Northern Thailand
Day 01: Start of the Journey: The team lands in Chiang Mai and receives a friendly introduction and guidance from the GIVE team. The night is yours to discover the city, indulge in delightful Thai dishes, and bond with fellow volunteers!
Day 02: Following our morning meal, we’ll delve into the intricacies of the upcoming journey, immersing ourselves in Thai culture. A Thai language primer awaits us after which we’ll embark on a tuk-tuk taxi ride to the ancient Wat Chedi Luang temple ruins. Here, a local guide will unveil the history of Chiang Mai and the Lanna Kingdom, elucidating the fundamental tenets of Buddhism and sharing captivating tidbits about Thai culture.
As the day progresses, we’ll contribute to Chiang Mai University’s Forest Restoration and Research Unit (FORRU) during the afternoon. Our tasks may range from planting trees, germinating seeds, potting, and caring for seedlings, to collecting seeds, weeding, and fertilizing at their tree nurseries or reforestation sites. To conclude the day, we’ll explore the renowned Chiang Mai Night Bazaar, indulging in delectable Thai street food and scouting for unique souvenirs.
Day 03: Following breakfast, embark on a scenic 4-hour journey north, traversing lush jungles and limestone peaks to reach our abode for the upcoming week – the captivating hill-tribe villages of Muang Khong. Once comfortably settled in your bungalows, we’ll convene as a collective to delve into the exciting volunteer initiatives planned for the days ahead.
Day 04 – 09: Engage in Muang Khong: Start your day contributing to English education, sustainable agriculture, and reforestation. After a fulfilling morning of volunteering, take a break and return to the project site in the afternoon. Explore adventure and cultural activities like Thai cooking, language lessons, hiking, handicrafts, cave trekking, assisting farmers, sports with locals, and village exploration before dinner.
Day 10: Get ready for an exhilarating 4×4 journey through the jungle en route to Ba Kao Lam, the Karen hill-tribe village hosting our Elephant Reintroduction Program. Later, immerse yourself in an engaging bamboo raft-building session guided by locals!
Day 11 – 12: Immerse yourself in a unique experience with Southeast Asia’s majestic beings – the Asian elephants. Contribute to their well-being in Thailand by teaming up with skilled mahouts (elephant caretakers) to trail through the jungle, conduct health checks, indulge in river baths, prepare nutritious treats, and engage in nightly conversations on elephant conservation in Asia. On the 12th day, cruise down the Mae Tang River on a bamboo raft, concluding with a memorable night at Pong Ngan’s Lahu Village. Join locals for a barbecue dinner, and partake in traditional dances around the bonfire!
Day 13: Embark on an exhilarating bamboo-rafting odyssey, reaching the most thrilling rapids and breathtaking vistas. Brace yourself for the ride of a lifetime or take control with a pole, guiding us to the ultimate Thai escapade— a heart-pounding 160-foot bungee jump! (Opt for drift karts or zorbing if heights aren’t your preference.) Conclude the adventure with a night of contemplation and festivity in Chiang Mai.
Day 14: Journey’s Conclusion: Every adventure has its finale. Embrace the final moments in Thailand before your return, OR opt for GIVE’s Laos Excursion to complete your Southeast Asia exploration!