Our Nong Bua lodge is on the west side of the valley overlooking the paddies and the Mae Teng river. In the distance is the Chiang Dao range and Doi Bee. This location forms our base camp for programs within the Muang Khong Valley and is 2 1/2 hours from Chiang Mai. The lodge has a main 2 level Thai style sala with full kitchen kitchen and first aid facilities with O2 and SW radio. The lodge has male and female shower and toilet blocks. Accommodation here is either in our safari style tents or 3 person expedition tents. Full range cell coverage is available with all providers. Our CSR coffee project is situated on the hill behind the camp
The students will camp during the expedition using 3 man dome tents, in addition smaller single tents are provided for teaching staff. Toilets are available with basic cold-water showers all days. It is also possible to bathe in the river that runs alongside the camp areas.
Students spend one night in the Karen village of Pak Koh Lam. They will stay in dormitory style longhouses split between boys and girls. Toilets are available with basic cold-water showers all days. It is also possible to bathe in the river that runs alongside the camp areas.
Food will be Thai/western buffet style; dietary concerns (vegetarian etc) can be catered to with prior arrangement. Water & hot drinks will be provided with meals. Water will also be provided during the expedition allowing students to regularly fill their personal water bottles. Students will prepare meals for themselves during one evening and following morning. This will be using standard expedition stoves from equipment and provisions given to students. Full briefings will be given.
Activities within this program include: Cave Exploration, 2 day descent of Mae Teng River w/whitewater, survival and expediton skills, MTB and Lake kayaking. Optional cultural/community service visits
NOTE: Some activities are dependent on weather and may require changes on the day according to site conditions & dynamic Risk Assessment
The adventure groups will all be encouraged to develop a group identity and work together as a team during the program. The groups can be chosen at random or follow class or house structure. We will liaise with teaching staff on this.
Our challenge-by-choice approach enables each student to achieve their own successful adventure in the context of their own aspirations free from peer or instructors pressure. We have found during adventure activities, the greatest achievements are never in terms of the distance leapt or the height climbed and that in all our adventure activities everyone has a role to play.