Phapang

Phapang is nestled in the mountainous region of the Northwest region of Thailand. The village of Phapang is located approximately 300km north of Bangkok and 100km south of Chiang Mai. The village itself has some 200 homes and a population of 800 to 1000 people. 

Phapang is primarily a farming village and has very few visitors from outside the region. There is one school, which serves as the heart of the village, which has 250 students from kindergarten to 8th grade. Due to limited job options for people in their 20s and 30s, the village consists of a large population of elders. It is a place where elders pass along their traditions and old habits to the youth. Phapang, because of the size and location, has been able to maintain a real sense of old culture.

Excursions 

During the program you will have the opportunity to take excursions to some of the most culturally rich and significant places in Thailand. We will shop at the famous street markets in Chiang Mai, and ride on the back of elephants in Lampang. These trips will provide a deeper understanding of Thailand's unique culture and history.

Chiang Mai, literally translated means: "New Kingdom". It is the largest city in the North of Thailand and is striving to become a UNESCO recognized "creative city". What will we do there? Shopping! 

Being the creative city that it is, Chiang Mai is known for its handicrafts. The Sunday Night Market stretches several miles in every direction with an abundance of art, handmade trinkets, and delicious local food! It is the perfect place to buy souvenirs for family and friends, and you might be able to find a little something for yourself as well!

The Lampang Thai Elephant Conservation Center was developed as a rehabilitation center for injured elephants in 1989. In the old days, 95% of the elephant population in Thailand were privately owned, domesticated creatures. They were considered livestock and were used to log, farm, and transport their wealthy owners. In 1989, when private ownership of elephants became illegalized, Thailand struggled with an overwhelmingly large population of previously domesticated elephants who could not survive on their own in the wild. Since then, the Conservation Center has given the elephants a healthy, safe living environment of over 60 acres of land. 

At the Elephant Camp, we are given the thrilling experience of riding an elephant through the jungle, visit and learn about the elephant hospital, and watch elephant shows. If you are so inclined, you can even buy a masterpiece painted by one of the elephants! Did you know that every elephant artist has his or her own style? All the proceeds go back to the Conservation Center and helps preserve one of Thailand's most amazing, respected creatures.