Thailand: The Elephant Experience > ‎

Packing List

Northern Thailand:  Chiang Mai has a tropical wet and dry climate, tempered by the low latitude and moderate elevation, with warm to hot weather year-round. The hotter (summer) season in Chiang-Mai runs from March through May whereas the rainy season occurs from May through October. From November through February is a much "cooler" season compared to the others. 

Suggested Packing List: 

Important: 

• Passport (Must be valid 6 months after the trip) 

• Personal Medication. We suggest to pack this in your carry-on rather than your checked luggage. Also, this medication should be in its original container. 

• planet safe Mosquito repellent & sunscreen (better for the elephants!)

Clothing:

•   Warm sweatshirt / fleece (during cooler months - November-February)

•   Rain Gear - Waterproof Windbreaker or Raincoat (especially during rainy season noted above)

•   Short-sleeved shirts (customary to wear shirts that cover shoulders, tank tops not recommended)

• One long sleeved shirt for grass cutting at the elephant camp (one that can get dirty).

•   Gym / sportswear (for outdoor activities)

•   Under garments, socks 

•   Bathing suits

•   Shorts (no shorter than mid-thigh given local customs)

• Long skirts or long dresses (below the knee)

• Lightweight or loose fitting long pants ( good to avoid mosquitos and for down time at the elephant camp).

•   Hat

•   One pair of flip flops / sandals / water shoes. Make sure the sandals have a backstrap for your time at the elephant sanctuary. This is especially helpful while you are in the stream bathing with the elephants, and going on walks at camp (often on hillsides).

•   One pair of closed-toed comfortable walking shoes that can get muddy/dirty (could get wet as well depending on time of year)  This is for hiking/walking with the elephants, if it is rainy it can get muddy/slippery.

Bath / Personal:

•   Personal medication

•   Anti-diarrhea medication

•   Glasses / contacts / contact solution, if applicable

•   Personal toiletries (If you have certain items that you absolutely need, bring enough to last until you return home. Don't forget to bring gender specific hygienic products).

•   Sunscreen

•   Insect repellent (Note: As this is a tropical country, mosquitoes are present throughout the year, especially during the rainy season) 

• Shampoo, conditioner, soap 

Other:

•   One refillable water bottle

•   Books and/or magazines

•   Watch or small alarm clock

•   Mini-flashlight / headlamp & extra batteries

•  Day bag or backpack for the elephant nursery. You have the option to leave your luggage behind at the Chiang Mai hotel and bring just one bag for the sanctuary. 

•   Sunglasses

•   Personal snacks that you may need or crave (such as granola bars or power bars).  We provide all stated meals; however, some have particular dietary/health needs.

•   Disposable camera, film camera or digital camera - and film or memory card(s) for digital camera

We Provide:

•   Linens / blankets

•   Towels

•   Pillows

For service with the elephants:

• Caring for elephants can be a dirty business! You will be provided with clothing for working with the elephants. In your time off we suggest comfortable clothing for sleeping and lounging at the sanctuary.

• There will be some down time throughout the volunteer days. We suggest bringing a book, card games, and old fashioned fun to keep you entertained. 

*Laundry service is limited. We advise that you bring enough lightweight clothes to avoid having to do laundry. 

*Voltage in Thailand is 220 volts. Most tablets, computers, and cameras can support this, however, most hair dryers cannot. Please bring a converter if you will be using high-voltage items.  Most of the outlets will be the 2-prong, with occasional 3-prong outlets. We recommend the 2 prong adapters!