Thailand

Trip Dates and Applications

Encouraged Reading:

Foreign to Familiar by Sarah A. Lanier and Not for Sale by David Batstone.
Payment and Donation Log - Must accompany all payments and donations.
*Does not include airfare to Bangkok. Prices listed may be subject to extra fees. See application for full pricing and package details.

Projects

Thailand is a beautiful country and Thai culture is full of laughter, friendship, and deep respect for one other. However, Thailand also has been a country that has had many dark secrets and many women and children have been victimized by exploitation and slavery within its borders. During our time in Thailand, we will become a voice for abolition and freedom, as we help Buddies Along the Roadside, a grassroots foundation that reaches out to children and families that are caught in the destructive web of sexual slavery and exploitation. Our help comes in the form of building projects and time invested in the children that are now safe and being rehabilitated in the home in Chiang Saen province, and it is always deeply appreciated and welcomed.

During our time in Chiang Saen we stay in a local hotel and spend our days at the children's home and completing various projects.

Itinerary

Day ONE:

• Team to meet in Chiang Mai (Chiang Mai International Airport - CNX), Thailand. A staff member will meet you as you leave security and bring you to our accommodations in Chiang Mai.

Day TWO:

• Orientation and meet your team.
• Drive to Chiang Saen in the afternoon.

Day THREE-TEN:

• During our stay in Chiang Saen we will be participating in the following activities: 

1. Building Projects: Each year our project looks a little different, as we partner with Buddies Along the Roadside to build and maintain their children's compound. Examples of projects in the past: building an office space and a water treatment centre, constructing a recycling area for the home, assembling a safe playground for the kids, general maintenance, and painting.
2. Fun Days with the Kids: There are about 160 children currently in the children's home. They range in age from 3-19, and most have been rescued from exploitation and abuse. You will meet some incredible people that you will soon call friends.
3. English and Sports Camps: English is the most widely used language in the world, and knowledge of English helps to equip these children with a wider range of education and job opportunities. Please come prepared with a willingness to have fun with English, and with possible class ideas!
4. Visit Drop-In Centre on the Myanmar border. Meet some of the families whose lives have been changed by the projects, hear their stories and meet the people who work directly with children who are currently living on the streets.

Day TWELVE:

• Drive to Chiang Mai
• Final Debriefing

Day THIRTEEN:

• Day off or Excursion Day: A day off to relax and unwind at the hotel or enjoy an adventure excursion!

Day FOURTEEN:

• Fly home out of Chiang Mai (Chiang Mai International Airport - CNX), Thailand.

Accommodations

While in Thailand we stay at a quaint, smalll hotel, Chiang Saen River Hotel. It is in the town of Chiang Saen, Chian Rai Province, approximately a 10 minute drive from our project site. Our rooms in Thailand are double occupancy and are clean, air conditioned and have hot water. We also have consistent access to internet and bank machines.

While staying at this location, you will taste some of the best food-ever! Our meals are a combination of eating with the kids at the children's home, local restaurants and meals prepared by friends of Live Different. There are always vegetarian options available,and you will always be well taken care of.

Staff / Security

Hero Holiday has been traveling with our groups to Thailand since March 2007. While working alongside our Thai friends we have developed friendships and relationships with organizations that are on the ground making a dramatic difference in the lives of children at risk. Whether arranging transportation, building projects, meals, best locations for the night markets, or inexpensive Thai massages our Thai staff are exceptionally experienced.

All of our staff are very passionate about what we do and we believe that we all have a responsibility to help those in need and to stand up for those who cannot stand up for themselves. Hero Holiday maintains excellent community relations and works diligently alongside of community leaders, other NGO's working in the area, and often government officials in each country that we work in. Safety is always our number one priority. All of our key staff are first aid certified and we always have access available to quality medical attention (if needed) in all countries that we work in.

Before a Hero Holiday begins, all parents are given contact numbers and emails for Hero Holiday Trip Host(s). We are available at any time for parental concerns or emergencies. Our staff also works hard to keep families and friends back home updated on a daily basis with stories and pictures on our website and Facebook of what is happening with each particular group.