Gibbon Encounters
Embark on a transformative journey with Kindred Spirit Elephant Sanctuary's immersive 5-day Elephant-Gibbon Encounters or simply our Gibbon Encounters program. Nestled in the heart of Thailand's lush forests. Delve into the rich tapestry of local Karen culture as you engage with two distinct villages—one dedicated to the majestic giants, elephants, and the other to the playful gibbons—both working tirelessly to safeguard their natural habitat.
Witness firsthand the profound connection between indigenous communities and the land they call home, as you learn about traditional practices harmonizing with modern conservation principles.
Immerse yourself in the daily rhythms of life alongside these majestic creatures, gaining insight into their behavior and needs under the guidance of experienced caretakers. From watching elephants to observing wild gibbons swinging through the canopy, every moment is an opportunity for discovery and connection.
Our gibbon encounters project is the first of its kind in Thailand – a truly unique experience. Join us in fostering positive change for the environment and wildlife, as we strive to create a sustainable future where humans and animals thrive in harmony. Come be a part of something bigger than yourself with Kindred Spirit Elephant Sanctuary's 5-day program—a journey of conservation, community, and compassion.
PACKAGE 1:
Visit for 5 days and 4 nights – Elephants and Gibbon Encounters
Price: 2+ persons = 15,000THB per person (approx. $450USD/£340/640AUD)
Solo travelers: Please get in touch to check if a group is already operating
This price includes all transport, accommodation, and food in the village.
Schedule:
Day 1: Begin your adventure with a 9 am pickup from Chiang Mai (with possible pickups from Pai or Mae Hong Son upon inquiry). Traverse through a national park and picturesque mountains inhabited by local hill tribes until reaching our distinctive village. Meet your homestay family, our welcoming staff, and fellow volunteers. Immerse yourself in hill tribe culture by participating in cooking sessions with your homestay and learning the art of basket weaving from village elders.
Day 2: Rise early for a forest hike to locate our resident elephants. Spend the morning observing, documenting, and understanding these magnificent creatures and their natural behaviors. Enjoy a forest lunch in the company of elephants. Return to the village in the late afternoon for deeper insights into our conservation work, local language, culture, and possible engagement in community and teaching initiatives.
Day 3: Another early start awaits as we trek to observe our elephants once more before relishing lunch in the village. In the afternoon, venture to our Gibbon Encounters village. Discover the fascinating world of gibbons, relish Karen cuisine, and explore the village surroundings.
Day 4: Awaken to the enchanting sounds of gibbons right outside your door! Follow their calls around the village, guided by our local expert, in hopes of catching a glimpse of these agile creatures. Enjoy breakfast before embarking on a forest exploration, visiting a local cave, and savoring a traditional forest lunch. Engage in community projects such as aiding in coffee, tea, or rice plantations, or learning the art of weaving from local artisans. Witness a breathtaking sunset from a village vantage point after dinner.
Day 5: Begin the day with another attempt to spot gibbons near the village, followed by a deeper forest hike post-breakfast. After lunch, depart for Chiang Mai or Pai, cherishing the memories of your immersive experience. Please note that while sightings of gibbons are a possibility, they are wild animals, and sightings cannot be guaranteed.
PACKAGE 2:
Visit for 3 days and 2 nights – Gibbon Encounters
Price: 2+ persons = 7,500THB per person (approx. $230USD/£190/320AUD))
Solo travelers: Please get in touch to check if a group is already operating
This price includes all transport, accommodation, and food in the village.
Schedule:
Day 1: Begin your adventure with a 9 am pickup from Chiang Mai (with possible pickups from Pai or Mae Hong Son upon inquiry). Traverse through a national park and picturesque mountains inhabited by local hill tribes until reaching our distinctive village. Meet your homestay family and our welcoming staff, and fellow volunteers. Immerse yourself in Karen culture by participating in cooking sessions with your homestay and learning the art of basket weaving from village elders.
Day 2: Awaken to the enchanting sounds of gibbons right outside your door! Follow their calls around the village, guided by our local expert, in hopes of catching a glimpse of these agile creatures. Enjoy breakfast before embarking on a forest exploration, visiting a local cave, and savoring a traditional forest lunch. Engage in community projects such as aiding in coffee, tea, or rice plantations, or learning the art of weaving from local artisans. Witness a breathtaking sunset from a village vantage point after dinner.
Day 3: Begin the day with another attempt to spot gibbons near the village, followed by a deeper forest hike post-breakfast. After lunch, depart for Chiang Mai or Pai, cherishing the memories of your immersive experience. Please note that while sightings of gibbons are a possibility, they are wild animals, and sightings cannot be guaranteed.
