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Thailand Adventure
- Overview
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- Details
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- Included
- Accommodation
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Itinerary
Please note: activities and itineraries are subject to change
Week One - Intro Week & Siam Culture
The first week is designed to introduce you to Thailand and it's people, culture, language, attitudes and customs. It's a great way to meet fellow travellers and to make new friends. To ensure you have fun and to make it easy for you to meet all the groups, we have arranged some fun social nights including a welcome party, a Thai-style BBQ and a dinner at a gorgeous bar / restaurant with Karaoke for those that like to sing!
Orientation
When you arrive at the eco house in Singburi you will be shown to your rooms. All rooms are shared with the same sex. 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.
Programme introduction: aims, way of working, money, rules and appreciated behavior, food, safety advice, cultural differences and social information.
Thai language:
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.
This Week 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.
Week Two Adventure Week - Take Your Pick!
The second week is option week where you can choose from one of the following activities:
- Elephant conservation
- Trekking in the jungle
- Buddhism and culture
You do not have to to decide which option you pick when you book, you can wait to see what takes your fancy when you are in Thailand.
Option One: Elephant Week
Elephants are the symbol of Thailand and are held as sacred in Thai Culture. Training along side the Mahouts, the Thai Elephant keepers, this week is all about hanging out with the elephants!
Your role this week will be the caring for and feeding the elephants, bathing them, taking the older female elephants for walks, and generally helping out.
Then you will actually get to learn how to ride the Elephants, heading off through forests and around the camp. This week is an unrivalled opportunity to learn about Elephants and connect with your very own! Take it for baths, feed it and get to know him, but just be warned you can´t take it with you when your week is up.
According to World Wildlife Fund estimates, only 2,000-3,000 elephants remain in the wild in Thailand. The numbers of these majestic animals are gradually shrinking as elephants and villages compete to survive on the land. Sadly, domesticated elephants roam through Thailand’s cities with their mahouts, begging for food and performing tricks for tourists.
During this elephantine adventure of a week you’ll learn about the importance of elephants in Thai culture, their needs and the social problems. Be prepared to get down and quite literally dirty. Daily chores include cleaning (that’s mucking out to you and me) and feeding these majestic animals. You’ll also learn gardening skills to impress the folks back home!
Don’t miss out on the chance to experience the thrill of white water rafting in the nearby river over the weekend. Don’t worry, if you prefer calmer waters, there’s always the swimming pool. Please note, Thailand’s tropical climate does give way to the occasional violent thunderstorm, torrential rain and flooding so the schedule may be subject to change during that time.
Trekking Option
During the second week you and other participants have the option to go trekking in the jungle and rainforest of the Phutoei National Park, a lush park not often visited by other tourists. This again will be a unique experience. You will be roughing it, but in beautiful surroundings. After this experience, you will have a lot to boast about when you go home as you will be sleeping in tents and surviving with the basics - we’re sure you will have a lot of fun!
The guides are very friendly and you will really enjoy yourself! Phu Toei National Park is located in the area of three provinces, Suphanburi bordering Uthai Thani and Kanchanaburi. The area is about 317 sq km and is about a three-hour drive from Singburi. Please note that the trekking is not for the faint-hearted and the itinerary is subject to change depending on seasons, weather conditions, group size etc. so please be flexible.
- Monday: Depart Singburi for Phutoei National Park, pit stop to get food supplies. You will arrive at about 4.30pm when you will set up camp and have dinner.
- Tuesday: Trek to Taperngkee waterfall, relax and have lunch. You will then start trekking from the waterfall to the school. After you arrive you will prepare the tents for camping outdoors.
- Wednesday: After breakfast you will trek to the caves. You will have lunch at the school, trek back to the Hilltribe village and then cook together outdoors.
- Thursday: Trek to the nearby Huia Kha Khaeng region, visiting the village of the Karen Hill Tribe people, and there will be a special cultural performance by them.
- Friday: Trek to the Lumtaphern Dam and spend the rest of the day relaxing outdoors.
- Saturday: You'll leave for the hotel in the morning and have lunch once you’ve arrived. The rest of the day will be free to do as you please, read, relax or swim.
- Sunday: Early breakfast. Check out from the hotel and depart to Ban Phae Pier, Rayong which will take about five hours.
Remember to take the following with you on the trek:
- Raincoat
- Sleeping bag and fleece - it can get cold in the early mornings
- Towel
- Trekking gear - good walking boots (trainers at your own risk)
- Cap or sun hat
- T-shirt and shorts
- Torch
- Water bottle
- Sunscreen
- Mosquito repellent
- Snacks (crisps and cookies) the food menu will be very limited in the jungle!
We will provide the tent, first aid kit and food. Please note that this trek can be physically demanding and on some days you could be trekking for four to seven hours (with breaks). You will be trekking deep in the jungle, climbing vines and walking up and down mountains. Feedback from past volunteers has been that its hard work but one of the most adventurous and fun activities they have ever done. You will end up with lots of stories to tell your family and friends back home.
The treks are co-ordinated by project leaders and trained park rangers will also be close by.
Buddhism and Culture Option
It is quite a ride to get here from the location of the introduction week, but totally worth it! Your time will be spend in the Forest Resort, a luxury new resort and in a newly built dorm accommodation next to the ancient Thai temple.
If you choose the Buddhism & Culture week you will get to know a lot more about Buddhism and Thai culture. During this week you will visit temples, you have the opportunity to ask your questions about Buddhism to the monks, we will teach you about practicing meditation and chanting in a quiet and spiritual environment. Our guide is very knowledgeable and will tell you all you need to know. If you have a real interest in Buddhism & Culture, this is the programme for you!
During the temple stay you will experience the Thai temple life first hand, and it is pretty impressive and special.
Monday
Forget the lie-ins this week as we rise with (or before!) the dawn to give alms to the Monks. After breakfast, learn all about the basics of Thai Buddhism, including temple etiquette with plenty of opportunities for questions. Try the transcendental as you practice the art of walking and sitting meditation. After lunch we’ll continue the spiritual theme with a visit to the temple of Wat Phikum Tong.
Tuesday
Find out everything you ever wanted to know about Buddhism in an open forum with the monks. We’ll also visit another temple for an overnight stay and take part in their daily routine. This may be an eye-opener for some of you! Continue to learn your meditation skills as you fall under the hypnotic spell of the monks’ evening chant.
Wednesday
Continue where you left off with a mesmeric morning chant, join the monks on their alms rounds and perfect your meditation skills.
Thursday
Maintain your serenity with a leisurely cycle tour along the river exploring traditional Thai style houses. After an al fresco lunch, prepare your senses for another culture hit in the eclectic market and temples.
Friday
Visit a 100 year old market and marvel at the skills of the natives at a traditional Thai pottery factory where the pottery is still made by hand. After lunch visit a zoo with a difference – a Thai zoo! There’s time today to update your Facebook status and entertain your friends with your latest adventures on your blog and e-mails. You know what they say - wish you were here!
Weekend
A the weekend it is time to head back to Sing Buri to spend a sublime day supine on poolside or stimulating your senses with a massage. Free time to chill.
Week Three - Cultural Immersion Projects
During this week you will have opportunities to help the local community:
- Help out in a School
- Build Clay Houses
- Looking after kids in a local orphanage
The biggest area in need is education so you will be visiting the local schools during term time or local children or perhaps local police from the village at the Eco house during school holidays. You can chat to the kids, help with both English and maths through playing games, singing songs etc. More information will be given to you about this during your first week.
Accommodation during this week will be either at the eco house or if you prefer, a home-stay. Most of the schools are within walking distance. For those schools that are not, the teacher or a local co-ordinator will transport you there and back. Remember to dress and behave appropriately. The students will look up to you and will attempt to copy your fashion and actions. Ladies, you need to make sure you don’t expose too much skin. Polo shirts/T-shirts, trousers and long skirts are all fine. Also the smarter you dress the more respect you will receive in the classroom.
It can be helpful to bring some materials to help you assist with teaching. For example, books, games and toys. It’s a nice idea to donate these to the school or children once you have left. Pens and paper will be provided. If you have any questions about this week, then please feel free to contact us or talk to the co-ordinators.If you want to try something different instead then we have the boxing option:
Week Three - Boxing Option
During this week you will train in elements of Muay Thai the exciting national sport of Thailand. This is geared for complete beginners so no need to feel intimidated. It is lots of fun and there is no better way to immerse our self in the local culture! While you are training you will focus on many different areas, a large part of Thai boxing includes agility, speed and balance. In order to develop each discipline of Muay Thai (i.e. punches, kicks, elbows etc), you will learn exercises and training drills that promote these three important things.
A typical day begins with an early start, getting up at 5.30am. This is necessary so that you are not spending the hottest hours of the day participating in intensive boxing training. You will head for a run to warm up followed by refreshments at the gym. From here you will take training exercises led by our experienced Thai Boxing trainer. Once fully warmed up you will head into the ring to spar one-on-one. Our co-ordinator will translate the instructor's explanations into English. He will try to teach you some Thai necessary to learn more about the sport.
From 9am you have the option of going to the swimming pool (14km away) or relaxing back at the eco-house with other participants. The morning routine is repeated at around 3pm. The training can be quite intense, so it is important that you have a “warm down” period each day.
You will have the opportunity to take part in optional Tae Kwon Do classes some evenings.
Changing Options
If you think that you may decide to change your option for week three from boxing to the teaching option, or that you may add extra cultural immersion weeks you can do this locally.
Week Four - Beach time (6 nights)
This is usually the travellers’ favourite part of the programme. You will spend from Sunday afternoon to Saturday morning on the gorgeous island of Koh Samet. This is free time for you to do what you want, when you want. All meals included. Some participants also like to try out local restaurants for dinner (at their own expense).
The only organised activity during this week is a boat trip on the Wednesday for snorkelling and fishing. Lunch is on board the boat. This is included in the price. You are welcome to join this activity or not and do your own thing. The rest of the time is free time to sun bathe, snorkel, explore the beautiful island or simply chill out in the many beach bars!
The accommodation is always in resorts close to the beach. Securing twin room accommodation can be a problem for us, as most rooms in Thailand have a double bed. We obviously don’t want you to share a bed with someone unless you want to! So we do split the group into a number of resorts to ensure you get a twin room. All the resorts are pretty close to each other and you will be able to meet up with the other groups. If you find yourself booked into a room with only a double bed and you prefer a twin share, then immediately tell the co-ordinators. We can make sure the resort upgrades your room. Thai people sometimes forget that it is unacceptable for people to share double beds, as this is all part of their culture.
What happens at the end of your programme?
4-week option:
Those on the 4-week option will leave the island on the Saturday and will arrive back in Bangkok around 4pm. You will be taken directly to the coach station in Bangkok. Here you can get a taxi to the airport, or you can travel onto your next destination. Alternatively you can be dropped off at the Royal Hotel. In the past, travellers on the 4-week option have preferred to spend one final night in Bangkok making onwards travel arrangements for Sunday.
Remember, if you do fly back on the Saturday, do not arrange your flight any earlier than 8pm. If you stay an extra day, you can arrange your flight for any time on the Sunday.
Extra project work:
Those that have chosen to do extra volunteer work after the four weeks will be taken directly to the project location from the island. You will be introduced to the staff and the project co-ordinators. Some of the projects are in Singburi, some are in the South and the Hill Tribe option is in Northern Thailand in Chiang Rai. The options are as follows:- Orphanage
- Hill Tribe Project
- Teaching Children English
- Elephant Project
- Thai Boxing
Add on another trip!
Test your metal on another paradise island on the Koh Tao Adventure, where you can learn some adventure sports or perhaps learn to dive.
You might notice that this trip is similar in style to the Xtreme Thailand experience, in many ways it is, the first two weeks are identical. It is a little bit cheaper than the kind experience and the last two weeks are different, what is the difference?
Well apart from price , this trip features more cultural aspects and has less action and activities included, you also stay to your beach week in a different location closer to Bangkok away from the former party (which is why the Xtreme Thailand experiences more expensive).
If budget is not so much the concern we definitely recommend Xtreme Thailand experience, but the Thailand adventure is a lot of fun too
Please note Itineraries are flexible and subject to change.
We would love to hear from you!
You can contact us with your questions about this trip, or you can tell us about your trip plans and we can tailor make the perfect trip you. You can also request trip notes on the right. You can book for only £100 so get booking up and secure your spot asap.
