from 3,787€

Outstanding 5rating (26)
Reopening soon

Farm to Table

location
5 - 5 weeks  ·  Age 18 - 50+

rating  Outstanding 5  · 
  Verified by Volunteer World
  Below average response rate

Highlights

  • Eat your way through Thailand! From the street food in Bangkok to the local delicacies of floating markets, from the intricate cuisine of the north in Chiang Mai to granny-prepared meals at homestays.
  • Spend time at an organic farm, learning about alternative modes of food production and the opportunities these open up for our environment and livelihoods.
  • Gain an intimate perspective on daily life in northern Thailand as we live with homestay families and trek through lush hills and endless greenery.
  • Develop a critical perspective towards food production and consumption through hands-on experience and dialogue with local friends and partners!
  • Visit Chiang Rai and meet the resident elephants at a local elephant sanctuary on the road to ending the mistreatment of elephants in the tourism industry.

Especially good for

Age 18+
Singles
Couples
Groups
50+

About the program

Eat diverse Thai food, meet local foodies and chefs, visit markets, and try your hand at the culinary tradition!

We’ll be working closely with our local partners to learn about some of the major issues in Thailand’s agriculture and food production systems, and what alternatives exist. This will all be tied to larger global structures, and what “from farm to table” means in today’s globalizing world.

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About the program

We’ll be working closely with our local partners to learn about some of the major issues in Thailand’s agriculture and food production systems, and what alternatives exist. This will all be tied to larger global structures, and what “from farm to table” means in today’s globalizing world.

Our volunteer programs take a learning-first approach. We combine an educational program with collaborative community service so that travellers can explore the local history, context, and challenges while contributing to local solutions. Here are some of the community partners we will be work with on this program:

- Mirror is a Thai NGO that works towards improving the livelihoods of ethnic minority groups in northern Thailand. They use a multifaceted approach focusing on citizenship rights (legal help for underprivileged hill-tribe communities), education, anti-drug and anti-trafficking, disaster relief, and ecotourism. To support their work, they manage an ecotourism program aimed at connecting travelers with hill tribe communities through collaboration and reciprocity. Projects and cultural activities are neither make-work or performative, instead visitors are encouraged to immerse themselves and explore the local culture as it exists within the complexities of real world.

Sahainan Organic Permaculture Farm is an 5.5 acre (14 rai) family farm located in the mountains of northern Thailand. Founded in 2014, it serves as a food forest growing a wide variety of herbs, fruits and vegetables. Sahainan is committed to building and maintaining a sustainable way of life—one in which the well-being of our planet and all life that live upon it is of utmost importance. They want to heal the damages inflicted by overconsumption, fossil fuel dependence, and industrial agriculture. To achieve this, Sahainan is working to become a leading permaculture demonstration and education center—a place where all walks of life can gain the knowledge necessary to change the world.


Typical day

* This is a preliminary itinerary. The final itinerary may change a little based on the needs of our partners and new opportunities which present themselves. This should give you a really good idea of what the program will look and feel like.

Day 1-5: Orientation in the Big Mango

Our group will be ...

Typical day

* This is a preliminary itinerary. The final itinerary may change a little based on the needs of our partners and new opportunities which present themselves. This should give you a really good idea of what the program will look and feel like.

Day 1-5: Orientation in the Big Mango

Our group will be introduced to Thailand's bustling capital, Bangkok. In a citywide scavenger hunt we'll get to know the sights, sounds, smells, and tastes of this modern yet distinctively Thai city. Your program leaders will take you on a food crawl through Bangkok's Chinatown, the epicenter of street food culture in the city. We will also be meeting with a local chef who'll give us the rundown on the essential elements of Thai cuisine. Temple hopping and a crash course on Thai language basics will, of course, also be part of the agenda!

Day 6-8: Floating Markets and Rural Livin'

From the hustle and bustle of Bangkok, our group will journey to the countryside of Nakhon Pathom. Spending a few days camping along the Thai Chin River, we'll take day trips to visit the Lam Phaya Floating Market and partake in a bike tour that will see us weaving through and stopping at Central Thai farming communities. We will get a sense of rural Thai life and learn about food production from the source! All, of course, while trying delicious local delicacies. 

Day 9-13: Organic Farming Adventure

Taking an overnight journey to the province of Chiang Mai, we'll waste no time as we head into the lush green hills and get settled in at an organic farm. Stripped down to the basics, we will learn hands-on about principles of organic gardening, seed sharing, and self-reliance. Our lessons will be contextualized in a local Thai environment, as well as in the bigger picture of global food production. 

Day 14-16: Cooking and Exploring in Chiang Mai

No jaunt to northern Thailand is complete without a stay in the beautiful city of Chiang Mai. Ancient temples, mouth-watering cuisine, and a funky modern vibe are just some of the reasons we love this city! We will partake in a two-day cooking class and then hit the streets to see if what we've whipped up compares to the real deal. Visiting museums, temples, markets and a nearby waterfall and just exploring the city's winding streets will give us a good sense of all that Chiang Mai has to offer. 

Day 17-23: Into the Hills with the Mirror Foundation

From Chiang Mai, our group will take a short bus ride to the neighbouring Chiang Rai province.. There, we'll meet with our partner, the Mirror Foundation - a Thai NGO working towards improving the livelihoods of underprivileged ethnic minority groups in the country. Guided by one of our friends from Mirror, we will visit remote villages nestled in the lush hills of northern Thailand, sleep in homestays, and learn about the cultures and traditions of local hilltribe communities. We will look specifically at the struggles of maintaining a traditional lifestyle while integrating into a modern market-based agricultural society. 

Day 24-26: Fun with Gentle Giants

After an intense week of trekking and living remotely, our crew will stay in the city of Chiang Rai. Famous for its night bazar and northern-style cuisine, we will take some time to take it easy and enjoy the ambience of this quiet town. The highlight in Chiang Rai will certainly be a visit to a nearby elephant sanctuary at Elephant Valley Thailand, where we will have the chance to learn about an important conservation project aiming to put an end to the mistreatment of elephants in the tourism industry. We will, of course, also have a chance to meet the resident elephants and hear their individual stories from the dedicated staff.

Day 27-37: Independent Travel Time

A staple of all Operation Groundswell programs is Independent Travel Time (ITT). You can travel independently if you desire, but we encourage everyone to travel in pairs or small groups. This is the ideal time to learn more about your specific interests, volunteer, travel, or just relax. Southeast Asia is bursting with gems! From the pristine beaches of southern Thailand to the ancient temples of the mighty Angkor Empire, from hiking into the territory of the northern hill tribes in Chiang Rai to the unreal views of Ha Long Bay, there's no shortage of things to do here!

Day 37-40: Disorientation in Bangkok

The group will reconvene for a program debrief known as 'disorientation' prior to flying home. This will take place in Bangkok, back where all the fun began! We will discuss our accomplishments, how we can stay in touch and what future projects we can collaborate on before we go off on our way!

Free-time activities

When we aren’t learning and working with our incredible grassroots partners, we have planned all kinds of fun activities and excursions to integrate ourselves in the local culture. We have also scheduled plenty of time for you to explore your own interests. 

Some examples of activities:

  • Explore ...

Free-time activities

When we aren’t learning and working with our incredible grassroots partners, we have planned all kinds of fun activities and excursions to integrate ourselves in the local culture. We have also scheduled plenty of time for you to explore your own interests. 

Some examples of activities:

  • Explore beautiful temples and colourful markets 

  • Take a bike tour of Bang Krachao, a lush forested area of Bangkok

  • Lots of cooking classes!

  • Language classes

  • Check out the night bazar in Chiang Rai


Requirements

Requirements

Minimum Age: 18 years

In order to join the program you need to be at least 18 years old on the program start date. There might be exemptions if you can provide the permission of your legal guardian(s) or if your are accompanied by your parents.

Language Skills

You need to speak English (basic level)

Nationality Restrictions

No restrictions. Helping hands from all over the world are welcome.

What's Included

What's Included

Services by Operation Groundswell

Each of our programs include:

  • A comprehensive program itinerary and educational curriculum focused on the issues facing your specific region

  • Experienced, thoughtful and caring program leaders and facilitators with you 24 hours a day

  • All lodging and accommodations, carefully chosen to reflect the place and program

  • Three local meals a day that showcase regional cuisine from meals homemade by our friends to the favourite restaurant down the street

  • All group tours, entrance fees, and excursions like cooking and language classes

  • All group transportation on the ground in vetted (and varied) modes of getting around

  • Regular discussions and workshops to help you internalize and reflect on your experience

  • Support from OGHQ whenever you need it, however you need it from financial assistance to flights

Airport Pickup at Don Mueang International Airport

Your program leaders will pick you up on the first day of the program at Suvarnabhumi Airport and transport you a short ways to our hostel in Bangkok. Your program leaders will also drop you off at the same airport on the last day of program.

Accommodation

Traveling as much as we do on this program, there are a number of different styles of accommodation. In cities, we stay at clean, safe, and secure guesthouses. In the countryside we will be camping, staying at homestays, or sleeping in pre-arranged group accommodations. Cold bucket showers are common while continuous electricity can’t always be guaranteed – so come prepared! Though Western comforts should not be assumed, you can expect to challenge yourself by stripping down to the basics.

Food & Beverages

We provide at least three local meals a day that showcase regional cuisine from meals homemade by our friends to the favourite restaurant down the street, as well as all the potable drinking water you can drink. You are responsible for any other snacks and drinks. We do our best to provide for all dietary needs.

Internet Access

Limited access at the project site

What's NOT included?

What's NOT included?

Flight Tickets

The nearest airport is Don Mueang International Airport (DMK) in Bangkok. We assist you to find cheap flights to Thailand. FIND CHEAP FLIGHTS

Travel Insurance

Going abroad is an adventure and it is always best to be prepared. Sudden illness or injury, cancellation or theft - a travel insurance for Thailand provides security and is a plus to have. GET A QUOTE

Vaccines

If you are intending to volunteer in Thailand you should seek medical advice before starting your social journey. Check your required vaccinations for Thailand. VACCINE CHECKER

Details on arrival

July 9 - August 17, 2023

Availability
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

Program fees

5 weeks 5 days 3,787€
Average fees 663€/week

Program fees

663€ per week 5 - 5 weeks Age 18 - 50+

Payment methods

Visa Master Card Maestro American Express PayPal

NO CREDIT CARD FEES


Duration

5 - 5 weeks

Deposit

The deposit is simply to reserve your volunteer placement. Payments are handled by PayPal, our trusted global payment provider. If you don't have a PayPal account, you can also pay using a credit card.


Final Payment

Your final payment will be agreed with Operation Groundswell during the application process. Common solutions are either via bank transfer or a cash payment at the project site.


Meet your organization

Operation Groundswell

Outstanding 5 rating (26 reviews)

Agency - founded in 2016

Verified by Volunteer World

  Below average response rate

Coordinated by

Evelyn

About the project

We go backpacking with a purpose! Our programs combine cross-cultural dialogue, critical learning, community service, and of course, travel and adventure!

Meet your organization

Is voluntourism helping or hurting what people called ‘the developing world’? Is there a way for visitors to positively contribute to local initiatives while also thinking critically about international development? What’s the best ice cream flavour, really?

In 2006, we boarded a flight to Accra, Ghana seeking answers to these questions and so many more. When we touched down, we were hit with a barrage of sights, sounds, and smells that shattered our preconceived notions of the ‘global south’. Rather than stumbling into a crumbling landscape, we were greeted by a beautiful, bustling city, rich with culture and brimming with innovation.

At the same time, we could see some of the challenges local communities were grappling with. Why does poverty continue to plague so much of the world while billionaires multiply and millions pour into international development projects that don’t seem to make a difference? We heard that governments, charities, and international organizations often pushed their own agendas without consulting the communities they said they were ‘helping.’

We learned that projects were much more likely to succeed if they were carried out in collaboration with the community. Not as a handout, not as charity – but in solidarity.

We started talking to local NGOs and community leaders about what their real needs were. We cultivated relationships with grassroots organizations, community leaders, and local governments. We began to build a program that wouldn’t just plop a volunteer into a project they knew little about. Instead, we would take a learning-first approach. We would combine an educational program with collaborative community service so that travellers could explore the local history, context, and challenges while contributing to local solutions.

Since that first pilot program in West Africa, OG has run hundreds of programs in more than 20 countries around the world. With all of this experience, we have expertly designed programs that navigate the inherent risks that come with embarking on such an awesome adventure. We bring cool, caring people together who want to explore the world while actively learning to change it for the better. We’re sparking a movement of globally active and socially conscious travellers.

Accessible, responsible and immersive travel is our mission. Go to our website to learn about our financial support options including our Financial Needs Grants that can cover up to 25% of your program fee.

Email us to join our mail list or for the application for our Financial Needs Grant: mail@operationgroundswell.com.

26 reviews · rating5

I will remember this trip for the rest of my life. My partner and I planned to go 2 years ago, we actually won an Instagram contest haha but it was cancelled due to COVID. We finally made it happen April 23 - May 1! I remember sitting in a coffee shop, submitting our applications and being both ...
Susie Jones rating5

2021 at Sustainable Agriculture in the Andes

Over the course of 9 days I had an experience of a lifetime. OG provides experiential learning opportunities with off the beaten path adventures. I was able to be part of a dynamic group of individuals and explore a whole a new region abroad. I was able to live on a farm and live the slow life while ...
Vicki rating5

2019 at Join the Food Revolution

Visiting Ecuador and focusing our trip on food revolutions was educational, spiritual, and amazing! You are participating in community service that is requested by the partners you are working with so when you leave it is not as if you are leaving halfway completed projects that will never be ...
Lauren rating5

2019 at Seed to Shelf

As a fairly experienced traveller before my program with OG, I was worried that I wouldn't get a lot out of the program. I was worried I'd resent the group dynamic, that I wouldn't learn much, and that the promises of real and intimate connections with locals simply couldn't be achieved in this ...
Laura rating5

2019 at Explore Mayan Culture

Traveling with Operation Groundswell to Guatemala was truly one of the most valuable experiences I have had. I learned more in those 15 days than could ever be possible in my 4 years of University in a classroom setting. I have long been searching for a volunteer program that doesn't feel like the ...
Holly rating5

2018 at Join the Food Revolution

This was my second program with Operation Groundswell and it was just as amazing as my first experience. This trip was speical to me because my friend and I had met on our previous OG trip and actually planned to apply for this program together. There is something about these programs that opens up ...

Location

Asia > South East Asia > Thailand > Pa O Don Chai

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