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Introduction
With our complete revamping of the Ricefields Service Base in lovely Baan Chiang Yeun now finished, we are excited to share this amazing facility (and our awesome team of staff) with guests from around the world. As the above panoramic photograph shows, this facility has grown into something truly special, bringing more and more positive energy to the surrounding communities and hamlets each year. We now employ a dynamic team of Thai staff full-time(many of whom are from Chiang Yeun village) at the Base who have been working on our service initiatives for years now, and who coordinate service activities around the Base year-round. When not facilitating service projects, the team helps keep the entire facility (including the pool, the organic garden, and the extensive Base grounds) looking beautiful.

This facility is truly remarkable in how it can be modified to perfectly suit any guest or group of guests. The ample space at the Ricefields Base can accommodate over 70 guests comfortably when necessary, while small adult or school groups can enjoy exceptional comfort and privacy in a setting that you simply won’t find anywhere else in the world. Situated in the heart to a traditional northeastern Thai village with top class facilities, a beautiful swimming pool, the Sanboons as your host family, and a dedicated team of Thai staff constantly working to make this place all it can be, we truly feel that the Ricefields Base is in a class of its own. As you will see in the photo galleries below, some rooms shown are set up for adult clients and groups who use the Base during the fall, winter, and spring. During the summer, the room decorations, antiques, and artwork are all the same, but the rooms are outfitted with more space-conscious furniture. All of the furnishings are beautifully crafted in a sort of contemporary Thai style and made entirely of recycled teakwood. Though very stylish, the furnishings also afford a remarkable level of comfort and guests are constantly astonished at the accommodation standards - and at how just a few steps around the corner, you can find yourself in the heart of a traditional Thai village!

We hope that you enjoy the rest of the Ricefields Base Virtual Tour. If you have any questions about The Ricefields Base, our 12 Service Initiatives, or anything else, please don’t hesitate to contact Tim at tim@rusticpathways.com, Bryan at bryan@rusticpathways.com, or David at david@rusticpathways.com.

RICEFIELDS BASE DIRECTORY
   

Introduction To Community Service

Ricefields, Monks & Smiling Children

12 Exciting Service Projects
Weekend Side Trips
Programs That Easily Connect With The Ricefields









   

The Ricefields House

Finished in June 2007, this new 12 bedroom home is the new pride and joy of the Ricefields Service Base. The new house sits next to our lotus ponds and overlooks acres of beautiful terraced rice fields to the east, and vast acres of rice fields to the west. For those of you who have been here before, the new house is similar in style to the other houses at the Base, and is situated on a new 7-acre piece of land that we added to The Ricefields Base in late 2006.
CLICK HERE TO CHECK OUT THE RICEFIELDS HOUSE















Elephant House
The original structure of our Ricefields Base here in Baan Chiang Yeun, this is our main house. There is also plenty of common space in which to relax and anything else you’d ever need for a comfortable stay. CLICK HERE TO CHECK OUT THE ELEPHANT HOUSE











Buddha House
Newly finished in May 2006, Buddha House is an exciting and significant addition to the Ricefields Base. Painted bright yellow, Buddha House certainly has its own personality. CLICK HERE TO CHECK OUT THE BUDDHA HOUSE












Temple House
The Temple House was completed in May 2007. This new house is connected to Buddha House, and is a perfect complement to the Ricefields Base.
CLICK HERE TO CHECK OUT THE TEMPLE HOUSE












Baan Sanboon
‘The Sanboon  Family House’

This is the true heart of the Ricefields Base, and the residence of the entire Sanboon family who care for the Base and all its visitors and staff with perpetual smiles. CLICK HERE TO CHECK OUT THE SANBOON HOUSE












The Sala
With its beautiful teak wood accents and perhaps the best view of the grounds, the Sala is the new favorite chill-out spot. CLICK HERE TO CHECK OUT MORE PICS OF THE SALA











The Grounds
With each day, the Ricefields Base becomes more aesthetically pleasing. We are constantly adding new additions to make this special place as complete and accommodating as possible. CLICK HERE TO CHECK OUT MORE PICS OF THE RICEFIELDS BASE GROUNDS

 

The People

 
The people in this region of the world truly are warm-hearted and welcoming. Once you step on the Base you are part of our family. Come join the friendly Sanboon family and our outgoing Western staff here at the Base.
 

 

The Culture
 

The genuine warmth of this place truly needs to be experienced to be believed. Upon arriving here, you will quickly feel like a part of the family, and memories of Baan Chiang Yeun will stay with you forever.


Chiang Yeun Village

 

Chiang Yeun Village is truly is a warm and welcoming place to be. Home to the Rustic Pathways Ricefields Base, this village has it all. Schools, temples, markets, festivals, friendly locals, rice fields, farmers, buffalo wandering the streets and more.

 

 

Udon Thani

 
The city of Udon Thani is the largest city and the major transportation hub of the region. As the city is not a major tourist destination, everything in the city is very ‘Thai’. This a great place to visit for people who appreciate local cultures.

Nong Khai

 

On weekend day trips we like to head north to the small town of Nong Khai and the Thailand-Laos border. Only a short 45 minute drive away, the town claims to have been voted the 7th most liveable town in the world.
 

 

Village Art & Music

 
The lush colors and exotic sounds of Thailand provide ample inspiration for the artist within. Students will use their creative talents to communicate and connect with Thai students and villagers in ways that transcend language and cultural barriers.

Bobbing & Floating

 
Working with local teachers and sports educators, Rustic has developed a fun and informative curriculum to teach children how to be safe in and around the water.
 

 

Language Exchange

 
Students in rural Thailand desperately want to learn English, but few can afford lessons from native speakers. The Language Exchange Project is fun and rewarding, providing Thai students with free small group tutoring.

Hands in the Dirt

 
Hands in the Dirt teaches students practical organic farming techniques as they work alongside local farmers planting rice and other tasks.
 

 

Meals on Flip-Flops

 
Meals on Flip-Flops is an important and fun project that prepares hot, nutritional Thai meals for elderly people, and delivers these meals to their homes

Buddhist Life & Service

 
Students on the Buddhist Life and Service Project work with Rustic Pathways leaders and village residents to perform tasks that benefit and support the local temples and monks.
 

 

Orphans and Open Arms

 
One of our most popular service activities has been the time spent at the local Udon Thani orphanage. It’s hard to tell who’s having more fun when you watch the close interaction and constant laughter between our students and the Thai children.

Swings, Coloring Books & Kiddies

 
The Swing Sets, Coloring Books & Kiddies Project provides materials and on-going support for the teachers, local volunteers, and children. Our students’ time with these kids always creates strong memories and a million happy photos.
 

 

Teaching the Children

 
Students from our Ricefields Base have worked in local schools for eight years, and schools from across the region now ask us to send our students to teach and share with local Thai students

Welcome Homes

 
s
The Welcome Homes Project builds houses for needy people in rural villages. Help us as we construct and fund new homes and make important renovations to existing ones.
 

 

Veterinary Assistance Project

 
Assist with basic care in the clinics, and then head out into a local village where we'll visit houses sharing information and basic supplies where needed.

Village Health Project

 
This is a very unique and specific service project for students considering entering the medical field who are looking for real hands on experience in places where their service can really make a difference.