Your fully hosted program includes the following benefits and services:

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Accommodation: Your program accommodation with optional private room upgrades available
Airport Transfer: Airport pick up service
Project Transport: Transport to and from your volunteer project
In Country Support: Comprehensive in country day to day support and guidance
Emergency Support: 24/7 in country emergency support
Orientation: In country program orientation
Pre Departure Support: Pre departure support from your dedicated Program Manager
Preparation Tools: Personalized preparation tools, guides, and check lists
Travel Discounts: Discounts on travel and tour add ons
Insurance and Flights Access: Access to IVHQ’s preferred insurance and flights partners
Certificate: Certificate of International Volunteer Service upon completion

• Arrival Day: Volunteers should arrive in Chiang Mai on the Sunday before their program orientation begins.
• Orientation Start: Program orientation begins every Monday.
• Arrival Airport: Volunteers should book flights to arrive at Chiang Mai International Airport during the designated Sunday arrival window.
• Airport Pick up: Airport pick up is included as part of your Program Fee.
• Arrival Process: After landing, volunteers will be met by a member of the local team and transported to the volunteer accommodation.
• Accommodation Coverage: Accommodation from the night before program orientation is included in your Program Fee.
• Alternative Pick up: Volunteers already in Chiang Mai may arrange pick up from central meeting points on Sunday.
• Departure: Check out is on Saturday.
• Under 18s: Volunteers under 18 are recommended to travel with a notarized letter from their parents to support their international travel documentation.

You will be staying in a comfortable volunteer house located in Chiang Mai. The neighborhood provides easy access to shops, cafes, and transportation.

• Bedrooms: Volunteers share dormitory style rooms with up to six people of the same gender. Bedding is provided.
• Private Room Upgrade: Private room upgrades may be available for an additional cost and can be requested once registered.
• Comfort: Living conditions are simple but comfortable, with fans or air conditioning depending on room assignment. Storage is limited, so volunteers should pack lightly.
• Bathrooms: Shared bathrooms include showers and western toilets.
• Internet: WiFi is available at the accommodation but may be slow or unreliable. Purchasing a local SIM with data is recommended.
• Security: Secure lockers are available in the accommodation. Volunteers must bring their own padlock.

Meals provided during the Elephant Welfare program showcase the flavors and ingredients of traditional Thai cuisine.

Primary Cuisine: Meals reflect local Thai cooking styles and ingredients

• Ingredients: Expect fresh vegetables, rice, noodles, herbs, tofu, eggs, and light proteins
• Thai Favorites: Meals may include
• Khao Pad: Thai fried rice with vegetables
• Pad See Ew: Stir fried noodles
• Stir Fried Vegetables: Seasonal produce cooked in local spices
• Curries: Mild Thai curries with coconut milk and vegetables
• Variety: Weekly rotating menus include Thai dishes and occasional Western inspired meals
• Breakfast: Options may include eggs, toast, fruit, cereal, or simple Thai dishes

Meal Schedule and Dining Out:

• Weekdays: Volunteers receive breakfast, lunch, and dinner
• Weekends: Brunch and dinner are provided
• Dining Out: Chiang Mai offers a wide range of affordable restaurants and street food options for volunteers wishing to explore local food

Drinks and Dietary Requirements:

• Beverages: Tea and coffee are available
• Water: Safe drinking water is provided at the accommodation
• Dietary Needs: Vegan, vegetarian, gluten free, and lactose free diets can be accommodated with advance notice
• Flexibility: Volunteers should remain flexible, as meal styles and flavors may differ from what they are used to at home