Thailand – Koh Samui Elephant Care Volunteering – Images

Koh Samui is Thailand’s second-largest island, known for its palm-lined beaches, turquoise waters, and tropical landscapes. It blends natural beauty with cultural heritage, offering waterfalls, rainforests, coconut groves, and landmarks such as the Big Buddha Temple and Wat Plai Laem. Bustling night markets, fishing villages, and modern resorts create a balance of tradition and modernity, while southern Thai cuisine is world famous for its bold, spicy flavors. With hot weather year-round, Koh Samui is both a relaxing beach escape and a vibrant cultural hub, an ideal base for meaningful volunteer work and exploration.

Program Overview
As a volunteer, you will join an organization dedicated to providing rescued elephants with a safe and permanent home, where they can live peacefully in a semi-natural jungle environment. The experienced team focuses on welfare, sustainability, and education, ensuring each elephant receives daily care, medical attention, and proper nutrition. Besides caring for the elephants, the organization welcomes school groups and international visitors to learn about Asian elephants and assist with feeding in an ethical and respectful way.

About the Volunteer Work
Volunteers help with the daily care of elephants, supporting tasks such as cleaning, feeding, and preparing herbal medicine. Activities also include planting food crops and maintaining the elephants’ environment. The work is active and outdoors, giving participants the chance to learn about elephant behavior and contribute directly to their wellbeing.

Summary of Volunteer Tasks

• Clean and maintain elephant habitats
• Help prepare food for the elephants, including cutting grass and buying fresh produce.
• Prepare Thai herbal medicine
• Plant and maintain food crops
• Observe and record elephant behavior
• Escort elephants and their caregivers (mahouts) on long jungle walks

Volunteering is organized into 4–5 hour morning shifts from Monday to Friday, depending on the schedule and weather. The work is active and can be physically demanding, taking place in hot tropical weather. After the morning shift, volunteers enjoy lunch at the volunteer center and have the afternoon free to relax, visit nearby beaches, or explore the island before dinner.

Accommodations: Volunteers stay in a renovated, low-key resort set in a semi-jungle environment, about 5 km from Lipa Noi Beach. The house includes standard shared rooms (4–8 per room) and private rooms (1–2 per room), with air-conditioning, hot showers, and lockable storage. There is also a swimming pool and comfortable living areas. The property is close to local shops, laundry services, and daily necessities, offering both convenience and a peaceful natural setting.

Food: Meals are Thai-style and vegetarian-friendly, usually rice or noodle dishes with vegetables, and occasional meat or fish. Seasonal fruits are provided, and water, coffee, and tea are available at the accommodation. Volunteers receive three meals on weekdays and two meals on weekends.

Internet: Wi-Fi is available in public areas of the accommodation.

Laundry: Hand-washing is possible, and laundry services are available at extra cost.

• Minimum age: 18, Maximum age: 65
• Basic English skills
• Good physical health, able to do active outdoor work in hot tropical weather.
• GoEco Interview
• No serious medical conditions (pre-existing conditions must be declared)
• Passport copy required at signup

Volunteers in Koh Samui have the option of joining a Culture Week add-on before starting their elephant care program. This highly recommended week introduces participants to Thai traditions, customs, and daily life, making the transition into volunteering smoother and more rewarding. During this week, you will explore cultural landmarks, learn basic Thai, and enjoy hands-on experiences such as cooking, crafts, and ceremonies.

Culture Week Highlights (optional add-on):

• Join a Thai culture and language class to build local connections.
• Experience a Buddhist monk offering ceremony and gain insights into spiritual traditions.
• Take part in a craft workshop, creating your own coconut-shell souvenirs.
• Visit Na Muang Waterfalls and relax at Chaweng Beach.
• Spend a day at a local elephant sanctuary, feeding and learning about elephants.
• Explore the Big Buddha Temple and the lively Fisherman’s Night Market.
• Learn to cook authentic dishes in a Thai cooking class.
• Unwind at Lipa Noi Beach, one of Koh Samui’s quietest stretches.

Additional Island Highlights:

• Discover the nearby Ang Thong Marine Park with kayaking and snorkeling.
• Explore the Secret Buddha Garden, hidden in the jungle with unique sculptures.
• Taste authentic flavors at lively night markets.
• Swim in jungle pools at Na Muang Waterfalls or enjoy Lamai Beach.
• See quirky Grandmother and Grandfather Rocks, a favorite photo stop.

🌏 Gap Year Suggestions in Asia – GoEco Style!

Start in Koh Samui and extend your adventure with more GoEco wildlife program across Asia.
✈️ GoEco will help with all your travel arrangements for a smooth, stress-free experience!

• Phetchaburi, Thailand – Asian Wildlife Rescue Center 
  Located just three hours from Bangkok, this rescue center cares for over 500 animals, including gibbons, macaques, and birds. Help prepare food, maintain enclosures, and support Thailand’s largest wildlife rehabilitation project.
• Phetchaburi, Thailand – Elephant Forest Refuge 
  At the same location, volunteer at a forest refuge where rescued elephants roam chain-free in a natural habitat. Assist with feeding, cleaning, and observing elephants surrounded by national parks and nearby beaches.
• Mondulkiri, Cambodia – Elephant Sanctuary & Forest Conservation
  Fly from Bangkok to Cambodia (1 hour) and join a sanctuary where elephants live freely in protected forest land. Take part in reforestation, habitat maintenance, and elephant observation while enjoying the peaceful mountain scenery.