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About Wild Heart Awakened
Wild Heart Awakened
Mission & Vision
The Mahouts Elephant Foundation is a ground-breaking organization that rescues elephants from the exploitative tourism industry and reintroduces them into protected forest sanctuaries. Here, elephants are not ridden or made to perform. Instead, they are free to live as they were meant to—wild, unchained, and in harmony with the land.
By joining this retreat, you directly support this ethical model. The mahouts, traditional elephant guardians, earn a sustainable income by guiding guests into the forest to observe the elephants with respect. Local families benefit from preparing your meals and sharing their homes and traditions. Meanwhile, the foundation continues vital research into elephant behavioral and social ecology, helping to shape the future of ethical elephant care in Thailand.
By joining this retreat, you directly support this ethical model. The mahouts, traditional elephant guardians, earn a sustainable income by guiding guests into the forest to observe the elephants with respect. Local families benefit from preparing your meals and sharing their homes and traditions. Meanwhile, the foundation continues vital research into elephant behavioral and social ecology, helping to shape the future of ethical elephant care in Thailand.
Upcoming Retreats at Wild Heart Awakened
Venue & Amenities
A/C in Rooms
Free Wifi
Spa
Sauna
Pool
Towels
Free Parking
Kitchen
Tour Assistance
Hot Tub
Coffee/Tea
Cafe
Restaurant
Fitness Center
Yoga Studio
Housekeeping
Bicycles For Rent
Village Homestay (included in retreat fee)
Staying with a host family is both welcoming and comfortable. Placing you in the very heart of village life, leaving you with a real sense of community living. Each homestay is different, but all host stunning views and friendly smiling faces – all of which will be eager to learn more about you, your family and your country, making you feel right at home in no time.
Staying with a host family is both welcoming and comfortable. Placing you in the very heart of village life, leaving you with a real sense of community living. Each homestay is different, but all host stunning views and friendly smiling faces – all of which will be eager to learn more about you, your family and your country, making you feel right at home in no time.
Meals
Menu Types
Vegan
Vegetarian
Pescetarian
Ayurvedic
Includes Meat
Organic
Gluten Free
Dairy Free
Nut Free
Your host family will cook for you throughout the duration of your stay, providing you with delicious vegetarian traditional Karen dishes to share.
Getting Here
Wild Heart Awakened, A remote hilltribe village close to Mae Sot, North Thailand
Directions
Book your flights to Mae Sot Airport (IATA: MAQ), a regional airport located in Tambon Tha Sai Luat, Amphoe Mae Sot, Tak Province, in northern Thailand.
Travel to Mae Sot, Thailand
Traveling to and from Mae Sot is incredibly easy, and there are multiple travel styles to choose from. Mae Sot is accessible from both Chiang Mai and Bangkok, with easy flight connections both on land and from the beaches in southern Thailand.
Fly to Mae Sot
Nok Air provides between 4/5 direct flights from Bangkok daily.
If this is the option of travel for you, please try to arrive in Mae Sot by lunchtime on Day 1.
Please do not book a flight any earlier than 11:00 am on the day of your departure, as our team will need time to transport you back to Mae Sot airport.
An 11:00 am flight will give you plenty of time to connect with further flights traveling within Thailand.
VIP Bus to Mae Sot
Green Bus Thailand provides 2 buses from Chiang Mai to Mae Sot daily (8:30 am and 1:00 pm). This journey takes approximately 6/7 hours through beautiful Thai countryside and includes a 20-minute rest stop.
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The Teak Hotel
Nights 1 and 6 will be spent at the Teak Hotel in Mae Sot. A private hotel room for these two nights is included in your fee. The Teak Hotel is a 4-star hotel, complete with a swimming pool, gym, and buffet breakfast (veg & non-veg) which is available to indulge in on Day 2 (before we depart for the village) and on departure Day 7 before check out.
Day 1 - Meeting:
We will meet at the Teak Hotel at 5 pm on Day 1 of your trip, before heading to dinner (included) together at the Mahouts Elephant Foundation quarters in Mae Sot.
Day 7 - Departing:
Check out is on Day 7 after breakfast (included). You are welcome to depart at any time.
Last Chance