Involvement Volunteers International Koh Samui enjoys a warm tropical climate year-round, making it a great destination in any season, but the best weather is generally from December to April. During these months, the island experiences plenty of sunshine, calm seas, and minimal rainfall—perfect for beach days, snorkeling, and exploring. The temperatures average around 27–32°C, with cooling sea breezes that make the heat comfortable. The rainy season typically falls between October and mid-December, bringing short, heavy showers, while May to September sees occasional rain but plenty of sunny days too. Overall, the dry season is ideal for volunteers and travelers looking to make the most of Koh Samui’s stunning beaches and outdoor adventures.
WHY we need you in Thailand
- Although Thailand's economy is improving, there is still a wide gap between the rich and the poor.
- The majority of Thailand's poor live in rural areas, with a lack of education being a main contributor to poverty.
- Due to economical developments, environmental degradation is evident. The decline of biodiversity and deforestation is increasing.
- The expliotation of animals in Thailand is a big problem. With many being beaten and held in small cages for the tourist trade.
HOW can you help?
- Play a vital role in ensuring the well-being of these majestic creatures.
- Learn elephant behaviour, needs, and how to care for them responsibly.
- Provide a nurturing environment for the elephants, tailored to their specific needs based on age and health.
- Get involved in daily tasks around the santuary
WHAT can you do?
- Cleaning the elephant habitat areas
- Observing elephant behaviour
- Plant, water, and maintain the elephant food area by growing grass, vegetables, bananas, pumpkins, squash, cucumbers, or other plants that elephants enjoy.
- Prepare food for the elephants or assist in purchasing items from the market.
Why Involvement Volunteers International?
- Non Profit Organisation & Charity
- Over 35+ Years Expertise Globally
- Low Program Fees - From US$295
- Excellent Safety Record, In-Country 24/7 Support & Emergency Assistance
- 1 Application Fee - Multiple Countries
PROJECT NAME: ELEPHANT CARE
LOCATION: KOH SAMUI
START DATES: Program on hold till 2027
ACCOMMODATION: VOLUNTEER HOUSE (SHARED ROOM
MIN DURATION: ONE WEEK
MIN AGE: 16+
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: Criminal background check required
Overview
In Thailand, elephants hold significant cultural, mythical, and religious value. However, this respect is not always reflected in how they are treated. Many elephants face abuse, poaching, deforestation, and habitat loss, leading to a significant decline in their population. Today, Asian elephants are classified as endangered.
The Elephant Care Program is dedicated to providing proper care for elephants based on their age and health. Throughout the week, you will help maintain their living environment, ensuring it remains clean and healthy.
On Mondays, you will be introduced to Asian elephants and learn how to prepare Thai herbal medicine for them, with the support of the sanctuary staff. This session offers a great starting point for new participants to understand the program’s mission.
From Monday to Friday, your tasks will include daily chores such as cleaning the elephant’s habitat, observing their behaviour, and preparing their food. You will also assist in purchasing food, cutting grass, and planting vegetables to ensure they receive a nutritious diet.
By joining the Elephant Care Program, you’ll contribute to the elephants’ health and well-being while gaining valuable insights into their care. Together, we can make a positive impact on the lives of these magnificent creatures.
Location
Koh Samui is a beautiful island in the Gulf of Thailand, famous for its white-sand beaches, palm-fringed coastlines, and relaxed island atmosphere. Known for its friendly locals and rich cultural heritage, the island offers a unique blend of natural beauty and vibrant traditions. As a volunteer destination, Koh Samui provides an inspiring environment where you can contribute to the community while experiencing authentic Thai culture.
Project Tasks
- Contribute to the care of elephants, ensuring their health and well-being according to their age and the appropriate environmental conditions.
- Help maintain the cleanliness of the elephants’ habitat.
- Learn about Thai elephants and gain the knowledge to care for them or provide accurate information about elephant care.
Food & Accommodation
You will stay at the volunteer accommodation which has shared dorm rooms of 4-8 people (single gender). The accommodation has fans, air-con, wifi, hot showers and bed linen. For laundry you can hand wash or use a laundry facility in town. There is also a swimming pool and spacious living areas for relaxation.
*Private rooms are available for an additional fee, subject to availability.
All the meals served inside the accommodation are homestyle, vegetarian-friendly and you can expect that they will be typically Thai, including plenty of rice or noodle dishes with vegetables and occasionally some meat will be provided as well, along with seasonal fruits for dessert.
While we do our best to accommodate our participants, what we provide for most meals is local cuisine. If you are a picky eater, have dietary restrictions, or if you think that you will not be satisfied with the local dishes provided, you might want to consider supplementing our menu with Western-type foods and snacks that are more to your liking.
Specialty
Projects
- Elephant Rehabilitation, Chiang Mai
All prices in USD
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1 Week - $690
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2 Weeks - $1240
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3 Weeks - $1820
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1 Month - $2440
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2 Months - $4840
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3 Months - $7190
Vol House
What's Included
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Accommodation
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Meals
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Airport Pickup
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Local Transportation
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1 Day Orientation
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24/7 In-Country Support
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Project Materials & Equipment
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Pre-departure Expert Advice
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Preperation Tools & Checklists
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Certificate of Completion
Testimonials...
"Highlights of the trip: Interacting with the kids, who are so genuinely excited to see you. It’s amazing how accepting, grateful and respectful they are! Meeting people from all around the world, particularly Europe! Made friends with girls from all over Europe and America, whom we met up in Bangkok for the weekend!"
"Just when I thought I gave enough of myself with the work that I do, I have now uncovered another level of giving that I never knew existed. My heart is filled with love for all of the children and of course this beautiful country and it’s amazing people. They have all taught ME so much! Thailand is definitely the land of smiles. It will be extra special to me now after this experience."
"Being able to ride the bikes through to village to work each day, the flexibility of free time opportunities and the great opportunity to be able to help out through this amazing program. Being able to see the village and being taken to various locations to visit temples or the markets or shopping centres. was a great cultural experience"
"There were just the 5 elephants and we saw them 4days of the 5 we were there 🙂 in the mornings we would chop up banana trees for the elephants good and then feed them, ride and wash them and then usually went on an adventure in the afternoon, either near by village or waterfalls."
"This trip exceeded all of my expectations and I loved getting to know all of the children! A highlight of the trip was the English camp. We taught the children songs and dances and basic English skills. They were all so polite and friendly and eager to learn!"
"My favorite task was making a salt lick. A what now? A salt lick. It’s a patch of soil filled with minerals. Wild animals come here to munch away to supplement their diets with nutrients and get all nice and healthy. We hiked up past two lakes to a few spots that bulls often go to."
"I will always remember the students shouting shopping objects in English back at me. Teaching at the high school was challenging but fun and it was great to interact with older students. The team was really nice and welcoming to us, they made us feel very important."
"Some of the many highlights for me was partaking in the english camp which was a 2 day camp with5 different schools all participating. The kids and all the teachers and especially Kate made the whole trip so enjoyable. Meeting and living with all the other volunteers was also a big highlight."
"The highlights were seeing the children at the orphanage/school and the various places we visited during the culture week- they were very interesting"
"Everyone held very similar values which made it very easy and enjoyable to get along. Another highlight was the eagerness and willingness of the kids to learn. This made the trip very rewarding. The location was also beautiful and as there are hardly any tourists we were deeply immersed in their culture."
FAQ
This program would suit those who do not mind getting their hands dirty and working outside in the heat, and of course, for those who love animals! This program is for general care of the elephants so there will be no elephant riding on this program.
- Accommodation
- 3 meals p/day weekdays / 2 meals p/day weekends
- Arrival airport transfer (Sat/Sun arrivals)
- Filtered drinking water, coffee & tea
- 1 day orientation
- Daily transportation to project
- In country 24/7 support & emergency assistance
- Fundraising support
- University course credits (where applicable)
- Certificate of Completion
- Airfares
- Travel Insurance
- Tours, Souvenirs & spending money
Volunteers in Thailand are encouraged to take up the orientation week to help you ease into the lifestyle and pace of Thailand. You will get to know your town and it’s facilities and everything required to make your stay comfortable. You may choose after the first few days to move straight into your chosen volunteer placement if desired or otherwise just enjoy the company of your new friends and extended family!
When confirming your dates please take note of the long holidays (mid-March till mid-May and October). During these times, renovation work continues, with the option to join special classes and English camps that are regularly requested by the local Thailand communities involved.
Programs begin every Monday, and volunteers are required to arrive the day prior, for orientation before the project. Your accommodation on the Sunday is included in the program fees.
A free airport pickup is included when arriving to Koh Samui (USM) Airport. You must arrive between 08.00 and 17:00 on Sunday.
If arriving outside the pickup times, you can book a private transfer and any extra nights accommodation for an extra fee.
Alternatively, if arriving early you could wait at the arrival’s terminal for the pickup time, book accommodation at the airport and meet us during the pickup times or make your own way to the project (we will advise on how to do this).
From the airport to the accommodation in Koh Sammi, it takes around 1 hour.
Monday
Introduction about Asian Elephants
Learn about and prepare Thai herb medicine for Elephants by the I Love Elephant team (Only for first-time participants)
Tuesday to Friday
Clean the elephant habitat and assist the team with the cleanup.
Take care of the elephants’ living conditions by cleaning wells, adding water, and assisting with repairs or construction work.
Help with the elephants’ health by bathing them, observing their eating habits, and monitoring their feces for any signs of parasites or digestive issues.
Observe and learn about elephant behavior.
Prepare food for the elephants or assist in purchasing items from the market.
Plant, water, and maintain the elephant food area by growing grass, vegetables, bananas, pumpkins, squash, cucumbers, or other plants that elephants enjoy.
***This schedule can be changed and/or amended depending on weather conditions, local conditions and unforeseen circumstances.***
Volunteer flexibility and adaptability is important to a positive volunteering experience.
Ang Thong National Marine Park
The Ang Thong National Marine Park is a scenic cluster of 42 limestone islands spanning over 95 square miles (246 square kilometres) in southern Thailand. Known for its dramatic karst formations, the park features secluded beaches, towering cliffs, and hidden caves. It’s also a haven for wildlife, including birds, monkeys, and dolphins.
Secret Buddha Garden (Magic Garden)
Hidden within Koh Samui’s lush hills, the Secret Buddha Garden is an enchanting site featuring stone sculptures of Buddha, animals, and mythical beings surrounded by waterfalls. Created by local farmer Nim Thongsuk, this serene garden serves as both an artful sanctuary and his final resting place.
Na Muang Waterfall
Located in Koh Samui’s mountainous interior, Na Muang Waterfall has two tiers: an easily accessible lower tier with a natural pool, and a higher, more secluded spot reached by a 30-minute hike. Surrounded by dense jungle, this free-access site is a favourite for visitors seeking a refreshing retreat.
Koh Tan (Koh Taen)
Just three miles south of Koh Samui, Koh Tan (also known as Koh Taen or Coral Island) offers tranquil beaches, mangrove forests, and diverse coral reefs ideal for snorkelling. With no cars and only around 30 residents, the island gives visitors a glimpse of traditional Thai island life.
Grandmother and Grandfather Rocks (Hin Yai and Hin Ta)
Koh Samui’s Grandmother and Grandfather Rocks on Lamai Beach are intriguing natural formations resembling male and female anatomy. A popular tourist spot, these unique rock outcrops sit on a beautiful beach with tide pools, making it an amusing and scenic destination.
Wat Khunaram (Mummified Monk)
Wat Khunaram, a functioning temple on Koh Samui, is known for displaying the preserved remains of its former abbot, Loung Pordaeng, who passed away in 1973. This unusual attraction provides insight into Buddhist beliefs about life and death, drawing both local devotees and curious visitors.
Big Buddha Temple (Wat Phra Yai)
Koh Samui’s iconic Big Buddha Temple, or Wat Phra Yai, features a towering 40-foot (12-meter) golden Buddha statue that is visible from miles away. Situated on the north coast, it’s both an active worship site and a landmark for visitors seeking cultural insight and panoramic views.
Butterfly Hill Samui
Butterfly Hill is a scenic garden on Koh Samui that houses hundreds of vibrant butterflies, as well as other insects and tropical flowers. The hilltop location offers picturesque views of the island and sea, and visitors can cool off at a nearby waterfall.
Aow Leuk Beach
On Koh Tao’s southeastern side, Aow Leuk Beach is a quiet and somewhat secluded spot with soft sand and crystal-clear waters, providing a peaceful escape from the island’s busier areas. It’s ideal for snorkelling, as the calm, shallow waters are home to colourful marine life.
Lamai Beach
Less developed than Chaweng, Lamai Beach is one of Koh Samui’s prettiest spots, especially on its southern end. Known for its granite rock formations, including the famous Grandmother and Grandfather Rocks, Lamai offers a relaxed atmosphere with year-round swimming and scenic views.
Chaweng Beach
The longest and most popular beach on Koh Samui, Chaweng Beach boasts turquoise waters, swaying palm trees, and vibrant nightlife. With a 3-mile (5-kilometer) stretch of soft white sand, Chaweng is perfect for swimming, water sports, and unwinding amid the lively beach scene.
- Thailand Digital Arrival Card
- All incoming passengers are required to submit the Thailand Digital Arrival Card via this link: tdac.immigration.go.th
- The system has changed from paper to digital submission. For more information, please review the link.
Minors traveling to Thailand
Minors traveling to Thailand with/without parents/legal guardians are required to adhere to instructions of the Thai immigration. For more information, please check here.
Motorbike Hire
Please note, motorbike hire is strictly prohibited for volunteers, including when outside the centre on weekends. If a participant is found to have hired a motorbike, this will result in termination of the program with no refund.
For information on holidays and any programs affected, please see the following link: TH – Holidays – Koh Samui
With a long sandy coastline and jungle-topped islands anchored in crystal blue waters Thailand is a tropical getaway and favorite traveling destination for holiday makers and volunteers from all over the world. Thailand’s culture is generous, warm and outgoing and the cuisine is world renowned for a tropical abundance of fresh and varied flavors of spicy, sweet, salty and sour.
Thailand is a fascinating and exotic country to explore. Through volunteering, you’ll gain a love in the people, culture, scenery, cuisine and in the overall lifestyle of Thailand.
We offer diverse project options catering to many different interests. Volunteering is the ideal way of assimilating into the local Thai culture and experiencing the real lifestyle in Thailand.
Thai culture is deeply rooted in Buddhist traditions, emphasizing respect, harmony, and community. Daily life often revolves around temples, known as wats, which serve as both spiritual and social centers. Thais are known for their warm hospitality and polite manners, often expressed through the traditional greeting called the wai—a slight bow with palms pressed together.
Family values are central, and elders are highly respected. The concept of sanuk (finding fun in everything) reflects the Thai approach to life—light-hearted, joyful, and positive even in challenges. Festivals like Songkran (Thai New Year) and Loy Krathong (Festival of Lights) showcase the country’s colorful traditions, music, and dance.
tdac.immigration.go.th30 Years Non Profit Experience
IVI is an Australian charity & non profit organisation founded in 1989 and is one of the pioneers of overseas volunteering successfully placing over 20,000 volunteers globally.
Affordable Volunteer Travel
We’re not motivated by shareholder profits. Our fees are fully transparent to ensure maximum benefit where it is most needed.
Safe & Responsible Projects
All projects include a dedicated 24/7 in-country management team, operational & risk assessment & overseas support contact. All projects are personally inspected to ensure very high quality.
Work Experience & University Credits
We place thousands of Uni students and can assist you with course credits and in-field experience points. Many of our project coordinators are qualified practitioners in their respective fields allowing unique in-field supervision and Uni accreditation options
Check out this amazing blog with step by step info on how to raise funds for your overseas volunteer experience to help maximize your impact abroad. Guide to Fundraising
Weekends & Extra Tours
Thailand has thousands of Buddhist temples dotted all over the country. From the small local ones to popular attractons like Wat Pho in Bangkok which has a 43 metre long Buddha!
Thailand has plenty of National Parks, with amazing trekking routes, through the jungle, mountains and natural waterfalls you can swim in!
Now who wouldn't want to go here?! The southern islands in Thailand are just stunning. From white sands to crystal clear water, theres so much to do here, from water sports, relaxation, luxury resorts to basic wooden beach huts! Some of the most popular are Phi PHi, Koh Tao, Koh Phangan, Koh Samui and Koh Chang.
Stay on a floating bungalow in the middle of Khao Sok National Park! You will be surrounded by nature and can make use of the free inflatable tubes to float on, swim in the clear water or go for hikes in the jungle.
Bangkok is an exciting city and one thats very easy to get around. Try the Lebua sky bar- where they filmed 'the Hangover 2'. The views from the top are incredible!
If you take a visit to Chiang Rai (and you should), then take a visit to the White Temple. The architecture is really quirky and the whole building is impressive. Chiang Rai is also a lovely little town to explore.
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