GIVE Trip Overview - Thailand Excursion

GIVE Trip Overview

Thailand Excursion

The Roots of Change

GIVE Excursion Overview

Get ready! Your GIVE Thailand Excursion is coming up soon, so prepare to be immersed

in the fascinating culture and environment of Northern Thailand, broaden your

perspectives of the world, and meet your new GIVE family. Your Thai journey will take

you from the historic Old Town of Chiang Mai to the rolling green landscapes and rustic

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hill-tribe villages of Mueang Khong. Here you will be directly involved in locally led

volunteer projects, authentic cultural experiences, and off-the-beaten-path adventures that

empower local people and preserve local ecosystems.

This Excursion Overview includes important information about your upcoming trip.

Some of this material may appear familiar, but please read the entire overview as some

information may have changed, and all of the information is important to making sure

your experience is as enjoyable as it can possibly be.

(packing list included – refer to page 18)

Preparation Reminders Prior to Departure

Passport:

Don’t forget to bring your passport and at least two color-copies of your passport to

Thailand. Our office should have already received a color copy of your passport, but it is

important that you bring color copies when traveling abroad as well.

Make sure that your passport is valid and does not expire within 6 months of your return

travel date. For example, if you return home on June 1, 2024, your passport expiration

date cannot be prior to December 2, 2024. Also make sure that your passport has at least

2 empty pages for entry/exit stamps.

If you have not yet ordered or received your passport, please contact us immediately

by phone at +1 (206) 973-7991 or email at [email protected].

Traveler’s Insurance (Required)

International Medical and Traveler’s Insurance (Required):

GIVE requires all travelers to provide proof of traveler’s insurance coverage. This

ensures that you have coverage if unforeseen events arise such as baggage loss, travel

delay, sickness, injury, etc.

For USA residents and Canadian Residents: you can purchase insurance from the GIVE

website under “Travel Details” in the navigation. You can find it directly at this link: go

to https://www.givevolunteers.org/prepping-trip/travel-details/#insurance

● Departure & Return Dates: Be sure to include all travel days (for example, if

you’re taking a red-eye home, the return date is the day you land back home)

● Trip Cost: This is the total amount that you are insuring, which should equal your

GIVE trip at a minimum.

o We strongly recommend covering both the cost of your flights and GIVE

trip. If you have not purchased flights yet, you can still purchase insurance

and either estimate cost of flights or increase your coverage later.

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Non-US Residents: You must provide proof of international travel insurance meeting

GIVE’s requirements and insuring your total trip cost (and flight, if preferred).

If you’d like to purchase from a different provider, then you must confirm you are aware

of our coverage requirements and that your policy meets those requirements. Note that

your insurance coverage must include trip cancellation and interruption.

Visa:

There are a few different options for visas, so read below. Depending on your citizenship,

you may be exempt from obtaining a visa, can receive one on arrival, or order prior to

departure.

1. Tourist Visa Exemption (if traveling in Thailand less than 30 days)

If you are a US citizen or a citizen of one of the countries listed below, you do

not need to obtain a visa as you fall into the Tourist Visa Exemption category. In

this case, you are required to:

1. Provide Proof of Onward Travel: bring proof of confirmed air, train,

bus, or boat tickets showing you will leave Thailand within 30 days

from your arrival date. If you cannot provide proof, you will have to

obtain a tourist visa (which is outlined below).

2. Provide Proof of Finances: Thailand requires travelers to have proof

of adequate finances for the duration of your stay when you enter into

the country, such as a traveler’s check or cash equivalent to 10,000

Baht (approx. $300 USD) per person and 20,000 Baht (approx. $600

USD) per family. A screenshot of your bank statement would be

sufficient.

3. You may need an address in Thailand and, if so, write “Eco Resort

Chiang Mai, 109 Bumrungrad Rd. Watkate, Muang Chiang

Mai 50000 Thailand”

Countries with the Tourist Visa Exemption:

Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Bahrain, Brunei, Canada, Denmark,

Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hong Kong, Iceland, Indonesia,

Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, South Korea, Kuwait, Luxembourg, Malaysia,

Monaco, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Peru, Philippines, Portugal,

Qatar, Singapore, Spain, South Africa, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey,

United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom: United Kingdom of Great Britain

and Northern Ireland, United States of America, Vietnam

If you are not a citizen of one of the above countries, please check with your

local Consulate to find out if you need a Thailand tourist visa. You may also be

able to obtain a Visa On Arrival and the process of how to go about doing this is

explained below (but still check with your consulate!).

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2. Tourist E-Visa (if traveling for more than 30 days in Thailand)

If you are doing the Thailand + Elephants + Scuba + Laos Package, or Thailand +

Elephants + Scuba Package, you MUST apply for a Thailand Tourist E-Visa prior

to your trip. GIVE will email you detailed instructions on how to apply for

this visa if necessary.

3. Visa on Arrival (If you do not qualify for the Tourist Visa Exemption or the

Tourist E-Visa)

If you are not a citizen of the above listed counties that have a Tourist Visa

Exemption (see above), you may still be able to obtain a Visa on Arrival,

depending on your citizenship. A Visa on Arrival allows passport holders of the

countries listed below* to enter Thailand if they meet the following requirements:

1. The visit is strictly for tourism purposes.

2. You have a confirmed return ticket to show proof of a flight out of

Thailand within 30 or 15 days of entry, as appropriate. Open tickets do

not qualify. Traveling overland out of Thailand by train, bus, etc. to

Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia (including en route to Singapore),

Myanmar, etc. is not accepted as proof of exiting Thailand.

*Important Note: You may be asked to show your flight ticket on

entering Thailand. If you do not possess a flight ticket to show you will

be exiting Thailand within 30 or 15 days of entry you will be most

likely to be refused entry.

3. Checkpoints for ON ARRIVAL Visas are available at the Don Muang

International Airport in Bangkok, and Chiang Mai International

Airport in Chiang Mai

4. For a complete list of checkpoints and ON ARRIVAL countries visit:

http://www.mfa.go.th/main/en/services/123/15393-Visa-on-

Arrival.html

*Bhutan, China, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, India,

Kazakhstan, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Maldives, Mauritius,

Oman, Poland, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Ukraine,

Uzbekistan, Ethiopia, Taiwan, Bulgaria, Andorra, Malta, Romania,

San Marino.

5. Provide Proof of Finances: you may also need proof that you have

funds of at least 20,000 THB per person during your stay in Thailand.

A fee of 1,000 THB is payable upon entry and is subject to change

without notice.

6. You may need to provide an in-country contact and, if so, use the

following:

1. Name: Samila Travel Co., Ltd

2. Address: 48/6 Moo 1, Chanong, Chana, Songkhla 90130,

Thailand

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3. Telephone: +66 96-362-3596

Vaccinations:

Since we are not medical professionals, GIVE is legally unable to provide you with a list

of recommended vaccinations for traveling in Thailand. Vaccinations and medical

precautions are your discretion with the recommendations of your doctor or travel clinic.

We recommend that you contact your doctor or visit an immunization clinic to discuss

vaccinations as soon as possible, as some vaccinations take time to take effect, or require

a course of multiple vaccinations. Inform your doctor that you are traveling to Thailand

and the activities you plan to participate in so they can provide proper guidance.

To learn about vaccination recommendations or to find a travel clinic near you, visit

Centers for Disease Control at http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/list.htm.

Medications:

You are responsible for providing your own over the counter or prescription medications

throughout your trip. Please discuss any specific medical questions or concerns with your

doctor before your trip. If you have asthma (even mild), please do not forget to bring your

inhaler.

If any changes to your health occur, it is critical that you update your Traveler

Information in your GIVE Profile as soon as possible. You can login to your GIVE

Profile from our website at www.givevolunteers.org. If you make any changes within 15

days of your excursion, please notify us by email at i[email protected]. If you plan

to take medications on the trip, please bring the medication name and description to

provide to your guides when you arrive, if necessary.

Safety and General Health Concerns:

There is inherent risk involved with GIVE’s programs, but we maintain a culture of

comprehensive risk mitigation throughout our trips. We aim to minimize risk by

employing proactive safety measures and established emergency protocols. Our goal is to

facilitate a life-changing experience that is safe, fun, and impactful.

In large part, the international crime warnings surrounding travel in Thailand become an

issue when traveling alone or with one other person in unfamiliar large cities. Most of

your trip takes place in rural areas, where you will always be with a group of fellow

travelers and GIVE guides with training in Wilderness First Aid, Risk Management,

Emergency Response, Mental Health First Aid, and Outdoor Leadership.

This is a group trip, where each traveler will be following our planned itinerary

throughout the duration of their trip. Furthermore, we have forged strong relationships

with local leaders, community members and emergency services over the last decade.

Additionally, we take necessary precautions and are prepared with adequate resources,

such as medical supplies and routes to local hospitals or clinics. We are prepared with a

comprehensive risk management plan to respond to any incident(s).

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To protect your general health in Thailand, it is important that you take good care of your

body, and that you are physically prepared to participate in the GIVE Thailand Itinerary.

We work outdoors daily engaging in strenuous physical activities in a tropical

environment. This means that you must always be aware of your hydration, sun

protection, and nutrition. If you do become ill or need to seek medical attention, we can

arrange for you to visit a local clinic or nearby hospital to receive care.

Luggage:

We encourage you to pack as light as possible (see packing list on pg. 18) It is required

that you bring a travel backpack or duffle bag instead of a hard cover suitcase. Hard

cover or rolling suitcases are NOT suitable for the areas we’ll be traveling. Here’s

what we recommend:

• Your carry-on bag: ONE small backpack to use as your day pack for volunteer

work, hikes and to carry your smaller items throughout the day.

• Your checked bag: ONE travel backpack or duffle bag is recommended. NO

HARD COVER OR ROLLING SUITCASES.

Also, be sure to check with your airline for baggage requirements and fees. Please be

aware that if you plan on purchasing souvenirs, airline weight restrictions may incur extra

charges when you return home.

Important Note Regarding Valuables:

When packing your luggage do not put anything valuable in your checked bag. This

includes electronics, copies of your passport, expensive jewelry, medications, etc. It is

best to pack all valuables in your carry-on bag. Pack at least one change of clothes and a

small pack of toiletries in your carry-on bag in case your luggage is delayed. Put luggage

locks on your checked bag as a safety precaution.

Flights and Arrival in Thailand

Flights:

If you have not already, contact our flight agents at StudentUniverse to book your flight

itinerary to Chiang Mai Airport (CNX). You can find their contact information on our

website under the “Travel Details” section of our menu.

Before departure, check your flight departure and arrival online to ensure that your

flight information has not changed. If it has changed, contact GIVE immediately to

provide us with the updated flight information.

Your flight will land at the CNX Airport on the start date of your trip. Note: if you’re

traveling internationally, you may be traveling the day(s) before your excursion start date.

You need to be in Thailand on your trip start date.

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For your departure, you will depart on your trip end date. GIVE’s flight agents can

provide details regarding preferred itineraries.

GIVE group flight itineraries include routes and layovers through specific airports so that

you and other GIVE travelers departing from the same region can potentially meet each

other during your layover(s) or on the plane. You will be invited to join a group

WhatsApp chat prior to your trip, where you can coordinate with other travelers about

meeting up enroute to Thailand.

Arrival in Thailand:

You may receive an immigration form on the airplane to complete before entering

Thailand. If you don’t receive this form on the airplane, don’t worry. Most immigration

checkpoints are no longer requiring this form for international arrivals. If you do receive

the form, input the following information, and give the form to a customs agent upon

your arrival:

• Address in Thailand: Eco Resort Chiang Mai, 109 Bumrungrad Rd.Watkate,

Muang Chiang Mai 50000 Thailand

• Accommodation: check the box that says “Hotel”

• Purpose of Visit: check the box that says “Holiday”

After you exit the plane, you will enter the airport into the Arrivals Hall. This is where

you will go through Thailand immigration with your customs form. There are multiple

arrival desks, so line up with your passport in-hand and ready to show to the immigration

officer.

After you pass through customs, you will head over to baggage claim. Collect your

baggage here and exit into the arrival terminal, where your GIVE guide(s) will greet you

in a green GIVE shirt just outside the arrival gate doors! Do not exit the arrival

terminal until you have met your GIVE Guide. You will then be able to exchange your

money to Thai Baht or use an ATM. If you’d like assistance withdrawing Thai Baht

(exchange rate, how much to withdraw, etc.), your guides will be happy to help.

After the group collects their baggage and uses the ATM, you will take our transportation

to our accommodations in Chiang Mai about 20 minutes from the airport.

NOTE: If you have a separate ticket to BKK and then to CNX, you’ll go through

immigration at your first point of entry into Thailand. Then you’ll fly domestically your

Chiang Mai to meet your guides and group.

Airport Pickups:

If you don’t immediately see your GIVE after exiting the baggage claim area, be sure to

wait in the international arrivals hall until they arrive. You will receive an email a few

days before your trip start outlining how to contact your guides directly if you cannot find

them at the airport. Do not leave the arrivals terminal. Stay inside the airport, and

keep an eye out for your guides in a green GIVE shirt!

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Flight Delays or Cancellations:

When traveling, unforeseen events can occur and travel may not be exactly how you

planned. Just remember, it’s all part of the experience! If you experience flight delays,

cancelations, or other travel-related issues on your trip, don’t panic. You have several

resources to help get you rebooked and on the next flight.

We will email you a few days before you depart with a list of resources and FAQ’s

to help you navigate any travel-related issues. Please print this document and/or

save it to your phone to easily reference in the event of a travel-related issue.

In the event of flight cancellations, unexpected delays, or changes, here’s what to do:

1. Go straight to the gate agent at the airport. They will be the best resource to assist

you to rebook your flight. If you’re not yet at the airport, skip to step 2.

2. While waiting to speak to the gate agent or if you’re not at the airport, call your

booking agents or the airlines directly. If you booked through StudentUniverse,

the numbers are below for after-hours assistance. Our agents may have access to

alternative airlines not readily available to the gate agent at the airport.

StudentUniverse: +1-844-985-4117

*If there are other GIVE travelers with you, work together and choose one point

person to speak with the agent to rebook flights.

3. After your flight has been rebooked, e-mail your updated itinerary to GIVE.

Make sure to include the airline, number, arrival time, and names of other GIVE

travelers with you.

4. Your guides will make alternative arrangements for your pickup – note that

delayed flights may incur additional pickup fees.

5. If flight changes result in a layover of more than six hours or if you must pay

additional fees for your delay, contact your Travel Insurance provider. They can

assist you with alternate arrangements and explain how your insurance policy

applies in your circumstances. Make sure to keep all receipts for potential

reimbursements!

Talking to gate agents at the airport and calling your flight agents/the airlines are

the best resources to rebook your ticket.

Late Flight Arrival:

If your flight is cancelled or delayed and you are unable to arrive to Chiang Mai Airport

on your trip start date, don’t panic. Follow the above steps to contact your travel agent

and rebook your flights. Email your updated itinerary to GIVE at

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info@givevolunteers.org.

Note: In the case of a late arrival, you will be responsible for paying for

transportation to our accommodations to meet the group. Depending on the

circumstances, your Travelers Insurance may reimburse you for costs incurred because of

your flight delay or cancellation. Make sure to keep receipts for reimbursement claims.

It’s always a good idea to bring an extra change of clothes (ideally, culturally appropriate

clothing that covers your knees and shoulders), all medications, important documents,

and money IN YOUR CARRY-ON LUGGAGE in the case of a late arrival, lost luggage

or any other unforeseen circumstances. Our guides will help you to obtain clothing and

other necessities if your luggage is lost or delayed.

Lost or Delayed Baggage:

If your baggage does not arrive at the airport, don’t panic. Go to the lost luggage counter

to make a lost luggage claim. Please give the representative your guide’s name and phone

number to contact when your luggage arrives (you will receive an email with your

guide’s contact information prior to departure). Keep the copy of your lost luggage claim.

Depending on the circumstances, your Traveler’s Insurance may reimburse you for each

day that your bag is lost or delayed. Make sure to keep receipts for reimbursement

claims.

Donations

Donations towards our education projects can always be accepted through our

Students4Students campaign on our website, here:

https://www.givevolunteers.org/fundraiser/

We ask you to please avoid bringing physical donations from home and instead

donate to the Students4Students fundraiser above. We will use your donations to

purchase necessary project supplies directly from local shops and markets in Thailand to

help stimulate the local economy. If there are specific supplies that we can’t purchase in

Thailand, your guides will notify you well in advance in your WhatsApp group.

Money

Notify Your Bank Before Departure:

Prior to your departure, inform your bank that you are traveling to Thailand. This is

important so that your bank does not put a hold on your account for irregular transactions.

If your bank does put a hold on your account, you will not be able to access your money

and it could take days to be able to use your card or access money from your bank. It only

takes a quick phone call to your bank before you depart to inform them of your

destination and length of travel to eliminate any potential problems. It is also encouraged

to bring more than one debit/credit card (if available) just in case one does not work or is

lost/stolen.

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Currency and Exchange Rates:

The national currency in Thailand is the Thai Baht. The current exchange rate is $1 US

Dollar (USD) is equal to approximately 35 Thai Baht. We encourage you to look up

current exchange rates prior to your departure as rates do fluctuate.

You must use Thai Baht for any local purchases. If you do bring USDs to exchange, you

will have a better exchange rate with large bills. It is important to bring new and crisp

bills, as ripped or dirty bills will most likely not be accepted. Although uncommon, you

might be able to exchange money at your local bank before you depart for Thailand.

However, most banks do not carry Thai Baht and must order the currency. Even if you

bring Thai Baht, be prepared to withdraw cash from the ATM at the airport upon arrival

in Thailand if necessary.

It’s important to consider that you will only be able to withdraw funds from an ATM

while we are in Chiang Mai on days 1, 2, 13 and 14 of the trip, as the rural areas we will

travel to do not have ATMs. Therefore, you should carefully consider your spending

habits when withdrawing money so that you don’t run out of cash. Your GIVE guides

will remind you to use the ATM in the airport and other locations before we depart

Chiang Mai.

Money Recommendations During Your Excursion:

Since spending habits vary from person to person, please plan according to your own

personal habits! GIVE suggests planning to spend Thai currency equivalent to $200 to

$400 USD for purchasing souvenirs, gifts, snacks, drinks, etc. You can always ask your

GIVE guide for help translating and calculating exchange rates while shopping or

purchasing souvenirs.

All drinking water and three meals a day are included throughout your trip. Only dinner

will be provided on arrival day and only breakfast will be provided on departure

day, so plan accordingly. We also encourage you to experience buying local food and

drinks at local shops, restaurants, and markets, so expect to purchase some snacks, meals

and drinks for yourself when the opportunities arise.

Communication

Adapters & Electronics:

You will be able to charge your cameras and other electronic devices throughout most of

your time in Thailand. Thailand often takes either a flat blade plug, (like the US) or a two

round pin plug.

Note that our accommodations in the hill tribe villages often run on generators so

electricity will shut off occasionally. However, you will have sufficient time to charge

your electronics, and you will be notified of the times and places where electricity will

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not be available. Generally, there will be 3-4 nights throughout the trip with very limited

electricity as we explore more remote villages. We highly recommend bringing your own

rechargeable power bank.

Contacting Home:

An important aspect of any GIVE trip is to unplug from your devices and plug in to the

experience. We encourage our travelers to minimize use of phones, social media, and

contact with friends and family during the trip to get the most of your time in Thailand.

Much of your time will be spent in remote areas where there is limited to NO mobile

service or WIFI. Make sure to inform your family and friends to expect limited

communication from you during your trip. In the event of emergencies or case-by-case

circumstances, your guide will arrange for you to contact home if service is unavailable.

GIVE will also contact your emergency contact upon arrival to Thailand.

Home Contacting You:

For status updates, general questions, and emergencies your family can contact the GIVE

offices at +1 (206) 973-7991 or email [email protected] while you are on your

trip. Our GIVE HQ team will relay any important messages to you and your guides.

GIVE will occasionally post photos of the group on our social media channels during

your trip. Let your family and friends know to follow GIVE’s Facebook, Instagram, and

other social media channels (@givevolunteers) for updates.

Weather

Come prepared for hot weather throughout the day, sprinkled with short rain showers.

The sun is very powerful in this region, so it is important to pack adequate sun protection,

such as sunscreen, SPF shirts and/or hats. Please see our suggested packing list for

specific recommendations.

In northern Thailand, November through January are the cooler, dryer months, with

temperatures dipping as low as 40°F in the late night and early morning, and then heating

up again to the 80’s and 90’s throughout the day. Definitely pack some warmer clothes to

sleep in if you’re joining us in December or January!

March, April, and May are the hottest months, when temperatures can soar well over

100°F. There is a rainy season from May – September, characterized by sunny, humid

days intermixed with short, often heavy rain showers. Expect plenty of rain showers this

time of year (July and August especially), as the seasonal monsoons transform the Thai

highlands into a lush, green, tropical, and MUDDY, oasis.

Accommodations

There are 3 main types of accommodation throughout your trip:

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• Eco Resort Chiang Mai (Days 1, 2, 13 and 14): Air-conditioned rooms with

shared bathrooms in the city of Chiang Mai. You will share same-sex rooms with

1-3 other travelers. Eco Resort has an on-site restaurant, swimming pool and

meeting area.

• Ban Phu Tawan Resort (Days 3-10): Fan rooms with private bathrooms in our

host community of Mueang Khong. You will share same-sex rooms with up to 5

other travelers. Ban Phu Tawan has an on-site restaurant, meeting room and is

right next to a small river for swimming.

• Homestays in Remote Villages (Days 11 & 12): During the elephant trekking and

bamboo rafting portion of your journey, the entire group will share homestay

accommodations in our host communities of Ban Khao Lam and Pong Ngen. You

will share same-sex dorm rooms with up to 15 other travelers with access to

shared bathrooms. Everyone will sleep on floor mattresses with pillows, blankets,

and mosquito nets. Nestled in the heart of our host communities and surrounded

by nature, this is the perfect opportunity to get out of your comfort zone and

immerse yourself in the local culture and environment.

Our accommodations are comfortable and equipped with necessary amenities, such as

running water, toilets, showers, beds with sheets and blankets, etc. You will have access

to electricity for most of your trip, but brief power outages are common throughout your

trip, and you will be spending 3 days and 2 nights in more remote villages without access

to electricity at the end of your trip. Therefore, we highly recommend bringing your

own rechargeable power bank for charging phones and other small electronics.

You do not need to bring your own blankets or pillows, as they are provided for you, but

we highly recommend bringing a microfiber towel. For the duration of your trip, you

will share sleeping quarters and bathrooms with your fellow travelers, so practice the

golden rule! If you’d like to room with a friend, please let us know before your trip and

we will do our best to arrange that for you. Otherwise, your guides will provide room

assignments when you arrive in Thailand.

Please remember that you will be staying in rural communities in a tropical climate,

which means you will encounter different weather conditions and insects than you are

accustomed to at home. We will provide mosquito nets when necessary and will always

fully prepare/advise you on any necessary precautions to take. Please review the packing

list thoroughly to ensure that you’re prepared. Most importantly, arrive with an open

mind, positive attitude, and commitment to expand your comfort zone!

Meals

You will be provided with drinking water and 3 balanced nutritional meals per day

throughout your trip. Please note that, due to airport arrival and departure times, only

dinner will be provided on arrival day and only breakfast and lunch will be provided on

departure day. We can accommodate most dietary requirements, including vegans,

vegetarians, gluten free, etc.

Please make sure to inform us of any dietary requirements at least 14 days prior to

your trip. If you have not done so already, please inform us ASAP

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(info@givevolunteers.org). Adjustments to dietary requirements CANNOT be made

upon arrival, as meal plans have already been organized by local vendors.

Finally, remember that you are in a different country with different types of food than

you’re used to at home. Prepare to get out of your comfort zone a bit and sample lots of

delicious new cuisine. Most importantly, as a responsible traveler, be respectful of our

local chefs and the local food culture. Rice is the dietary staple of Thailand and will be

served with nearly every meal.

Volunteer Projects

Throughout your trip you will get to volunteer on locally led projects that promote

community development, wildlife conservation, and ecological restoration in our host

communities. We encourage you to try each project throughout your trip, as it will

enhance your overall experience and impact on the ground.

English Education Projects:

The schools in our host communities are filled with passionate teachers and enthusiastic

students. However, unlike most schools throughout Thailand, these rural schools do not

have access to native-speaking English teachers. Still, local students are expected to pass

standardized English exams to advance to secondary and tertiary education. Furthermore,

a growing number of employment opportunities are becoming dependent on strong

English language skills. In response, GIVE is working alongside local teachers to

supplement their English Education curriculum with lessons and conversation practice

with native English-speaking volunteers. As teaching assistants, our volunteers plan and

deliver lessons with the support of GIVE’s education coordinators and local teachers.

Farm to Cafeteria Projects:

Since the 1960's, rapid deforestation caused by commercial logging and agriculture has

affected the lives of everyone in Thailand, from Bangkok residents who have been

displaced by flooding, to farmers in rural areas who have seen their soil quality and crop

yields decrease due to drought and desertification. In our host communities of Mueang

Khong, there are a growing number of local farmers that want to regenerate their soil,

conserve natural resources, and increase crop yield. However, most of them are hesitant

to change their approach due to the economic risk of a failed season.

In response, GIVE is working alongside local experts, teachers, and students to create

demonstration farms at local schools, which produce a diverse variety of nutritious fruits,

vegetables, herbs, mushrooms, and livestock on relatively small plots of land. These

farms are living laboratories that empower students to grow their own delicious and

nutritious food throughout the school year, while also educating them on the importance

of protecting natural resources and farming in harmony with nature.

Reforestation & Asian Elephant Conservation

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Deforestation throughout Thailand has pushed many native species to the brink of

extinction, as their habitats have been clear-cut for commercial logging and monocrop

agriculture. The Asian Elephant, an iconic, symbolic and keystone species in Thailand,

stands at the frontlines of this battle. You will have the unique opportunity to interact

with these majestic creatures in their native habitat, while also helping to restore it

alongside Chiang Mai University’s Reforestation Unit. As you volunteer on projects

ranging from tree planting, seed collection, and tree nursery maintenance, remember that

you are directly contributing to the welfare and conservation of Asian elephants.

Adventure & Cultural Activities

Work hard, play hard is our motto. Lots of your time will be focused on our volunteer

projects, but you will also have plenty of opportunities to explore the culture, landscapes,

and wildlife of Northern Thailand!

Here is a list of activities you will have the chance to do while in Thailand:

• Exploring Chiang Mai markets & temples

• Muay Thai boxing lessons

• Shopping at local markets

• Volleyball, soccer, and other sports with local kids

• Traditional crafts lessons

• River Tubing

• Pad Thai cooking class

• Jungle trekking and caving

• Karaoke night!

• Exploring hill-tribe villages

• Bamboo rafting

• Elephant trekking

• 50-meter Bungee jump!

Itinerary (Sample)

This is a sample itinerary of GIVE’s Thailand Excursion, and, as such, will be modified

during your excursion. Traveling abroad requires flexibility based on weather, wellness

of the group, and other important factors. We appreciate your understanding and

adaptability with the itinerary.

Day 1:

Trip Start: Once your flight has landed, you will make your way through immigration and

baggage claim and then meet up with your guides and fellow travelers in the arrival hall.

From there we will drive 20-minutes to our accommodations in Chiang Mai, where you

will spend the first night getting to know the rest of your group and trying out some

delicious Thai cuisine.

Day 2:

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After breakfast, we’ll dive into the details of the journey ahead, learn more about Thai

culture and then take an introductory Thai language lesson.

In the afternoon, we’ll volunteer with Chiang Mai University’s Forest Restoration and

Research Unit (FORRU), helping with anything from tree planting, seed germination,

seedling potting & care, seed collection, weeding and fertilizing at one of their tree

nurseries or reforestation plots.

That evening, we’ll hop in tuk-tuk taxis to the Chiang Mai Night Bazaar to peruse endless

stalls of Thai street food, handicrafts & souvenirs.

Day 3:

After breakfast, we’ll head to a Buddhist temple to learn about the history of Chiang Mai

and the Lanna Kingdom, the basic principles of Buddhism, and how it all integrates into

Thai culture.

From there we’ll drive 3 hours north through the mountains and jungle of Chiang Dao

National Park towards our home for the next week – the hill-tribe villages of Mueang

Khong. After settling into your bungalows, we’ll head out on a tour of the surrounding

community and then gather to learn more about our volunteer projects!

Days 4 - 10 (typical day’s schedule):

Start your day with a Muay Thai boxing lesson or misty morning yoga (or sleep in). After

breakfast, we will volunteer on our English education or Farm to Cafeteria projects from

around ~8:30 - 11:30 AM. After lunch, we will have a bit of free time to relax and digest

before returning to the project site for the rest of the afternoon.

In the early evening, we will wrap up volunteer work and head out on one of our daily

excursions, such as exploring limestone caves, Thai cooking lessons, playing sports with

local kids, learning to make traditional handicrafts, or just relaxing by the river.

We will have dinner around 6:30 PM and then the evening is free to join nightly dialogue

circles, play games and music, or hang out around the bonfire.

Day 11:

First thing in the morning, we’ll travel to the Karen hill-tribe village of Ban Kao Lam,

which is home to several semi-wild elephants and their mahouts (elephant caretakers).

After exploring the community, we’ll learn how to build bamboo rafts with our local

guides and then gather for a discussion on elephant welfare and conservation in Asia!

Day 12:

Follow local mahouts (elephant caretakers) into the jungle at dawn to track elephants in

their natural habitat and feed them nutritious herbal supplements.

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That afternoon we’ll bamboo raft down the Mae Tang River to the Lahu hill-tribe village

of Pong Ngen. Here we’ll celebrate our final night in the jungle, sharing a delicious

dinner with our hosts and learning traditional dances around the bonfire!

Day 13:

Our bamboo-rafting journey culminates with the fastest rapids and best views yet! Strap

in and enjoy the ride or grab a bamboo pole and steer us towards our final adventure in

Thailand… a 160-foot BUNGEE JUMP! (Or drift karts if heights aren’t your thing).

After that it’s back to Chiang Mai for one final night of reflection and celebration.

Day 14:

All good things must come to an end. Soak up your last few hours in Thailand before

heading home or onwards to the next phase of your journey in Southeast Asia!

Packing for Your Trip

People tend to over pack while traveling and we suggest that you challenge yourself to

only pack the bare necessities. Our best suggestion is to lay out what you think you need,

and only bring three-fourths of that. You will realize that you need a lot less than you

think once you’re on the ground and there are opportunities to do laundry throughout

your trip.

In accordance with the cultural considerations of the communities we will be

visiting, you will be required to wear culturally appropriate clothing throughout

most of the trip. While teaching at local schools, exploring temples, or walking through

our host communities, you will need to wear culturally appropriate clothing. By

following these local standards, you are displaying cultural awareness and respect to our

host communities:

• Females will be asked to cover their knees, shoulders, and cleavage, and to not

wear any low cut, tight-fitting, or see-through clothing at these times. We

recommend packing at least 4 culturally appropriate outfits, which you can wear

multiple times.

• Males should bring at least 2 outfits that cover their shoulders and knees as well.

Expect to wear the same clothes multiple times for our reforestation and Farm to

Cafeteria projects, as they will inevitably get dirty. Also keep in mind that many of the

clothes you wear while working and exploring will become very muddy, so don’t expect

them to remain spotless when you return home.

*If you are also doing the Elephant Experience, Thailand Scuba, and/or Laos Excursion,

keep in mind that those packing lists have many of the same items listed here. Plan to re-

wear a lot of the same clothing, as there will be several opportunities for you to do

laundry.

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*If you are doing the Elephant Experience, we highly recommend bringing a smaller

backpack or duffle that can fit approximately 6 days of clothing and gear for days 2-7

of the itinerary. This way you can leave your big bag at our hotel in Chiang Mai and

travel light into more remote communities.

Packing Checklist of Recommended Items:

Please keep in mind that this checklist is based off the best possible recommendations

from our guides and past travelers, but at the end of the day it is up to you to bring what

you think you will need throughout your trip. We have not suggested a specific number

of t-shirts, shorts, pants/leggings, underwear, or socks, because individual preferences

often vary. Please review the itinerary to get an understanding of how often you will use

each article of clothing, and note that laundry services are available on days 1-8 of

your trip, and again when we return to Chiang Mai on day 13.

Item

Notes

Required

Optional

General Clothing

1 Lightweight raincoat/poncho

May – August is the rainy season in Thailand, but

showers should be expected year-round.

1 Sweatshirt, lightweight jacket or

sweater

December and January can get quite cold in the

mornings/nights so make sure to bring a jacket that will

keep you warm enough if you are on a winter trip

T-shirts

For females:

• When out in public: shirts must be loose-fitting

and tight around the neck. Cropped tops,

spaghetti strap shirts, mid-riff showing shirts,

and tank tops are NOT acceptable to wear in

public throughout the trip.

• At accommodations: Tank tops are OK to wear

at accommodations but should not reveal

cleavage. Sports bras are not acceptable to wear

in lieu of a shirt.

Shirts worn during projects and adventure activities will

get dirty, so pack enough to last the entire trip or plan to

do laundry during the trip.

SPF shirt(s)

We highly recommend at least one SPF shirt for sun

protection.

Shorts

Loose-fitting athletic shorts and hiking shorts are ideal.

‘Short-shorts’ or spandex shorts are NOT acceptable

to wear at any point throughout the trip

Shorts can be worn on reforestation & school garden

projects, while trekking, and while hanging out at the

accommodations for both males and females.

Pants/Leggings

For females, leggings are okay for most occasions,

EXCEPT while teaching and while out in public in our

host communities. For teaching and going out in public,

lightweight pants, knee length shorts, or knee length

GIVE Excursion Overview - 18

skirts are ideal (elephant pants work great and are very

affordable in Chiang Mai!).

Long, lightweight pants or workout capris made with

breathable and durable fabrics are ideal, such as soft-

shell hiking pants. These are great for working on

projects, caving and hiking with elephants.

Underwear and socks

Keep in mind that socks can get wet and dirty, so pack a

couple extra pairs.

1 swimsuit

Females can only wear swimsuits at our hotel swimming

pool in Chiang Mai. When we are outside of Chiang

Mai, females will be asked to wear a t-shirt and

shorts over their swimsuits.

Sunglasses

Hat for sun protection

Sport or athletic bras

1 pair of work gloves

We can provide basic work gloves when necessary, but

bring your own if you have a pair that you prefer.

Warm pajamas or sleeping clothes

It gets down to 40°F at night in December & January

1-2 “nice” outfits for special occasions

and nights out

At least one of these outfits must be culturally

appropriate

Footwear

1 pair of flip flops or sandals

It’s impolite to wear shoes inside people’s homes,

temples, and some businesses, so a durable pair of

sandals will make it easy to slip on and off, and will be

worn for the majority of the trip

1 pair of closed-toed boots or shoes

for volunteer projects and hiking.

Closed-toed shoes are required for projects and

hiking. Keep in mind that these will get wet &

dirty. It’s fine to use the same pair for both activities,

or feel free to bring an extra pair if you prefer.

Strapped sandals such as Tevas and Chacos are

not sufficient for certain hikes. Bring your closed-

toed shoes with the best traction for muddy trails

and project sites.

Other Gear

Small day pack or overnight backpack

Waterproof/water resistant if possible

This is what you will bring to the school, worksites,

overnight trips to neighboring villages and during

bamboo rafting (each raft has a bamboo tripod for

hanging bags to keep them dry).

Rain cover for your daypack or big

pack in case of rain during travel

Highly recommended

Small dry-bag for bamboo rafting

GIVE provides a shared waterproof dry bag for

valuables during bamboo rafting, but it is highly

encouraged to bring your own

Towel

You must bring your own towel. We recommend a

microfiber towel for easy packing and quick drying.

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Toiletries

Shampoo/conditioner, face wash/wipes, toothbrush and

toothpaste, soap, etc

Sunscreen

30 spf or higher. “Reef friendly” mineral sunscreens are

highly recommended!

Insect Repellent

Expect to use this every day – especially in July &

August. Natural and non-toxic insect repellent highly

recommended!

Anti-itch cream/wipes

Hand sanitizer/hand wipes

Refillable water bottle

REQUIRED

Reusable coffee cup and straw

To minimize plastic waste

Great if you plan on buying coffee or drinks

Large Ziploc Baggies/Waterproof bag

These are good to protect cameras and valuables from

getting wet, especially during bamboo rafting

Headlamp and batteries

REQUIRED for caving and recommended for late

night bathroom trips. Handheld flashlights are not

sufficient

Rechargeable portable battery

For charging phones and small electronics in villages

without electricity. Highly recommended.

Phone or a watch with an alarm clock

Headphones/Earplugs

Roosters roam around and can be quite loud while we

sleep in the villages!

Small first aid kit

1 good book

Camera

Vitamins

Multi-vitamins, vitamin C, Airborne, Emergen-C, etc.

Prescribed medications

You are responsible for bringing and taking any

medication prescribed by a medical professional.

Face Mask

At least two face masks for travel and when community

vendors request it.

COVID-19 Rapid Self-Test

We recommend bringing your own at-home test.

Travel/airplanes can cause people to feel stuffy or

exhibit cold-like symptoms. This test is recommended

so you can confirm if your illness if COVID-related

Over-the-counter medications

Over-the-counter fever reducers, gastrointestinal

medications, anti-inflammatories, electrolyte packets,

motion sickness medication, etc.

English/Thai dictionary

Deck of cards or other games

For hanging out during free time

Notebook with pens and pencils to

write about your excursions

Snacks

Local snacks are tasty, affordable and help to support

the local economy, but feel free to bring some of your

favorites from home.

Outlet converter/adapter

Camping Hammock

Great way to relax during downtime

Please give us a call at HQ with any specific packing related questions that you have.

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Spending Money: Thai Baht is necessary to purchase snacks, souvenirs, etc. in Thailand.

□ $200-$400 (equivalent in USD) spending money for souvenirs, snacks, and other

opportunities. We will have very limited access to ATMs throughout the trip, and 1 day to

exchange and/or withdraw funds in Chiang Mai at the beginning of the trip.

IMPORTANT! Don’t forget to pack your passport!!!

□ Passport

□ Two color copies of your passport

Culture Shock

Culture shock is a strange feeling many of us will face when we are traveling in a country

that is culturally different from our own. Knowledge about symptoms of culture shock

can help us identify and work through the shock as we continue to be involved with the

community and culture. Below is a list of symptoms of culture shock that you may

experience while traveling in a different country. Do not be worried about culture shock

as it is a normal part of the travel process, and completely expected to happen to just

about everyone. If you experience culture shock, your guides will assist you to work

through your feelings and experience, so don’t be embarrassed or afraid to say anything

to them. We have all been through it, so don’t think you’re the only one to feel this way!

You’re not alone!

Symptoms:

• Preoccupation with health

• Trying too hard to absorb everything in the new culture or country

• Insomnia, desire to sleep too much or too little

• Changes in temperament, depression

• Developing stereotypes about the new culture

• Feeling vulnerable, feeling powerless

• Irritability, resentment, unwillingness to interact with others

• Identifying with the old culture or idealizing the old country

• Loss of identity

• Melancholy, loneliness, sadness

• Lack of confidence and feelings of insecurity

• Developing obsessions with over-cleanliness

• Longing for family

• Feelings of being lost and overlooked

If you experience any of the above, please reach out to your GIVE guides as they will

provide you with support. Your guides will help you decipher your feelings and cope

with these symptoms, making the adjustment to this new land and new culture easier on

your mind, and a lot less stressful on your body.

While on Your Excursion

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Do not hesitate to let your GIVE guides know what you need while on your excursion.

We are here for you! We want you to work hard and enjoy this experience to the fullest,

so make sure if there is something preventing you from enjoying yourself entirely to let

your guides know so they can help you through it.

GIVE Contact Information

Phone USA +1 (206) 973-7991

E-mail info@givevolutneers.org

Skype info.give

Mail 1900 W Nickerson St. STE 116, #123

Seattle, Washington 98119 USA

Please contact us if you have any questions or concerns. Thank you and we are excited to

see you in Thailand!