RICEFIELDS BASE SIDETRIPS

FUN WEEKEND ESCAPE OPTIONS

If you are staying at The Ricefields Base for two weeks or more, you can go on an exciting weekend side trip after completing your first full week at The Base. These optional side trips are designed to enrich your overall Ricefields experience.

If you are staying on The Base for at least two weeks and would like to take part in a side trip, please be sure to include enough money in your allowance account to cover the costs. You can find details about each side trip and its cost below.

We took our time to come up with four unique and fun Weekend Side Trips. If you need a break from service, want to escape the Ricefields Base for a weekend, or just want to make the most of your time in Thailand, there's a Side Trip for you.

Looking For Some Adventure?
If your're looking for an adventurous weekend, head up to Laos for some site seeing and white water rafting. Get a brief glimpse of Laos and see how different the culture is here than in Thailand.

Calling All Shop-a-holics and Urbanites
Looking for a more upbeat pace for the weekend? Escape to Bangkok for a weekend of markets, boats, thai massage and cabaret shows!

Behind the Scenes
Travel to and stay at the house of one of our favorite Ricefield's Base staff members, Chat. Get a personal tour of his village and see what life is like in a place that rarely sees tourists.

Relax the Mind, Body, and Soul
Head down to Khon Kaen city to a 5-star hotel and indulge yourself to a luxurious spa and massage. Great food and accomodation, this is the ultimate way to treat yourself after a week of hard service.

 
 

MUAY THAI SELF-DEFENSE


3 Days 3 Night

$ 285

14 and up

Highlights

    • Train with professional Muay Thai boxers and learn the secrets of Thailand’s most revered martial art.
    • Learn to improve your overall strength, fitness and flexibility while gaining valuable self-defense skills.
    • Return home feeling more confident with your new knowledge of these useful self-defense techniques.
Details
Muay Thai has been the national martial art of Thailand for hundreds of years, and it has become one of the world’s most popular self-defense styles. This trip is perfect for experienced martial artists or complete beginners and for both boys and girls. The mini-camp will provide you with a practical foundation of self-defense skills that you can use and build on in the future. You’ll live in and train alongside professional fighters who will gladly share their skills and interesting stories with you as you train side-by-side. You’ll be surprised at what a gentle-hearted group of people they are, and at how this discipline cultivates such friendly, balanced individuals. You should expect to spend your days training hard and improving your overall fitness level, and you’ll find that you will go home with a useful set of skills.

WEEKEND IN BANGKOK


3 Days 2 Night

$ 435

14 and up

Highlights

    • Hop down to ‘the Big Mango’ for an exciting weekend in one of Asia’s liveliest cities.
    • Get fitted for a stylish custom-made suit or dress, ride the skytrain, and enjoy some international cuisine
    • Shop at some of Asia’s coolest malls and markets
Details
Historic, yet modern, Bangkok has been described as Asia’s most exotic city. This trip will have you gliding through Bangkok and exploring some its best sights. Step off the plane and head straight for David Venning’s personal tailor to have some custom-fitted clothing made at unbelievably affordable prices. Relax with a Thai massage before enjoying dinner at a superb international buffet. Experience a world-famous cabaret show and stay in one of the city’s most hip areas. Wake up to a hearty breakfast buffet and head off to Chatuchak, Thailand’s largest market where endless stalls offer a mind-blowing variety of crafts, clothing, and more. Later you’ll cruise down a historic canal on one of the local river boats to Bangkok’s finest shopping at Siam Square, Thailand’s fashion capitol. Finally you’ll catch the night train back to Udon Thani, an intriguing ride through the rolling countryside – a weekend to remember.
 

BUDDHIST RETREAT


3 Days 2 Night

$ 245

14 and up

Highlights

    • TAKE a break from service work and immerse yourself in the study of Theravada Buddhism in tranquil surroundings.
    • SPEND time with practicing monks and learn from their spiritual wisdom and their unique way of life.
    • Center your mind and body through meditation, a valuable tool for relaxation and improved concentration.
Details
Ninety-five percent of all Thai people are Theravada Buddhists, and the tradition permeates all aspects of Thai culture. Often considered more a philosophy than a religion, Buddhism has a universal and compassionate outlook on the world. This trip is designed for students interested in the Buddhist tradition and practice. Many of our local staff at The Ricefields Base lived as monks for several years, and they will introduce you to temple life. You’ll stay at one of Northeast Thailand’s most beautiful temples and learn about the basic tenets of Buddhism and the intricacies of its symbolism and architecture. Chat with monks, enjoy the natural beauty of the temple grounds, and practice meditation. Expect beautiful sunrises, simple meals, and a refreshing experience. Students of all religious backgrounds are encouraged to join this culturally rich trip!

A LITTLE BIT OF LAOS


3 Days 2 Night

$ 395

14 and up

Highlights

    • JUMP over the Mekong, traveling rugged roads into the small 14 and14villages of Laos
    • CRUISE down a beautiful river through dramatic landscapes and exotic forests.
Details
Laos is the least developed and least populated country in Southeast Asia. With little industry or international trade to speak of, the people of Laos live simple lives as farmers, merchants, or skilled laborers. More than a land of highlights, it is a destination where the attraction is simply being there and sharing moments with the warm local people. Stay in a cool little guesthouse and spend time exploring small villages and waterfalls. Take in the scenery and the Lao pace of life while journeying down a scenic jungle river. Ride a boat through scenic Nam Ngum Reservoir and stay at a quaint guesthouse in a serene island setting. Swim and explore the reservoir’s many islands, sleepy shores and fascinating villages. This is a great way to catch a glimpse of a seldom-seen country that will give you a new perspective of life in this corner of the world.