FAQs
Whats the weather like?
There are three seasons, warm season from February till May , rainy season from the end of June till October and the ‘cool’ season which extends from November till January. From February till October the temperature averages at around 35°C but during the cool season it can reach as low as 10°C, so remember to bring layers. During rainy season there is frequent unpredictable rain.
How much cash shall I bring?
We charge 250-500 baht ($7-$15; sliding scale, students on the lower end and working professionals on the upper end) per day for food and accommodation. We have recently increased the costs a bit to cover the increasing food costs - rice has tripled in cost in the last 2 months alone. You may want to bring money for your own supplies to buy from the local village (chocolate etc), which is within walking distance, or from Sangklaburi, but are unlikely to spent more than an additional 500 baht ($15) a week here.
If I want to bring stuff for the kids what shall I bring?
It’s not a good idea to bring toys, as there are over 50 kids here so it may cause arguments! School and art supplies (pens and pencils, paper, books etc), clothes and sports equipment (eg Soccer balls), however, would be appreciated by the children. You can also refer to Dada’s Wish List.
What to I need to bring? Check out our suggested list of items a volunteer can bring for him or herself. Also, check out Dada’s Wish List for things you can bring for Baan Dada. Lastly, you can stop by the forums to chat with past, present and future volunteers.
Whats the outlook of the children?
Even though many of the children have had very hard histories, the morale here is certainly not that of a refugee camp. There is a great feeling of community, and the children are hopeful and positive.
What will I be doing?
See ‘A Typical Day of a Volunteer’. There are also ongoing projects which volunteers can take part in, for example the construction of a new girl’s dormitory. What you do is entirely up to you – there is no set schedule which all volunteers have to follow. You can also read about past experiences of volunteers in the Baan Dada Blog.
Do I have free time?
Yes. Volunteers are advised to take at least one day off every week, and are welcome to have time off during the day.
Is there internet access or cellphone service?
Yes there is phone service, and there are computers in the office with internet access (wired and wifi), but volunteers have to share them with the staff and the children. There is also good mobile phone service in the area - you can either use your phone with your existing cell phone number or you can buy a Thai SIM card in Bangkok, at 7-11s or at a mobile phone store in Thailand to pop into your own phone. Data services for many smart phones also work here, but check your phone carrier for roaming and international charges.
What are volunteer conditions like?
They are better than childrens living conditions, there are four volunteer houses that sleep a total of 20 volunteers in beds, one having a western toilet, and are situated 5 minutes walk from the main living area. There is a volunteer fridge, kettle and toaster, fans available and electrical plugs in rooms.
How do I get to Baan Dada?
Check out our detailed section on Transportation to Baan Dada.