First Week. The Intro Week.
Starting on the Sunday, you will be taken to Singburi to embark upon a comprehensive introduction to Thailand. During the intro week you will learn more about Thailand, get to know other members of the group, and the local surrounding area. Emphasis will be placed on learning about Thai culture, Thai language and even try your hand at some Thai cooking. You will also check out the famous Buddhist Temple: Wat Phranon Jaksi, the old capital of Ayutthaya (including a visit to the elephant village), Lopburi’s museum and pagoda, and even have a cruise along the river.
Orientation.
When you arrive at the eco house in Singburi you will be shown to your rooms. All rooms are dormitory style with the number of beds in a room ranging from three to twelve. There aren’t any single, or twin share rooms. Whilst staying at the eco-house, males and females are not allowed to stay in the same rooms.
There will be time to relax, take a shower and unpack. There will be an informal meeting after dinner to basically welcome you and to inform you of things like what time breakfast is served. The orientation meeting will be the following day.
There are two co-ordinators at each house. The co-ordinators are friendly local Thais. They are there to show you around, introduce you to Thailand, answer any of your questions and ensure you have a good time. They really make this programme a special and unique one.
Expect to:
- Meet the local people
- Experience amazing food
- Learn about Thai customs first hand with locals.
During this week you and your group will have a Thai lesson. You will learn enough phrases to get by on.
Projects:
An explanation of the work places, projects taking place and information on what has been achieved in the past (volunteers that have chosen extra weeks only)
Visit local places:
You will be shown the village, markets, temples and monuments in the local area. You will have several opportunities to go to the local town called Singburi. Here you can check your e-mails, go shopping and get a Thai SIM card for your mobile. There is also a pool in Singburi where you can go to swim, relax and sunbathe.
Games, cooking lesson, discussions:
Done in groups to help you make friends with fellow volunteers, project leaders and programme staff. This is a great way to learn the language and a fun way to experience the new culture.
Leisure time:
You will have time to explore the local area. There are plenty of opportunities for free time. You can relax around the eco-house, read, go swimming, shopping etc. The project co-ordinators are happy to show you around and point out the beautiful and amazing highlights that Thailand has to offer. Your weekends are your free time so feel free to arrange extra excursions if you’d like.
The Intro Week Itinerary in detail.
This option is a great chance to know more about Thailand, bond with your fellow participants, and learn about the local surrounding area. You will learn about Thai culture, Thai language and have a
taste of what has made Thai cooking so famous around the world through some cooking classes. You will also visit the famous Buddhist Temple: Wat Phranon Jaksi, the old capital of Ayutthaya (including
a visit to the Elephant Village), Lopburi’s museum and pagoda. This program below is written to give you an idea of this week (it’s an example):
Monday
After breakfast we have a group meeting and take a short walk around the village before lunch in a local restaurant. In the afternoon we visit a local handicraft shop before being the special guests of a welcome party with local school students performing a Thai traditional dance for us.
Tuesday
An all day trip to the ancient city of Ayutthaya, many ancient ruins and art works can be seen in this city that was founded in 1350 by King U-Thong when the Thais were forced Southwards by northern neighbors. We will then visit the special “Elephant village” followed by dinner near the river side.
Wednesday
In the morning we start with a Thai lesson, after which will visit some of the beautiful and famous monuments and Buddhist temples near our centre: Wat Phranon Jaksi (A huge reclining Buddha image) and the Bang-Rachan hero monument. In the afternoon there will a trip to the local town, here you can do some shopping, swimming or check email. In the evening, we will dinner at a famous Thai
BBQ restaurant.
Thursday
In the morning, we visit a local school and join in with the local students. During school holidays (from mid-March till mid-May and in October), when the school is closed, we may visit a palm tree
farm or other local life instead. After noon we pick up from yesterday with another Thai lesson and then have an interactive Thai cooking class: after a short Thai lesson introducing the different ingredients
you will learn how to cook these ingredients into a renound Thai dish, and have it for dinner!
Friday
A full day travel with several visits in the Lopburi province. Some of the highlights would be visit to the famous Somdet Phra Narai National Museum and the Wat Phraputhabaht Temple (Buddha’s footprint) and we will experience some local cuisine at a nearby restaurant.
Weekends
Weekends are always free in most programs, but participants can delve deeper with advanced Thai Language lessons or hire local transport to visit the Swimming pool or shops in Singburi Town. (these are extra-curricular, please request on site!). Also feel free to ask friendly staff for help in getting to some of Thailand’s many nearby tourist attractions.
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