Thailand: Cultural Immersion and Service in Isaan Villages
Thailand: Cultural Immersion and Service in Isaan Villages
For those intrigued by cultures and real-life experiences, this trip is designed to immerse the traveler in the life of rice-farming villagers in the materially-poor but culturally-rich Northeast region of Thailand. The itinerary highlight is a village home-stay, where you'll be welcomed into a family and included in everything from collecting ingredients for lunch to Buddhist ceremonies, weaving bamboo mats to preparing cassava for the market. As you fall in love with Isaan life, we explore the region more in depth, hiking to the prehistoric drawings on the Mekong, meeting local health and agricultural officials, and visiting with village women's groups to learn of their economic development activities. A highly rewarding adventure for both the traveler and the hosts.
This trip is ideal for those seeking unique adventures that include volunteering components, and can be customized to meet groups' needs. It is a great fit for high school trips, whether for a senior class trip that focuses on volunteering for students, or for a high school trip that includes touring and a combination of activities.
Highlights
Enjoy the village home-stay: experience village life under the protective care of generous, hospitable locals
Experience an overnight in a forest Buddhist temple and chat with the English-speaking resident monks
Engage in physical activities like hiking, boating, fishing, and playing soccer with the villagers
Learn to cook Thai food sticky rice and roast chicken, papaya salad and delicious curries
Explore the Lao/Thai border market, where you'll find Buddha images, herbal remedies, rice baskets, and exotic edibles
Celebrate with the Thais: a wedding, holiday or ceremony, depending on the season
Unique Aspects
Our goal is to promote cultural exchange and develop relationships. We travel close to the ground, at a pace that allows true connection with the local people; the trip is designed around people. A service project that emphasizes rich cultural exchange is identified for each visit, depending on the needs of the host community. This might include language skills exchange, harvest activities, handicraft marketing and/or building a school or community center. Isaan is the least developed, least visited region of Thailand. There is very little about this region in guidebooks, which we think is a good thing!
Best Time to Go
October through March, although any time of year is fascinating. The rainy season ends late September. The rice fields stay brilliantly green through October, and we can help harvest in November and December. January through March is dry and hot.
Accomodations
Clean and comfortable, moderately-priced accommodations. In the village, we usually pair up for placement with a family. You're given a comfy mat, a pillow and a mosquito net. We also stay in national parks and temples, and occasionally camp, getting a taste of the real Thailand.
Duration
8 to 17 Days
Sustainable Elements
Local guides and transportation; emphasis on local food
Low-impact, moderate accommodations
Focus on preserving the local culture
Home-stay provides income directly to villagers
Field trips to locally-run development projects
Number of Travelers
min 8, max 18
Cost
From $155 per day.Price includes most meals; all lodging; in-country transportation relevant to tour activities; local, knowledgeable, bilingual guides; entrance fees for scheduled events and sites; pre-departure preparatory info and support.
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