Service-Learning Trip to Thailand – Elephant Conservation Efforts

In the span of over two hundred years, Bangkok has grown to become the political, social and economic center of not only Thailand but for Indochina and South East Asia. Its influence in the arts, politics, fashion, education and entertainment as well as being a business, financial and cultural center of Asia has given Bangkok the status of a global city. The city is known for ornate shrines and vibrant street life. The boat-filled Chao Phraya River feeds its network of canals, flowing past the Rattanakosin royal district, home to opulent Grand Palace and its sacred Wat Phra Kaew Temple.

Take a walking tour of Bangkok on the Chao Phraya River (The River of Kings) and on through the Klongs (canals) of Thonburi. You will have the chance to observe and photograph the serene family homes and temples along the waterways, which gave the city the name "Venice of the East".

The main structure is about 70 meters high and it is surrounded by four smaller prangs. It is one of Thailand's most picturesque temples, and it is engraved on the inner part of all ten baht coins. If you climb it, and look closely, you will see that it is actually beautifully decorated with colourful Chinese porcelain pieces.

Enjoy an evening meal with your group.

Explore Wat Traimit, which is believed to date from the 13th century. This holy temple features an astonishing image of Buddha, known as The Golden Buddha, which measures 10 feet high and weighs five and a half tons. It was found by chance in 1957 by workers, hidden inside a plaster statue.

Thailand's most sacred religious image as we visit Wat Phra Keo Temple.

Visit the Grand Palace complex, a glittering array of temples and the royal residence. Within the palace grounds is Wat Phra Kaew (Temple of the Emerald Buddha), the most sacred Buddhist temple in Thailand. Unlike other temples, it is not one building, nor are there are living spaces for monks. Instead, it is a collection of highly decorated holy buildings and monuments.

Preparing curry paste is one of the most unique and important aspects of Thai cooking, as most of the herbs and spices are ground together in a stone mortar before being cooked in a variety of ways. All herbs are fresh picked and whole spices are used rather than pre-ground ones. Aroma is as important as taste in Thai cooking. Afterwards, we will get to enjoy our creation.

We will trek along the nature trail up to the waterfall with its splendid surrounding. Be sure to be on the look out for glimpses of wild monkeys and birds, and appreciate the patterns and shapes of the tropical forest with its various formations, particularly the stunning big trees believed to be protected by female spirit. Then enjoy swimming in its emerald colored pools.

Visit The Bridge over River Kwai Before returning back to Bangkok.

This colorful spectacular is performed on the gigantic stage, listed in the Guinness Book of World Records. Featuring over 150 performers with as many as 500 costumes, special effects as well as real elephants. Siam Niramit Show takes you on a journey through the myths, festivals and the history of Siam and Thailand. We will enjoy dinner during the show.

Chiang Mai is a city in mountainous northern Thailand. Founded in 1296, it was capital of the independent Lanna Kingdom until 1558. Its Old City area still retains vestiges of walls and moats from its history as a cultural and religious center. It's also home to hundreds of elaborate Buddhist temples, including 14th-century Wat Phra Singh and 15th-century Wat Chedi Luang, adorned with carved serpents.

Visit Chiang Mai's Wat Doi Suthep, the sacred temple with challenging flight of steps which are flanked by Naga Serpents.

Visit Wat Chedi Luang and its enourmous pagoda before heading to Wat Suan Dok, which dates back to the 14th century. Today, it houses several white Chedis, all containing the ashes of Chiang Mai's former Royal family.

Visit Wat Phra Singh, the lovely Lai Kam chapel, which houses the revered Phra Singh Buddha image. Wat Phra Singh is a compound built during the zenith of Chiang Mai's power and one of the most venerated shrines in the city. Today, more than 700 monks study here.

Enjoy an evening meal with your group.

Drive approximately 1.5 hours outside of Chiang Mai through rural landscapes, agricultural areas, and forested hills to an Elephant Sanctuary.

Arrive at the Sanctuary and meet your guide and walk for 10-15 minutes through the Jungle to the Elephant Jungle Sanctuary. Enjoy an introductory lesson about elephant anatomy, history, and behavior.

Feed, interact, and play with the elephants in their natural home as you learn about their behavior and history.

Learn how to make herbal medicine balls, feed the Elephants and then walk with the elephants to the river. Bathe and brush the elephants.

Join the elephants for a therapeutic mud spa and swim in the river.

You will be invited into a local kitchen, where you can watch or help out as traditional Karen food is prepared over the fire. Enjoy a nutritious candlelit dinner of local food made from wholesome, natural ingredients. Speak to the Karen people and learn about the intricacies of life in the jungle as you eat your delicious meal.

Join the half day morning group and trek for approximately 30 minutes through serene, rural and jungle landscapes.

Trek to visit two more Elephant Jungle Sanctuary camps, and pass by an organic farm.

We say farewell to the elephants, and return to our base in Chiang Mai

Try to choose one of variety of food for yourself. Your local guide will be able assist you with choosing the food. You will have chance to try Thai dessert also.

Today will be free to explore the city at your leisure.

This evening we will fly back to Bangkok to prepare for our departure home tomorrow.