Welcome help on cacao and biochar project in Loei, Thailand

Infos

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  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

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  Types d'aide et opportunités d'apprendre

  Bénévolat

  Projets artistiques

  Aide avec des éco-projets

  Jardinage

  Bricolage et construction

  Aide dans une ferme

  Accueil / tourisme
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  Centres d’intérêt

  

  Livres

  

  Dev. personnel

  

  Dev. durable

  

  Ferme

  

  Bénévolat

  

  Langues

  

  Jardinage

  

  Cuisine et alimentation

  

  Nature

  

  Yoga / bien-être
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  Objectifs de développement durable de l’ONU que cet hôte essaie d'atteindre

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  Qu'est-ce que c'est ?
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  Echange culturel et opportunités d'apprendre

  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

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  Projets impliquant des enfants

  Ce projet peut impliquer des enfants. Pour en savoir plus, consultez nos directives et conseils ici.

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  Aide

  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.

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  Langues

  Langues parlées
  Anglais: Courant
  Khmer: Courant
  Lao: Courant
  Thai: Courant

  Cet hôte propose un échange linguistique
  We speak Thai, Lao, Cambodian and English and love to learn more about others language and cultures.
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  Hébergement

  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.

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  Autres infos...

  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

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  Informations complémentaires

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    Accès Internet

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    Accès Internet limité

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    Nous avons des animaux

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    Nous sommes fumeurs

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    Familles bienvenues

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  Possibilité d’accueillir les 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).

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  Espace pour garer des vans

  We have space enough for 2 campervans.

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  Combien de volontaires pouvez-vous accueillir ?

  Plus de 2

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  Mes animaux

  Tortoise

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