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City/State: Northern Thailand |
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Country: THAILAND
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| Go Differently |
19 West Road
Essex
UNITED KINGDOM
CB11 3DS
Phone: +44 (0) 1799 521950
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Program description: |
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It's not often one gets the opportunity to partipate in a volunteer program without having to commit to months working abroad. If you'd like to get involved but only have a couple of weeks to spare - this one is for YOU!
The program is developed specifically to meet the needs of the villagers of Ban Asamat in NE Thailand (on the Mekong River) Primary goals of challenging students in a positive and productive manner are addressed through the 'Isan' Cultural Heritage Conservation Project & the Ban Asamat English Teaching Project. One of the 7 tribes of Nakorn Phanom, the 'Saek' people live in this Mekong-side village. Known originally for thier characteristics as fierce and brave warriors, one of their most charming traits is the tribe's unique dance. This employs several people slapping bamboo poles together. Dancers cannot touch the bamboo poles when lifting and lowering to the ground. This dance requires great skill and coordination.
Located so far from Bangkok, schools in this part of Thailand have never easily found English teachers. While children here enjoy the same privileges and rights as those in other parts of the Kingdom, the village is very enthusiastic to host groups of volunteers. While volunteering at Asamat, you will experience the real Thailand in a way few visitors can. Meeting, working, and living with local people will be a great reward in itself, for both the visitors and the villagers!
DAY 1 - ARRIVE BANGKOK
Transfer with your guide to the hotel after completing border formalities. Sleep as long as you can but remember that hotel breakfast buffet is over at 1000hrs.
DAY 2 - EXPLORING BANGKOK
After a leisurely breakfast, take the subway to the Skytrain Station with your guide and staff. Then board the skytrain which takes us to the Chao Phya River, and our waiting local style riverboat. Relax with a soda while checking out Bangkok's old klongs (canals) and waterways on the Thonburi side of the river. Also briefly visit the Royal Barge Museum before crossing the river.
Cross the river to the Grand Palace side, and then walk to a local restaurant for a simple lunch. After lunch continue to the Grand Palace. Probably the most important centre of Thai culture, the palace was once the royal abode, but today is used mainly for ceremonial functions. Tourists are allowed inside to see the Emerald Buddha, the displays of royal artifacts & memorabilia, and wall decorations. Then continue by taxi to the Jim Thompson House & Textile Museum, and to see the art & textile collection of this man, credited at one time with reviving & revitalizing the Thai silk industry.
Return to the hotel to relax or explore on your own. There will be a briefing this evening before dinner with your guide to discuss the coming days. You will be given a 'handbook' of useful practical and cultural information which you can study in your spare time.
DAY 3 - BANGKOK - NAKORN PHANOM - BAN ASAMAT
After breakfast transfer to the airport for an early flight to Nakorn Phanom. Transfer from the airport with your guide and staff to the Mekong river-side village of Ban Asamat. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant where staff and local teachers will brief you on the village and the jobs we will be doing here. Break into sub-groups and go the the house where you will live for the next 10 days to meet your host family. Dinner will be together this night, and we will show you how local people eat, and you will try a few of the local specialties.
DAY 4 - NAKORN PHANOM & BAN ASAMAT VOLUNTEER PROJECT - AFTERNOON FREE TIME TO EXPLORE NKP
Volunteer project - You will probably wake up with the roosters, like your hosts. After local breakfast of "Khao Tom Sen" (a pork bone & rice noodle soup), ride bikes over to the local school where you will meet your students and Thai teaching counterparts. Your coordinator will be on hand at all times to assist in communication, but we anticipate no problems, and that you will find yourself teaching and having a wonderful time with the local kids. At lunch break to eat with the teachers in a local restaurant. After lunch ride back to the village or explore the town of NKP on your own.
DAY 5 - NAKORN PHANOM & BAN ASAMAT VOLUNTEER PROJECT
Volunteer project - village home-stay.
DAY 6 - NAKORN PHANOM & BAN ASAMAT VOLUNTEER PROJECT
Volunteer project - village home-stay.
DAY 7 - NAKORN PHANOM & BAN ASAMAT VOLUNTEER PROJECT
Volunteer project - village home-stay.
DAY 8 - HO CHI MINH'S HOUSE - THAD PHANOM TEMPLE - MUKDAHARN INDOCHINA MARKET
Day trip to Ho Chi Minh's house, Thad Phanom & Mukdaharn. The Vietnamese nationalist hero lived here for 7 years during what historians call his 'missing years', from 1923 until 1930. Meet old Uncle Dieu who - only 8 years old at the time - was tasked along with his father to look after the great man.
Continue to Thad Phanom. The ancient temple here is arguably the most important for ethnic Lao people in Thailand and Laos. Pilgrims come from Bangkok and as far as Taiwan regularly. Continue to Mukdaharn to visit the colourful Indochina Market where goods from the 6 Mekong countries are sold. This is a good time to find souvenirs. Return to NKP and Ban Asamat, with other stops, time permitting.
DAY 9 - THAT KHAM WATERFALL & NATIONAL PARK - BAN ASAMAT
Day trip to National Park north of Nakorn Phanom. The small waterfall is a favouite destination for local people during in sunny weather. Enjoy splashing in the water and use the time to better get to know those local people who join us. Picnic lunch, then return to NKP in the evening.
DAY 10 - NAKORN PHANOM & BAN ASAMAT VOLUNTEER PROJECT - BAI SII SU KWAN BLESSING CEREMONY - FAREWELL PARTY
Volunteer project - This evening, after teaching we will all enjoy a small 'farewell dinner' with staff from the school, and in fact most of the village - from teachers to parents. This is a chance for the villagers to show their appreciation to you and likely they will perform the Bai Si Su Kwan ceremony for you. This is only done for close friends and family when one has come from or is going on a long journey. Ask us for a deeper explanation to really understand this important charming local ritual.
DAY 11 - NAKORN PHANOM - BANGKOK
After breakfast, bid farewell to your hosts, and then transfer to the airport for the flight to Bangkok. After arrival transfer with your guide to the hotel, and spend the rest of the day relaxing or exploring on your own.
DAY 12 - BANGKOK - HOME
Early morning check out and transfer to the airport for flight home.
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General program information: |
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Program open to: Everyone
Travel to site: Varies
Is opportunity more independant or group orientated: Varies
No. in group: 2 - 10
Living arrangements on the program: Home stays (living with local families)
How long does the program last?: 1-2 weeks
What are the dates of this program: Runs at any time of the year
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Benefits and advantages of the program: |
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Located so far from Bangkok, schools in this part of Thailand have never easily found English teachers. While children here enjoy the same privileges and rights as those in other parts of the Kingdom, the village is very enthusiastic to host groups of volunteers. While volunteering at Asamat, you will experience the real Thailand in a way few visitors can. Meeting, working, and living with local people will be a great reward in itself, for both the visitors and the villagers!
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Cost or price of this program: |
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Please contact us for price details.
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