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Welcome help on cacao and biochar project in Loei, Thailand

Profile information

  • rating

    Host rating

    80 %

  • Last replied

    Last replied

    18 Mar 2026

  • Reply rate

    Reply rate

    75.0 %

    Usually responds within 3 days

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    Feedback

    32

  • ID verified

    ID verified

  • Email verified

    Email verified

Country info

If you are planning to visit Thailand as a volunteer and not as a tourist you will need the correct visa. To find out more information you need to contact the embassy in your home country before travelling.

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Availability

  2026 

 Min stay requested: at least a week

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Details

  • Description

    Description

    We are a family-run eco-farm and newly registered foundation located in beautiful Loei, Thailand. What started as a small garden-to-table family farm has grown into a broader mission: building a community-based space focused on sustainability, creativity, and compassion.
    Our work combines organic farming (cacao, coffee, coconut, mushrooms, and more), tree planting, collaboration with elderly workers and children from low-income backgrounds, and creating meaningful experiences for both local and international volunteers.
    At the heart of everything we do are our core values: caring, creativity, kindness, and connection. We warmly welcome guests as part of our extended family and ask that they embrace these values by showing respect and appreciation for this community, the people of Thailand, and all living beings.
    We believe everyone has unique gifts and talents to share, and we look forward to seeing how yours can contribute to this space.
    Our project is a working rural farm and social enterprise. We are not a retreat, hostel, or training center. Volunteers join an existing workflow and are expected to contribute meaningfully.

    This experience is best suited for people who:
    -Have prior hands-on experience (farming, food production, carpentry, construction, composting, maintenance, documentation, content planning or creation skills)
    -Can work independently after initial orientation
    -Are physically and mentally prepared for real farm conditions (heat, insects, heavy lifting, repetitive tasks)
    -Understand that learning happens through participation, observation, and repetition — not through structured step-by-step courses
    -Respect shared resources, community living, and clear financial boundaries
    - Arrive ready to contribute skills rather than starting from zero
    - Are comfortable taking initiative and responsibility
    - Value contribution over consumption

    This experience is not suitable for travelers who:
    - Are primarily seeking free accommodation while traveling
    - Expect structured classes or one-on-one training
    - Compare volunteer exchange to wages in their home country
    - Require constant supervision or entertainment

    We operate in a developing rural context where sustainability — including financial sustainability — matters. A fair exchange here includes responsibility, respect, and meaningful contribution on both sides

  • Types of help and learning opportunities

    Types of help and learning opportunities

    Charity Work
    Art Projects
    Help with Eco Projects
    Gardening
    DIY and building projects
    Farmstay help
    Hospitality/Tourism
  • Interests

    Interests

    Books
    Self development
    Sustainability
    Farming
    Charity work
    Languages
    Gardening
    Cooking & food
    Nature
    Yoga / Wellness
  • UN sustainability goals this host is trying to achieve

    UN sustainability goals this host is trying to achieve

    UN goals
    No poverty
    Zero hunger
    Good health and well-being
    Quality education
    Gender equality
    Clean water and sanitation
    Affordable and clean energy
    Decent work and economic growth
    Industries, innovation and infrastructure
    Reduce inequality
    Sustainable cities and communities
    Responsible consumption and production
    Climate action
    Life below water
    Life on land
    Peace, justice and strong institutions
    Partnerships for the goals
  • Cultural exchange and learning opportunities

    Cultural exchange and learning opportunities

    Learn how to grow and process cacao, mushrooms, herbs, and fruit.
    Join us in creating a food forest (coconut, cacao, coffee trees).
    Get to know our local grandmas—help them sell produce, craft broomsticks, and more.
    Support children from landfill communities with creative learning and language exchange.
    Experience true Thai rural life with lots of laughter, cooking together, sharing stories, and making a real impact

  • Projects involving children

    Projects involving children

    This project could involve children. For more information see our guidelines and tips here.

  • Help

    Help

    We host volunteers who understand the importance of financial sustainability. If you are specifically looking for completely free accommodation without shared contribution (utilities and management fee), our place may not be the right fit.
    We are looking for dedicated, open-minded individuals who are happy to contribute where help is most needed. Tasks depend on season, project priorities, available resources, and your skills. Specific roles will be discussed individually before and during your stay.
    ⚠️ Please note: Not all activities happen at the same time. Flexibility and willingness to adapt to the rhythm of the land are essential.

    Long-Term Internship (4 Weeks +) , Cacao, Chocolate & Creative Work, We prioritize longer stays for those who wish to engage more deeply. Possible areas of contribution:
    - Content planners, creators, and creative thinkers to design infographics, posters, visual aids, and short-form videos sharing our cacao journey (from farmers to chocolate bars).
    - Chocolate makers or cacao enthusiasts interested in helping connect Thai cacao farmers with local and international craft chocolate makers through workshops and collaborations.
    - Support in fundraising, NGO development, documentation, or volunteer coordination (for those with relevant experience).

    Short-Term Stay (5–7 Days), Hands-On & Outdoor Projects, Short-term volunteers primarily support physical and outdoor work, depending on season:
    - Cacao tree care and processing (weeding, watering systems, fermentation, drying).
    - Biochar production using cacao pod husks and coconut shells (including cooking and heat experiments related to biochar).
    - Adobe earth-brick making to expand workshop spaces.
    - Compost and biochar making at the local temple alongside elderly villagers and children.
    - Plant nursery preparation and soil work.
    - Tree planting (fruit trees, native species, herbs, flowers).
    - Practical and creative projects (simple furniture, signs, charity shop setups).
    -Learning alongside local artisans (bamboo craft, broom making, natural dye, eco-print, weaving)

    Important Note About Chocolate Making & Cacao Processing
    Cacao fermentation and chocolate making are time-sensitive processes that depend on harvest cycles and production schedules. Not all stages are active at all times.
    volunteers may observe and participate when activities align with their stay and project priorities. However, structured step-by-step teaching or full chocolate-making training is offered through our dedicated workshops.
    For those who wish to receive in-depth instruction, we offer a cacao and chocolate workshop (900 THB per person), as listed on our website and materials. These workshops help support our foundation’s ongoing community work.
    We ask volunteers to understand the difference between participating in a working production environment and attending a structured training course.

  • Languages

    Languages spoken
    English: Fluent
    Khmer: Fluent
    Lao: Fluent
    Thai: Fluent

    This host offers a language exchange
    We speak Thai, Lao, Cambodian and English and love to learn more about others language and cultures.

  • Accommodation

    Accommodation

    Accommodation : We offer simple, rustic accommodation surrounded by nature.
    - 4 single bamboo huts
    - 2 queen-size bedrooms (in a wooden house, suitable for couples)
    - Shared bathroom facilities
    *For those interested in a more immersive experience, camping at our cacao farms (mountain and wetland sites) is possible. This is a basic, off-grid setup.
    *A paid guest accommodation option is also available for those who prefer more privacy or comfort.
    Please note: this is rural living. Expect insects, heat, natural sounds, and simple facilities.

    Meals & Food Culture
    Food at our place is simple, mostly vegetarian, and seasonal. We grow fruits and vegetables in the garden, and volunteers are welcome to harvest what they help care for.
    We provide basic staples such as rice and seasonal/local produce. Volunteers are responsible for their own specialty foods, snacks, and personal preferences.
    We often cook and eat together, especially dinner, as part of community life — but shared meals are informal and depend on everyone’s availability and energy. Volunteers are encouraged to participate in cooking, cleaning, and sharing food costs or ingredients when appropriate.
    We value a culture of contribution rather than service. Living here means sharing responsibilities, supporting local markets, and being part of the rhythm of the household.

  • What else ...

    What else ...

    Getting to Loei Province : Please read this section carefully and plan your journey independently before contacting us with transport questions. We are located in a rural area, and clear travel preparation is part of responsible volunteering.

    Loei is located in Northeast Thailand. Below are approximate distances and travel options from major cities:
    - From Bangkok (560 km)
    By plane
    Flights operate daily from Don Mueang Airport (DMK) to Loei Airport.
    Currently 2 flights per day (around 9:55 AM and 4:10 PM) operated by AirAsia.
    Price range: approximately 1,200–3,000 THB depending on season and booking time.
    By bus
    Day and night buses depart from Mo Chit Bus Terminal 2.
    Companies include Air Muang Loei, Sun Bus, and Phu Kradueng Air.
    Cost: 550–750 THB
    Travel time: 9–10 hours

    - From Chiang Mai (480 km)
    Bus service available.
    Cost: approximately 570–600 THB
    Travel time: 9–10 hours

    - From Phitsanulok (approximately 320 km)
    Bus service available.
    Cost: approximately 400–500 THB
    Travel time: 5–6 hours

    - From Udon Thani (180 km)
    Bus service available.
    Cost: 110–120 THB
    Travel time: 3–4 hours

    - From Khon Kaen (260 km)
    Bus service available.
    Cost: 150–160 THB
    Travel time: 4–5 hours

    - From Laos
    Luang Prabang (approx. 400 km)
    International bus from Luang Prabang to Loei.
    Departs daily around 8:00 AM.
    Cost: approximately 700 THB.

    Vientiane
    After crossing the border into Thailand, you will arrive in Nong Khai.
    There is no direct bus from Nong Khai to Loei.
    You will need to travel:
    Nong Khai → Udon Thani → Loei
    Taxi or private transfer options are also available.

    - From Loei City to Our Farm : We are located approximately 15 km from Loei city.
    • Grab and Bolt taxi: 180–200 THB
    • Local blue bus (Loei–Chiangkhan or Loei–Pak Chom route): 20–40 THB
    Detailed directions will be sent once your stay is confirmed.

    ***Nearby Facilities & Attractions
    • Vipassana meditation center (1 km)
    • Muay Thai trainer (1 km, or on-site by request)
    • Yoga studios and massage (7–10 km)
    • Saturday night market / walking street (15 km)
    • Chiangkhan district (35 km) — Mekong River views, food, guesthouses
    • Several national parks and Phu Luang Wildlife Sanctuary
    • Easy access to Laos (Vientiane, Luang Prabang)

    ***House Guidelines : Full details are provided in our handbook after confirmation.
    • Laundry: hand wash and sun dry
    • Cleaning: keep your room and shared spaces tidy
    • Sustainability: conserve water and electricity; separate recyclable, organic, and general waste
    • Dress appropriately for farm work, village life, and temple visits
    • No smoking, no drugs, and no excessive alcohol use

  • A little more information

    A little more information

    • Internet access

    • Limited internet access

      Limited internet access

    • We have pets

    • We are smokers

    • Can host families

  • Can host digital nomads

    Can host digital nomads

    We have a good cell phone rection (True, AIS, Dtac) but we do not have WIFI access. You need to have your own connection, you can buy a Thai sim with reliable internet (10-20$ per month).

  • Space for parking camper vans

    Space for parking camper vans

    We have space enough for 2 campervans.

  • How many Workawayers can stay?

    How many Workawayers can stay?

    More than two

  • My animals / pets

    My animals / pets

    Tortoise

Host ref number: 933751474595

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