Our Phuket Charitable Experience Thailand tour begins with a drive through beautiful landscapes to the seaside village of Ban Talae Nok. This small southern community was devastated by the 2004 tsunami which wiped out over half the family homes. The village is slowly recovering and by partaking in this Thailand tour you are helping the locals develop and maintain a sustainable income stream.

Upon reaching Ban Talae Nok you will be warmly received by your host family who will eagerly show you around the village. Join them for lunch and learn a few words of Thai language while you dine. Then, explore the surroundings with a long-tail boat trip through the mangrove forests. Your local guide will point out indigenous wildlife such as macaques and dozens of bird species as you cruise through the quiet waters.

The overnight homestay is a highlight of this Thailand tour package, a genuine cultural experience that cannot be replicated by a stay in a hotel. Join your family in the preparation of dinner, learning about the ingredients and methods of tasty Thai cooking as well as interacting with the hosts. While sharing dinner at the house you will experience the customs and traditions of the community.

After a good night's sleep, the second day of your Thailand tour starts with breakfast in the family home. Set off to visit area workshops, established to preserve traditional craft techniques as well as create sustainable income for the local people. Learn about soap making, palm weaving and batik painting and test your skills at creating your own crafts.

A farewell lunch with your host family is served before returning to Phuket. You will take with you lasting memories of the village stay and a deeper understanding of Thai culture. Additionally, you will have made a positive impact on the community and supported sustainable tourism projects.

As an extension to a Southern Thailand tour or a short beach break, our Phuket Charitable Experience adds an element of responsible tourism to your holiday. For anyone with an interest in culture or wishing to make a difference, this is the perfect addition to your holiday.

Responsible Travel: By partaking in this tour, you will provide direct financial support for tsunami victims as well as helping to support a community-based tourism project.

Depart Phuket this morning and drive Ban Talae Nok village. Meet your host family who will take you on a short tour of the village followed by lunch in their house. Explore the area's mangrove forests by boat with a local guide- part of the community-based tourism initiative- and then enjoy a game of football with the village kids. This evening, you will experience a touch of authentic Thai lifestyle with a homestay and traditional dinner with your hosts.

Overnight at Ban Talay Nok

After breakfast, try your hand at interactive soap making workshop with Tsunami Soap Co-operative and choose one of the activities between Nipa Palm Weaving or Batik Painting. These hands-on workshops were developed to provide jobs and develop self-sufficiency for the villagers. For lunch, help your host family prepare the food and learn how traditional Thai dishes are made before sitting down to a farewell meal. Return to Phuket for your onward travels.