Come visit the kingdom of Thailand, in the heart of southeast Asia. This country had never been colonized and has retained its culture and way of life for hundreds of years. See how Compassion is affecting lives of children and bringing the message of Christ into this nation.  

Once known as Siam, Thailand, which is shaped like an elephant's head in profile, is in the heart of southeast Asia. While known for its exotic cultures and food, Thailand also has known a lot of hardship and poverty. Recent statistics show that 10 percent of its population lives below the poverty line, earning $1 or less a day. Children usually suffer the most in poverty, finding any means they can to survive.  

As you explore the northern city of Chiang Mai, you will discover a mountainous land where both Thais and indigenous tribes live together. As the government does not recognize certain tribes as citizens of the country, they are left by themselves to fend for their rights. You will visit some of these indigenous people in our Compassion-assisted child development centers.

As we venture farther south to the coast of Muang Chonburi, the lifestyle of the Thai people changes. Their means of daily support changes from predominantly farming to fishing. The lifestyle in this semi-urban setting will present a different perspective in our Compassion program.

Finally, our trip will wrap up in Bangkok, in the heart of one of the most invigorating cities in Asia, where life is a constant struggle for those who do not have the means to support themselves. Dreams are made and dreams are shattered for many who travel from  villages to this big city in search of opportunities. Yet, your unwavering support gives them hope in the face of pending darkness.  

Come and join us on this Compassion trip in November 2009. Your life will never be the same.

*Please note that the itinerary below is the beginning stage, and is subject to change.

Days 1-3: We will meet at the Los Angeles International Airport. Our trip will start with a quick introduction of your fellow travelers, followed by a short briefing about what to expect on the trip. The flight will take approximately 17 hours before we arrive into Chiang Mai, Thailand. Please note that since we will be crossing the international date line, we will lose one entire day (not just a few hours). During the flight you can start to reflect on what God has in store for you, and anticipate your arrival into a completely different culture!

Days 4–7: We begin with a visit to Chiang Mai, which used to be the northern fortress of the invading army into Thailand. There are numerous Compassion-assisted child development centers that work among the Thai and tribal people in Thailand. We will learn what Compassion does and how the program works with local churches in ministering to the children. We will spend our tour understanding the ministry, and how it affects the children there. Of course, we will have a full day packed with fun that will be dedicated to arranging you to meet  your sponsored child or children! There will also be a day to visit the Compassion office and to meet the men and women of God serving the children in Thailand. 

Days 8–10: The group will travel southeast to the coastal village of Chonburi, where the group will learn more about Thai culture and how Compassion is affecting the lives of children there. We also will take a short bus trip to Bangkok, where we will spend the last two days. Bangkok is one of the largest cities in the world, where tradition and modernization intertwine harmoniously in a lifestyle unique from the rest of the world.

Day 11: Our return to the U.S. will be filled with a renewed understanding of God's love for the world and how we are part of His big picture.

Tour Schedule Details:

Registration: We suggest you respond quickly even if you don't have a passport yet, because our trips fill up on a first-come basis. Once we have received your registration along with a deposit of $350, we will confirm your place on the tour and you may then purchase your domestic air ticket. The final payment of $3,149 is due no later than July 19, 2009.

Please click on the Register Now button below to complete the registration form online. If you'd rather register by mail, click on the link to the printable Registration Form above right, below the photo.

Price: The cost of this tour is $3,499 per person for double occupancy.

Included in our tour price are round-trip airfare between Los Angeles and Bangkok, Thailand, lodging, all meals, travel within Thailand, tips, your child's travel, guides and translators during the tour, admission fees, departure tax and administrative costs.

Costs not included in the tour price are transportation to and from Los Angeles, passport and incidentals such as snacks, additional beverages, laundry, phone calls, film and other personal items. You may want to bring extra spending money for shopping at the local markets.

Safety and Preparation: This tour will be moderate in difficulty because of impoverished conditions. Also, there will be some walking, rides on bumpy roads, and long days. We will have a work element in this tour.

Compassion constantly monitors the safety of our destination countries and will make any adjustments necessary to protect our tour participants, sponsored children and in-country staff. We believe it is important to provide safe, comfortable accommodations, traditional meals and reliable transportation so that your focus can be on what God is teaching you and the impact of the experience rather than concern for your personal safety and well-being.

Please read the Tour Conditions and General Information document before finalizing your decision.