Thailand 3-Week

We fly as a group directly to Bangkok for three days of orientation and city exploration. After resting from our flight, we get the chance to meander through the extensive Chatuchak Market and float through the canals on a restored teak rice barge converted into a floating classroom. While in Bangkok, we will be treated to a guided tour of Wat Po temple, famous for its iconic reclining Buddha. Local guides will provide us with intimate knowledge of Thailand’s rich history and culture before we embark on an overnight train to Chiang Mai.

Upon arrival in the northern cultural hub of Chiang Mai, we will continue our orientation with a seminar on Thai history and culture and a visit to Doi Suthep Temple, which sits on a mountain overlooking the city. We begin projects at Pun Pun Earthen Building Center. Additional activities include a discussion about Buddhism at local temple with monks and a visit to the Night Bazaar.

Our service continues at Elephant Nature Park, an elephant rescue and rehabilitation center.  After spending two days with these gentle giants, we begin our journey to the small, rural mountain communities which are home to Thailand's unique hill tribe population.  During our time here, our service work will include classroom construction and English Camp, where we will teach local kids and those from neighboring communities a language vital to upward economic mobility.  Our Thai hosts will share their knowledge of native crafts, such as traditional weaving, bamboo artistry, and traditional songs with us. 

The islands of southern Thailand top many traveler's "favorites" lists.  What better way to explore them than by sea kayak!  With local guides, we will travel the shoreline of the beautiful islands by day and build bonfires on the beach by night.  We will then have the opportunity to visit a small fishing village on one of the islands, where the locals will welcome us and teach us about their way of island living, which has been untouched for many years.  Our last days in the islands will be full of snorkeling, skin diving, and paddleboarding fun!

The final stage of our journey brings us back to Bangkok, where we are able to reflect as a group on our three amazing weeks in Thailand.  After a final group dinner, we board our plane to Los Angeles, taking with us many fond memories from the captivating "land of smiles."