the health and well-being of domesticated Asian elephants, providing an educational forum to advise on their welfare and reinforce the place of the Asian elephant in Thai culture. Our student teams work alongside passionate Thai staff to care for elephants that have previously been used in logging or domesticated but now have nowhere to go.
Photos: Courtesy of Phang Nga Elephant Park
Our conservation projects allow students to get hands-on experience working on a wildlife project. We work with selected charity partners who are specialists in their conservation field. Their expert guidance enables our teams to take part in impactful conservation projects.
The elephants of Phang Nga Elephant Park are free to roam the park and each elephant has its own dedicated kwan-chang (elephant keeper). Our student team members work alongside the kwan-chang to assist them in caring for the elephants. A typical task could be an early morning trip into the park to lead the elephants back to the park’s village area, where they are fed, bathed, and have regular health checks.
As well as directly helping to care for the elephants, students will also be involved in a host of tasks surrounding elephant care, such as planting and harvesting suitable foods, clearing and cleaning of the compounds, and construction projects essential for the smooth running of the park.
Our expeditions give students the chance to experience local life away from the tourist hotspots. Students are encouraged to make the most of the opportunity and will be required to work alongside the local team.
In addition to the daily tasks surrounding caring for the elephants, our teams will also clean our accommodation, get involved in managing team logistics, and help to prepare/cook/serve and clear away meals. Our Venture Force expedition leaders will support team members in taking advantage of all the development opportunities that this expedition provides.
As well as taking an active part in conservation, student teams will experience rural Thailand, away from the hustle and bustle of the main tourist areas.
As well as taking an active part in conservation, student teams will experience rural Thailand, away from the hustle and bustle of the main tourist areas.
After working hard to look after the elephants, teams will have some time to relax and take part in paddleboarding on the beautiful Phang Nga river. The river flows through the fascinating jungle habitat to the stunning coast. Finally, our teams will take a guided boat trip around the dramatic limestone islands of the Ao Phang Nga National Park. The boat trip includes a visit to Khao Phing Kan, also known as ‘James Bond Island’, a meal at a floating café, and swimming in the clear, warm waters of the Indian Ocean.
Expedition Project
Our conservation projects allow students to get hands-on experience working on a wildlife project. We work with selected charity partners who are specialists in their conservation field. Their expert guidance enables our teams to take part in impactful conservation projects.
The elephants of Phang Nga Elephant Park are free to roam the park and each elephant has its own dedicated kwan-chang (elephant keeper). Our student team members work alongside the kwan-chang to assist them in caring for the elephants. A typical task could be an early morning trip into the park to lead the elephants back to the park’s village area, where they are fed, bathed, and have regular health checks.
As well as directly helping to care for the elephants, students will also be involved in a host of tasks surrounding elephant care, such as planting and harvesting suitable foods, clearing and cleaning of the compounds, and construction projects essential for the smooth running of the park.
Expedition Life
Our expeditions give students the chance to experience local life away from the tourist hotspots. Students are encouraged to make the most of the opportunity and will be required to work alongside the local team.
In addition to the daily tasks surrounding caring for the elephants, our teams will also clean our accommodation, get involved in managing team logistics, and help to prepare/cook/serve and clear away meals. Our Venture Force expedition leaders will support team members in taking advantage of all the development opportunities that this expedition provides.
Expedition Adventures
As well as taking an active part in conservation, student teams will experience rural Thailand, away from the hustle and bustle of the main tourist areas.
After working hard to look after the elephants, teams will have some time to relax and take part in paddleboarding on the beautiful Phang Nga river. The river flows through the fascinating jungle habitat to the stunning coast. Finally, our teams will take a guided boat trip around the dramatic limestone islands of the Ao Phang Nga National Park. The boat trip includes a visit to Khao Phing Kan, also known as ‘James Bond Island’, a meal at a floating café, and swimming in the clear, warm waters of the Indian Ocean.
Embrace the challenge and remember the unique experience!
Expect an experience that is going to have a positive effect! This an expedition, not a holiday and is taking place in a country far removed from the UK, both in distance and cultural norms.
Accommodation and food are likely to be different to what students are used to. Team members are encouraged to embrace this, it’s part of what expeditions are about! At times students will be completely out of their comfort zone and that is an integral element of our developmental expeditions.
KEY INFORMATION
All our expeditions are bespoke and tailored to your team's needs
Conservation Project
Cultural Visits
Paddleboarding
Boat Trip
Duration
11 Days (UK to UK)
- International Flights
- Two Venture Force Expedition Leaders
- 24/7 Operations Room support
- Comprehensive travel insurance
- International communications package
- All in-country travel
- In-country agent support
- All in-country activities
- All in-country food and accommodation
- Team t-shirts
- Heavy Duty Travel Bag
- Group kit where necessary
- Online expedition portal page
- In-country agent support and tips
- Carbon off-setting
- Personal vaccinations
- Personal equipment (a kit list will be provided)
- Visa costs and passport renewal
- Spending money for gifts and additional drinks/food
