Science and Sustainability: Northern Thai Reforestation

Arrive into Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX) and meet your Program Leaders who will be with you for the duration of the program. Head to the hotel and settle in, relaxing after your long flight. Join the group for an orientation discussion about the week ahead, expectations for your adventure, and an introduction to the local culture.

Make your way up the famous Doi Suthep Mountain. In addition to having immense cultural and religious significance, this majestic peak has been a focal point for ecologists and biologists studying the flora and fauna of northern Thailand for hundreds of years. Throughout the hike, hear about how fire, invasive species, and Hill Tribe gatherers are shaping this ecotype from an expert botanist from Chiang Mai University.

Enjoy lunch at the Doi Suthep Temple and learn about its significance and history while taking in the breathtaking views of Chiang Mai and the distant mountains. After lunch, travel to the top of the mountain and visit the spectacular evergreen forests comprised of towering trees and massive vines. If the weather allows, go mushroom hunting and learn about the incredible fungal diversity in the area.

Head into the Mae Sa River Valley to visit the Forest Restoration Research Unit (FORRU), which has a number of reforestation plots in the surrounding mountains to preserve the watershed. Learn about general principles of reforestation and the framework employed by FORRU which uses fast growing, fruiting tree species to quickly establish a canopy and support birds and other seed dispersers. Walk through the sacred forest of the nearby Hmong village, learn about phenology, collect seeds and start to identify some of the tree species.

Head back to the nursery to learn from the FORRU team how to germinate and propagate the seeds you have collected and participate in nursery work, including mulching, composting, re-planting and seed treatment.

Venture into the famous Chiang Dao cave. Along with a local guide, descend into the darkness where only the light from the handheld lanterns guides your way. This sacred cave is dotted with Buddhist and animist shrines and alternates between large, vacuous caverns and small tunnels that you have to crawl through. Emerging from the cave, take an afternoon bicycle tour through the beautiful countryside. Enjoy a traditional Kan Tok dinner and tell stories around the campfire under a blanket of shimmering stars.

After breakfast, make your way back to Chiang Mai, stopping along the Mae Taeng River for a whitewater rafting adventure. This is the perfect way to experience Thailand’s Riparian ecosystems as these waterways are home to many endemic species of birds, fish, and reptiles. Observe them on the tranquil stretches of river in between thrilling rapids. In the evening, explore Chiang Mai’s famous Night Bazaar for a shopping extravaganza.

Spend the day at the Thai National Elephant Conservation Center (TECC), the largest center of its kind and the model elephant sanctuary for others in the country. Supported by the Thai government, it houses the King of Thailand’s White Elephants, the first Elephant Hospital, and the only Elephant School in the world. The mahout-elephant relationship is an ancient bond, and you will join the partnership for the day learning firsthand from an elephant keeper how to care for the elephant.

At the end of each program, students reflect on their experiences and the issues they engaged with, and talk about how to apply this new understanding to their own worlds. During or after their closing discussion, groups participate in Rustic Ties, a unique and powerful activity that allows students to capture the memories and learning moments of their program to process and share with their communities back home.

Muay Thai, or Thai kickboxing, is an ancient martial art, infused with culture and based on practical ways of blocking with elbows and knees and striking using kicks and punches. Practice the basics with professional trainers as you work up a sweat and increase your skills. Continue your Thai education with a cooking class! Start by getting familiar with the unique and delicious ingredients of Thai cuisine, learning how to identify the various herbs and spices. After learning the foundation and practicing techniques, put your skills into practice as you learn how to make your favorite Thai dishes!

Your Program Leaders will take you to the airport for your departure as you say goodbyes and reflect on your adventure.