Day 1, Tuesday            
Relax and prepare yourself for your adventure on world-class Singapore Airlines. Meet other students, watch on-demand movies and unwind. A Rustic Pathways Flight Leader will accompany each of our escorted group flights from Los Angeles, making sure that your journey is easy and enjoyable.
           
Day 2, Wednesday    
Ghost Day - This day is officially 'lost' as we pass the International Date Line.  We'll be sure to pick up a free day for you on your way home.
           
Day 3, Thursday        
Sawat dee and welcome to Thailand! The morning begins as you arrive into Singapore at sunrise. Stretch your legs and enjoy one of the world’s nicest airports for a couple hours, before continuing on to Bangkok. Arriving in Bangkok early afternoon, you’ll be greeted by many staff and program leaders who have been eagerly awaiting your arrival. After a quick ‘meet and greet’, we’ll head to the departure gate again and hop on the easy 45 minute flight up to Udon Thani and the Ricefields Base. Upon your arrival at the Base, you will be welcomed by over 20 western and Thai staff, as well as other students already here. We’ll get situated at the base, enjoy the buffet dinner and BBQ that has been prepared for us, and get a tour of this amazing place. After a shower or a dip in the pool, we’ll get together as a group, have our brief orientation, and then you’ll have some time to chat with your new friends.
           
Day 4, Friday
As we’re a relatively small group here at the Ricefields Base and we’ve already had our orientation, we’ll get straight out into the community and get cracking on our service project for the day. Our activity will depend on what other projects are doing for the day and what the group would prefer to do, either helping with Welcome Homes, Orphans & Open Arms, or Teaching the Children. We’ll return to the Base around lunch time for a buffet-style meal where you can try some local Thai food and have a chance to meet the other students at the Ricefields Base. Then, enjoy some pool time before our first big test – a full-field game against a local school team! Don’t worry if you haven’t been on the field for a while – your skills will get sharper by the day. We will give it our best effort though, because we wouldn’t want to disappoint the hundreds of screaming fans from both the school and the Ricefields Base who’ll be there to cheer you on. After the game, we’ll provide some refreshments for all to enjoy and sign some autographs for our biggest fans. Then, it’s back to the Base for a soothing swim and a hearty dinner. In the evening, we’ll see what’s going on around the Base, and join an activity there or head into town with just our Soccer & Service crew and find a great Thai market to explore.
           
Day 5, Saturday         
In the morning, we’ll join the Ricefields students on a trip out of the village to help some local farmers planting rice. This is a unique experience which allows you to help locals with their work, learn and age-old agricultural technique, embrace mud between your fingers and toes, and have a great time working alongside fellow good-hearted students. As a group, we’re usually able to finish a large section of field in just a couple of hours, after which we all rinse off and head back to the Base for lunch.  In the afternoon, we’ll challenge all other students and staff at the Ricefields Base to assemble their best team and have a match at the field nearby. After we’ve soundly defeated them (we hope – though there are some very talented staff who’ll be gunning for us!), we’ll return to the base for a dip in the pool as the sun sets over the rice fields. After dinner, we’ll head into town for some bowling – always a good laugh.
           
Day 6, Sunday            
In the morning, we’ll take a trip out to the local orphanage, and share some smiles and laughs with these friendly, disadvantaged children. After lunch, we’ll have some time for a small-sided game at the Base before showering and packing our bags. We’ll say goodbyes to all and thank you to our gracious hosts, the Sanboon family, for making our stay so enjoyable. You’ll find that you’ll end up crossing paths and joining programs with many of the students at the Ricefields Base again in the near future. In the evening, we’ll catch a ride to the airport and fly to Chiang Mai. The flight takes about an hour and a half, and will bring us into town by about 8:30 PM. We’ll transfer to our accommodation at the Chiang Mai Base House. Next, we’ll visit a hip market nearby very popular with students, and same some interesting and delectable Thai snacks.
           
Day 7, Monday          
Today, we’ll rise early and make some offerings to monks out for their morning alms. Then we’ll pack a bag lunch hit the rain-forested trail up Doi Suthep, the legendary mountain overlooking Chiang Mai, to a quaint meditation retreat. You’ll hike along a waterfall well up the mountain, then meet up with our VIP vans, which will bring us to the beautiful temple atop the mountain. After a relaxing visit to this calming temple, we’ll get in our vans and begin the drive up to the Chiang Rai. Relax and enjoy the beautiful scenery along the way, and after about 3 hours we’ll be in Chiang Rai. By late afternoon, we’ll be at our Chiang Rai Base House, where you can drop off your bags and throw on your boots for a pick-up game nearby.  After dinner, we’ll throw on a movie and crash at the Base.
           
Day 8, Tuesday          
First thing in the morning, it’s time to step into a different world, as we cross the border into Burma. This is a truly eye-opening experience, and though we’ll just be here for a short time, it’s guaranteed to make a real impression on you.  After this, we’ll head off to the very small and seldom-seen town of Ban Thoet Thai in the far north of Thailand. This town was the outpost for one of the region’s most famous opium lords, Khun Sa, for many years. While the area is well under government control now, the interesting history and the feeling of being on the frontier of Thailand is very unique. The area is settled by a combination of Thai, Shan, Chinese, Akha, Hmong, Lisu, and Lahu people, making for a very diverse population. We’ll be met in town by 4x4 drivers, who will take us up the steep mountain trails to a tiny Lahu village perched on top of a mountain, where we’ll do our Hill Tribe homestay. We’ll drop our bags and have a small-sided pick-up game with some villagers ‘on top of the world’. After a refreshing ‘bucket shower’ (that’s right – no shower heads or water heaters up here!), we’ll change into some comfortable clothes and help our gracious guests prepare a traditional Lahu feast. Expect hefty helpings of mountain grown rice, bamboo shoots, soup, and other tasty treats (don’t worry – for those less adventurous eaters we’ll bring some instant noodles). After dinner, we’ll drink some locally grown tea before wrapping up in our mosquito nets and dozing off for the night.
           
Day 9, Wednesday    
The next day, we’ll wake up early to the sound of roosters crowing and the smell of breakfast cooking. Take a short walk to the top of the village where you’ll watch the sun rising over the valley below, as villagers go about their morning business all around you. Enjoy a morning cup of tea with breakfast, and then you’ll join the villagers as they head down the mountain trails to work. You can even try riding a horse down the mountain path if you wish (optional). Then, roll up your sleeves and your pants, and get ready to plant mountain rice in terraced fields. Water buffalo plow the fields all around you, and you’ll work beside the smiling villagers who somehow work 6 times as fast as you. Taking a break from the rice planting, rest in the bamboo hut nearby, admire the impressive peaks that surround you, and play with the children who have also made the morning trek down to be with their parents. In the afternoon, we’ll trek back up to our homestay, and have another pick-up soccer game with the villagers. Help prepare another highland feast, and enjoy a traditional Lahu cultural performance while learning the latest Hill Tribe dance moves - a truly unique evening!
           
Day 10, Thursday      
In the morning after a hearty breakfast, we’ll head down to Baan Thoet Thai and check in to the riverside bungalows at Rimtaan Guest House. After a long-awaited warm shower, and a couple hours to enjoy the comfortable beds and the quaint atmosphere here, we’ll walk down the road to a school where Hill Tribe and local students study classes taught in English, Thai, and Chinese. These children will be very excited to meet you, and have a chance to practice their English. Here, you’ll also have a chance to teach and tutor in some classes! Don’t worry – we’ll help you plan some useful games and materials first – and then you and your partner will run the show! Everyone will be laughing and having a good time meeting friendly people from the other side of the globe. After class, grab your cleats and join the parade of students marching out to the soccer field for the main event. We’ll have a game against the school’s u-17 team – some serious competition – in front of hundreds of excited and screaming fans. After the game, take some time to shower up and change into some clean clothes. Then, the action just keeps coming as we’re the guests of honor at a special welcoming ceremony! Our gracious hosts will prepare a delicious feast featuring Thai food and even some western dishes! Students will sing traditional songs, and we’ll sing some songs from home as well. This is a great opportunity to share some social time with great people from such a friendly, welcoming culture. After you’ve sung your heart out, we’ll retire back to our riverside bungalows.
           
Day 11, Friday           
Rising before dawn, we’ll walk up the street to the bustling morning market. Thai, Chinese, Shan and the various Hill Tribe peoples come from all around to come sell their goods and buy what then need for the day. You’ll surely feel like you’re on another planet, as the sounds and intonations of a half dozen different languages fill the air of the morning bustle. After breakfast, we’ll hop in the VIP vans again and head south to Chiang Mai. In Chiang Mai, we’ll stop for lunch and some refreshments, and then continue out of the city again to Mae Wang district. In Mae Wang, we’ll meet up with some of our local connections who’ll be showing us around for the next few days, and begin our time here with some bamboo rafting! Cruise down this windy river through rice fields, sleepy villages, and rainforests, while testing your navigation skills down some fun little rapids. Next, we’ll head to one of the area’s most beautiful soccer fields for a game against a local team. Afterwards, we’ll change into some dry clothes and drive to our friend Net’s house, where we’ll stay for the next couple nights. This place is perfect for hanging out, and it is a warm experience to stay at Net’s home.  We’ll settle down for a delicious dinner, and spend the evening relaxing in this chilled out place. Surely a big day here, and you’re guaranteed to sleep well.

Day 12, Saturday       
We’ll have a slower morning today to catch up after a couple of busy days, and after breakfast we’ll take some time to explore the Karen villages in the area, and maybe even try a bit of traditional weaving or cooking. After lunch, we’ll go for a swim and take some stunning pictures at a nearby waterfall. In the afternoon, we’ll take to the field again against a local high school team. After a quick shower, we’ll take the vans to a remote Hmong village about an hour away, where we’ll be treated to a Hmong feast, together with some traditional music and dancing. After presenting a kind donation to the village school and cultural programs, we’ll return to the comfort of Net’s house.
           
Day 13, Sunday         
We’ll depart for Chiang Mai around morning, just an easy hour drive back into town. First stop will be to drop off our things at the Chiang Mai Base house, after which we’ll have some time to relax. There will be an optional game at the University in the afternoon, before we all shower up and prepare for an afternoon of shopping. First stop will be the Sunday Walking Street Market, famous for its traditional northern Thai crafts and items. We’ll take time to wander this great market for souvenirs and gifts, and we’ll even treat you to a well-deserved foot massage. After this, we’ll head up to the Chiang Mai Night Bazaar, where you can find anything else you’re looking for. This will be your chance to truly “shop til’ you drop” for some great bargains and souvenirs for your friends and family.
           
Day 14, Monday        
After a night of shopping hard, we’ll wake up easy again, grab something to eat, and check out some other famous sights around Chiang Mai including an optional Bungee Jump at the Jungle Bungee Jump outside of town. In the afternoon, we’ll head to the Train station, where we’ll board the overnight train to Ayutthaya. Taking an overnight train is a scenic ride and a great experience for those who’ve never taken an overnight sleeper train.
           
Day 15, Tuesday        
Wake up and grab your bags!!! Sure, the sun isn’t up yet, but we’re in Ayutthaya already – so grab your bags and hop off the train and into the pickup trucks waiting for us. They’ll transfer us to our guest house in the city where we can rest for a couple more hours before breakfast. After breakfast, its time to get up close and personal with elephants!  From babies to senior citizens, this camp has over 75 elephants of all ages. Help the ‘mahouts’, or elephant trainers, take care of the elephants, and learn how to communicate with them and understand their behavior. In the afternoon, we’ll take to the field in a full-field game against the elephants! Its not just a casual game, folks – this is the real deal. The ball is elephant sized and a bit heavy, but its fair game, and its takes some serious talent to beat the talented and enormous elephant goalkeepers. After the game, we’ll play a game with the mahouts, before showering up and getting ready to head into town. In the evening, we’ll tour the ancient temples and palaces of Ayutthaya by long-tail boat, stopping at a riverside restaurant for dinner, and check out some local markets in town before heading back to the guest house for the night.
           
Day 16, Wednesday  
In the morning, we’ll have some more time to relax and help with the elephants before packing our bags again and heading off to tour the amazing ruins of Thailand’s ancient capital city in the daylight. We’ll have one final soccer match at a local school in the afternoon, and you’ll have the evening to hang out with your friends and visit a nearby market.
           
Day 17, Thursday      
After breakfast, transfer to airport and say heartfelt goodbyes and ‘see you laters’ to your new friends, before connecting with your next Rustic Pathways adventure or flying home. Bon Voyage!
           
For more information on any aspect of this program, please email Bryan Haggerty at bryan@rusticpathways.com.

An Important Note about Schedule Changes :
Rustic Pathways reserves the right to change, alter, or amend the daily itinerary for this trip at any time. Changes can be made for various reasons including changes in flight or program schedules, changes in the schedules of various external tours incorporated in our trips, the addition of new activities into a trip, or the substitution of an old activity for a new activity. The itinerary shown here provides a good outline of the anticipated daily schedule for this program. As with any travel program, some changes may occur.

Soccer & Service FAQ's

Do I need to be a serious soccer player to join this program?
As long as you enjoy playing soccer, you’ll have a great time on the Soccer & Service Program. We do play most every afternoon, but it’s always in such different places and circumstances that you’ll be consistently surprised.

Why Thailand? Do Thai people even like soccer?
Soccer is by far the biggest sport in Thailand, and Thai people are rabid fans. Whether it’s local pick-up games, the Thai national team playing a friendly match, or any major European league, you’ll find that the Thai people won’t miss a minute of the action. When it comes to stepping on the field, Thai’s are very quick and have exceptional ball control. Unlike in the States, where only people who play have a decent set of skills, most Thais can step right on a field and play a pretty high level of ball.

I can’t find a friend to go with… will there be any other people going by themselves?
Yes! Please – don’t think that you need a friend to come along to have a good time. Most of our students go on programs by themselves, and it really is the best way to meet people and have a truly unique experience. Many students learn this at a very young age, and travel on our programs by themselves every year!

How is this program different from other Rustic Programs?
Really, this program has it all – great service, lots of touring (you get to see 3 really different parts of Thailand), soccer in very diverse settings – and of course a charity game against elephants! Honestly, what more could you ask for from a 2 week summer program?

Is the game against elephants dangerous?
It is certainly a bit scary at first, but it’s also a once in a lifetime experience. The mahouts (‘elephant trainers’) have amazing control of the elephants, and they can actually play pretty well! The ball we use is very large and heavy, but it’s only fair so the elephants can really play.

Where do we sleep on this program?
We sleep at the Ricefields Base, two different Rustic Pathways Base Houses (Chiang Mai & Chiang Rai), riverside bungalows, a Thai style guest house, and a Hilltribe village homestay! There is a little bit of everything on this trip…