Volunteering in Thailand, Take 3

I'm back in Japan after a week in Hong Kong. First order of business was to open all the windows to air the tatami mat smell out. Next was to book flights and make reservations for my trip to Thailand in September. I always end up paying more than I should because I take so long to book the flights. (Don't know what I'm waiting for since I knew in May that I would go again in September.)

Tuesday, September 14, 2010
Setouchi Bus: Imabari 15:30 -> Osaka 21:30
Airport Limousine: Herbis Station 21:43 -> Kansai Airport 22:45

I like taking the Orange Ferry from Toyo to Osaka, especially if I'm headed to the airport. However, the ferry is only convenient for an early flight. I'm flying close to midnight this time, so I'll have to take the bus to get to Osaka. There's no rush, but I need to make sure I go to the bus centre to reserve a spot on the Setouchi bus.

Wednesay, September 15, 2010
Flight: Osaka 00:30 -> Bangkok 4:20
Flight: Bangkok 6:45 -> Chiang Mai 7:55
ENP Van: Chiang Mai -> ENP Office -> Elephant Nature Park

I thought I was getting to Bangkok at 4:20 pm on Wednesday, so I booked a flight to Chiang Mai for 6:30 pm. IMMEDIATELY after I confirmed my credit card payment, I realized my mistake. The flight was actually for 4:20 in the morning. I had to pay $20 to change the flight. bummer.

Originally, I wanted to do a half day visit, or an overnight visit at the park and then take the bus to Bangkok to do the Surin Project. However, when I checked the flights, leaving on Saturday (Sept 18) was at least $150 more than leaving on Thursday/Friday and $300 more than leaving on Wednesday (Sept 15). I decided to take a longer paid vacation leave and fly out Wednesday.

Wednesday, September 15 - Sunday, September 19, 2010
Elephant Nature Park

The volunteer week at Elephant Nature Park starts on Monday every week. I only made a deposit on the ENP website, I haven't had confirmation that I can begin volunteering on a Wednesday. It should be okay though, I think!

Sunday, September 19, 2010
ENP Van: Elephant Nature Park 14:00 -> Chiang Mai
Bus: Chiang Mai 16:00 -> Bangkok

The Surin Project starts Monday morning in Bangkok so I need to leave Chiang Mai on Sunday night. The Bus is provided by ENP and transportation fees are covered in the volunteer fees. I only have to pay for a one way flight to Chiang Mai.

Monday, September 20, 2010
Bus: Bangkok 8:00 -> Surin

Monday, September 20 - Saturday, September 25, 2010
Surin Project

More about the Surin Project on the ENP website: Click HERE!

Saturday, September 25 - Sunday, September 26, 2010
Bus: Surin -> Bangkok 10:30
Discovery Lodge: I emailed John Nara to reserve a room for that night

I haven't decided what I want to do in Bangkok yet. I would like to join a tour, but most start early in the morning. Maybe I can join a half day tour. I was thinking about seeing a Thai Cultural Show or a Ladyboy Show haha I'll ask John about it.

Monday, September 27, 2010
Flight: Bangkok 11:00 -> Osaka 18:30
Limousine Bus: Kansai Airport 21:10 -> Nanko Ferry Terminal 21:45
Orange Ferry: Osaka 22:30 -> Toyo 6:00

Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Orange Ferry Bus: Toyo 6:20 -> Imabari 7:10