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Elephant Volunteering
Do You
Know What to
Pack?
THE ALL IN ONE GUIDEdid someone say "ELEPHANTS"?
SPECIAL EDITION
E L E P H A N T P R O J E C T | T H E U L T I M A T E T R A V E L G U I D E
hey there!On behalf of everybody at Bamboo, I would like to offer you our sincerest thanks for
choosing this incredible experience with us. We guarantee you an amazing time and we’re
all very much looking forward to having you with us.
I imagine that right now you’re very excited about your upcoming volunteering experience
in Thailand. This little guide has been put together to explain a little more about your time
with us on our Elephant project.
*Please note this is not a group project, we can not guarantee that other people will be on
this project, however, you will have a volunteer coordinator alongside you at all times.
Peace, Love & Bamboo
Mark (& the other pandas, Steve & Colin)
highlights of your volunteering
A night on the world famous Khaosan
Road, in the heart of Bangkok's
backpacker hub.
BANGKOK
Share a mud bath with Thailands most
iconic gentle giants
ELEPHANTS
Guided experience of some of the
most incredible signs of Bangkok
SIGHTSEEING
Experience authentic and traditional,
mouth-watering Thai cuisine
FOOD
Get your hands dirty helping out at
the Elephant Project in Chiang Mai
GIVING BACK
Come one, come all to the “city of angels, great city
of immortals, magnificent city of the nine gems, the
seat of the king, city of royal palaces, home of Gods
incarnates, erected by Vishwakarma at Indra’s
behest” – or, it’s more common name “Bangkok.”
Upon arriving at the airport in the Thai capital, we’ll
greet you in the “Land of Smiles” (how many names
can a city have?) and whisk you off to your
accommodation in the heart of the town.
From there, feel free to relax and recover from the
jet lag or, if you’re up for the adventure, dive into
the chaos of Southeast Asia. Those feeling extra
energized can meet up for an informal meet-and-
greet over some dinner and drinks and probably a
few more drinks before we let loose on this amazing
tour.
DAY 1 (FRIDAY): ARRIVAL IN BANGKOK
Founded in the 15th century, Bangkok’s always
been a city a of contradictions, an ancient city
where the familiar and exotic collide into brightly
colored culture. The sterling skyscrapers exude the
wealth of New York while the hidden markets and
alleyways take us to old-world Asia, where you can
haggle over delectable curries or even a Rolex.
We’ll begin the day with an introductory
orientation to ease any anxieties over the tour—we
get it, it’s like the Wild West out here, except it
smells a little bit more like fried noodles.
From there, we’ll venture out into the sun-filled
streets for a half-day tour* of the city’s temples
along with a trip onto a floating market. It’s a
sensory overload for the eyes, certainly.
Once the tour concludes, we’ve given you the
afternoon for yourself to find love in the City of
Angels, be it in the city’s abandoned ghost tower,
Goddess Tuptim Shrine, or simply eating obscene
amounts of Pad Thai on a street corner. Just be sure
to return to the hotel by nightfall for our welcome
meal on the famous Khao San Road, where the
pulse of Bangkok lives and some things called
“buckets” reign supreme.
Meals Included: Breakfast & Dinner
DAY 2 (SATURDAY): BANGKOK
* The Grand Palace is not included in the
Bangkok tour
Our day begins with a flight to the city of Chiang
Mai in northern Thailand. We'll transfer you straight
from the airport to your hotel in Chiang Mai.
Once settled you have the evening to do as you
please. Head out around Chiang Mai, search for
some bargins at the night market or rest up in your
hotel and get read for the excitement tomorrow
holds!
Meals included: Breakfast
DAY 3 (SUNDAY): BANGKOK TO CHIANG MAI
You will be spending Monday to Friday nestled deep in the jungles of Northern Thailand, just a jaunt
outside of the city, amid Thai rainforest, is a sustainable eco-tourism project launched by Karen hill-
tribes to protect the welfare of elephants. This is a truly perfect location to house some 85 elephants
spread across nine camps.
On arrival you'll be greeted by the 'mahouts', those selfless champions that devote their lives to
supporting and caring for the elephants. You'll be sat down and given the history of the project, it's
reason for existence, where the elephants come from and the work that goes on here and why.
You will have the evenings to relax along the river, take a dip in the waterfall or swap stories with others
at the bar! Your days will end, full of delicious Thai cuisine, in a traditional jungle house. It may be
rough-necking, but you’re on the elephant experience now.
On the Friday we will transfer you back to Chiang Mai city and get you checking into your hotel. The
weekends are then yours to do as you please, explore the local area, check out some remarkable
temples, take a walk to the market or just chill by the hotel pool.
On Monday you will be collected and taken back to the Elephant Project for another week of hard-
work and elephant fun!
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner whilst at project.
ELEPHANT PROJECT
The true way to an elephants heart is to feed it - and feed it a lot. Some of these guys put away over
300KG of food daily - that’s a serious amount of bananas!
During your time here you can expect unprecedented animal interaction as you help exfoliate the
elephant's skin by giving them a mud-bath before joining them in the river, rising them off and
enjoying a gleeful splash with them.
Activities involved walking alongside the elephants in the camps jungle, giving the elephants mud
baths, and bathing the elephants in the river that runs through the camp
ELEPHANTS
Now, this is where the hard-work will happen. During your time in the camp, you will be involved in a
number of activities or projects.
When you’re not getting up close and personal with the elephants you’ll assist the mahouts with daily
elephant care and other tasks such as planting or chopping sugarcane, farming, wedding, fertilising, or
perhaps some other relevant infrastructure tasks that are required.
This can be hard work, but not only are we helping feed the elephants, we are also supporting the
mahouts which makes it all worthwhile. Don't panic, a member of the team will be with you at all times
to show you how it's done. You’ll also have breaks throughout, so make sure you keep your fluids up
and wear sunscreen!
As well as helping the mahouts with day to day tasks you will also have the opportunity to meet the
veterinary or medical staff and learn more about the elephants health, behaviour and how to do check
ups on these incredible animals.
Whatever you do rest assured your hard-work will make a difference.
VOLUNTEERING
What's includedELEPHANT PROJECT
1. Arrival pick up on tour start date
2. All accommodation
3. Meals as stated in the itinerary
4. Guided intro tour of Bangkok
5. An epic elephant experience
6. Support from our ground team
7. Donations to the project
8. Flight from Bangkok to Chiang Mai
9. Transfer back to Chiang Mai on the
weekends.
FAST FACTS
ENTRY
REQUIREMENTSYour passport MUST have at least 6 months validity
from the date that you enter the country.
Depending on your country of citizenship you may
be entitled to a 30-day visa-free entry into the
Kingdom of Thailand. This means that you can
simply turn up at the airport, present your passport
and receive free entry for a maximum of 30 days.
These countries include the U.S.A., the U.K.,
Australia, Canada and most European nations.
To check if you’re entitled to this, find your country
in the following list:
http://www.thaiembassy.com/thailand/changes-
visa-exempt.php
Please be aware that you cannot obtain a visa for
Thailand from within Thailand.
T H E I N F O R M A T I O N Y O U N E E D T O K N O W B E F O R E W E B E G I N D I S C O V E R K O H S A M U I
THE NITTY GRITTY
TRAVEL INSURANCE
It is essential that you arrange travel insurance that
provides suitable cover for the duration of your trip
before you travel.
Bamboo offers a comprehensive policy through our
partners, AHI. Please contact us for more
information.
VISA and passport requirments
are YOUR responsibility
30 days free if from US, UK,
AUS or CAN (plus most EU
countries)
Located in the heart of Bangkok’s nightlife, this hotel
includes free WiFi and air conditioning in every room.
It is also equipped with a private western-style
bathroom (no squatting!) .
Rooms are either twin (2 separate beds) or triple (3
separate beds) share. Double beds may also available
on request, subject to availability.
Breakfast is available in the restaurant across the
road.
ACCOMMODATION
BANGKOKRAMBUTTRI HOUSE
NORTH OF CHIANG MAI
ELEPHANT PROJECT
Weekday accommodation
Your accommodation at the project is basic but clean
and comfortable. Thai style mattresses are provided
for all guests in addition to mosquito nets - This is all
part of the full-on authentic, mahout experience.
All cabins have an outside sitting area where you may
be able to watch the elephants during the day. There
are shared bathrooms with western toilets and
showers. There is no hot water, but after a long hot
day with the elephants, a simple shower is the only
way to cool down!
ACCOMMODATION
CHIANG MAI
Weekend accommodation
Rooms here will be twin share. All rooms include air
conditioning, a satellite TV, a mini fridge and a private
bathroom.
Our chosen accommodation has a private restaurant
that opens daily and offers a variety of local and
International meals. Drinks are also available for
purchase.
The hotel also offers a large pool, so feel free to take a
dip!
WANGBURAPA GRAND HOTEL
FAST
FACTS: MONEY
Basic costs of things :
Water 5 - 40 Baht
Beer 50 - 150 Baht
Street Meal 50 - 150 Baht
Restaurant Meal 100 - 250 Baht
Taxi to airport 350 - 600 Baht
T-shirt 100 - 500 Baht
Memories - Free of charge
The currency in Thailand is known
as the Baht or THB
Remember to tell your bank that
you are leaving the country to
avoid having your card blocked
When it comes to advice on how much
money to bring, it’s impossible to say. All our
intrepid explorers are very different. Where
some go all out, others are on a budget. You
can find both high end and budget
restaurants, bars and shopping across
Thailand.
Typical exchange rates are:
$1 - 33 Thai Baht
£1 - 44 Thai Baht
ATMs, or cash machines, are prevalent
throughout the big cities in Thailand and will
only issue Thai Baht, If you do plan to bring
your ATM card with you, we recommend that
you inform your bank. This may prevent your
card being suspended due to irregular
withdrawals.
There are no cash machines whilst on project
so please make sure you have enough money
before leaving Bangkok or Chiang Mai incase
you want snacks, drinks or souvenirs.
We don’t recommend bringing travelers
cheques with you. The reason is that banks
across Thailand have odd hours of operating,
and it may cause unnecessary hassle finding
a bank open when you wish to make a
transaction.
Negotiating a purchase, known as
“bartering”, still happens in the tourist areas
of Thailand. Outside of tourist areas,
however, bartering is seen as disrespectful
and the cost you’re told is the cost you pay.
If you’re unsure as to whether or not you
can barter for a discount please speak to
your guide or coordinator to avoid any
unnecessary faux-pas..
MONEY
FAUX PAS
Take off your shoes when you step
indoors!
Whether you’re entering a temple or
someone’s home, always take off
your shoes. This also applies to some
old-fashioned places of business, but
not in most modern shops.
Packing for a trip to the unknown is always
tricky. It’s definitely worth doing a little bit of
homework on this one and to consider local
culture when deciding what clothes to bring.
For example, Thailand is predominantly a Buddhist
country so dress modestly and respectfully.
We live by the rule ‘one in, one out’- in other words,
you need to have either your shoulders or your
knees covered at all times. In addition, in Asia, it’s
often customary to remove your shoes before
entering a building so a pair of flip flops is very
much advised.
During the work at the Elephant Project you need
to be wearing long-sleeved tops and long trousers,
make sure you are aware of this when packing. It is
highly likely that your clothes will get dirty, sweaty
or ripped, so please consider this. You can, of
course, buy cheap clothes in Bangkok that you are
more than welcome to donate once you’ve finished
with them. Closed-toe shoes are also a must for
your volunteering work.
Being such religious countries, temples and
Buddhist monasteries are everywhere. During your
Bangkok tour, you will be visiting different temples
where you will need to cover both shoulders and
knees.
You should also consider the weather. Thailand has
two prominent weather seasons: hot and dry and
hot and wet. Hot and dry usually runs from
November to April, hot and wet from May to
October. The daytime temperature is quite
consistent throughout the year with highs around
33-38 degrees. The nighttime does vary with lows
ranging from 15 degrees to 28-30 degrees. We
recommend you bring a sweater/jumper for the
chilly evenings.
CLOTHING
FAST FACTS: TRAVEL
Did you know that?
Thailand is the world’s 20th most
populous country, with close to 67
million people.
Did you know that?
On a flight, the bathroom door isn’t
really locked when you’re inside.
Lavatory doors can be locked and
unlocked from the outside for a
multitude of reason. It allows flight
attendants quick access to locked
lavatories in case of emergencies. In
other instances, it allows the cabin
crew to restrict access to bathrooms
during takeoff and landing.
For up to date information about the best travel
vaccinations to have before arriving in Thailand we
urge you to contact your own GP, a travel health
clinic or to check the World Health Organisation 's
website. Bamboo are not medical professionals and
therefore can’t offer you medical advice.
VACCINATIONS & FLIGHTS
VACCINATIONS
FLIGHTS
Thanks to the world wide web we all now have
access to great flight deals through websites such
as Skyscanner, Google Flights and more. If you’d
rather use the services of a booking agent, the likes
of STA Travel, Trailfinders and Flight Centre are all
available online.
To be eligible for the airport pick-up, please
arrange your flight to arrive into Bangkok’s
International Airport, also known as Suvarnabhumi
Airport (BKK) , on the Friday that your tour starts
between 6 am and 8 pm.
The tour ends on the Friday two or four weeks later
in Chiang Mai, Thailand. From there you’ll need to
make your own arrangements for onward
travel. Chiang Rai has a rather wonderful
international airport known as Chiang
Mai International Airport (airport code CNX) .
IMPORTANT NOTICEOnce you have booked and confirmed your flight to
Thailand, please make sure that you have shared
your flight arrival time and flight number with our
team. Without those details, we will be unable
to collect you on arrival.
ARRIVAL INFO
Bangkok International Airport (Suvarnabhumi Airport - airport code: BKK) is one of the busiest airports in
the world and can be a confusing place. To ensure that your arrival runs without a hitch please make sure
that you read through and understand the following instructions. If you have any questions about your
arrival at Bangkok International Airport please do not hesitate to let our team know.
Please be aware that there are two international airports in Bangkok; Suvarnabhumi (BKK) and Don
Mueang (DMK) . We are only able to meet travellers arriving in BKK. If your flight is planned to arrive in
DMK then you will need to make your own way to our hotel. The details of that hotel will be sent to you in
a separate email roughly three weeks before your tour is due to begin.
To be eligible for the Bamboo airport pick-up at Bangkok’s International Airport, please arrange your flight
to arrive on the Friday that your tour starts. If you can manage to arrive between 6 am and 8 pm one of
our team will be at the airport to meet you.
If your flight arrives after 8 pm, we can arrange a night 's accommodation at a hotel close by to the airport.
A representative of the hotel will collect you on arrival at the airport and take you back to the hotel and
we will have a driver collect you from the hotel the following morning and transfer you to our starting
point. More details about this will be sent to you nearer your tour start date.
To locate a member of the Bamboo team, once you have passed through Immigration (Passport Control)
you’ll need to collect your luggage from one of the carousels. You will then make your way to the main
arrivals area, passing through the green ‘Nothing to Declare’ channel. Once through you will enter the
busy main arrivals area.
As you enter the arrivals area Directly ahead of you is a large wall of glass windows. At points along this
wall, there are numbered ‘Exit’ doors. These are numbered 1 to 10. You will most likely be looking at doors
numbered between 6 and 10. At this point please turn to your right and walk towards Door number 3.
As you approach Door 4, directly ahead of you will be a mass of people holding name signs (please ignore
the people to your right) . As you walk past Door 4, please keep a look out for our team. They should be
easily recognizable with their Bamboo t-shirts and be holding a sign showing the Bamboo logo.
Once you’ve spotted our team, head over and introduce yourself. You’ll then receive further instructions.
Please bear in mind that we may be waiting for others to arrive, so your transfer to the hotel may be
slightly delayed but we will do everything in our power to get you on your way as quickly as possible.
In the unlikely event that you can’t find our team, don’t panic! As long as we have your correct flight
details one of the team will be there. Please check again at the area between Door 4 and Door 3. If you still
cannot locate one of our team, please call the following number: +66(0)92-594-9491. If you have supplied
us with a mobile phone number, make sure your phone is turned on as we may be trying to contact you.
Once we have everyone we’ll transfer you all straight to the starting point for your tour. On arrival, we’ll
help you to check in and give you more details of what’s happening for the remainder of the day and
tomorrow morning.
PLEASE PRINT
FACTS: TUK TUKS
Tuk-tuks got their name from the
sound that the earliest models make.
The engine makes a ‘tuk tuk tuk tuk
tuk’ sound. With the advent of better
technologies, the unique engine
sound has already been minimised.
Be sure to experience them for
yourself in Bangkok, Chiang Mai and
Siem Reap!
TRANSPORT
To get back to Chiang Mai each Friday will take a
short 40minute drive using local trucks as above.
CHIANG MAI - ELEPHANT PROJECT
BANGKOK - CHIANG MAI
ELEPHNAT PROJECT - CHIANG MAI
This first trip will take us from the centrally located
capital city to northern Thailand.
The short flight which takes just over an hour and
will see you in Chiang Mai in no time.
The next leg of the trip will take you directly from
Chiang Mai airport to the Elephant Project, located
about an hour away. We will be using local trucks
(called Songthaews) for this journey!
FAST FACTS: GUIDES
GUIDESAny tour is only as good as the guide – fact. The
input of a tour guide cannot be understated. Their
input into your tour, their little insights, the off-
the-beaten-track adventures, the knowledge and
experiences that they share with you will make or
break your time wherever you are in the world.
At Bamboo, we take the selection and training of
our guides and coordinators very seriously. Each
guide undertakes a structured training program of
three months and only once we’re convinced that
they are genuine representatives of Bamboo are
they signed up to the family.
Each of our tours has English-speaking guides to
support you, answer your questions, educate you
and to ensure that your time is unforgettable. From
time to time we may have new guides-in-training
on our tours. If you’re lucky to have a trainee on
your tour, please be patient. They are undergoing
training and therefore their knowledge won’t be
that of the trained and experienced guide who will
be accompanying them.
TIPPING
Although not in any way expected or encouraged,
anybody who goes over and above the call of duty
to ensure that you have the very best time, may
deserve a special little thank you.
Did you have extra special service in a restaurant?
Did the bus driver make an additional pit-stop just
for you? Did your guide go out of the way so that
you could experience something unique? At
Bamboo we’re firm believers in Karma – what goes
around most definitely comes around!
Our guides are the face of Bamboo,
and they come in all shapes and
smiles.
We love each and every one of them
more than Elephants love bananas.
Whilst most of them are elite travel
mavericks in their own right, you may
come across newbies who are on the
path the greatness.
If you 're lucky enough to meet a
fresh-faced newbie, be sure to show
them your support and patience,
most guides remember their first
tours forever, so let 's play nice.
The 'must brings'HAVE YOU PACKED THE FOLLOWING?
0. An open mind
1. Backpack (or suitcase with
wheels)
2. Towel or travel towel
3. Long trousers & t-shirts
4. Flip flops or sandals
5. Trainers or sneakers
6. Daypack/bag
7. Insect spray
8. Hat & Sunscreen
9. Reusable Water Bottle
10. Multi-use plug adapter
11. Trekking shoes
The 'can brings'WHILST EVERYONE IS DIFFERENT, WE’VE COMPILED A MORE DETAILED
LIST FROM FEEDBACK OF SOME OF OUR PAST TRAVELLERS WHICH YOU
MAY FIND USEFUL AND ALSO WANT TO CONSIDER BRINGING:
1. Medical Kit
2. Toiletries
3. Padded gardening gloves
4. Small umbrella or water jacket
5. Pillow (for added comfort)
6. Earplugs
7. Bandana
9. Water shoes
10. Torch or flashflight
11. Home luxuries (anything you
just can't live without)
TERMS & CONDITIONSPlease read the Terms and Conditions carefully as they form the basis of your
contract with WeAreBamboo. This agreement is made at the time of booking
and becomes legally binding upon payment of your deposit. By booking a
program with WeAreBamboo, you signify you have read and accepted these
Terms and Conditions
All programs advertised on our website and/or on Facebook are offered and/or
operated by WeAreBamboo Ltd. (trading as Bamboo and referred to as Bamboo
or ‘we’ hereinafter) with company number 59926953 whose registered office is:.
WE ARE BAMBOO LEVEL 2 61 SEAVIEW ROAD LOWER HUTT, NEW ZEALAND 5010
All travel arrangements are sold subject to the following conditions. Bamboo
reserves the right to update the Terms and Conditions at any time.
Please view our full terms and conditions here:
https://www.wearebamboo.com/about/legal.php
Please note that the information in this pack is subject to change at
any time without notice.