Description
Location: Hua Hin & Chiang Mai, Thailand
Duration: Minimum 2 weeks commitment
Cost: from £500 GBP per week – see Costs tab for more information
Includes: 3 meals a day, accommodation, airport pickup, orientation and all project related activities
Does not Include: flights, travel insurance, visas and vaccinations
Keywords:
- Create cultural exchange opportunities through our efforts with the locals
- Give you some practical experience in light construction and renovation work
- Support the local Thai community by improving their living standards with our construction and renovation efforts
Introduction
There are many families in Thailand that live under poor housing conditions and many of its local community areas and facilities such as temples, hospitals or schools still need a lot of improvement.
To address this concern, this program aims at participants to help improve the living standards of these local people in need by providing support in much needed construction and renovation work by creating proper sanitation facilities, make housing safer places to live and ensure communities have greater authority over their own development initiatives.
Participants will be asked to engage in tasks ranging from light work such as cleaning the area, mixing cement and painting to harder tasks such as building up the wall (plastering) and repairing roofing. Participants will be instructed and supervised closely by our coordinator who has ample experience in construction work to make sure that all the processes are safe for them and the housing conditions are also safe for the local people to live.
Culture Week
The picturesque mountains surrounding Chiang Mai beckon with their natural splendour, offering a wealth of captivating attractions. Renowned as a hub for Thai handicrafts and adorned with two tribal villages, this city serves as the perfect backdrop for immersing yourself in Thai culture. Our program is a gateway to an authentic Thai experience, where you’ll partake in cultural activities, explore breathtaking mountain landscapes, and discover the heart of Chiang Mai.
Please note that this week is an optional add-on to your Volunteer trip, typically scheduled at the beginning of your journey.
Our program is thoughtfully designed to unveil the essence of Thailand through a spectrum of cultural encounters that will ignite your senses. You’ll have the rare opportunity to actively engage in Thai traditions, from customs and language to the art of crafting local Thai dishes. As you navigate the captivating sights of Chiang Mai, you’ll also delve into the intricacies of Thai culture.
A program highlight is the exploration of Buddhism through visits to revered Buddhist temples, known as ‘Wats,’ where the profound teachings of Thai Buddhism come to life. Scheduled visits to bustling local markets will immerse you in the vibrant Thai way of life, exposing you to an array of delectable culinary delights and unique products.
Join us on this remarkable journey to deepen your appreciation of Thai culture, forge lasting memories, and savor the rich tapestry of experiences that Chiang Mai eagerly awaits to share with you.
Schedule
Monday
- Breakfast
- Program Introduction, registration and general info. Introduction to Thai Culture, Do’s and Dont’s
- Thai cooking class and Lunch
- Dinner
Tuesday
- Breakfast
- Thai Culture Lesson: Thai history, religion, and customs
- Lunch
- Thai Language Lesson
- Dinner
Wednesday
- Breakfast
- Umbrella Village & Umbrella Painting
- Lunch
- Hot spring Water (Hot spring Pool)
- Dinner
Thursday
- Breakfast
- Wat Phra That Doi Suthep Ratchaworawihan
- Lunch
- Wat Pha lad
- Welcome and Goodbye Dinner
Friday
- Breakfast
- Lanna folklife museum, Warorrot Market
- Lunch
- Wat Chedi Luang & Night Market
- Dinner
This schedule can be changed and/or amended depending on weather conditions, local conditions and unforeseen circumstances.
Daily Life
Experience the satisfaction of helping to improve the homes and community facilities of locals in need. After a delicious breakfast, you’ll set off to the construction project, where our experienced coordinator will brief you on the day’s tasks. Get ready to roll up your sleeves and tackle construction and renovation work for 4-5 hours a day, with a well-deserved lunch break in between. You can enjoy your lunch at our comfortable accommodation or a nearby location close to the project site. This is an opportunity to make a tangible difference in people’s lives while learning new skills and creating lasting memories.
Travel & Accommodation
You will be met at Suvarnabhumi (Bangkok) International Airport by a project representative and brought to the project HQ upon arrival.
Our centre is located in the hilly countryside of Prachuap Khiri Khan province amidst green surroundings. The accommodation consists of spacious rooms. There is a common area with a refrigerator, hammocks and a large communal swimming pool for you to chill.
All the meals served inside the accommodation are homestyle, vegetarian-friendly and you can expect that they will be typically Thai, including plenty of rice or noodle dishes with vegetables and occasionally some meat will be provided as well, along with seasonal fruits for dessert.
While we do our best to accommodate our participants, what we provide for most meals is local cuisine. If you are a picky eater, have dietary restrictions, or if you think that you will not be satisfied with the local dishes provided, you might want to consider supplementing our menu with your own western type foods and snacks that are more to your liking. From our accommodation and you can use our bikes to ride to a few convenience stores nearby.
Please keep in mind that refrigerator space is limited and to prevent insect infestation open food items are not allowed in the rooms.
Requirements
- Minimum age 18
- Be keen and enthusiastic to get involved in the project
- Ability to work within a team environment
- Minimum 2 weeks commitment
- Police check (or equivalent) showing that you have no previous criminal convictions
- Conversational English
- Necessary vaccinations
- Necessary flight & visas
Costs
£500 GBP per week
£400 GBP for the optional Culture Week add-on.
* Check the latest currency conversions with xe.com
** All payments incur a 5% bank transfer fee
*** Placements are confirmed with a 1 week deposit
What’s Included:
Project Fee includes
- 3 meals per day (2 meals on weekends)
- Accommodation
- Airport pickup
- Orientation
- In-country support and project activities.
Private rooms are available for an additional €100 per week.
What’s not included:
- Flights
- Travel insurance
- Visas (if applicable)
- Vaccinations.
Full assistance will be provided in getting all these arranged if you choose our Premium Support.
Premium Support Upgrade
We understand there’s a great deal to plan and organise for your trip. When booking a Placement, many of our participants choose to purchase our Premium Support Upgrade to benefit from the expertise, knowledge and experience of our Project Coordinators.
We can provide the personal advice you need to ensure your trip is organised with excellence and planned with efficiency; ensuring the very best experience possible. Read more about how we can help you.
Note: Map coordinates are approximate
