Forget your party towns of Phuket, Koh Samui, Pattaya or Koh Pang Nyang - Baan Nakhor is probably one of the finest examples of original Thai culture you are likely to discover in Thailand. The village is still in the unwesternised state its been in for generations. As a volunteer you will find yourself immediately submersed by a totally different way of life.
Living in the 400 strong community village of Baan Nakhor will probably be a million miles away from any type of lifestyle you've ever been accustomed to before - although that's not to say it will be an uncomfortable or an unpleasant experience - far from it! During your volunteer placement your lifestyle will be transformed to one reminiscent of yesteryear.
You and up to 10 other volunteers will be accommodated in a traditional Thai hardwood house. The house is spacious enough for ten volunteers although we have restricted it to this amount to avoid over crowding and keep your stay comfortable. The house and village do have electricity and running water. The water is precious and will be switched on and off in the mornings and evenings, however, as with all developing countries, it should never be drunk. The volunteer house has is part of the headmans complex of 4 houses, ours being his newest building. We have one large room upstairs and one large downstairs, with all bedding and mosquito nets will be provided. We do however, wherever possible, uphold and respect Thai tradition by keeping the sleeping arrangements of males and females seperate. There is a bathroom and toilet to the rear of the house with cold running shower and Asian style toilet. This area is also utilised for all of our clothes washing which is still done by hand. As we stay with the headmans family the cooking is done by old traditional methods, over a clay pot with open fire, with all volunteers expected to pitch in and lend a hand.The kitchen can become a hive of activity with many locals dropping by to feed us authentic thai cuisine. The large open planned downstairs area is always a busy place with local youngsters and elder villagers alike constantly popping round. To the front there is an area for general socialising and interaction and often has many locals.
Baan Nakhor Village
For anyone interested we will also offer overnight homestay. Not only does Fernthai Volunteer Foundation use this as an opportunity to directly donate funds to supporting families, it also gives you, the volunteer, the opportunity to truly experience Thai culture in a way not usually possible. We have found the interaction and cultural exchange gets a big thumbs up within the community.
Within the house we do have a few strict rules which must be abided by at all times. Firstly we require all volunteers to speak either English or Thai at all times. This is to prevent alienation of any volunteers who may not understand another specific language. Secondly we strictly forbid sex in the camp at any times and anybody suspected of breaking this rule will be asked to leave immediately. Thai culture is steeped in tradition and anybody breaking this rule is not only disrespecting Thai culture, they also jeopordise the whole foundation being allowed to stay in the village. Volunteers should never venture upstairs alone with members of the opposite sex. Thirdly drinking and smoking should be kept to a minimum within the camp and most certainly outside and not within the house at any time. We also ask all volunteers to be as environmentally conscious as possible. It is custom within Thai culture that shoes are never worn inside the house. We respect this and ask all volunteers to leave their shoes at the front door at all times. Finally we ask that all volunteers conduct themselves in a respectful way towards all fellow volunteers and villagers alike at all times..... Should any problems arise contact Pee Tony immediately.Outside of the house you'll find the village and community a beautiful surrounding for your stay. The village has a small store stocking enough for us to get by during our stay (drinking water, washing powder, cooking necessities, etc. etc.) although please be resourceful. Our main shopping will be done at the local weekend market with lots of local fresh produce on sale. The trip to the market is a must experience for all volunteers. Not only is it a chance to stock up on essentials, it is a also a social event which will see you submersed in Thai culture. The village also has its own Primary school with the main secondary school nearby, both within walking distance.
Within the community not only will you be inundated with numerous playful children - you'll also have the chance to mix with numerous characters. LungNut and BpaaNut our neighbours are a constant source of support within the camp. LungChit has become the 'Uncle' to all volunteers. Thai Noy will epitomise why Thailand is known as the 'Land Of Smiles'. Gamnan will always be on hand as a source of leadership within his community. The list goes on!
The fundamental thing we feel you'll take from your village stay is the way the modernised world has lost its sense of community spirit. Within the village of Baan Nakhor you will discover the pure beauty of once again living as part of a community. A community where everybody really does look after each other. It really is a joy to be a part of and stands as a lesson, that we, in the modernised world would do well to rediscover.
