Thailand : Build SKILL - Rustic Pathways GAP

Thailand Gap Year programs 2009

Build Skills Thailand – The Ancient Traditions – An in-depth seminar in Theravada Buddhist Meditation, Traditional Thai Massage, and Yoga

The Seminar
The Buddhist tradition is one of the oldest known in the world today. In recent years, Buddhist philosophies and practices have become extremely popular throughout the Western world, as people have begun to explore these ancient traditions. This seminar is designed for students seeking to delve seriously into different aspects of these arts, with the focus being on the meditation experience. The program will include an introduction to Buddhist theory, and it will be conducted with a holistic approach, incorporating yoga practice, a traditional Thai massage course, and even Thai cooking classes. The seminar will be conducted as the group travels throughout the diverse and beautiful mountains of northern Thailand, stopping to do the week-long solitary retreat in a spectacular Karen village temple, home to Niyom, one of the most endearing members of our Thai staff team.

Chiang Mai – A Great Place to Live and Learn
The hub of northern Thailand, Chiang Mai is renowned for its warm-hearted people and welcoming culture. Traces of the city’s rich history can be seen at almost every turn – ancient city walls guard spectacular temples and pagodas, and a moat still surrounds the Old City. Modern structures have carefully grown up around these timeless cornerstones, and narrow brick alleyways provide pedestrian paths through the city. Affectionately known as the ‘Rose of the North,’ the city has flourished in recent years, drawing an international community of artists, musicians, and NGO workers. You’ll begin your experience by moving into a cozy corner of the Old City where you’ll immediately become familiar with your new neighborhood and begin to make local friends. You’ll settle in, get to know the welcoming locals, learn about Thai culture, live a healthy lifestyle, and really become a part of Chiang Mai’s laid-back vibe. Most of your days here will be filled with various seminars about Buddhist philosophy and meditation practice, but you’ll also have an opportunity to explore the city with our knowledgeable guides. Expect to travel to your daily destinations primarily by foot or local public transportation, and to learn quickly how to order delicious local dishes. Spend a few evenings checking out some of Chiang Mai’s best up-and-coming musicians with your new friends and jam the night away. You’ll be amazed at how quickly you become a part of the unique vibe here!

Head for the Hills of Mae Hong Son Province
After your intensive introduction to Theravada theory and practice, you’ll travel to the quaint town of Chiang Dao. Here, you’ll stay in a bungalow and enjoy great views of the unique peak of Doi Chiang Dao, ‘The Mountain of the Stars.’ Next, you’ll continue through the rugged mountain pass to the town of Pai, where you’ll have the chance to relax and enjoy the eclectic mix of Hill Tribe and New Age cultures. You’ll continue your practice here, but the focus will be on enjoying your time here while exploring nearby waterfalls, natural hot springs, Hill Tribe villages, and street side cafes. The tiny provincial capital of Mae Hong Son will be your next stop as you cruise through the mountains of this fascinating region. This will be the last stop on your exploration of the north, as you prepare for your week-long meditation retreat.

The Retreat – Learning to Quiet Your Mind
Having learned a considerable amount about Buddhist theory and meditation techniques, and seen some of the coolest spots in northern Thailand, you’ll now be ready for the challenge of the month. This will be your chance to apply what you’ve learned and test your will and your patience. You will be guided by our experienced staff and a resident monk, but the majority of your time here will be spent on your own as you seek to free your own mind from all distractions and experience the world with fresh senses. It is not an easy task – this time will feel like weeks instead of days – but you will be amazed at what you lean about yourself and the world around you. During this time, your social interactions will be limited, but don’t worry – you’ll have plenty of time to decompress and enjoy your time after the retreat.

Go Home With Skills for Life
The final week of the seminar will be spent back in Chiang Mai, where you’ll be able to digest your experience with your peers, get certified in traditional Thai massage, shop to your heart’s content, and enjoy your final days here. You may continue your practice as you wish, but this time will be much more laid back – you’ve survived an amazing experience, and you deserve to enjoy the view from the proverbial mountain you’ve climbed. Expect to return home with a renewed perspective on things, well schooled in living healthy, and with a special place in your heart for the gentle Thai culture.

For more information on this Gap Year module or any of our other extensive Gap Year offerings, please e-mail us at gap@rusticpathways.com.

Build Skills Thailand – The Ancient Traditions – An in-depth seminar in Theravada Buddhist Meditation, Traditional Thai Massage, and Yoga

Day 1
Welcome to Thailand! Upon arrival, you'll connect directly to Chiang Mai, which will be your primary base for the next month.

Day 2
Today will start with a morning yoga session to help shake off the jet lag. Next, you'll get acquainted with this cool northern capital during a walking tour of the city. The 'old city' is surrounded by 700-year-old city walls and a moat, which have served to protect the city from enemies for centuries. In the evening, you’ll head to a couple of the city's most popular temples to chat with some monks about the basics of Buddhism and learn a bit about some local history and folklore. End the day with a relaxing Thai massage to help shake off the jet lag.

Day 3
Today, you'll get an extensive introduction to Theravada Buddhism at one of Chiang Mai's most revered Buddhist institutions. Your course study will be supplemented by walking tours of the temple complex, where you'll begin to understand how the architecture and customs relate to the underlying theory. In the afternoon, you'll have your first formal meditation training, guided by the head monk at the temple. Each day, your session will get a bit longer as you get accustomed to sitting and quieting your mind.

Day 4
Today will begin with a morning yoga session to get things flowing – you’ll find that this is a great way to start the day. After that, it will be time for your first formal cooking lesson at one of the city’s best cooking schools. Your guides will show you through a local market and teach you how to pick the best ingredients. Then you’ll head to the school to prepare a proper feast. In the evening, you'll have another informative seminar about Buddhism. In the afternoon, you'll head up to DoiSuthep, Chiang Mai's most famous attraction.

Day 5
After a morning meditation session, you'll begin your study of Thai massage. This ancient art form has become world famous, and you’ll get a good introduction to the basics today. In the evening, you'll go to a local Thai market and check out how local college kids live by night.

Day 6
Today will begin a more intensive phase of the program. After a morning meditation session (very early!), you'll head out to watch monks doing their morning alms. This will provide you with a unique perspective, because you'll be on the same schedule as they are. Like the monks, you'll have started your day with some meditative time, and now you'll get to see how they are received by Thai society. After some down time, you'll have another massage lesson.

Day 7
Beginning the day with meditation, you'll then head straight into a yoga session. Then it will be back to the classroom for some more in-depth discussion about Buddhism and your practice.

Day 8
Today, wake up with morning meditation and head out to the market for another shopping run before another cooking lesson. In the afternoon, head out to the Mae Jo waterfall for a nice, relaxing afternoon at one of the coolest waterfalls around. On the way back, stop at the Hill Tribe Museum to learn about the diverse cultures that call this region home.

Day 9
Today, you’ll head out of town for Chiang Dao, just an hour and a half outside of town. Here, you'll see one of the most dramatic peaks around, a holy cave, and a relaxing village.

Day 10
Continuing north, you’ll head to Pai and arrive in time to stroll the afternoon market in town. Check in to your bungalow and check out this hip little town. In the evening, chill out to some of the best live music in Thailand.

Day 11
While in Pai, you'll continue with daily yoga and meditation, but this time is meant for you to be enjoying life here in the mountains of Thailand. Today, you'll also head out to a waterfall, and then cruise the funky shops and galleries of Pai in the evening.

Day 12
Today, you'll continue west, traveling through Soppong, home to some of Southeast Asia's longest caves. The day will finish in Mae Hong Son, where you'll settle in to this cool northern capital. You’ll stop by one of the city's most quaint temples and take some time to meditate in this serene atmosphere. In the evening, stroll around the lake in the city center and get some rest for another big day tomorrow!

Day 13
First thing, we'll join the monks at a temple for a morning meditation session, and then head upriver to see our friends at a long-neck Karen village, and then ride an elephant through the dense rainforest of the area. In the afternoon, you’ll be free to walk around this cool mountain town and meet some of the friendly local people here.

Day 14
Today, you’ll head south to the Hill Tribe Support Project, where you'll get to meet our extended family in Mae Sariang. Visit the school, teach some English at the Baan Rai school, and enjoy the vibe of this unique location.

Day 16
Chill in Mae Sariang, teach at the school, enjoy!

Day 17
In the morning, say goodbye to your friends here, and get ready for your 10-day meditation retreat in Niyom's village.

Day 18
Meditation retreat! Early morning meditation, breakfast with monks, walking meditation, sitting, lunch, sitting……….

Day 19
Meditation retreat! Early morning meditation, breakfast with monks, walking meditation, sitting, lunch, sitting……….

Day 20
Meditation retreat! Early morning meditation, breakfast with monks, walking meditation, sitting, lunch, sitting……….

Day 21
Meditation retreat! Early morning meditation, breakfast with monks, walking meditation, sitting, lunch, sitting……….

Day 22
Meditation retreat! Early morning meditation, breakfast with monks, walking meditation, sitting, lunch, sitting……….

Day 23
Meditation retreat! Early morning meditation, breakfast with monks, walking meditation, sitting, lunch, sitting……….

Day 24
Today, you'll return to Chiang Mai (and civilization!). You'll be able to eat whatever kind of food you've been craving all of this time. Peruse some of the city’s awesome markets and enjoy the sensory overload that is life after retreat. You’ll be amazed by the tastes, smells, and feelings you experience as you get back to life as ‘normal.’

Day 25
During the next few days, you’ll learn the art of Thai massage. Training at one of Chiang Mai’s most well-known schools, you’ll learn a great deal about this ancient tradition. You’ll train several hours each day, and you should expect a great deal of information to come your way. Each evening, you’ll have the chance to explore the many sights of Chiang Mai, including the legendary local and international cuisine available in the city. Listen to talented local musicians, check out awesome art galleries, and enjoy your time here in the city!

Day 26
Thai massage lessons & exploring Chiang Mai

Day 27
Thai massage lessons & exploring Chiang Mai

Day 28
Thai massage lessons & exploring Chiang Mai – class graduation!

Day 29
Today, you’ll head out of town for the opportunity to do a memorable bungee jump to cap off the experience. In the evening, the group will fly down to Bangkok for a quick look around at the capital city before heading on your next Gap Year adventure.

Day 30
Bon Voyage! Safe travels on your next Gap Year adventure!

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.