Where
Koh Samui, Thailand
When
Departures every week, year-round (except closure periods for national holidays)
Duration
Minimum 1 week
Accommodation
Shared rooms at the Koh Samui centre, with meals included and common areas for group life
Language
English (basic level sufficient) – good physical fitness and willingness to carry out outdoor activities
Ideal for
Anyone who loves nature and animals and wants a hands-on, mindful experience with elephants — no specific skills required, just an open mind and a willingness to get involved.
Project details
An immersive experience that lets you discover up close what it takes to care for elephants, and the daily life of a centre dedicated to their wellbeing.
In Thailand, elephants are woven into the country's history and culture — yet in recent decades, many have endured difficult conditions due to tourism exploitation and the loss of their natural habitat. Projects like the one in Koh Samui exist to offer these animals a more fitting environment: one built on slow rhythms, daily care and respect for their natural behaviours.
This programme is designed for those who truly want to understand what it means to care for an elephant — from cleaning the enclosures to preparing food, from observing their behaviour to crafting traditional herbal remedies. You'll work alongside the local team in day-to-day activities, learning why every gesture — even the simplest — matters deeply for the animals' wellbeing.
This is not a show or a postcard experience. It's a genuine journey made up of hands-on work, attentiveness and presence. A chance to slow down, live close to nature and understand the deep bond between elephants, people and the land — and to return home with a new, more conscious perspective.
This programme is designed for those who truly want to understand what it means to care for an elephant — from cleaning the enclosures to preparing food, from observing their behaviour to crafting traditional herbal remedies. You'll work alongside the local team in day-to-day activities, learning why every gesture — even the simplest — matters deeply for the animals' wellbeing.
This is not a show or a postcard experience. It's a genuine journey made up of hands-on work, attentiveness and presence. A chance to slow down, live close to nature and understand the deep bond between elephants, people and the land — and to return home with a new, more conscious perspective.
Getting to know elephants, in the heart of Koh Samui
An immersive experience that lets you discover up close what it takes to care for elephants, and the daily life of a centre dedicated to their wellbeing.
In Thailand, elephants are woven into the country's history and culture — yet in recent decades, many have endured difficult conditions due to tourism exploitation and the loss of their natural habitat. Projects like the one in Koh Samui exist to offer these animals a more fitting environment: one built on slow rhythms, daily care and respect for their natural behaviours.
This programme is designed for those who truly want to understand what it means to care for an elephant — from cleaning the enclosures to preparing food, from observing their behaviour to crafting traditional herbal remedies. You'll work alongside the local team in day-to-day activities, learning why every gesture — even the simplest — matters deeply for the animals' wellbeing.
This is not a show or a postcard experience. It's a genuine journey made up of hands-on work, attentiveness and presence. A chance to slow down, live close to nature and understand the deep bond between elephants, people and the land — and to return home with a new, more conscious perspective.
This programme is designed for those who truly want to understand what it means to care for an elephant — from cleaning the enclosures to preparing food, from observing their behaviour to crafting traditional herbal remedies. You'll work alongside the local team in day-to-day activities, learning why every gesture — even the simplest — matters deeply for the animals' wellbeing.
This is not a show or a postcard experience. It's a genuine journey made up of hands-on work, attentiveness and presence. A chance to slow down, live close to nature and understand the deep bond between elephants, people and the land — and to return home with a new, more conscious perspective.
Why participate
Learn responsible elephant care
Discover what it means to care for an elephant on a daily basis: observation, feeding, cleaning the enclosures and respecting their natural rhythms.
Why participate
Learn responsible elephant care
Discover what it means to care for an elephant on a daily basis: observation, feeding, cleaning the enclosures and respecting their natural rhythms.
An experience immersed in nature
Live immersed in Koh Samui's tropical environment, far from mass tourism, in a setting that encourages slowing down, listening and being present.
The Weekly Program
Weekdays
Monday to Friday, your days are spent at the elephant centre, working alongside the local team in the daily care and management of the animals. Mornings are mainly devoted to hands-on tasks: cleaning the enclosures, preparing food, observing behaviour and supporting the centre's daily routines.
In the afternoon, you'll continue with lighter activities, such as maintaining the green areas, preparing traditional herbal remedies and guided observation sessions. It's also the perfect time to talk with the coordinators, deepen your understanding of elephant behaviour and reflect on the day's experience.
07:00Breakfast at the centre and preparation for the day
08:00Arrival at the elephant areas and briefing with the local team
11:00Cleaning the enclosures, observing the elephants and supporting care activities
13:00Lunch break with staff and fellow participants
15:00Food preparation, herbal remedies or maintenance of the green areas
19:00Return to the centre, shared dinner and free time with the group
Weekend
Weekends are free from mandatory activities. You can explore Koh Samui, relax on the beaches, join excursions or simply enjoy your free time with fellow participants.
Relaxing on Koh Samui's beaches
Soak up the island's tropical sea, from beaches like Chaweng, Lamai or Coral Cove — perfect for unwinding after a week at the centre.
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FAQs
🌴 Your accommodation in Koh Samui
You'll stay at the project centre, in a simple setting immersed in the island's natural surroundings. The facility is designed to encourage community life and connection with the environment.
🛏️ Rooms & Comfort
• Shared rooms
• Beds with linen provided
• Essential amenities and shared common areas
• Informal and functional environment, in keeping with the spirit of the project
🍽️ Meals
• 3 meals a day on weekdays, 2 on weekends
• Simple, nutritious Thai cuisine
• Drinking water always available
🌿 Life at the centre
The centre isn't a hotel — it's a shared home. Days unfold between hands-on activities, rest and peaceful evenings spent together with the group.
You'll stay at the project centre, in a simple setting immersed in the island's natural surroundings. The facility is designed to encourage community life and connection with the environment.
🛏️ Rooms & Comfort
• Shared rooms
• Beds with linen provided
• Essential amenities and shared common areas
• Informal and functional environment, in keeping with the spirit of the project
🍽️ Meals
• 3 meals a day on weekdays, 2 on weekends
• Simple, nutritious Thai cuisine
• Drinking water always available
🌿 Life at the centre
The centre isn't a hotel — it's a shared home. Days unfold between hands-on activities, rest and peaceful evenings spent together with the group.
🛡️ Safety & Support
The project takes place in a controlled, safe environment, with an experienced local team present at every stage of the experience.
🔹 Monitored Environment
• Centre with controlled access
• Activities always carried out under supervision
• Pace adapted to the wellbeing of both elephants and people
🔹 Ongoing Support
The local team is available 24/7 for assistance, emergencies or everyday questions. The HeyLocals team is also always reachable.
🔹 Preparation & Best Practices
Before departure, you'll receive a comprehensive guide. Throughout the project, you'll be regularly reminded of best practices to ensure the experience is safe and respectful.
💡 Our Goal
To offer you an authentic, peaceful and mindful experience, where you can learn, observe and live close to nature in a responsible way.
The project takes place in a controlled, safe environment, with an experienced local team present at every stage of the experience.
🔹 Monitored Environment
• Centre with controlled access
• Activities always carried out under supervision
• Pace adapted to the wellbeing of both elephants and people
🔹 Ongoing Support
The local team is available 24/7 for assistance, emergencies or everyday questions. The HeyLocals team is also always reachable.
🔹 Preparation & Best Practices
Before departure, you'll receive a comprehensive guide. Throughout the project, you'll be regularly reminded of best practices to ensure the experience is safe and respectful.
💡 Our Goal
To offer you an authentic, peaceful and mindful experience, where you can learn, observe and live close to nature in a responsible way.
🧭 Orientation Day
The experience begins with an orientation day designed to help you ease into the project and the local context.
During the orientation:
• Welcome meeting and introduction to the centre
• Introduction to house rules and safety guidelines
• Overview of activities and participants' roles
• In-depth look at the relationship between elephants, Thai culture and the local landscape
📌 After the Orientation
From the following day, you'll begin project activities with greater awareness and confidence.
The experience begins with an orientation day designed to help you ease into the project and the local context.
During the orientation:
• Welcome meeting and introduction to the centre
• Introduction to house rules and safety guidelines
• Overview of activities and participants' roles
• In-depth look at the relationship between elephants, Thai culture and the local landscape
📌 After the Orientation
From the following day, you'll begin project activities with greater awareness and confidence.
✈️ Arrival Recommendations
To join the project, we recommend booking a flight arriving at Koh Samui Airport (USM). The welcome service is available on Sundays between 08:00 and 17:00. During this window, the local team will be waiting for you at the meeting point.
📍 Meeting Point
At the exit of Koh Samui Airport's arrivals hall, look for a staff member holding a sign reading "The Green Lion". The area can be busy — stay close to the main exit and don't wander off. The coordinator will come to you.
Arriving by sea: if you're travelling by land and ferry, you can meet the team at Nathon Pier on Sunday at 14:00.
🕒 Transfer Duration
USM → centre: approx. 1 hour
Nathon Pier → centre: approx. 20 minutes
💡 Arrivals Outside Pick-Up Hours
If you arrive outside the pick-up window, you can arrange your own arrival or request an additional paid transfer. It's essential to let us know your arrival time and method in advance.
🧭 If You Can't Find Our Staff
Do not leave the meeting point. Contact the WhatsApp number you'll receive by email before departure.
🚖 Departure Recommendations
Check-out from the centre is on Saturday by 12:00. The return transfer is not included, but the staff will help you arrange it with ease.
💡 After Confirmation
After confirming your participation, you'll receive a full document with up-to-date instructions, useful contacts and all the details you need for arrival.
To join the project, we recommend booking a flight arriving at Koh Samui Airport (USM). The welcome service is available on Sundays between 08:00 and 17:00. During this window, the local team will be waiting for you at the meeting point.
📍 Meeting Point
At the exit of Koh Samui Airport's arrivals hall, look for a staff member holding a sign reading "The Green Lion". The area can be busy — stay close to the main exit and don't wander off. The coordinator will come to you.
Arriving by sea: if you're travelling by land and ferry, you can meet the team at Nathon Pier on Sunday at 14:00.
🕒 Transfer Duration
USM → centre: approx. 1 hour
Nathon Pier → centre: approx. 20 minutes
💡 Arrivals Outside Pick-Up Hours
If you arrive outside the pick-up window, you can arrange your own arrival or request an additional paid transfer. It's essential to let us know your arrival time and method in advance.
🧭 If You Can't Find Our Staff
Do not leave the meeting point. Contact the WhatsApp number you'll receive by email before departure.
🚖 Departure Recommendations
Check-out from the centre is on Saturday by 12:00. The return transfer is not included, but the staff will help you arrange it with ease.
💡 After Confirmation
After confirming your participation, you'll receive a full document with up-to-date instructions, useful contacts and all the details you need for arrival.
Book your spot
1
Send your application (free!)
Choose the project that inspires you most and indicate the period you would like to travel. No commitment: the application is free and non-binding.
2
Meet your coordinator
After your application, we will put you in touch with your dedicated coordinator. They will explain everything in detail and answer all your questions.
3
Confirm your spot
When you're ready, pay the deposit to lock in your spot. You'll get everything you need: local contacts, a visa guide and your pre-trip pack.
4
Set off on your adventure!
Pack your bags and go! On arrival you will find other volunteers like you, a welcoming local team and an experience you will hardly forget.
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