Our group will be introduced to Thailand's bustling capital of Bangkok. In a citywide scavenger hunt we'll be introduced to the sights, sounds, and tastes of this modern yet distinctively Thai city. We'll visit some of the city's most beautiful temples and get a feel for the intricacies of this diverse and colourful metropolis.
While Bangkok is one of the world's most visited cities, we'll escape from the crowds as we jet out on a bike tour. We'll quickly head off to Bang Krachao, also known as the city's "Green Lung:, due to its lush, forested landscape. While urbanization is rapidly affecting the area, there is some hope that ecotourism may be a tool for preserving this oasis. We will dig into the possibilities and challenges of this kind of tourism development - all while mounted on bikes and being guided by a local friend who has grown up in the area.
Day 5 - 11: Sustainable agriculture with Ockenden Cambodia
We will head straight to the border into Cambodia! We will meet our good friends at Ockenden Cambodia. Comprised of a group of amazing and dedicated activists, Ockenden is committed to promoting a teaching sustainable, innovative, and disaster-resilient farming practices in marginalized communities around the country. We will join them on one of their many ongoing long-term projects while getting an intimate glimpse of the realities, challenges, and promises of rural development in Cambodia.
A staple of most projects with Ockenden is tree planting, which we do alongside primary and secondary school students. Deforestation and global warming are two of the biggest issues that will affect the country for generations to come, and planting trees is one of the most beneficial things we can do as guests in the country (while also educating the youth on the importance of doing so!) Other activities in the past have included digging ponds, installing floating gardens, and building trellises and bale gardens.
Day 12 - 14: Bat caves and circus acts in Battambang
We'll head to the charming town of Battambang where we'll relax and get cleaned up at a funky hostel. Battambang is famous for its nearby caves, where, in the evenings we will witness millions of bats gliding through the sky!
We'll also be visiting a unique social outreach program that engages at-risk youth in the area by channeling their energies into acrobatics and circus arts. It will be unlike anything you've seen before!
Day 14 - 16: Dark histories and bright futures in Phnom Penh
Our team will be keep heading south as we move on to Cambodia's capital. Integral to any journey to Cambodia, we'll visit the S-21 prison museum and the infamous Killing Fields in order to understand Cambodia's tragic recent history and contextualize its present challenges and opportunities.
But Phnom Penh is also so much more than just this dark past. We will also make sure to familiarize ourselves with the hip, modern, funky vibe that energizes this booming city!
Day 17 - 19: Turtle love in Kratie
After a scenic bus ride into the east of the country, we will get situated in the small town of Kratie, famous for its population of endangered river dolphins. We'll spend an afternoon cruising along the Mekong and viewing these elusive creatures in their natural environment.
Most importantly, we will be spending a day with the Mekong Turtle Conservation Center (MTCC) with whom OG organizes an annual baby turtle release. Considering themselves as custodians of the endangered Cantor softshell turtle population, the MTC goes to great lengths to "give turtles a head start". We will see how community, awareness, and conservation all work together to preserve an endangered species!
Day 20 - 26: Volunteering for elephants
The gentle giants at EVP will quickly capture our hearts as we spend days hiking through sanctuary and getting to know each of their individual stories. No, we will not be riding them. And no, we will not be feeding them. We will observe them, learn about them, and contribute to their well-being by volunteering around the sanctuary! These are senior elephants - coming largely from histories of being overworked - who may now roam as close within their natural environment as possible.
Day 27 - 36: Independent Travel Time
A staple of all Operation Groundswell programs. 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, volunteering, travelling, or just relaxing. Southeast Asia is bursting with gems!
Day 37 - 40: Disorientation in Bangkok
Our group will reconvene for a program debrief known as ‘disorientation’ prior to flying home. We’ll learn that it is possible to take it easy in this restless city, and re-live memories of the program, recap the lessons that we’ve learned, discuss how to stay connected, and collaborate on projects in the future.
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