Team 1 SPX HS- World Challenge 2017 Expedition to Thailand - 2017 Itinerary
24th Jun 2017Arrive inBangkok.Bustling, loud and proud,Bangkokhas everything to offer the senses! There's the splendour of the Grand Palace, the labyrinthine waterways of the city's canal system to explore, and ThanonKhao San, widely regarded as the backpacker capital of the world. There's so much to see and do, your only concern will be fitting everything in!As today is your first day in country you will need to, as a team, agree on some expedition ground rules, allocate roles, change money, contact your In-Country Agent, make (or confirm) any necessary bookings and buy supplies for your next phase.Tip:As you are travelling during a peak season it's vital that you research accommodation options early and book in advance, especially when travelling during public holidays, or to popular tourist destinations.
25th Jun 2017Admin day - Bangkok. Take the opportunity to see thesights, rest, recover, perhaps do some shopping orwashing, and prepare for the next phase of your expedition.
26th Jun - 28th Jun 2017Acclimatisation - Erawan National Park.Make your way west to Kanchanaburi, the staging post for your acclimatisation trek.This trek leads to one of Thailand's most famous waterfalls, situated in the Erawan National Park about 50km north of Kanchanaburi.The waterfall itself has an impressive seven tiers, and the top pool is said to resemble the mystical elephant Erawan.
Erawan is the Thai form of Airavata, the elephant steed of Indra, Hindu King of the Gods.Hindu influences pervade Thailand, despite Theravada Buddhism's dominance.It's always worth looking out for where the two religions co-exist. The trail winds among the multitude of falls and pools, sometimes alongside the water or across footbridges.Decide as a team how far you want to trek.
Trekking Hellfire Pass.This infamous railway was constructed by Allied POW's during the Second World War and immortalised in the 1957 film The Bridge on the River Kwai.The trek begins with a visit to the Hellfire Pass Museum, which is maintained by theOffice of Australian War Graves.Do take the time to hear about the hardships the Allied prisoners endured - soon you'll be walking the very route they built by hand during the War.The trail is 8km long and leads directly through Kon Yu Cutting itself, the aptly-named Hellfire Pass.Next there's dense jungle and the railway passes a range of interest sites, before finishing at Compressor Cutting, where you can retrace your steps to the museum.Tip:Pick up an audio guide to make sense of all the different sites.
29th Jun - 3rd Jul 2017Community Engagement PhaseTheexpedition projectwill offer a unique opportunity to fullyengage with community- passionate local people and organisations - seeking to make a positive impact.Asvalued guestsof a host community you will undertake a task-specific project that willcontributetowards the ongoing needs of local communities or other environmental priorities. You will need to listen in order to gain a betterunderstanding of the local challengesand work hard to achieve the best outcomes possible.
The more you engage with the project hosts the more you will feel part of something bigger - a community.Don’t forget to learn some of the local language, either before you arrive or while you are on expedition - it will be invaluable!We believe that as in life, you will get out of it what you put in, both as individuals and collectively as a team. While we have provided all the ingredients - you should be prepared to get creative and use your initiative to make this phase a great success. Ask questions, be inquisitive and be the instigators of the change you want to see. We hope this willinspire the next generation of leadersto take action for a better world.
Once your time has come to an end why not seek to keep in contact with your project and find ways to support the work once you return home. This may involve raising funds or awareness or even volunteering on an issue you feel passionate about? Your contribution need not stop when you leave the project site.
4th Jul 2017Travel to Chiang Mai.Ensure you are at the train station in Bangkok in good time and with pre-purchased tickets to catch your overnight train to Chiang Mai.
5th Jul 2017Rest and Relaxationin Chiang Mai.This picturesque city is the largest and most culturally significant city inNorthern Thailand.Visit the night markets, check out the temples,or stroll through the quaint backstreets. Tip: There is afreeself-guided temple walking tour in the Lonely Planet!
The city is a must see for most visitors to Thailand and with itsestimated 32,000-40,000 hotel rooms it's the perfect spot to venture out and find yourself a cute, garden clad, family runguesthouse.Elephant Nature Park.If you haven't already, now is your chance to visit the Elephant Nature Park,an elephant rescue and rehabilitation centre in Chiang Mai provincewhere you can visit during your rest and relaxation phase. They have been involved in dozens of elephant rescues, which have created athriving elephant herd. The park provides a natural environment for elephants and many other animals.This park doesnotallow elephant riding however you will have a chance to feedthe elephants and enjoy watching how they interact together. See
6th Jul - 11th Jul 2017Trek -Chiang Dao.From Chiang Mai you will need to arrange transport to take you toChiang Dao. This can be organisedthrough your trekking guides.You should try to make it to Chiang Dao by lunchtime today, as you will have the chance for a White Water Rafting trip down the frothing rapids of the Mae Nam Taeng.It's a great team building exercise, but more than that, great fun!
As you trek over the next six days, you can explore the wealth of hill tribe villages in the area, as well as learn the basics of jungle survival from your expert guides.The hill tribes are entirely distinct from wider Thai society, with their own practices, beliefs and traditional attire.Tribes like the Akha, Mien, Lisu, Karen and Lahu all have their own particular beliefs and tribal ties which cross borders into China, Burma, Laos and Vietnam.Nature is incredibly varied here, with flora and fauna in abundance, so sometimes you'll travel on foot and sometimes by boat!
12th Jul 2017Travel to Bangkok.You have pre-purchased ticketsfor your overnight train to Bangkok.
13th Jul - 14th Jul 2017Rest and Relaxationin BangkokThere is plenty to see and do here in Bangkok.Visit the Grand Palace and the Temple of Dawn, sample the delicious local food, orshop for souvenirs onKhao San Road.
15th Jul - 16th Jul 2017Departure day.Today you catch your flight home. Getting off the plane, you'll be bursting with stories and photos to keep family and friends entertained for hours! Saying goodbye to your team will be harder than you'd imagine as you'll have become lifelong friends but the excitement of a shower, clean sheets, a comfy bed and catching up on all the news at home will make it easier.
Don't forget to keep the experience alive and share your best photos, videos and stories on Facebook (@WorldChallengeAsiaPacific) and Instagram (@worldchallenge_au)!