Thailand Secret
Jungle Project
Thailand Secret Jungle Project
Phitsanuloke, Thailand
Located around half-way between Bangkok and Chiang Mai, in the hills of the northern plains, lies a secret, hidden elephant project that is very different to most others. This project sits on over 350 acres of natural jungle environment offering the very best land for elephants to roam, forage and socialise.
This project allows unique access into the daily lives of the elephants lucky enough to be accommodated here. The environment would be the envy amongst Thailand thousands of rescued and captive elephants, but to maintain and sustain this requires help, both physically and financially.
We are very fortunate to be able to offer you the opportunity to join a specialised week long placement here that combines both working directly with the project and the elephants whilst learning about Thailand’s culture and customs and the chance to explore more of the wonderful parks and activities.
Travel that genuinely helps, that’s trunk!
EXPERIENCE IN BRIEF
DAY 1 – Arrival into Bangkok international airport where you’ll be met by one of our local expert guides
DAY 2 – Enjoy an entertaining and fun guided tour of Bangkok and experience the world famous Thai hospitality firsthand
DAY 3 – Comfortable train transfer from Bangkok to the delightful town of Phitsanulok and dinner at the riverside market
DAY 4 – Transfer in to the jungles and on to the sanctuary to meet the team and to receive an introduction to the program
DAY 5 – Morning activities with the elephants in the jungle and a traditional cooking class
DAY 6 – Understanding the local culture with a field trip to an ancient region
DAY 7 – Its elephant food project day today followed by an activity of your choice
DAY 8 – Elephant enrichment activities in the morning before returning to Phitsanulok town after lunch
DAY 9 – Your week is over now and you’re welcome to head off to wherever your journey is taking you
DAY ONE
Meals Included: Dinner
Sa-wa-dee krab and welcome to the Land of Smiles. Welcome to Thailand!
As arrival into a busy international airport can sometimes be confusing and overwhelming, to help remove that stress, our team will meet you in a pre-arranged location so you can simply wander through, grab your luggage and we’ll be on our way to the hotel in downtown Bangkok in no time!
Once we’re at the hotel and you’ve had a chance to freshen up and feel alive again, we’ll meet back up and head to a wonderful local restaurant for dinner and a relaxed chat.
DAY TWO
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Following breakfast your guide will sit down with you and go through your itinerary in more detail. You’ll learn more about the local culture and customs and how to really make the most of your time in Thailand.
We’ll then head out to explore this incredible city. We’ll explore on foot, by train, canal and river boat, all the while showcasing some of the city’s most remarkable landmarks. Prepare to be amazed as you really discover how this bustling metropolis goes about the day to day.
This evening will be our official ‘Welcome to Thailand’ dinner and perhaps a couple of drinks.
DAY THREE
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
This morning we’ll take an easy and very comfortable train journey north, out of the bustling metropolis of Bangkok and on to the mountains of the northern plains of the country. We’ll arrive in the middle of the afternoon and take a quick transfer to our hotel in the downtown area. After checking-in and freshening in up we’ll head out to the delightful night bazaar for a stroll through the stalls and to enjoy dinner to get prepared for the next five days with the elephants!
DAY FOUR
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
So today is the big day, the day that you’ve waited for. Following breakfast we’ll be collected by transport sent from the sanctuary to collect us and transfer us deeper in to the jungles, to meet the elephants and the team who will lead you on your adventure.
On arrival we’ll enjoy lunch before the team gives us a thorough introduction, a safety review, a history of elephants in Thailand, a breakdown of the upcoming activities and then you’lll get to meet the animals!
DAY FIVE
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Your trunk guide will leave you this morning and you’ll be taken forward with the guidance of the expert hosts at the sanctuary. Today you’ll take the elephants for a walk in to the jungle and learn more about your stunning surroundings. We’ll also prepare food for the animals and learn more about their behavior in their natural environments.
In the afternoon, for those who wish to join, there’s an optional excursion to the Thung Salaeng Luang National Park to help with planting elephant grass and making animal salt licks. If you choose not to join that particular project you’re welcome to stay back at the accommodation and relax around the pool.
DAY SIX
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
The project work continues today and the morning consists of learning about the elephant food project. You’ll learn how to make the right sort of fertilizers, you’ll be planting and/or harvesting food and making meals that are considered amongst the healthiest for the animals.
This afternoon there’s time for some fun and to enjoy your surroundings a little more. You can choose to join either white-water rafting on the local Khek river (usually available from mid-June to the end of October), take a trip to a beautiful waterfall or join a medium level bicycle tour of the glorious surroundings. Or just relax around the glorious pool at the sanctuary.
DAY SEVEN
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
After breakfast you’ll join one of the most important projects that happens here. This is the elephant enrichment program that’s designed to ensure the elephants are stimulated, that they’re keeping their foraging and the socialising skills sharp and that they’re making the most of their surroundings. This is great work and when you see how your efforts enrich the lives of the magical beast you’ll see why it’s something that all of Thailand’s elephant-related camps and sanctuaries need to be following suit.
Sadly, following lunch, you’ll be departing the sanctuary and after saying a tearful goodbye to the elephants and the team that have expertly cared for you during your week, you’ll be transferred back to the hotel in Phitsanulok where you stayed on arrival. Your evening is then yours to do as you please and this nights accommodation is included for you.
DAY EIGHT
Meals Included:
Today you’re free to head off to wherever next is on your list. If you require any help with transport or accommodation, please let us know. We would be very happy to either organise an itinerary for you or to offer ideas. If you would like us to create an itinerary tailored just for you, our award-winning team is ready to help out.
SAPPRAIWAN ELEPHANT SANCTUARY
The goal here is to create, manage and grow the sanctuary and foundation as a sustainable organization creating value for all stakeholders, this includes animals, plants, insects, humans, and Earth. Focus is to give guests an unforgettable experience by connecting them with animals, sustainable farming methods and local village culture. We will demonstrate how humans can live in harmony with nature and thrive.
Work here began back in 1998 when 360 acres of farmland was purchased and is now the site of the elephant sanctuary. At that time Thailand’s natural jungle habitat was slowly disappearing and there was a genuine need to save it. After the purchase of the land, the first action was to return the farm back to its indigenous habitat by planting 30,000 trees in place of the farm crops.
Now, ~20 years later Sappraiwan is a jungle that includes 8 elephants, a variety of wild animals, birds, insects, and plant life. The surrounding area, in turn, has developed into farmland, cities, highways, etc. Sappraiwan’s owners believe it is critical more now than ever before to keep the forested jungle. As Sappraiwan continues to grow in its natural state we will continue to preserve, teach and share Sappraiwan’s beauty and outdoor experience with others.
Accommodation
BANGKOK – SURESTAY Hotel
4-Star Private Twin or Double Rooms, including daily breakfast
Your first two nights are based here, in the centre of the city, in a wonderful hotel with all of the amenities you’d expect for a comfortable and welcoming stay. Very well appointed rooms with free WiFi, TV, mini-fridge, air-conditioning and more. The rooftop pool and bar is a great place to relax and recharge after a long flight to Thailand, or a long day exploring this wonderful city. Set down a quiet side street, it’s a wonderfully quiet and safe area yet just a short walk to the city’s hustle and bustle.
PHITSANULOK – Topland Hotel
3-Star Private Twin or Double Rooms including daily breakfast
This informal hotel is a 3-minute transfer from Phitsanulok Railway Station and a 5-minute walk from the Khek river that bisects the city. Understated rooms include Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, minibars, and tea and coffee making facilities. Upgraded rooms add city views. There are 3 restaurants, 1 of which serves a breakfast buffet, as well as a lounge featuring regular live music. A bar includes a pool table and karaoke rooms. Additional amenities include an outdoor pool and a spa.
SAPPRAIWAN – Resort on-site
4-Star Private Twin or Double Rooms including all meals
Set on 145 hectares of jungle with an elephant sanctuary, this relaxed resort is 10 km from the Kaeng Song Waterfall and 56 km from Thung Salaeng Luang National Park. The airy rooms come with flat-screen TVs and minifridges. Some offer balconies, and tea and coffee making facilities. There’s an outdoor pool and a bright cafe. Very comfortable, light and airy and the perfect place to relax after a long day of incredible activities.
Visa Details
Most foreign visitors to Thailand can enter without a visa and stay for up to 30 days. However, this does depend on the passport you hold. To find out if you are eligible for free entry, and for details of how you may stay longer, please check this website – https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Visa_policy_of_Thailand.
BOOKING TERMS:
- To confirm your place on the tour we require a deposit of £100 ($130). This can be paid through direct transfer or PayPal. Deposits are non-refundable but are transferable with express written consent from the bookings team at trunk.
- We require the outstanding balance to be received no later than 6 weeks before your chosen start date.
- Minimum age of travellers is 17 years old unless accompanied by an adult aged 18 or older
- All travellers are expected to purchase their own travel and medical insurance prior to entering Cambodia.
- Whilst we do our best to cater for all dietary requirements, we can only do this with advance notice. If you have any dietary requirements, please ensure that you inform the bookings team.
FAST FACTS
Cost
- Just $1,395 (£1,075) per person based on two people sharing a twin or double room
- Single Supplement just $300 (£240)
- Just $1,495 (£1,220) for 7 nights
**Save 10% per person for each additional booking
Starts
Suvarnabhumi International Airport, Bangkok (Code: BKK)
Ends
Topland Hotel, Phitsanulok town, Thailand. Transfers back to Bangkok can be arranged – please contact us for more information. (Code: BKK)
Accommodation
4-Star accommodation throughout
Duration
9 days / 8 nights
Minimum Age
- Solo travellers, 17 years old
- 5 years old if traveling with an adult or parent
Group Size
Maximum 12 people
Includes:
- Airport pick-up and transfer on arrival in to Bangkok international airport
- Two nights, twin or double room accommodation in a wonderful 4-star central Bangkok hotel
- Guided day tour of Bangkok, including trip on the River of Kings, visit to temples and amazing street lunch
- Accompanied train transfer from Bangkok to Phitsanulok town, including lunch
- Two nights twin or double room in 4-star, centrally-located Phitsanulok hotel with dinner at the riverside market
- Accompanied transfer to the elephant sanctuary with lunch on arrival
- 23 meals in total, including 8 breakfasts, 7 lunches and 8 dinners
- 4 nights twin-share or double room accommodation in a superb room at the sanctuary
- All project costs and materials for any work needed throughout your stay
- Transport and entry fees for any activities outside of the sanctuary
- Traditional Mahout’s uniform
- Return transfer from the project back to the Phitsanulok hotel for your final night
- 24 hour contacts for the trunk team
Arrival Dates
2020
- November 6th and 20th
- December 4th and 11th
2021
- January 8th and 22nd
- February 5th and 19th
- March 5th and 19th
- April 2nd and 23rd
- May 7th and 14th
- June 4th and 18th
- July 2nd and 9th
- August 6th and 20th
- September 3rd and 17th
- October 1st and 15th
- November 5th and 19th
- December 3rd and 10th
* All dates are on a Friday
Looking for something else?
Here at trunk we are constantly striving to help more and more ethical locations. If you know of any such project that needs more support, please let us know and we will happily reach out to them.
