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Thai Silk Roads to the Sea - Volunteer Tour

This is a very special trip organised in conjunction with friends of ours in north eastern Thailand. The villagers rarely receive outside visitors but they're excited by the prospect and looking forward to a mutually rewarding experience.

Proposed departure dates for 2007
17th March 2007
31st March 2007
27th May 2007

We may well be adding to these dates so if they don't fit in with your plans, please do let us know and we'll be happy to discuss...

Explore the unforgettable sights of Bangkok

5 days homestay at Sawaii village

Assist with tree planting and learn more about silk weaving and other local crafts

Introduction to teaching English and 2 day English Camp with the local kids

2 days chilling out on the beautiful island of Koh Tao

3 days on Koh Phang Ngan island to coincide with the legendary Full Moon Party (depending on dates)

Sawaii is a small village set among an immense vista of rice paddy in the north-east of Thailand. An economically poor, but spiritually and culturally wealthy area, Sawaii is home to some of the world’s friendliest people, a unique language, local food and living Buddhist traditions. Sawaii is also home to ‘Dtae Moh Hai’ Natural Dyed Silk Weaving Group, which was set up by local women to generate additional income, and to ensure their ancient traditions of silk weaving are passed on to the next generation.

The members of ‘Dtae Moh Hai’ are excited and proud to share their lives and work with guests, and are happy for volunteers to come and lend a hand. Guests will have the opportunity to try their hands at silk weaving and other local crafts, and to help out with simple volunteer activities such as planting the many varieties of trees which provide natural dyes for the group, or basic construction of shelters for the weavers.

In addition, the local school has requested that English speakers volunteer to assist at a Weekend English Camp. Activities will include teaching English songs, Active English for playing sports and an English Talent Contest! You don’t need any experience for this – just enthusiasm and a sense of humor. You will also receive a day’s training by an English Teacher Trainer to give you a few tricks of the trade!

Accommodation during your time in the village will be with a local homestay family. At the English Camp, we’ll be sleeping under the stars, singing camp songs!

After an awesome cultural experience, pack your bags and head down to the white sand beaches of Southern Thailand for a week of chilled bliss. First stop is Koh Tao Island, renowned for its fine diving and clear seas. There we will enjoy a snorkeling  trip around the island. Then, we’ll head to Koh Phang Ngan, Thailand’s best-loved alternative sun, sea and sand destination where activities will include sea swimming, relaxing in a hammock and enjoying the unspoiled beauty of this tropical island. You can even join the world-famous Phang Ngan full-moon party if you fancy a bop.

Accommodation during your time relaxing in the islands will be comfortable beach bungalows – fan cooled rooms in Koh Tao, and air conditioned in Koh Phang Ngan.

‘Thai Silk Roads to the Sea’ Program

Today we will visit the Grand Palace, stunning symbol of the Thai monarchy and Thai Buddhist religion. We will have some free time to go for a stroll around this historic area of Bangkok, before meeting back at the hotel to take an overnight train to Surin, in Thailand’s north-east. Enjoy a classic Thai train journey through the night! 

Today, you will be picked up local style in our own farm truck, and taken to Sawaii village, where you will be greeted by village leaders and meet the Dtae Moh Hai Women’s Natural Silk Weaving Group. Today is your chance to learn the ancient skills of natural silk weaving with members of the women’s group and village elders.

During your time in Sawaii, you will stay in local homes with homestay families. (B, L, D)

Today is the first day of volunteering. First, we will be blessed at the local Buddhist temple with our homestay families. Then we will assist natural dye tree planting with the community group members. In the afternoon, we will help with other volunteer activities, depending on what work is currently being undertaken by Dtae Moh Hai. (B, L, D)

Today, our English Language Teacher trainer will spend a couple of hours teaching us some helpful techniques for the English Camp. We will have time to design simple games and activities to play with the kids, to help them learn a little English and have a lot of fun! Tonight is our last night in the village, so we will enjoy a local feast!  (B, L, D)

Today is the first day of the Volunteer English Camp. After an opening ceremony, we will work in pairs to oversee teaching stations and try out our ideas from the day before. The kids never have the chance to practice English, and are sure to be enthusiastic – will you teach them aerobics in English, directions to England, football positions, or one of your favorite songs? Tonight we will camp under the stars! (B, L, D)

Today is the second day of the English Camp. We will join in a rice planting ceremony with the Thai school teachers, be MC’s at an English Talent Contest, and then spectators, referees, or even competitors at a friendly sports contest. 

In the evening, we will say goodbye to our friends in Sawaii, and head off to Surin, where we will stay the night before tomorrow’s journey to the south of Thailand. (B, L, D)

Day 8: Return to Bangkok and Head South
After breakfast and an early start, we will take the fast train back to bustling Bangkok. On the way, you’ll be able to see the rolling rice plains of the north-east and catch sight of the jungles and mountains of  Kao Yai national park. We’ll arrive back in the city in the early afternoon, and have some free time, before connecting with a coach to the south of Thailand. Today will be an epic journey, spanning the countryside! (B)

Today we arrive in Koh Tao, one of Thailand’s foremost diving and water sports centers, renowned for clear seas and world-class coral. We stay in Mango Bay, a tranquil haven far away from the crowds. After yesterday’s long journey, you can spend the day relaxing in your secluded bungalow, with gorgeous views of sea and sky. For adventure seekers, plenty of fun activities are possible, including snorkeling, water-skiing, sea kayaking and swimming. You are sure to love Koh Tao island!

Refreshed and re-vitalized, we will head off on a snorkeling boat trip around Koh Tao. A picnic lunch and all your snorkeling equipment are included. There are good opportunities to see diverse species of exotic tropical fish, colorful coral, and white-sand dessert islands. In the evening you’ll have time to enjoy the sunset over the sea. (L)

Today we travel to Koh Phang Ngan, a legendary spot for independent travelers. This is one Thailand’s most beautiful and chilled out islands, with long white, sandy beaches, and jungle covered mountains framed by blue skies and sea. Koh Phang Ngan is the perfect place for sipping a chilled cocktail, or a glass of freshly squeezed orange juice in your hammock, while considering when to go for the next swim! Tonight is also the big night for Koh Phang Ngan’s legendary Full Moon Party… 

Koh Phang Ngan combines the best of laid-back traveler style and authentic local Southern Thai flavour. These two divine days are yours to relax with exactly as you choose. Our tour leader will be around to give you advice if you wish, or you can just do your own thing and disappear into the big blue horizon in a sea kayak! As well as beautiful beaches, Koh Phang Ngan also has small Southern Thai villages, local markets, temples, and scrumptious eating choices from Thai to Tandoori to tempt you.

Day 14: Return Bangkok
Today we will enjoy breakfast, before traveling by ferry back to the Southern Thai mainland, and catching another overnight train from Surathani to Bangkok.

Day 15: Departure Day
Today is departure day for the group. Day rooms will be available at our hotel in Bangkok for you to take a shower and pack, before returning back home.

Price: £850 per person on a twin sharing basis

The price includes: All accommodation, meals, transport and activities as indicated; a professional licensed, English speaking tour leader; local cultural information; and a 75 pound donation towards ‘Dtae Moh Hai’ Womens’ Natural Silk Weaving Group activities.

The price doesn’t include: Meals as indicated, alcoholic drinks, flights or personal gifts and souvenirs.

NB. This itinerary is intended as a guide only and may be varied depending on the specific volunteering needs at the time of travel. Whilst Go Differently and their partners will do everything possible to ensure that this itinerary is followed as closely as possible, participants will need to be flexible and accept that the current situation in southern Thailand may mean that we have to make changes, sometimes at short notice.