Thailand holiday & community project

Too often tourism develops with little regard to the needs of local people and the environment. Communities in Thailand however are increasingly taking control of their futures and ensuring tourism development has a positive impact on their homes and communities. We'll be helping one community do just that, as well as touring this beautiful country.

Bangkok to Khao Sok National Park: We start in the bustling capital, Bangkok, where we visit the Grand Palace and glittering temples of the Emerald and Reclining Buddhas, before taking an overnight sleeper train to Surat Thani. From here we drive to Khao Sok National Park.

Khao Sok is one of the oldest and most biodiverse rainforests in SE Asia, where waterfalls tumble over soaring limestone cliffs and vines drape mysteriously from the canopy of ancient forest. We wake to the sound of the jungle and explore on foot and elephant back.

Prom Lok Homestay & Community Work: Continuing to Prom Lok, situated on the edge of the Khao Luang National Park, we meet the families with whom we will share a home for the next 5 days. The park boasts over 300 species of orchid and an array of birdlife and mammals, including macaque, musk deer and civet. In this developing destination, we'll be working with the local community to build the vital infrastructure needed to ensure tourism is sustainable. This may involve developing the visitor centre and its resources, clearing trails or running workshops with local people. We spend our last few days on the tropical island of Koh Samui where we can kayak, take a cookery course or simply relax on white sand beaches.

Price includes 7 night hotel, 5 nights homestay, overnight train, 12 breakfasts, 6 lunches & 5 dinners. Transport is by bus, train, boat and on foot. Group size is approx 12 to 16 plus tour leader, drivers, boatmen project staff and some local guides.