Itinerary – Ricefields, Monks and Smiling Children

Day 1 (Tuesday):
Relax and prepare for a world-class trip on Singapore Airlines. Prior to your departure, you will have received your pre-departure packet, which will include your Rustic T-shirts, airline tickets, and important contact information.

Once you arrive at your international departure city, our Flight Liaison will help you get checked in to your international flight. Working with our Flight Liaison will be your Flight Leader, who will escort you all the way to Thailand! Our Flight Leaders are most often schoolteachers or good friends of our organization who happily fill this role for us each year. Once you’re checked in, feel free to relax and get acquainted with your new friends before boarding your flight to Thailand!

Day 2 (Wednesday):
Today is lost as you cross the international dateline. Fear not – you will get this time back on your way home.
          
Day 3 (Thursday):
Sawat dee and welcome to Thailand! Rustic Pathways staff will welcome you in Bangkok with an assortment of Thai food, fruit and drinks to keep you happy until your flight up to Udon Thani. In the meantime, stretch your legs and enjoy one of the world’s nicest airports for a couple of hours. You will soon board another plane and head to The Ricefields Base.

When you arrive, the Western and Thai staff will welcome you to The Base, help you to find your room (hong) and to get a sense of your surroundings. Once you have had a chance to meet your new hong mates and hua naa hong (room leader), you can grab a snack, jump in the pool or take a long-awaited shower.

In the afternoon, staff will escort you to the local market where you can sample local foods and familiarize yourself with Ban Chan. After a buffet-style dinner, we will hold a formal orientation and explain everything you need to know about our nine community service projects and day-to-day life at the Base.  You will have the rest of the evening to make yourself at home, make some new friends, play a game of pick-up soccer, or recover from jet lag. Welcome to life at the Ricefields Base!

Day 4 (Friday):
Days begin early in the village of Ban Chan, and you will likely wake up to the sound of the morning gong calling the monks to begin collecting alms throughout the village.

After a buffet-style breakfast, our local staff will lead an introduction to Thai culture, followed by a tour of the local temple. If they are not meditating, a monk will likely give you a bracelet for good luck in a traditional string ceremony.

Lunch will be served at The Base and will introduce you to the exotic and diverse flavors of Thailand, plus a few reliable American staple foods. After lunch it will be time to dive right into your afternoon service project. Typically, you will choose between five or six projects each day and we usually offer each of the nine options at least once a week.

Our students really love the service projects here because of how involved they get with the surrounding communities. The projects will also give you the chance to work alongside students from across the world, as well as with our Thai staff. Depending on the project you choose, you might expect to teach English, art or music to the kids from the local primary school, work alongside local villagers in the rice fields, cook meals with our local staff to give to families in need, or help vaccinate the village dogs. Whichever project you choose, everyone will be excited to meet you and show his or her appreciation for your hard work. For more information about each service project, please see the bottom of this section.

On Friday afternoon, the Thai staff will lead a series of Thai games that always generate friendly rivalry between the different teams and help create new friendships. We won’t ruin the surprise, but students often want to hose off and jump in the pool together after the final race. After dinner, you will have the chance to help your hongwin Fear Factor, where we sample some local delicacies. The winner will get a prize…perhaps his or her own bag of salted crickets to eat on Hong Night Out!

The days are always busy here, and you will likely sleep well after a day of hard work. Lap fun dee, na! (Have sweet dreams!)

Day 5 (Saturday)
Your hong leader will wake you up for breakfast before we depart as a group on the Orphans and Open Arms service project. At the orphanage, you will have the choice between teaching an art project, teaching English or playing sports. The girls who live at the orphanage are always excited to see us, and their enthusiasm is contagious. You may have a new friend holding your hand before even stepping off the song tao (our main mode of transport throughout your stay).

After eating lunch at the orphanage, we will head to the Big C, which is the Thai equivalent of Walmart or Target. Here you will have the chance to pick up anything you may have forgotten from home, some snacks for your hong, donations for the schools we will work with or souvenirs to bring home.

The Saturday night activity will vary, but in the past we have had a pool party, game night, capture the flag or a scavenger hunt around the village.

Day 6 (Sunday):
Sunday is our excursion day! The activity varies each week, but could include a trip to the Buddha Cave, visiting a local waterfall, banana boating, touring the celebrated temples of Udon Thani province, learning Muay Thai or attending a cobra show. We will eat lunch in town and return to The Base in the late afternoon.

Sunday evenings are relaxed, but we will screen a movie in the Ricefields house, or else you are welcome to try and beat the local staff in ping pong or Uno. Be sure to get your rest tonight to prepare for the first full day of service.

Day 7 – 9 (Monday – Wednesday):
On Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday your hong leader will wake you each morning to sign up for your service project and eat breakfast. You will continue to work on our nine ongoing projects for the rest of the week.
While the exact schedule may vary, the following projects are generally offered during the morning hours: Buddhist Life & Service, Swing Sets, Coloring Books & Kiddies, Welcome Homes, and Hands in the Dirt.

After lunch, you will return to work on another service project for the afternoon. The normal afternoon service projects will be: Teaching & Tutoring, Bobbing & Floating, Orphans & Open Arms, Meals on Flip-Flops, and Veterinary Assistance. Around 5:00, you will wrap up work for the day and head back to The Ricefields Base for the evening activity.

Monday night is Hong Night Out. Each hong can choose which activity they want to do, often choosing between kareoke, disco bowling or a thai massage. You may be surprised at how well (or badly) your hong leader can sing! After the organized activity there is often enough time to walk around the local mall, which you can compare to a typical mall at home. 

On Tuesday night we go to the Udon Thani night market. You and your friends will have ample time to shop for presents and souvenirs. You should also make sure to try one of the fruit smoothies or a Thai Iced Tea.

Every Wednesday we either have masseuses come to The Base or else we go into town for a traditional Thai massage. This is an optional activity that many students take advantage of after three days of service! On Wednesday night, since many students leave the next day, we will have a bonfire and goodbye party. Thai dancers come from the village to perform and teach traditional Thai dancing before we turn on the Western music and show the local staff how we dance at home. If you are departing the next day, you will leave early in the morning, so make sure to pack your bags.  

Day 10 (Thursday):
Your hong leader will wake you early (7:00) this morning to say goodbye. After breakfast, the Thai staff will host a ceremonial string ceremony in honor of the departing students. All of the Thai staff and the whole Sanboon family will line up and tie ceremonial strings on your wrists for good luck and safe travels. This tradition is very heart warming (and sometimes tear jerking), as you say goodbye your new friends.

After the departing students head to the airport, you will go to Nong Khai for the day, a city on the Laos and Thai border. On the way, we will stop at the famous Statue Garden and a local temple, before heading to lunch on the Mekong River and a large, open-air market. You will return to The Base around 5:30, in time to eat dinner and meet the new students!

If you sign up for a weekend side-trip, you will leave on Friday morning and should pack a weekend bag tonight. Otherwise, your schedule will be the same as the week before.

Day 11-17 (Friday-Wednesday):
Please see the above schedule.

Day 18 (Thursday):
If you are connecting to one of our Laos programs, you will participate in the excursion day with students on the Ricefields, Monks and Smiling Children program before meeting your new group at The Base and crossing the Mekong to your next adventure. Otherwise, it is your turn to say goodbye. After the string ceremony, you will fly to Bangkok in the morning to connect with your next trip or board the escorted group flight back to the United States.

Want to know more about our Ricefields Base?
The Ricefields Service Base has grown into a truly special place over the past several years, and you have to see it to really get a feel for it. Please be sure to check out the VIRTUAL TOUR to learn more.

Notes on What to Wear
Many students come to The Ricefields Base for the opportunity to work with children and get some teaching experience. The village where you will be staying is very friendly and casual, and you will not need to bring any fancy clothing for your service work. However, students must be prepared to bring a couple sets of rather conservative clothing to wear at temples and classrooms.

FEMALES: The main concern when visiting holy places and local schools is covering your shoulders and your knees. If you do not have this type of clothing, be prepared to buy a Thai-style sarong (wrap-around dress). Our host schools do not permit our students to appear in front of the class unless they are properly dressed, and we always strive to be prepared before they single people out and provide them with alternate clothing. Two or three pairs of lightweight pants (linen, thin cotton, etc.) or Capris or a long skirt are the best items to pack. T-shirts that cover the shoulders and are clean, not ripped and not low-cut are the most appropriate attire for all of our activities.

In general, we ask our female students to be respectful of the conservative nature of our surrounding community. Please leave any crop tops, see-through shirts, and booty shorts at home.

MALES: Rules are much less strict for male students. All you need to worry about is making sure that your clothes do not have stains, rips or inappropriate language on them. Tank tops should not be worn while teaching or visiting temples, and it is strongly preferred that you shave and shower before you teach a class.

Some Basic Guidelines To Use While Packing
– Southeast Asia is a hot region, so there is no need for any heavy clothing. You should expect daytime high temperatures to be over 90 degrees Fahrenheit most days. As most of our programs are outdoors, you should expect to work up a sweat, so plan on wearing clothes that will keep you cool. 
– The sun can be quite strong, so all students should be prepared with a hat, sunscreen, and sunglasses. 
– Experienced travelers know that over-packing is one of the worst things you can do on a trip, and this is particularly true in this part of the world. You may want to leave room in your suitcase for the new clothes and souvenirs you will collect on your trip.
– You are not going to the Moon! If you forget something on the list, you can always buy it once you get here, for a lot less money than you would pay at home.
– You will have ample opportunities to shop and many of our students prefer to wear local-style pants and skirts while living at The Base.
– The Ricefields Base does offer laundry services should you need to wash your clothes. 

Items To Pack in Your Checked Luggage:
– T shirts: 7-8 lightweight shirts (a couple of thick-strap tank tops are okay, but most of your shirts should cover your shoulders)
– Long sleeve shirt: One sweater or button-down shirt to put over your shoulders
– Pants or skirt: 1-2 pairs
– Socks: 3-4 pairs
– Shorts: 3-4 pairs (long shorts, such as boy’s sport or board shorts, Bermuda shorts or Capri style pants are most appropriate for everyday life in our local community, temple visits and service projects. You don not want to have the whole village staring at you for wearing very short shorts; it makes everyone look bad!)
– Underwear: 7-8 pairs, 3-4 bras (sports bras are more comfortable and convenient)
– Swimwear: 1-2 suits. (Girls will also be expected to wear shorts and a t-shirt when teaching students in Bobbing and Floating).
– Swimsuit cover-up: 1 cover-up. While bathing suits are acceptable in our pool on Base, we ask our female students to cover up before entering and after exiting the pool. Cover-ups can range from a sarong or dress to shorts and a t-shirt, but should be conservative in nature and not see-through.
– Footwear: 1 pair of lightweight, comfortable shoes (Toms, Sneakers). Hiking boots are NOT needed, and neither are high heels. Students connecting to service programs will need basic shoes to protect their feet. 
– Sandals: 1-2 pairs. Sandals with straps (Chacos, Tevas, Keens, etc.) are ideal, though many students simply choose to wear flip-flops. In Thai culture you are expected to remove your shoes before entering most homes (and even some shops), so we take our shoes off quite frequently. Basic flip-flops can also be purchased everywhere in Southeast Asia for under $1.
– Hat or bandana
– A small travel towel: Can be purchased in country (Quick-dry towels are best, and don’t bring white!!)
– One nice casual shirt for our final dinner (not too fancy)
– One rainproof, lightweight jacket. If your jacket does not pack compactly, do not bother bringing it! Most local people use only ponchos and umbrellas, which can be bought very cheaply at the store next to The Base.

Personal Items/Toiletries
– Soap
– Toothbrush/Toothpaste
– Shampoo and conditioner
– Razor
– Sunscreen
– A small bottle of Aloe Vera
– Prescription Medications
– Insect repellant (1-2 bottles 30%-40% DEET)
– Hand sanitizer: This does not take the place of washing your hands, but you should carry sanitizer with you.  (1-2 small bottles)
– Tampons (difficult to find in Southeast Asia)
– Deodorant
– Lip balm
– Contact lenses and accompanying paraphernalia - if you use contacts, bring all of your chemicals with you.

* Basic items such as soap, shampoo, razors, toothpaste, etc., are readily accessible near the Base. We suggest you bring a small amount from home, but large amounts will just make your bag heavier. 

Optional Items:
– Pictures! Make up a small album! Pictures of mom, dad, boyfriend/girlfriend, dog, strange neighbors, school buddies, etc. - People you meet will be really interested in where you live, what your house looks like, what your parents and grandparents look like, what your school looks like, etc. This is a great way to break the ice, break the language barrier, and have some fun.
– Any fun, engaging games that are easy to explain – Hacky sacks and Frisbees are always fun, Apples to Apples and Uno are quite popular and cards are difficult to find in Thailand, so bring a deck if you hope to play!
– Musical Instrument (Guitars and Harmonicas, other portable instruments) - if you play an instrument at home and it fits into your suitcase, bring it along
– Thai phrasebook
– Embroidery thread or hemp (friendship bracelets). A popular pastime at the base is making friendship bracelets, but embroidery thread, beads and hemp are remarkably hard to find. If you enjoy making bracelets, bring some supplies along that you can donate or share with your friends.

Notes About Gifts and Donations
Local students, staff members, and our host family all love receiving gifts from our students, and they certainly go a long way toward helping people in this humble part of the world. We generally encourage students to bring things that can be easily shared and that will last. Many simple items (pencils, paper, soccer balls, medical supplies) can be bought in Thailand cheaply, so it is likely better to bring some extra money to buy these items in country, rather than incurring baggage fees if you plan to donate these types of things.
Things you might want to bring along –
For children in the village – Construction paper, simple games, blocks, and small engaging items like hacky-sacks, Frisbees, etc.
For your host family and staff – Our Rustic family love receiving t-shirts and hats from your home town, old backpacks, used cameras, and other things that you may have lying around the house. They especially love CDs, movies, and other popular things that our students have shared with them over the years. Even small tokens like magnets, key chains, stickers, sew-on patches, and postcards really go a long way with our staff. Many of them have never had the chance to travel abroad, but our students bring the world to their doorstep and these small souvenirs help distant places feel that much closer to them. 

Used (but not over-used) clothing and shoes are always much appreciated. In particular, quality shoes (from running shoes to old soccer cleats – cleaned up a bit) always make great gifts. As always, make sure that you don’t over-burden yourself by bringing too much stuff – anything you are able to manage will go a long way.

·  If you are packing nothing else for your stay here, make sure that you bring your kindness and your gentleness and a big smile. Before packing your material gifts, prepare your thoughts and your heart to live in a place that places infinite value on thoughtfulness, laughter, generosity of spirit, and showing care for others.

Ricefields, Monks and Smiling Children FAQ's

This program looks really similar to RICEFIELDS, MONKS, and SMILING CHILDREN… is it?
Yes! This is the same program – just the one-week version!

Do I have to choose one service project, or can I try different projects on different days?
You can do as many different service projects as you’d like. You can sign up for the projects on a first come, first served basis the night before.

Will I have any free time?
Students have a little free time after lunch (a great time to dip in the pool!), and again when you get home from your service projects in the evening. There are always pick-up soccer and volleyball games, dozens of little Thai kids to play with, hammocks, musical instruments, ping-pong, and all kinds of other activities going on before dinner. After dinner, depending on the night, we arrange trips to local markets, trips to the city, bowling nights, movie nights, slideshows, traditional dance performances, multi-cultural music jam sessions, and much more.

What is the food like?
The cooking staff at the Ricefields Base are well accustomed to preparing food that our students like. Expect dishes to include a great assortment of mild Thai food, lots of fresh fruit, and plenty of favorites at home. They also do a great job of offering vegetarian options at every meal!

What is the housing situation?
Students can expect to stay with 4-6 other students in their room. Generally, boys sleep in one zone, while girls sleep in another area. The rooms all have comfortable mattresses and air conditioning, which is only turned on in the early evening.

Is there lots of supervision at the camp?
In short, yes. During most weeks there will be about 20 Western (mostly American) staff, and about 30 Thai staff, so there are plenty of us around. We’re usually the ones trying to organize a walk around the village, a pick-up soccer or ultimate Frisbee game, or a movie night. And you can expect your Hua Na Hong (The Boss of your Room) to make sure you keep your room in good shape, your air conditioning stays off during the day, and that you’re up and at ‘em bright and early each morning!

Will I have access to the internet at the Base?
Yes – you will have access to the internet, but we do try to encourage our students to use the internet only for a limited time, and only for corresponding with their family and friends. Students can pay for their internet usage, laundry, and phone calls directly out of their allowance account.

I’m really interested in the Weekend Side Trips. . . How do these work?
The Weekend Side Trips run only on demand – there must be enough students signed up for the trip, or it will not run!! Places in these Trips are available on a first come, first served basis. NOTE: STUDENTS MUST PAY FOR THEIR WEEKEND SIDE TRIPS OUT OF THEIR ALLOWANCE ACCOUNT OR IN CASH! Rustic Pathways will not bill you for these trips – you must pay for them with your money before you go!

Are the Weekend Side Trips Supervised?
Yes! These trips are supervised by staff from the Ricefields Service Base.

If I stay for 3 weeks, does that mean I can do 2 different Side Trips?
Yes! You may choose to do Side Trips on your second and third weekends at the Base.