Program Description
During Siam Culture week, you will learn about Thai culture, get an insight into the language and have a taste of what has made Thai cooking so famous around the world. You will visit Wat Phra Non Jaksi Worawihan temple (famous for containing one of the largest indoor reclining Buddha statues) the ancient capital of Ayutthaya, have monkeys jumping on your head in Lopburi and much more! Moreover, you will get to meet people, take a Thai cooking lesson, learn the basics of the language, and get a firsthand understanding of the Thai way of life.
Aims & Objectives
The purpose of this program is to help you get a reasonable understanding of the manners, norms, and etiquette that is inherent in Thai society. This week is also perfect for you to get to know and bond with other new participants. It is great for those who will be spending a prolonged period in the country, but also for those who have little time and want to experience Thailand at its best. Its emphasis is on educational factors, such as the language, cooking, cultural and historical aspects of Thailand.
Monday
After breakfast, we will have a group meeting which includes, registration, explanation of programs and changes, logistics, general information and health and safety. After that we will walk around Tha Kham village to get you familiarized with your new surroundings. We will then stop at the ATM, Bank, Pharmacy, Phone Shop, convenience stores and the local market then followed by lunch at our center.
In the afternoon, we will have a short drive to Singburi and find out about transportation methods to Bangkok. Then head over afterwards to Chai Saeng where you can buy essential supplies for the week such as temple clothing, Mosquito repellent, Sunscreen, Power adapters.
Next, we will pay a visit to Wat Phikun Thong, a buddhist temple where you will get a short introduction to Buddhist rituals.
Once back at the accommodation, you will get a Thai language lesson and you will also learn about the do’s and don’ts in Thailand. After dinner, you will be the special guests of a welcome party with local children performing a Thai traditional dance for us – they will expect you to join in with the dancing at some point! You will have the rest of the evening to engage in night activities or your own free time.
Tuesday
Start off the morning with a visit to Wat Muang in Ang Thong, which is home to the tallest Buddha statue in Thailand and the 9th in the world. Next we will drive to Banbang Sadet Court Doll Centre where you can see the famous world-class miniature dolls and even build your own!
After lunch, we will head to the Historic City of Ayutthaya, which was founded in 1350 by King U-Thong. Once there, we will explore Ayutthaya Historical Park, which contains the ruins of the former capital of the Kingdom of Siam and is recognized internationally as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here, we will also visit Wat Mahathat (The temple of the Great Relic).
Next up we will Visit Wat SriSanphet & a local market close-by. This trip will be a while but on the way out you can buy souvenirs, drinks and any other refreshments you like.
Our final stop for the today will be a visit to Wat Yai Chai Mongkol. You can you walk up the Chedi for photos of the city or go to the top of the temple and drop a coin in the bucket for blessings and temple preservations. You will also have the chance to see the Reclining Buddha.
Once we return back to the accommodation, we will finish off the evening with a dinner!
Wednesday
We will start off the morning very early with a drive to Wat Phra Non Chaksi and meet up with the monks on their morning alms collection and walk through the village with the monks. We will then prepare food for the monks and then have breakfast afterwards.
After breakfast, you will have the chance to learn about authentic meditation from a local monk. You will also have the opportunity to engage in a Q & A with the monk. We will then walk around the Vihan to see the massive sleeping Buddha. After visiting the temple, you can buy coffee, soft drinks, ice-cream outside of the temple.
We will then drive back to the accommodation and if you are up for it, watch a interesting documentary about Buddhism. After lunch at our accommodation, we will drive to Singburi for your free time at a local swimming pool or a nice relaxing massage at Chai Saeng.
In the evening, we will have dinner at a BBQ restaurant (Thai style, of course!)
Thursday
In the morning, we will visit Ban Din Moddaeng in Lopburi where we will also have lunch here.
After lunch, we will drive to Wat Phra Prang Sam Yot park and walk over to the old temple, where you can walk around and see all the monkeys. If you wish, peanuts can be bought for the monkeys for fead. We will then head back to our accommodation in Singburi, where we will freshen up and rest.
In the afternoon, you will engage in after school activities with the local children, assist with their homework, English and Maths at our accommodation.
After dinner at our accommodation, you will visit Top Plaza Mall where everyone will have 1 hour of free time in the mall or evening activities.
Friday
The morning will start off with a visit to Coconut Shell House. This local handicrafts workshop makes jewelry from coconut shells and is part of the Thailand’s OTOP program.
We will then head back to the accommodation for some traditional Thai cooking lessons. Make sure to pay close attention during the lessons because you will be eating your own cooked meal for lunch!
After lunch, we will visit the Royal Highness Queens Project in Nong Lad. Walk around the project site and see vegetation & rice fields, mushroom & fish farms and even water Buffaloes. Plenty of opportunities to stop and ask questions to the local farmers.
Once we leave the Queens project, we will go to Khai Bang Rachan Memorial Park – one of Thailand’s most historical site showcasing a great battle which took place over 250 years ago between the Burmese and Siamese people in old Siam!
We’ll then head back to the accommodation in Singburi where we will have dinner.