VOLUNTEER PROGRAMMES IN THAILAND
Thailand, the country of flavours, temples and an extensive history. As a volunteer, you will be impressed from the very first day. By volunteering in Thailand you have the opportunity to experience the reality of many people in this country.
We collaborate in several volunteer programmes in Thailand, each programme is focused on covering a need, in the education of children, in the care of elephants, support in Buddhist temples and universities, etc.
VOLUNTEERING WITH ELEPHANTS IN THAILAND
Get to know Thailand by volunteering with elephants, respecting their natural habitat and protecting them from abduction for exposure to tourism.
VOLUNTEER SUPPORT IN SOCIAL ORPHANAGES
Throughout your volunteering in Thailand you will receive lots of smiles and love from the children. We encourage you to share some of your time with them.
VOLUNTEER TEACHING ENGLISH TO MONKS
Teaching Buddhist monks in Thailand is a world apart, you can be part of this life experience through volunteer in Thailand.
VOLUNTEERING TO TEACH ENGLISH TO CHILDREN
With dedication, young children have the possibility to complete their studies and learn new tools through the support of a volunteers in Thailand.
CONSTRUCTION IN THE HUA HIN COMMUNITY
There are many families in Thailand living in poor housing conditions and many of their local community areas and facilities, such as temples, hospitals or schools, are still in need of much improvement.
To address this concern, this programme aims for participants to help improve the standard of living of this local population in need by providing support for much-needed construction and renovation work, by creating adequate sanitation facilities, by making homes safer places to live and by ensuring that communities have greater authority over their own development initiatives.
ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION IN HUA HIN
The aim is to maintain and conserve the fauna and flora, as well as to offer environmental education to the community so that they can conserve and develop their areas and spaces.
CARE AND TEACHING HUA HIN
The volunteer gets to know Thai culture and customs by teaching young children.
What are the requirements for a volunteer in Thailand?
To volunteer in Thailand on one of our programmes you will need:
- Pass the Adventure Volunteer forms and interview process
- Criminal record certificate
- Photocopy of passport
- Good level of English, as all subjects are taught in English.
- Flight out of the country in order to be able to participate in the programmes.
- Be of legal age
To volunteer in Thailand, you have to take into account that you will be working with volunteers of all nationalities and that you will bring your knowledge to young Thais who have a totally different culture to the Western one. You must respect the clothing, the religion and the rules of the centres and the projects.
Holidays in Thailand and Hua Hin’s programmes that are affected
Hua Hin Holiday Calendar:
| Date | Holidays | Programme stopped on these dates |
| Jan 2(Mon) | New Year’s Day | Education, Construction and renovation Conservation of the environment Childcare/day-care centre |
| Mar 6 (Mon) | Makha Bucha Day | Education, Environmental conservation Childcare/kindergarten |
| Apr 6(Thur) | Chakri Day | Education, Environmental conservation Childcare/kindergarten |
| Apr 13 – 14(Thur – Fri) | Songkran Festival Day | Education, Construction and renovation, Environmental conservation, Childcare/kindergarten |
| May 1 (Mon) | Labor Day | Education, Conservation of the environment, Childcare/kindergarten |
| May 4 (Thur) | Coronation Day | Education, Conservation of the environment, Childcare/kindergarten |
| May 11 (Thur) | Royal Ploughing Ceremony Day | Education, Conservation of the environment, Childcare/kindergarten |
| Jun 5(Mon) | H. M. Queen’sBirthday/Visakha Bucha Day | Education, Conservation of the environment, Childcare/kindergarten |
| Jul 28(Fri) | H. M. King’sBirthday | Education, Conservation of the environment, Childcare/kindergarten |
| Aug 1-2(Tue-Wed) | Asahna Bucha Day/ Buddhist Len | Education, Conservation of the environment, Childcare/kindergarten |
| Aug 14(Mon) | Mothers Birthday | Education, Conservation of the environment, Childcare/kindergarten |
| Oct 13(Fri) | Remembrance of the Passing of King Bhumibol | Education, Conservation of the environment, Childcare/kindergarten |
| Oct 23(Mon) | Chulalongkorn Day | Education, Conservation of the environment, Childcare/kindergarten |
| Dec 5(Tue) | King Bhumibol’s birthday/ Father’s day | Education, Conservation of the environment, Childcare/kindergarten |
| Dec 11(Mon) | Constitution Day | Education, Conservation of the environment, Childcare/kindergarten |
| Dec 30(Fri ) | Special Public Holiday for New Year | Education, Construction and renovation, Environmental conservation Childcare/daycare centre |
Arrival dates for programmes in Chiang Mai
In each programme you will find the starting dates of each programme and the days you have to be in Thailand. It is important that you take into account the arrival time.
Starting days for projects in Chiang Mai (teaching, monks, elephants and orphanage), the arrival day will be on Fridays.
| Arrival day 2023 (Friday) | Project start (Monday) |
| 6 January | 9 January |
| 20 January | 23 January |
| 3 February | 6 February |
| 12 May | 15 May |
| 2 June | 5 June |
| 16 June | 19 June |
| 30 June | 3 July |
| 14 July | 17 July |
| 4 August | 7 August |
| 18 August | 21 August |
| 1 September | 4 September |
| 15 September | 18 September |
| 29 September | 2 October |
| 13 October | 16 October |
| 3 November | 6 November |
| 17 November | 20 November |
| 1 December | 4 December |
| 15 December | 18 December |
For more information, questions or assistance with a colleague of our team you can contact us via phone or Whatsapp here.
The steps to follow to register are as follows:
- Fill out the form to reserve your volunteering.
- Wait for our confirmation of availability.
- Make a 1st donation for the registration to the Adventure Volunteer association.
- You will receive an email with the volunteer agreement to be completed by you.
- You will return to us by email all the requested information and you will be able to purchase the flight.
- A few weeks before you start you will receive information from the local organization.
- Now you only have to pack your suitcase, you have a whole team that will make everything easier for you and you will be in contact at all times, so you don’t have to worry.
REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS
To be part of the volunteer programs in Sri Lanka, it is not necessary any specific training and it is only required:
- To be of legal age (possibility minor with guardian or parents).
- To be a participative and committed person.
- Be respectful of people, culture and customs.
- To know how to adapt and work in a team.
- Criminal record certificate for social work.
- Sign cooperation agreement and interview with our team.
- Appropriate clothing for the destination.
- Knowledge of English.
ACCOMMODATION IN THAILAND
The different accommodations for volunteers going to the projects in Chiang Mai are located in a central and safe area. The three houses where volunteers sleep in Chiang Mai are only a 5 minute walk from the local office of the organization.
In the Hua Hin programs, the accommodation is located close to the beach area, with rooms shared by the volunteers and common areas for all volunteers.
Elephant program volunteer accommodation
Volunteer accommodation in Hua Hin area
Chiang Mai volunteer accommodation
What is the volunteer accommodation like?
- Bed in a shared room with other volunteers. These rooms have sheets, pillows, air conditioning, which gives a respite from the hot and sunny days.
WHAT WILL THE ARRIVAL AT THE DESTINATION BE LIKE?
CHIANG MAI
When you arrive at Chiang Mai International Airport, coordinators from the local organization will be waiting for you and will take you to the place where you will stay according to your chosen project, if you arrive on Friday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
The first 2 days upon arrival in Thailand are for induction and orientation (Saturday and Sunday), which includes the following:
- Orientation on Thai culture, including information on how to get around the country.
- A half-day city tour of the main sites and local markets.
- Introductory Thai language course covering basic words and phrases.
- Information on local transportation, including how to get to projects.
HUA HIN
For programs in Hua Hin, the volunteer must arrive at Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK), during the hours of Friday, Saturday or Sunday from 5 a.m. to 16:00 p.m., to be picked up by the local coordinators, and transfer to the volunteer accommodation.
In short, the coordinators work hard to ensure that your volunteer project runs smoothly. They also help volunteers with any problems, misunderstandings or challenges they encounter during their project.
VISA TO ENTER THAILAND
For people coming from Spain, no visa is required, (other countries please consult). Take a look at the requirements according to your nationality.
SECURITY IN THAILAND
Thailand is considered a safe country. But nothing is perfect, and as in many countries of the world, it is necessary to take certain precautions and know how to handle yourself in certain zones and areas of the city.
Tourist areas are generally safe, but we still recommend that you keep these details in mind:
- Notify your coordinator, in case you are going on an excursion.
- Have your coordinator’s phone number and the address where you are staying.
- Avoid giving out information about where you are staying, the project and your fellow volunteers.
- Do not bring anyone who is not from the organization to the volunteer’s house.
- Avoid risky areas in every place you visit.
- Travel frugally in your daily transfers and excursions.
- Avoid drawing attention to yourself with jewelry and accessories.
- If you can, avoid taking out your cell phone in public places.
- Try to use the country’s safe transportation services.
- Avoid walking alone on unfamiliar streets.
- Never take someone you do not know in an unfamiliar vehicle or in your own vehicle.
- Do not drink any beverage whose origin you do not know.
The financial contribution is divided into two parts:
- The registration fee, which you will donate to the Adventure Volunteer association. This contribution has a tax benefit of 80% which you can deduct in your income tax return.
- The remaining part of the cost of the programme will go to the partner organisation that we will send on your behalf as a substitute or you can hand it in directly to the project.
| WEEKS | ELEPHANTS | CHILDREN’S HOME | ENGLISH TEACHING PROJECTS AND MONKS | CHILDCARE OR CONSERVATION IN THE BEACH AREA | BEACH AREA CONSTRUCTION |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 800 | – | – | – | – |
| 2 | 1160€ | 800€ | 800€ | 630€ | 690€ |
| 3 | 1520€ | 960€ | 960€ | 840€ | 935€ |
| Additional | 360€ | 210€ | 210€ | 210€ | 245€ |
WHAT IS PROVIDED IN VOLUNTEERING?
- Welcome at the airport on the days specified in each programme.
- 1 meal in Chiang Mai projects (teaching and orphanage)
- 3 meals on elephants
- 3 meals from Monday to Friday and two meals on Saturday and Sunday in Hua Hin projects.
- Accommodation in shared rooms
- Tax certificate
- Certificate of weeks spent volunteering
- 24/7 support from the Adventure Volunteer team
- Liability and volunteer insurance
- Guidance, advice and management in choosing a programme
WHAT IS NOT PROVIDED IN VOLUNTEERING?
- Flight to Thailand
- Visa
- Travel medical insurance
- Internal transport or excursions
- Travel within or outside the country
- Vaccinations, if required
- Personal travel and sightseeing
- Beverages, diets and special meals
- Bottled water
Non-Teaching Volunteer and Intern Project 2024 Start Dates
The following are the start dates for our Medical Internship, Magazine Internship, Elephant Nursery, Women’s Empowerment, and Children’s Home Volunteer Projects.
- the 8th of January – arriving on Friday, the 6th of January
- the 22nd of January – arriving on Friday, the 19th of January
- the 5th of February – arriving on Friday, the 2nd of February
- the 19th of February – arriving on Friday, the 16th of February
- the 4th of March – arriving on Friday, the 1st of March
- the 18th of March – arriving on Friday, the 15th of March (two week maximum before April break)
- Closed for the April Break
- the 6th of May – arriving on Friday, the 3rd of May
- the 20th of May – arriving on Friday, the 17th of May
- the 3rd of June – arriving on Friday, the 31st of May
- the 17th of June – arriving on Friday, the 14th of June
- the 1st of July – arriving on Friday, the 28th of June
- the 15th of July – arriving on Friday, the 12th of July
- the 5th of August – arriving on Friday, the 3rd of August
- the 19th of August – arriving on Friday, the 16th of August
- the 2nd of September – arriving on Friday, the 30th of August
- the 16th of September – arriving on Friday, the 13th of September
- the 7th of October – arriving on Friday, the 3rd of October
- the 21st of October – arriving on Friday, the 18th of October
- the 4th of November – arriving on Friday, the 1st of November
- the 18th of November – arriving on Friday, the 15th of November
- the 2nd of December – arriving on Friday, the 29th of November
- the 16th of December – arriving on Friday, the 13th of December
Teaching Volunteer and Intern Project 2024 Start Dates
The following set of dates for our Teaching Monks, English Education and Rural Schools / Low-Cost Volunteer Teaching Programs.
- the 8th of January – arriving on Friday, the 6th of January
- the 22nd of January – arriving on Friday, the 19th of January
- the 5th of February – arriving on Friday, the 2nd of February (maximum four week program)
- Closed for Thai School Summer
- the 20th of May – arriving on Friday, the 17th of May
- the 3rd of June – arriving on Friday, the 31st of May
- the 17th of June – arriving on Friday, the 14th of June
- the 1st of July – arriving on Friday, the 28th of June
- the 15th of July – arriving on Friday, the 12th of July
- the 5th of August – arriving on Friday, the 3rd of August
- the 19th of August – arriving on Friday, the 16th of August
- the 2nd of September – arriving on Friday, the 30th of August (maximum four week program)
- Closed for Thailand mid-school year break
- the 4th of November – arriving on Friday, the 1st of November
- the 18th of November – arriving on Friday, the 15th of November
- the 2nd of December – arriving on Friday, the 29th of November
- the 16th of December – arriving on Friday, the 13th of December
How to book my volunteering in Thailand?
STEP 1
Once you fill in the form to the programme, we will verify everything and confirm your place within 24 hours.
STEP 2
You pay the registration fee within 7 days, then your place will be guaranteed and you will be formally part of the family.
STEP 3
We send you the volunteer guide, compulsory insurances and the international volunteer agreement.
Thailand, a country of Southeast Asia. It borders Laos to the North, Cambodia to the east and Malaysia to the South.
Its capital is Bangkok and one of the most populous and important cities in Thailand.
Some of the most important cities in Thailand are:
- Bangkok
- Chiang Mai
- Chiang Rai
- Krabi
- Phuket
- Pattaya
- Sukhothai
- Ayuthaya
CLIMATE
In Chiang Mai, you can enjoy a less stifling climate, it is also always hot.
- May to October is the rainy season.
- November to February is the coolest time.
- March to May is the hottest time.
CURRENCY
The local currency is the Baht. Convert it.
Examples of costs in Thailand: 36.6 Baht = 1 €
Below you have a list of different prices so you can get an idea according to your lifestyle what you can spend during the week.
- If you go to the beaches or some other place outside the house of volunteering on your days off or when you finish volunteering in Thailand you can sleep in hostels for 200 baths (€ 4.7).
- Local food prices, around 30 Bath (, € 90) in the street and one 70 Bath (€ 1.9) in restaurant.
- Fresh fruits are the best things you can eat in Thailand, you can find freshly chopped fruit for 20 Baths (€ 0.50).
- The transport is also very cheap you can negotiate with Tuk-tuk, taxis with taximeters in Bangkok, or if you are more daring, for 3 or 4 euros rent a scooter.
- If you want to go to the best beaches in the south, don’t worry about volunteering in a northern city adjacent to China and Burma, because a domestic flight to Krabi or Phuket you can find an internal flight for around 1400 Bath (30 -35).
You can exchange money at the airport of Bangkok or Chiang Mai, there are also exchange houses throughout the city, it would be interesting that you change the minimum at the airport of Bangkok so that you have some cash. You can also withdraw with the debit card of any ATM, they are very safe.
FLIGHT
For your volunteering in Thailand, your flight must have as its final destination the international airport of Chiang Mai, or Suvarnabhumi BKK International Airport
- Flights range between € 600 and € 700 approximately.
- You can find good deals on flights on google flights or skyscanner.
TOURISTIC PLACES
BANGKOK
It is a very bold and accelerated city, a city that will surprise you, with its oldest and newest side. Its glamorous multi-level shopping malls, its open-air markets and modern fusion coffees for dinner, all this you can do in one day. You really find everything in one place.
CHIANG MAI
Located in northern Thailand, different from the big city of Bangkok. It has many accommodation and entertainment options necessary to receive different types of travelers who want to volunteer in Thailand.
It is an attractive city because of its open-air markets, its abundant cuisine and the access it provides to the forested mountains that make the city an attractive point for adventurers and lovers of outdoor life.
Many times tourists often miss the most authentic places and people in Chiang Mai. By volunteering in Thailand, you will have the opportunity to meet the Thais, as well as their daily routines, in a way that you never would if your only primary contact was with merchants and tour guides.
IN CHIANG MAI YOU CAN VISIT THE FOLLOWING:
- Doi Inthanon National Park
- Typical handicraft markets in the north
- Take a meditation course in Buddhist temples
- Excursions in the mountains and rice fields or go trekking
- Get lost in the historic center touring the hundreds of temples that the old city has
- Go out with other volunteers to the Zoe Yellow area to have dinner and have drinks.
- Visit the Sunday Market or go on a night safari
OTHER TOURIST PLACES OF THAILAND
BEACHES
- Koh San Road may be the first destination you know of Bangkok, a backpacker street you can see, full of atmosphere and shops where you can taste fried insects, eat pasta or dive between shops and bars.
- The island of Koh Tao, one of the three islands of the Gulf of Thailand, can be one of the most alternative destinations, there you can take a diving course, or enjoy a hippie and calm atmosphere during your last days of volunteering.
- The beautiful Koh Phangan, known worldwide for its great party of the blue Moon Party, if you like Fallas, San Fermin, demonstrations or concerts, this is definitely your island.
- Krabi, one of my favorites and one of the best destinations to take that feeling of having been on incredible beaches where giant sea stones come out as Skyscrapers. In addition to the beaches you can go trekking along the cliffs or go on excursions to other islands such as the Phi Phi Island. (Movie Leonardo di Caprio beach).
- Phuket, One of the most frequent destinations for volunteers in Thailand, Patong beach is long and beautiful, it has a wide variety of bars and hotel offer, in addition to the great nightlife. It is an ideal place to rent a motorcycle and go around the island seeing other quieter beaches or climbing the mountain of the great golden Buddha.
KNOWING A LITTLE MORE FROM THE COUNTRY
- Getting a Thai massage is not a tourist place, but you can do it for 150 or 200 Baht in all parts of the country.
- Seeing the great palace in Bangkok, it is impressive all you can see in the grand palace.
- Kanchanaburi, beautiful place and scene of the movie the bridge over the river Kwai.
- Ayutthaya, it was the city and the capital of the former Siam kingdom, Thailand 85 km from the current capital Bangkok, you can enjoy what is left of this ancient city.
Thailand is a country of 60 million inhabitants and incredibly beautiful places, among beaches natural parks, ancient cities in addition to its culture, security and good price.
These are just a few points of reference, but as a volunteer we recommend it, as long as you have availability of time for your work or family obligations, that you reserve 6 or 8 days to enjoy some places apart from the beautiful Chiang Mai that you will see in the day day doing your volunteering in Thailand.
HOW VOLUNTEERS WILL THERE IN VOLUNTEERING IN THAILAND?
Normally in the house of the volunteer in Thailand you will find between six and 14 volunteers depending on the season you go.
WHAT NATIONALITY ARE THE VOLUNTEERS IN THAILAND?
Thousands of volunteers make solidarity trips throughout the year. The nationalities that you will find in the volunteer house are from the United States, Canada, Spain and the rest of Europe and Australia.
HOW WEEKS RECOMMENDED IN VOLUNTEERING IN THAILAND?
We will recommend you for an environmental program in Thailand between one or two weeks, since they are hard work of care, care and maintenance in the shelter and animal sanctuary.
In the case of a social program, it depends on your time but you can do it after two weeks taking a beautiful experience and supporting the subjects or taking care of children with limited resources.
IS SAFE TO DO A VOLUNTEERING PROGRAM IN THAILAND?
Of all the countries you can choose, Thailand is one of the safest, just as in all countries of the world one has to have their belongings controlled all the time, but Thailand stands out for its safety and tranquility, do not worry and cheer up !
HOW MUCH MONEY DO I HAVE IN A VOLUNTEERING IN THAILAND?
Let’s say you are going to take a long trip to the beach with some colleagues, in addition to living the day in Chiang Mai, for this I would recommend that you take around 300-400 €
CAN I COLLABORATE ANY DATE AS A VOLUNTEER IN THAILAND?
Volunteer programs are open from mid-May until the end of February, because having a different culture and religion in general, in addition to a different calendar, both school and work vacations are between April and May.
WHAT CLIMATE WILL YOU DO OF MY VOLUNTEERING IN THAILAND?
Thailand is a very hot country, luckily in Chiang Mai, you can enjoy a less suffocating climate, yet it is still summer clothes. It is advisable to have some long pants and a jacket in case you ride a motorcycle at night, for the beach area you do not need any of that.
If you forget your long pants do not worry for less than one euro you can find colorful and very comfortable Thai pants.
CAN I DO THE VOLUNTEER IN THAILAND WITH MY FRIEND OR MY FAMILY?
You can volunteer with whoever you want, the travel experience is only very beautiful, since then in the volunteer’s house you will have friends of all nationalities where you will share cultures, languages and even different dinners according to countries, but you can also come with Your friend, partner, mother or daughter as it has happened on many occasions and are also totally recommended and positive experiences.
