TRAVEL GUIDE

THAILAND

ABROADHeatEstablishment.com

MAY 16TH - 31ST, 2016

"H.E.A.T. is a social service organization dedicated to

improving humanitarian, environmental,

and animal welfare issues

through positive activism. H.E.A.T.

never demonizes,

H.E.A.T. always rises"

TRAVELING W ITH H.E.A.T. ABROADWhat does it mean to be H.E.A.T.ed? What are the

Do's & Don'ts of traveling as a volunteer? Understanding these values and many more are an

important step in preparing to embark abroad with us. In this travel guide, you'll learn the ins and outs of

international travel, as well as the exciting details of our journey. Buckle up, it's going to be a great adventure.

TRIP AT A GLANCE...........4

ITINERARY...........................8

GETTING AROUND..............10

MAP...................................12

CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION.............. 2

MAY 16TH-31ST, 2016

THAILANDTRAVEL GUIDE

PACKING LIST.....................7

A LOOK BACK

H.E.A.T. Abroad took its first trip to Costa Rica in the summer of 2014 with 15 outstanding members. They stepped off the plane and into a land of new people and languages, grasping at the adventure surrounding them- Hiking, repelling down waterfalls, zip- lining through pristine rainforest, and snorkeling amongst a diversity of marine life. It was here that the H.E.A.T. Abroad program was born. Along the exciting two week volunteer trip, members lived with host families, teaching English to disadvantaged children, recyling plastic liter from beaches, laboring at a marine park with rescued wildlife, and planting over 160 trees at the edge of existing rainforest. In total, volunteers contributed to over 480 service hours all while having the time of their lives.The first H.E.A.T. Abroad volunteers were true adventurers, investing in a new program created by students, for students. Each person returned to the states with a refreshed perspective on service, as well as a close bond with their peers. This positive energy is continuing to spread amongst members of H.E.A.T. chapters across the state as new students build this program and expand it to new places farther than ever before.

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POSITIVE ACTIVISM AROUND THE W ORLD

15 Volunteers spend two weeks performing beach

clean- ups, reforestation, and

school teaching projects, earning over 480 service

hours

4 Volunteers spend a week laboring at an

animal sanctuary, with rehabilitation efforts for local species, earning over 100 service

hours

15 Volunteers spend spring break

working at an animal sanctuary,

rebuilding enclosures and caring for local

animal species- earning over 300

service hours

7 Volunteers spend two weeks

assisting with research and

reforestation at a secluded biology station, earning

over 300 service hours

Costa RicaMay 20 14

Costa RicaJanuary 20 15

Costa RicaMarch 20 15

NicaraguaMay 20 15

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2016THAILAND

DESTINATION:

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Thailand is often revered as being one of the most welcoming countries for tourists, fostering a safe and exciting destination for travelers new and old. From a volunteer's prospective, Thailand also offers a wide variety of opportunities to get involved - its vast ecosystems and communities are some of the most unique in the world, and in many parts of the country, organizations are hands- on in maintaining the environment and wildlife.

A whirlw ind of culture, history,

flavor, and adventure.

Why Thailand?During the first week of our trip, the northern city of Chiang Mai will host us to a wide variety of sightseeing and enrichment activities. From beautiful shrines and temples, friendly locals, and delicious foods - to trekking through untamed jungles and across majestic rivers, there are experiences here that are found nowhere else; and it is here that H.E.A.T. Abroad will expand positive activism farther than ever.

Sustainable agriculture

Cultural immersion

Elephant rehabilitation

Teambuilding

ELEPHANT

NATURE

PARKVOLUNTEER PROJ ECT

Get ready to pamper some pachyderms

In our pursuit of quality volunteer efforts, H.E.A.T. Abroad will spend a week in Elephant Nature Park's 'Journey to Freedom' program.Volunteering at Journey to Freedom is a unique project which features daily elephant interactions, learning about agriculture and community, mentoring local school children, and living in a cultural exchange at a tribal village in the mountains of Chiang Mai. For centuries, the Karen tribe has cared for elephants in the jungles of Southeast Asia. Through unemployment, however, they were forced to lease their elephants to trekking camps and elephant tourist shows. Now the time has come for the elephants to return to the village and their natural habitat. Volunteering with the Journey to Freedom program embeds volunteers into the culture of one of Thailand's oldest hill tribes while gaining insight to the life of forest elephants. Witness the daily life of the Karen people, become involved in the community, and experience intimate encounters with the world's largest land mammal.

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OUR TRIP

Preparing for take-off This year, as a way to

broadcast positive activism around the world,

H.E.A.T. Abroad will use member photos, videos, and media to launch a

first- of- its- kind interactive blog.

Through open dialogue, H.E.A.T. Abroad aims to spark conversation with

the public about the evolving trends of

international volunteer travel. The blog will also

serve as a place for volunteers to share their highlights, opinions, and experiences on a global platform. It is H.E.A.T.'s

goal to keep people educated on global

welfare issues, as well as the innovative solutions

that can come from volunteering

internationally.

Join the conversation at:

heatabroad.wordpress.com

Post your photos using # PositiveActivism &

# HeatAbroad

@Heat_abroad

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H.E.A.T. ABROADPACKING LIST

- 1 Large traveler's backpack or duffel (Recommended 40- 60 Litres)

- 1 Day bag/ Backpack

***Due to the possibility of encountering strenuous terrain, wheeled luggage is discouraged***

- 1x Hat- 1x Sunglasses- 3x T- shirts - 1x H.E.A.T. shirt- 1x Polo- 1 x Long sleeve shirt- 1x Rain jacket

- 2x Work pants- 3x Shorts- 1x Swimsuit- 1x Sandals- 1x Leisure shoes- 1x Work boots- 7x Underwear- 7x Socks

- Toothbrush- Toothpaste- Deodorant- Shampoo- Body wash/ soap- Compact Travel Towel- Face towel

- Water bottle- Sun block- Bug spray- Ear plugs

- Passport- Travel Insurance- Secondary form of ID- Flight Confirmation- Debit card (Be sure to let

your bank know you're traveling!)

- Head lamp- Headphones- Waterproof bag/ pouch- Travel journal

Toiletries

Clothes

Luggage

Other

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Week 1ITINERARYExploring:

Chiang Mai

Monday, May 16th

Tuesday, May 17th

Wednesday, May 18th

Thursday, May 19th

Friday, May 20 th

Saturday, May 21st

Sunday, May 22nd

7am- Hostel Pick up to Chiang Rai

11am- Stop at hot springs fountain

12pm- Visit White Temple

1pm- Boat trip to Laos island for lunch

4pm- Visit Mae Sai City

9pm- Hostel drop off

9am- Hostel Pick Up

10am- Visit Orchid & Butterfly Garden

11am- 1 hr trek to bat cave for lunch

1pm- 2 hr trek to long neck village

5pm- Dinner in village

9am- 2hr trek to elephant camp

11am- Bathe elephants

12pm- Buffet lunch

1pm- 2 hr trek to next village

5pm- Dinner in village

9am- 2 hr trek to rafting camp

12pm- Lunch

1:pm- White water rafting

2pm- Bamboo rafting

4pm- Hostel drop off

1pm- Arrival in Chiang Mai

2pm- Hostel Check in

3pm- Lunch

4pm- Orientation

6pm- Dinner

8:30am- Hostel Pick Up

9am- Cooking class

2pm- Hostel drop off

7pm- Walk to Night Bazaar for dinner

11am- Scavenger Hunt

12pm- Chiang Mai Free Day

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Week 1

Elephant Nature Park

Volunteering:

Week 2 Monday, May 23rd

Tuesday, May 24th

Wednesday, May 25th

Thursday May 26th

Friday, May 27th

Saturday May 28th

Sunday, May 29th

Monday, May 30 th

Tuesday, May 31stDEPARTURE

7am- Walk to ENP Office

4pm- ENP Drop off

5pm- Orientation

6pm- Dinner

7am- Breakfast

8am- Blessing ceremony

9am- Volunteering

6pm- Dinner

7am- Breakfast

9am- Volunteering

6pm- Dinner

7am- Breakfast

9am- Volunteering

6pm- Dinner

7am- Breakfast

9am- Volunteering

6pm- Dinner

7am- Breakfast

9am- Volunteering

5pm- Transfer to ENP

6pm- Dinner

7am- Breakfast

9am- Pick up from ENP

5pm- Drop off in Chiang Mai

6pm- Check in & Dinner

Chiang Mai Free Day

6pm- Farewell dinner

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CULTURE & CUSTOMS10 Things to know before you visit Thailand

Noise

The Wai

Raising your voice is unacceptable in Thailand, and considered an act of losing control. Quiet and

humble is always the best approach in the Kingdom;

you certainly won't achieve anything by

becoming aggressive or loud.

Over the past few decades, the government has introduced various

practices to encourage nationalism. One example

of this is twice daily broadcasts of the national

anthem. Pedestrians, commuters, and students

are required to stop or stand whenever this song is

Nationalism

The Wai. or pressing your palms together at chest or nose level and bowing our head slightly, is a gesture that you will encounter almost immediately in

Thailand.An integral part of Thai

etiquette, it denotes respect (or reverence when

performed in front of Buddha image), and can be used to

express a hello, thank you, or goodbye.

Pointing is a no- no in Thailand, Your Thai friends won't take offence if you

point when joking around, as they will understand that as a foreigner you may point

instinctively. However, don't point at monks or pictures of any of the Royal Family, and as a general rule don't point at people to make reference

to them.

PointingAppearance is very

important to Thai people and care should be taken

to dress modestly and appropriately. Avoid

exposing shoulders and back, and take caution

when having open pockets.

Clothes1.)

2.)

4 .)

3.)

5.)

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TRANSLATIONS

Religion

Currency

Contact

GovernmentThailand is a constitutional monarchy, and the royal

family is revered throughout the country.

The king is especially beloved for his six

decades of public service and humble demeanor.

Thailand's currency is referred to as 'baht'

$1 = 35 baht$5 = 175 baht

$10 = 350 baht$20 = 700 baht

About 95% of Thailand's population worships

Buddha. Most buildings boast spirit houses or

altars, where offerings of food and garlands are made to appease the

spirits inhabiting the land.

Based on Buddhist beliefs, the head is the most

sacred part of the body while the feet are the

lowest, symbolizing attachment to the ground. Touching someone's head is highly offensive, as well

as touching religious artifacts and monuments.

Shoes are to be removed before entering homes and religious structures.

7.)

6.)

9 .)

8 .)

10 .)

Sawatdee (krub/ kah)

Sabai dee ru (krub/ kah)

Sabai dee (krub/ kah)

Khop khun (Kup/ Kah)

Chai

Mai Chai

Dai

Mai dai

Mai pen rai

Hello

How are you?

Fine

Thank you

Yes

No

I can

I cannot

Nevermind

CHIANG MAICITY MAP

Brick House Hostel

U.S. Embassy

Airport

7/ 2, Soi 2 Kampphaeng Din Road, Chang Klan, Chiang Mai 50100

Night Bazaar

Phae Gate

ENP Office

Tel/ Fax: +66 (0)5327 9211

Mobile: +66 (0)95- 674 2015

Tel/ inside Thailand: 053- 107- 700

Tel/ Outside Thailand: +66- 53- 107- 700

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1 Mile