An authentic adventure

Ms Xuan is the host of Home Stay , where I stayed for two weeks for organic farming placement with Vina Volunteer Service. You could not ask for a more generous and hospitable host.

With Ms Xuan guidance, I participated in the daily routine of “Thai Community Life” gaining a first hand and intimate experience of the Thai Culture.

Mai Chau is a truly tranquil and peaceful setting guaranteed to help you relax, slow down and connect with nature. The Thai people are very happy, peaceful and contented, welcoming you into their homes with offers of green tea or rice wine depending on the time of day.

Highlights for me were:

Working in the fields: cutting grass for buffalo – weeding corn – harvesting rice

Collecting snails – fishing

Learning and cooking Thai food

Tending buffalo

Exploring the community by bike

Learning more about Thai Culture at the local museum

Checking out the local and surrounding markets

Exploring the Limestone Cave

Practicing English/Vietnamese with girls from Hoa Ban (neighbors 2 doors down, weaving and embroidery of traditional Thai patterns and clothing)

David from Vina Volunteer Service did a fantastic job organising my entire trip, introducing me to the community, organising all transportation and was topped off with 2 day trip to Halong Bay at the end.

I can not recommend an organic farming project in Mai Chau enough, this is one of the unique places in the world where you can come to recharge your soul.