Summary
Voluntary work project with elephants and a wildlife at a sanctuary in southern Thailand.
Project location
On the Malay Peninsula, Thailand.
Length of project
From 1 week – 2 weeks.
Support
Help and advice from our UK office throughout. Local support from nominated staff member at the project.
Includes
- Voluntary work project with elephants at a wildlife sanctuary
- Pre-departure information covering work issues and advice about life in Thailand
- Airport collection and private transfer from the airport to the sanctuary
- Accommodation and food
- Donation to the project
- Full orientation and induction before you begin
Not included
- Flights
- Travel and medical insurance
- Any home country transport (eg. taxis and buses)
- Return transport to the airport
Accommodation
Basic, but comfortable accommodation on site. Expect to share a room. Laundry service provided at a reasonable cost (free for bedding). TV and internet are available. Western toilets.
Travel arrangements
Fly to Bangkok (BKK). You will be met at the airport on arrival and driven to the wildlife centre. Return transfers can also be arranged at the centre for approximately £60.
Pre-departure information
You will receive thorough information on your My Oyster account covering project expectations, preparation, health and safety, responsible travel and arrival arrangements at least 4 weeks before departure.
Medical
Vaccinations may be required. We recommend that you visit your Doctor or Travel Nurse as soon as possible to discuss what you might need to have.
Please be aware that Oyster staff are not able to give advice on your medical background or the type of vaccinations that you might need.
You can get useful medical advice relating to your destination on the ‘Fit For Travel’ website – http://www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk/.
You must inform Oyster of any pre-existing physical or mental health conditions. Oyster staff may ask for you to provide a letter from your Doctor before continuing with your booking.
You must have your vaccinations for diphtheria, tetanus and polio for this project.
Insurance
You must take out a full travel insurance policy as soon as you can before departure. This must cover you for personal accident, medical, cancellation, emergency evacuation, lost luggage etc. We strongly recommend that you organise your travel insurance upon booking your place. We can introduce a policy with Global Travel Insurance to UK citizens, details of which can be found in your My Oyster account, once you have completed your booking. If you are not eligible for this insurance, please read through it to have an idea of what you need to be covered for.
Any risk factors
Working alongside animals carries safety risks and you will be given extensive safety instruction on arrival. Always follow advice. You will probably be asked to cut food or vegetation with sharp knives. Please take the usual precautions. The local habitat is also home to low-risk snakes and scorpions. You will be given advice on how to avoid these and what to do if bitten/stung.
The heat and humidity can be intense – particularly as you are doing physical work outside. Road safety standards are not as high in Thailand as in the West.
Thailand’s tourist resorts do attract pickpockets and other thieves. The risk of crime is low during the project, as volunteers tend to relax and socialise on site, rather than in towns. However, participants should take the normal precautions when visiting popular tourist areas.
There are occasional political demonstrations in Bangkok. Try to avoid them. There is also a risk of terrorism in busy locations (as in UK). Oyster monitors Foreign Office advice closely and will inform you straight away of any key developments.
Downtime
Participants will be able to travel independently during their time off, as long as they accept that they will be outside Oyster’s jurisdiction, make appropriate insurance provision and inform others. It is important to let staff know when you are due to return and keep them updated if your plans change.
Accessibility
This project could accommodate those with minor physical disabilities. Please discuss with destination manager before booking.
Financial Security
When you book with Oyster you can rest assured that your money will be protected and you will not be stranded abroad in the very unlikely event that our company becomes insolvent. If your booking includes a flight arranged by us, your whole trip will be subject to ATOL protection. If we have not booked your flight then your trip will be just as safe, since it will be insured through International Passenger Protection Ltd.
