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About i-to-i What i-to-i trips and TEFL are, how and why we do what we do!
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Join this project you will really be helping the local community. Flex your muscles on a much needed project to build a chldren`s home that will provide a safe haven for abandoned or orphaned children. The land is there - all we need is the help to make it happen!
Welcome to Thailand! If your flight arrives between 6am and 10pm you will be met by a member of the friendly Thailand team who will transfer you to the Bangkok hotel where you'll spend your first 2 nights. Your first night is your free time, offering you the opportunity to explore the local Khao San Road are or rest in your room, ready for tomorrow.
If you aren’t able to arrange a flight to get you into Bangkok on the specified arrival date we’d recommend you fly in a day early. Please note that you will need to pay for your transfer and any additional nights accommodation if you do so please remember to budget for this.
After breakfast there will be a brief orientation by one of the Thailand team. At the completion of this you will begin your tour of Bangkok, get to know more about this amazing city and be in awe of its wonderful beauty and splendour.
After having your fill of Bangkok and its stunning sights, you will have a chance to relax and recharge before heading out in the evening for a welcome meal with your coordinator and fellow volunteers. This is a great time to ask questions and get to know everybody a little bit more.
Breakfast is included on this day.
Today you will be making your way to Sangkhlaburi. Depending on the time of the coach from Bangkok you will leave the hotel either early in the morning or around mid-morning. You will be given more details of the exact time by your coordinator on arrival in Bangkok.
On arrival you will be transferred to your new accommodation and given time to settle in before your orientation meeting which will tell you all about your stay.
The meeting will cover important information such as what's currently happening at your project, do`s and don’ts, fun things to do in Thailand, information about Thailand’s history and culture, and how to stay safe on your trip.
Today you will be able to experience Thai Culture as you visit one of the nearby temples where you will have the opportunity of giving alms to monks, followed by a welcome ceremony at the temple where a blessing, bracelet and holy water will be given. A unique and very interesting way to begin your volunteering.
Later on in the day you will start you will be introduced to the staff at the project and get some idea of the activities that you will be involved in. The individual activities will depend on the number of volunteers in country at that time and the needs of the project, but one thing is for sure – the list is endless and you will definitely be kept busy!
Today is the first day that you can really get stuck in and get your hands dirty! The team will be on hand to help and direct you, but don`t be afraid if you haven`t done any of these activities before, the main thing that is that your help is needed along with your energy, determination and enthusiasm!
You will work from 9am until mid afternoon - by this time you will be looking forward to a relaxing evening to recover. You will be picked up in the morning and taken to your project and then picked up again at the end of the day and returned to your accommodation.
So the weekend has arrived; it's time for fun, games, parties and more. There are many activities that can be joined locally from playing football with the locals to fun and games at the nearby Nature Club. Whatever you decide the team in Sangkhlaburi will be on hand to help.
Over the following weeks you will be working Monday to Friday at your project. You will become fully immersed in the volunteer work and begin to see the massive impact and improvements that you have made not to mention to your muscles and physique. Just think of the children that will benefit from your hard work!
You will continue with a similar pattern of working at the project during the week and relaxing and exploring during your free evenings and weekends. Visit a local market and gather up the courage to sample even the most obscure of local delicacies - fried crickets anyone? Time will fly by so make the most of every minute in this amazing country!
Having said goodbye to all your new friends, taken your final photos and packed your bag full of souvenirs you’ll travel back to the airport, or off for further adventures elsewhere. The return transfer from Sangkhlaburi to Bangkok is not covered within your project fee, but the team will be able to make recommendations and help you arrange a transfer if you need them to. There are several coaches that return to Bangkok, leaving Sangkhlaburi throughout the day. Our team can also arrange for you to stay in Sangkhlaburi until the Saturday if you wish so please ensure you have chat with them.
The project aims to build a children's home which will provide a safe haven for abandoned or orphaned children of the area. Sangkhlaburi is an area blighted by human traffickers. The existing children's home does a wonderful job of looking after 37 children providing them with a safe place to live and the love and care that they need to ensure that they have a good start in life. However, it has now reached bursting point; imagine 37 children living in a 3 bedroom house!
You will be playing a very active part in improving facilities for the underprivileged children in this area. The existing children`s home is a small 3 bedroomed house that looks after 37 children - you can only imagine how cramped and inadequate this is! The staff at the home provide the best that they can in such circumstances and ensure that the children are all well looked after.
Sangkhlaburi is a melting pot of different ethnic minorities such as hill tribes and Burmese refugees that do not have a Thai status and thus do not have any Thai rights. They are susceptible to the human traffickers of the area and this is where the home helps to provide a safe haven.
Land has now been purchased where a new children`s home is to be built starting in January 2012 giving volunteers a chance to really get involved in this really worthwhile project. You will be able to see the difference that you make on a day to day basis and know that at the end the children will be given a new safe place to live.
During your time at the project you will be getting involved in various activities of building, Depending on the time that you arrive you will getting your hands dirty by either digging the foundations, clearing land, putting up walls, painting, hygiene maintenance such as running water, toilets and washing facilities to creating gardens and play areas.
Please note that individual activities may be affected each month depending on factors such as numbers of volunteers, time of year, weather so please be flexible - just be ready to get your hands dirty and get involved in whatever needs doing!
By the end of your volunteer experience we hope that you will feel a real sense of achievement knowing that you have helped contribute to the needs of some very grateful children of the area!
You will be working full days from 9am in the morning until mid afternoon. You will be picked up from your accommodation in the morning and taken to the site and then picked up at the end of the day to be taken back to your accommodation – you will be thankful for this as your muscles will be aching from your hard days work. The site is located on the outskirts of Sangkhlaburi.
Our project coordinators will work alongside you throughout the day to answer any questions, direct you and help with translations.
The project is based 500kms from Bangkok in the north west of Thailand near the Burmese border. The project site is situated approximately 25 minutes from the rural town of Sangkhlaburi.
Sangkhlaburi has a mixture of different cultures and traditions due to having not only Thai people but also hill tribe and Burmese people in and around the village, making it a cultural hot pot. Sangkhlaburi also has numerous facilities including internet cafes, banks, shops, supermarkets, cafes, restaurants, hospital, pubs, laundrette, fresh food markets and a post office.
On your weekends you will have the chance to explore the beautiful surrounding area where you can go trekking, kayaking and other similar activities are easily accessible.
We suggest that if you would like to fund the project that you bring cash resource, wait to see what is required and purchase it locally. This way you will also be helping out the local community as well as the project. Please however do not feel that you have to fund the project – your help is the main thing required!
It may seem like a strange concept to pay for your volunteer experience. You'd be right if you think you shouldn't and the truth is you actually don't! Your placement is free; it's the benefits around it that you pay for. It's important to note that i-to-i is a travel company and not a charity. We provide a professional travel service. We are responsible for finding and assessing worthwhile projects across the world, preparing you for the volunteering experience and supporting you whilst you're there.
Here’s some more information about what your placement fee covers….
We work with hundreds of locally run partner projects around the world and are constantly sourcing new opportunities. We visit all projects to check that they are worthwhile and legitimate and we also conduct a thorough safety assessment before we'll send volunteers there. More
Almost everyone who works for i-to-i has traveled extensively or worked overseas. This means we're a goldmine of information; we're always available to offer support and guidance before, during and after your trip.
Once you book on to a project you'll receive an online account that contains loads of general information about volunteering, about your chosen country and how to have fun and stay safe. We'll also give you advice on visas and inoculations.
It can be pretty daunting arriving in a different country for the first time - especially after a long flight! If you arrive on your project start date, there'll be a welcoming face at the airport to pick you up and take you to your accommodation.
Soon after you arrive you will attend a thorough orientation with our in-country team. This is to cover important safety and security information. You'll also get some tips about sight-seeing options for your time off and maybe even learn some of the local lingo!
Accommodation is included with all projects and meals are even included with some. We only use locally-owned and operated accommodation so that part of your placement fee is filtering back into the local economy. Most projects offer homestay, guesthouse or shared volunteer houses as standard accommodation, but some offer the chance to upgrade to a more comfortable living standard. More
Your in-country team will arrange a pick-up for you at the airport and will conduct your orientation upon arrival. All coordination teams are English speaking and are locals of your destination country. They won't be at your project every day, but will be on call 24 hours a day, seven days a week if you need them. More
Aside from the local support from your in-country team you'll be given access to a 24/7 emergency phone line manned by our response team in case any problem should arise while you're overseas. We also hire crisis management professionals to be on hand in case of a situation that requires additional expert support. More
The safety and security of our volunteers is paramount. For this reason we provide ongoing crisis management and emergency response training to our local teams around the world. We also fly in our in-country coordinators to the UK regularly for thorough training to help them offer the best safety to the thousands of volunteers they support each year. More
We don't fund our projects directly from the project fee that you pay us. Instead we choose to support a number of projects through our Big Giving initiative to provide resources to those projects that really need it.
We make no secrets of the fact that part of your placement fee is reinvested in to recruiting volunteers just like you! The volunteers recruited in one week will typically deliver over 2000 man-days of service. The difference this makes to projects overseas is immeasurable. Many of our overseas projects rely on assistance from international volunteers, so it's necessary for us to put together brochures and websites to find the people who can support them. This recruitment process is vital to ensure programs have a constant stream of reliable volunteers.
Volunteering through a company like i-to-i has a lot of intangible benefits to developing overseas communities and the individual projects that we work with. To find out more about our placements. click here
We aim to provide you with a safe and soft landing into your destination by picking you up from the airport and taking you to your accommodation where you will stay for the first two nights. There will also be a welcome dinner on the first evening which is a great time to meet your fellow travellers and your in country team. Here's what will happen:
You will arrive on the Arrival Date - Friday and will be met at the airport on that day. Please ensure that you book your flights to arrive between 6am adn 10pm. Once you have cleared Passport Control, collected your luggage and passed through Customs you will enter the main terminal building. At this point please turn right and walk towards Exit Door 3, keeping the large windows on your left. As you approach Door 3 you will see many people holding name signs, one of these will be part of your in-country team. Please approach them and introduce yourself
You will then be taken to the Sawasdee Bangkok Inn, (see contact details below) where you will have the first day/night to recover from your flight. There will be a welcome dinner on the Friday evening.
Note: If you're arriving early you will need to arrange a taxi to the accommodation and pre book any accommodation as our team are unable to provide early airport pick ups. If you wish to make your own way please arrange to be at the address below on the arrival date:
Sawasdee Bangkok Inn
126/2 Khaosan Road
Banglumpu
Pranakorn, Bangkok 10200
It's important that you get adequate travel insurance for your i-to-i experience and as many of you will be working this often means standard policies won’t work. The good news is that no matter where your coming from we have already found a policy to suit you.
The best time to get your insurance is when you book your project as this means you can get a fully tailored policy exclusive to i-to-i, just ask your consultant for further details at the time of booking.
EU Customers – find out more here >>
Australian customers - find out more here >>
All other customers - find out more here >>
As with insurance we advise you get these booked as early as possible to avoid high prices and to make sure you arrive on the right day. The i-to-i team is right up to date with the best deals no matter where you’re flying from; their insider knowledge could save you some time and money.
In Sangkhlaburi volunteers live in one of several houses rented from the local community. The houses are all basic but very clean and feature 2-5 bedrooms and 1-3 bathrooms in each. Bedrooms are at least twin share although triple can be arranged. Bedrooms include bedding and are also equipped with fans and either mosquito nets or window covers. Each house also has a basic living area so you can relax and get to know your fellow volunteers and also has a kitchen featuring cooking stove, toaster, fridge, running water and all cutlery and bowls etc. The bathrooms have a mix of both Asian and western toilets as well as hot water showers.
As there is such a variety of meals available and they are so cheap, no meals are included in the project cost. This gives you a great opportunity to try as many of the sumptuous dishes that you will find both from street vendors whose food will cost around 20 to 30 baht or try one of the numerous restaurants in the town where meals start at 100 baht upwards. Alternatively you can buy your food from one of the local markets and create your own delicious meals in the kitchen at your house. We recommend that you budget approximately US$50 per week for food.
Important note: As Sangkhlaburi is a traditional town with little tourism, traditional rules and lifestyles apply. All visitors should respect the communities clothing requirements and dress appropriately. Examples are that females must have their shoulders covered during daylight hours and when volunteering with children, skirts and shorts should be at a length below the knee. Following this simple guideline will save any embarrassment for you or the community you are supporting.
The houses are based in the town of Sangkhlaburi 500kms north west of Bangkok with numerous facilities including internet cafes, banks, shops, supermarkets, cafes, restaurants, pubs, laundrette, fresh food markets and a post office within walking distance.
Sangkhlaburi is also famous for its 400m, hand-built wooden bridge - you will need to make sure of your footing when crossing the bridge and don`t forget to make a donation at the end towards its upkeep!
Sangkhlaburi is located on the banks of one of the largest man-made lackes in Thailand. The lake was created approximately 40 years ago by flooding a valley that once housed a small farming community. Proof of this can be seen in the winter months when the water level is low and the church steeple breaks the surface of the lake.
You can talk to your coordinator about the many activities that take place in and around Sangkhlaburi. They can give you the latest information, costs and help arrange tickets and transfers.
Each morning you will walk to a meeting point where you will be collected and transferred to your project location. At the end of the day you will be picked up and transferred back to your accommodation. The evening is then yours to do what you like.
Today’s Thailand, formerly called Siam, is the product of a plethora of peoples, cultures and kingdoms, culminating in a 10,000 year history of human triumphs and tribulations. Long before the Thais established the kingdom of Thailand in the 13th century, bronze and iron Age civilisations existed and the following centuries saw the Mon, Malay and Khmer kingdoms stamp their presence on the land. The founding of the modern Thai nation, however, is marked by Thai chieftans overthrowing the Khmers in 1238 to establish the city of Sukhothai as the first Thai Kingdom. During this period other Thai kingdoms were established and alliances were made that enabled Sukhothai to expand and prosper. From 1350, Ayutthaya grew to become the dominant kingdom, and most powerful force in Southeast Asia, as its borders grew to represent the Thailand of today. By the 16th century, Burma’s invasion ended Ayutthaya’s reign and it was eventually destroyed after the Burmese attacked again in 1767.
Today, the country is ruled by the Chakri Dynasty, which have been in power since 1782 and is the only Southeast Asian country to have avoided colonisation. The Chakri achieved economic and social progress, increased foreign trade and consolidated its territorial boundaries. The monarchy’s stable position was uprooted when in 1932 a bloodless coup rid the monarchy of its absolute powers and it was converted into a constitutional monarchy and a mixed military and civilian government gained power. For most of the 20th century the country was under military rule who gained the upper hand over brief periods of civilian rule, sometimes via coups and counter coups. In the 1980s the country enjoyed economic growth and employed democratic civilian rule. In 1997, Thailand adopted a new Constitution set out to enforce ethical electoral procedures, strengthen the political party system and promote human rights. Its political stability, however, remains to be seen following the bloodless military coup in September 2006.
Thailand’s economy has also been tested to the limit, it hit a low point in 1997 as economic crisis hit Southeast Asia and the Thai currency lost mightily against the US dollar. In recent years, it has achieved economic growth. The Asian Tsunami of December 2005, however, hit the country hard in many ways, but it has bounced back and is on the road to recovery.
The delights of Thailand are as diverse as they are abundant. From relaxing with total abandonment on its fine beaches to exploring its temples and beyond, it caters for city dwellers, culture vultures and beach bathers.
Northern Thailand is an historical and cultural mecca and is home to the nation’s first capital Sukhothai. On the ‘to do’ list of many, a visitor must take a trek through the northern hills to explore the region’s tribal groups. This popular pursuit offers a unique insight into the distinctive dress, language and customs of various tribes and the treks can last anything from a few days to a couple of weeks on an organised tour. The tours have gone upscale in recent years with elephant rides and plush accommodation thrown into the equation by some tour operators. While Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai are popular starting points, treks in the Mae Hong Sorn and Tak provinces are relatively uncharted territory, though growing in popularity, and are worth exploring.
Sukhothai offers a look back at the past and features a host of ruins and temples. Be sure to go to Old Sukhothai not New Sukhothai which has few, if any, authentic features. In the old city, you’ll find plenty of wats (Buddist temples). Rakhamhaeng National Museum offers an insight into the city’s ancient cultures with an array of ancient finds, while Wat Mahathat is the largest in the city and includes original Buddha images offset by a large ornamented pond. For a slightly less touristy experience, the old city of Si Satchanalai has well preserved ruins such as Wat Chang Lom which features Buddha and elephant imagery.
Bordering with Laos and Cambodia, the north eastern region (known as Isan) isn’t as tourist heavy as other parts of the country but nonetheless it has historic sights together with a mix of Lao and Khmer cultural influences. One of the area’s highlights is Prasat Hin Khao Phanom Rung Historical Park which sits on the rim of a volcano and is known for its range of Khmer ruins; the restored temple dates from between the 10th and 13th centuries.
With beaches and tropical islands galore, the south of the country harbours a series of extremes from party atmospheres to chill out zones, tourist traps to secluded gems. Phuket and Ko Samui have long been two of the main hotspots in the south. Thailand’s largest and most developed island, Phuket, is a top travel destination for its beaches, nightlife and general easy going, friendly attitude. Ao Patong is the Island’s liveliest beach and also the most developed, though there are some secluded beauty spots to be had on the island. Although relatively close to the airport, Nai Thon beach is one of the few undeveloped beaches remaining on the Island and is ideal for a stress-free sunbathing session. Ultimately, the south’s best kept secluded secrets can be discovered by venturing out to the many islands that are easily accessible on ferries and long boats that leave from the main islands like Phi Phi Island and Phuket.
Thailand is also a divers’ paradise with the marine national park of Koh Similan renowned as a world class diving site. It comprises nine islands with lush forests, picturesque sandy beaches and a mix of marine life including Manta Rays. There are no regular boat services to the islands but it’s possible to get a day trip boat from Phuket or Khao Lak that can take anything between 45 minutes and 3 hours depending on the type of boat. Also, trips to the Island can be restricted and sometimes cease altogether from May to October due to weather conditions. Ko Tao is also a popular divers’ haunt and can be reached by boat from Ko Pha-Ngan and takes around 3 hours.
A complete change of scenery can be found at Khao Sok National Park, located in the province of Surat Thani, which boasts the largest area of virgin forest in Southern Thailand. Its huge limestone cliffs, lush jungle and flowing rivers are home to a range of species including gibbons and barking deer. A good way to enjoy it in all its glory, including the noise of the rattling jungle, is by staying in a tree house.
One of the country’s biggest and most loved parties is the Full Moon Party at Haard Rin on the island of Koh Pha Ngan. Enjoyed by over 10,000 people every month, this all night beach party has Djs spinning a mix from techno to reggae, while fire-eaters and fireworks add to the hedonistic atmosphere.
Generally, Thailand’s seasons can be categorised as hot (March to May), rainy (June to October) and cool (November to February), though the best time to go can depend on the area of the country you plan to visit. The north of the country is at its most glorious during the cool season when the scenery is accentuated with flowers in bloom and the climate is cool and dry; mountainous regions, however, can see temperatures dip to as low as freezing.
The centre and east of the country, including Bangkok, are witness to hot temperatures year round and can reach over 40 degrees during the hot season; April tends to be the hottest month. Although the south doesn’t have a cool season as such, it makes up for it by having the most rainfall in the country during the rainy season. Areas lying close to the Thai Peninsula, such as Phuket and Koh Samui, are best visited March and April to avoid the monsoon season. However, there are differentiations between east and west of the peninsular outside of these months; the west (Phuket) is best November to April to avoid the monsoons, while May to October is better for the east side (Koh Samui).
The peak seasons are July and August, November and December, and January to March, during which the most tourist driven areas like Bangkok, Phuket and Chiang Mai, experience high visitor numbers, though it’s still possible to find less crowds in off the beaten track areas. April to June and September to October are the best times for solitude seekers.
Thai currency is the Baht;1B makes up 100 Satang. The current exchange rate is $1 to 37.2469 THB. Check www.xe.com or equivalent for the most up to date exchange rate.
The average costs of life’s little essentials are as follows:
Chiang Mai is the capital of the north, a major visitor hotspot and home to over 300 temples. From gold plated shrines to stone carvings, there’s a lot to see in the city’s temples with some dating back to the 13th century; highlights include a 500 year old bronze Buddha at Wat Suan Dawk, while Buddha Sila and the Crystal Buddha are housed at Wat Chiang Man, the oldest wat in the city’s walls. One of the most visited temples is the hill-top Wat Phra That at Doi Suthep, which takes in some of the best views of the city.
Retail therapy is one of the country’s biggest draws and Chiang Mai’s Night Bazaar is happy to satisfy the urge to spend. It runs from around 7pm to midnight at Chang Klan road between Tapee and Loh Kroh roads and has stalls selling everything but the kitchen sink, from tourist trinkets to clothes you might actually want to wear.
One of the liveliest times to visit Chiang Mai is during Songkran (Thai New Year) which takes place in April over several days. Processions line the streets with Buddha statues from each wat on parade and it’s seen as a time of cleaning and renewal which has traditionally been symbolised with the sprinkling of water. In Chiang Mai, water is thrown left, right and centre in a celebratory fashion and if anything, gives you sense of the community spirit.
Bangkok (known in Thai as Krung Thep) is a full on experience. On the surface it can seem like a diluted westernised Asian metropolis with never-ending traffic jams, pollution and bright lights. But beneath its tourist heavy veneer, the city and its surroundings have managed to hold onto their cultural allure. With over 400 temples, it’s possible to find calm in the sometimes intrusive urban sprawl. The city’s oldest and largest wat is Wat Pho which is renowned for its huge reclining Buddha. The one-time royal residence, the Grand Palace, is a major visitor spot, and deservedly so. Dating from the 18th century, the palace complex offers a step back in time and also includes Wat Phra Kaew which contains the scared Emerald Buddha. It’s best to visit later in the day to avoid the crowds and the queues.
Bangkok also promotes the temptation to delve into the purse strings. Chatuchak Market is the largest market in the country, if not the world, with over 15,000 stalls selling everything you could possibly need or want, at low prices with bargaining banter thrown in. There’s almost everything on sale from food and clothing to pedigree pooches and plants; Saturday and Sunday are the main market days and over 200,000 shoppers arrive daily. While the busy crowds and heat are not for the faint hearted, it offers a genuine insight into Bangkok life.
For an alternative shopping experience, floating markets may do the trick. Although once a traditional way of life, these canal and river based markets are now mostly billed as a tourist experience but it does serve as a reminder of how the Thais bought their wares before the supermarket giants took over the city. One of the most popular floating markets is Damnoen Saduak, around 2 hours driving time from Bangkok, which is serviced by regular buses. There are less populated floating markets in Ratchaburi, which is under 2 hours away from Bangkok by train, and the markets can be reached by hiring a long-tailed boat for a few hundred baht depending on your bargaining skills.
Cruising down the city’s waterways is also one of the best ways of experiencing Bangkok. A good route is to take an express riverboat from the Wat Ratchasingkhon pier to Nonthaburi which takes in life along the Chao Phraya River. A river bus from Bangkok to Bang Yai also provides a look at how Bangkok used to be when canals were the mainstay of the city.
As the country’s transport hub, Bangkok is the best place to explore from; it has a host of gems within an easy day’s reach. Highlights include one-time capital Ayutthaya which is entrenched in history with an array of ruins and old temples. Close to the Burmese border, Sangkhlaburi offers a real taste of Thai country life. The town lies on the scenic Vajiralongkorn Lake and is a popular weekend retreat amongst Bangkok based Thais. The laidback lifestyle of the town also takes in trekking, rafting and elephant riding.
A host of domestic airlines serving the country’s main cities and resorts makes flying a popular and attractive option. Some of the most popular routes from Bangkok are to Chiang Mai, Phuket and Ko Samui. The country’s main carriers, Thai Airways International and Bangkok Airways, serve major routes, while other smaller carriers serve specific areas such as Air Andaman which flies to southern cities only. When budgeting for flights, it’s also worth noting that Thailand charges a departure tax for international flights, currently 500 Baht, which is not included in the ticket price and is charged upon departure.
Buses also provide a convenient long-distance mode of travel. The major routes are served by private, air conditioned buses. As well as running throughout the day, long haul journey’s also run through the night, such as the 13 hour journey from Bangkok to Phuket. Although not as extensive as its bus system, Thailand has comprehensive rail links. Prices vary according to which class you choose. Second class is more than adequate but if open plan berths are a turn off, first class has berths in compartments for two people only. Third class doesn’t have the luxury of air conditioning, just the fresh air of an open window, but it is suitable for short distances of a couple of hours of less.
Local transport is readily available throughout Thailand, from bicycles in rural areas to water taxis on the Chao Phraya river in Bangkok. Tuk-tuks, motorised pedal rickshaws, are noisy little run-a-rounds that feature in large towns and cities like Bangkok. As is applicable for taxis and other unmetered forms of transport, it’s best to negotiate a price before you set off. Samlor’s are the non motorised version, while songthaew work on the same principle as tuk-tuks but have a row of seats down each side. In larger cities, these forms of transport tend to be used by tourists rather than locals as they’re not always the quickest or cheapest way to get to where you want to go. Aside from its boats and river taxis, one of the best ways to avoid the traffic in Bangkok is to take the SkyTrain. It’s an elevated metro system covering over 23km with 23 stations.
www.lonelyplanet.com
Lonely Planet are leaders in the travel guide sector and their website is a great source of travel information.
www.fco.gov.uk
The Foreign & Commonwealth Office’s website provides up-to-date political news, travel advice and information on visas.
www.bts.co.th
Bangkok’s SkyTrain service.
www.airportthai.co.th
AOT operates five of the country’s main international airports: Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket, Hat Yai and Chaing Rai.
www.railway.co.th
State Railway of Thailand, government operator of the country’s rail system, offers fares and timetable information on its site.
www.tmd.go.th
The website from the Thai government’s Metrological Department provides daily weather forecasts and climate information.
We work in partnership with hundreds of established projects that are run by local communities. The information on our website comes directly from the projects and we work with them to ensure this information is as accurate as possible. However, due to the very nature of the projects themselves the exact details of what happens on a daily basis can change with little or no notice. If you have travelled with us and have any updates to this information, please let us know.
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