Volunteer Programs in Thailand

Experience a transformative journey as a volunteer in Hua Hin, Thailand, where you can teach English to local students aged between 6 and 18. This program allows you to bring your unique strategies and ideas to the table, complementing the local Thai teaching style and enhancing the children's prospects. You'll gain a deep understanding of the Thai education system and build lasting friendships with students and teachers. Your role will also involve creating lesson plans and organizing classroom activities in collaboration with other teachers and participants. The schedule is flexible, with teaching hours ranging from 2 to 3 hours, either in the morning or afternoon. During school holidays, you can participate in special classes and English camps for young students organized by the local community.

At International Volunteer HQ (IVHQ), we unite people from over 96 countries who want to make a meaningful difference while exploring the world. With 300+ projects in 40+ destinations, IVHQ offers the widest selection of volunteer programs globally—from Teaching and Childcare to Wildlife Conservation, Medical Outreach, and Environmental Sustainability. Since 2007, IVHQ has supported over 147,000 volunteers on life-changing journeys. We specialize in fully-hosted volunteer trips that are safe, affordable, and accessible—starting from just $20 per day. Your experience includes airport pick-up, accommodation, meals, and round-the-clock support from our local teams. With flexible booking options and no change fees, planning your volunteer adventure has never been easier. Our programs run year-round and are available for 1 to 24 weeks across Africa, Asia, Europe, the Pacific, South and Central America, North America, the Caribbean, and the Middle East. Volunteering with IVHQ is about more than giving back—it’s about growing, learning, and building genuine global connections.

Combine adventure travel and volunteering in this awesome 8-week journey to three of Southeast Asia’s most beautiful destinations: Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam! Take part in conservation and community-based projects, further enriched with traditional backpacking. From the bustling cities of Bangkok and Chiang Mai to the roots amongst Angkor Wat ruins, this Southeast Asia Explorer adventure is the perfect first-time trip if you want to set out on one of the world’s most iconic travel routes! This program is for anyone looking to volunteer and backpack through Southeast Asia’s most sought-after destinations. No prior experience is required, although the minimum age is 18.

For those with little time to spare, but still want to volunteer, this is a great opportunity to make a real difference while traveling in Thailand. You can work with local communities and school children in a stunning part of Thailand, famed for its beautiful beaches, to help them learn English. Join GVI on this short-term project and assist communities that are rapidly developing. GVI volunteers assist at local schools and in the community, giving Thai teachers and students the opportunity to practice their language skills with fluent English speakers. This is an incredible opportunity to exchange culture and language.

This vital education program places volunteers in schools with high staff shortages resulting from limited funding and insufficient resources. Local schools in Thailand are always thrilled to welcome native English speakers. Regardless of whether volunteers have a teaching background, their presence alone allows students and teachers to practice their language skills as they would in the real world. The role of an English teaching volunteer can be varied, as it considers the school's current needs, the time of year, and the comfort level in handling lessons. Volunteers play an invaluable role in teaching Thai children and supporting their educational needs, helping increase their chances of reaching higher levels of education for better employment opportunities and a brighter future.

Thailand offers more than just picture-perfect beaches and flavorful cuisine. Behind the tourist hotspots, many communities are in need of hands-on support, particularly in education, conservation, and community development. As a volunteer with World Endeavors, you'll get to contribute meaningfully to grassroots efforts while learning what daily life is truly like in Thai communities. Programs are based in Hua Hin and other select areas and are open year-round with flexible durations from 1 to 12 weeks. Whether you’re planting mangroves, assisting in classrooms, or helping local organizations grow, you’ll receive personal support every step of the way. With affordable weekly rates and shared housing provided, this is a great opportunity to create impact while growing personally and professionally in one of Southeast Asia’s most dynamic countries.

Looking to apply your talent and expertise to a good cause? Find a program that matches your interests and skills through Volunteer World! We are the largest volunteer abroad comparison platform around the globe, enabling you to seek and compare offers from major travel agencies as well as smaller grassroots NGOs and local specialists in more than 80 countries. All these with just one click! Find projects in wildlife, teaching, community development, and several other areas. Simply choose your desired destination and desired travel date, and our search engine will compare the best volunteer abroad programs on your behalf. Whether you wish to gain experience at a wildlife sanctuary in South Africa or teach English at a monastery in Nepal, we've got you covered. Volunteer World guarantees a quick and easy application. We will guide you through this process, as well as help plan your next meaningful trip. We provide free access to quality-checked projects and flexible options. And if anything goes wrong, we've got your back with our qualified support team and our refund guarantee.

Play games with Asian elephants, snorkel in crystal blue waters, and immerse yourself in village life as you explore a country known for its warm people. Our programs take you off the beaten path for an unforgettable journey through Thailand. This includes: Thailand Adventurer – Travel from the mountains to the beach and Chiang Mai to Bangkok as you go rock climbing, snorkeling, and rafting. Plus, interact with Asian elephants. Thai Elephant Conservation Project – Learn how to be an elephant trainer while doing hands-on tasks at an animal sanctuary. Ocean and Rainforest Service – Explore Thailand’s vibrant ecosystems as you snorkel pristine reefs, learn conservation techniques in ancient rainforests, and immerse yourself in the rich culture of a unique seaside community. Come with Nothing – Dive into service projects at three remote villages in Northern Thailand, and then spend time with your host families as you learn about local life in this culturally immersive program.

Explore Southeast Asia on a 10-week journey through Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam—where travel becomes transformation. Volunteer at ethical elephant sanctuaries, trek to remote mountain villages, explore ancient temples, and engage with communities through meaningful, culturally respectful exchange. This program combines adventure, service, and immersion to help you grow personally and globally. Learn traditional crafts, share meals with host families, and experience resilience and hospitality in every community. Conservation work, ethical travel practices, and local partnerships ensure your impact is responsible and real. With leadership training, guided reflection, and mentorship built into the experience, you'll return more confident, connected, and prepared for what’s next. Whether you're taking a gap year, earning credit, building your resume, or seeking clarity and purpose, this journey meets you where you are—and helps you grow beyond it. Travel deeper. Grow bolder. Reach out to Learn More!

We will explore the historical city of Chiang Mai, basking in the down-to-earth charm of this northern gem, shopping at local markets, enjoying a traditional Thai massage, and seeing lavish historic temples. Get ready to spend a day white water rafting down the mighty Pai River, taking in the scenic mountain surroundings and enjoying each other's company on the quiet river banks. Next, get ready for the Southern islands as we swap the jungle for the beach! We will swim, snorkel, scuba dive (optional), trek, and relax through this idyllic part of the world on the tropical island paradise of Koh Phi Phi and Krabi. Finally, jump into the bustling hub of Southeast Asia, Bangkok. Explore culturally historic icons, including the Royal Palace, Emerald Buddha, and Ayutthaya, before immersing yourself in the fast-paced street food scene, savoring pad Thai, and hunting for a bargain on Khao San Rd.

Thailand is an exciting country to travel too. Not only is is cheap, easy to get around, with friendly locals, it’s also an adventure lovers playground! Theres so much to do here, from exploring the capital city of Bangkok, trekking in the jungle, swimming in natural waterfalls, relaxing on the beach or any number of adreneline pumping activities. A lot of our projects are concentrated on conservation, as this is a big problem, now more than ever. You will get to experience the ‘real’ Thailand, for a true authenic travel experience, and with the knowledge that you are helping underprivilaged communites and the environment! Volunteer with IVI for authentic, affordable and life changing projects in Thailand. We have over 35+ years of experience as a charity and non profit org and are passionate about helping those less fortuanate than ourselves.

This program goes beyond ordinary high school travel programs and build cross-cultural community service summer trips perfectly geared to your interests and curiosities. Whether you’re looking to contribute to authentic service projects, experience exhilarating adventure, or develop your language skills, GoBeyond will immerse you in a new culture where you can make a meaningful difference while on the journey of a lifetime. Our high school community service summer programs proudly serve in many under-resourced communities and environments throughout the world. Explore our journeys in the British Virgin Islands, Costa Rica, Galapagos & Ecuador, Peru, Iceland, Spain, China, Thailand, India, Sri Lanka, and Australia. Beyond experiencing the adventure of a lifetime and creating lasting memories, we believe our community service summer trips enable lasting positive change in the world. For over forty years, we’ve been transforming communities, environments, and students’ lives through meaningful, collaborative adventures and service that develop skills and a more sophisticated worldly outlook—ultimately shaping the person you become.

A region accentuated by the colorful robes of Buddhist monks, the vivid greens of rice fields and jungle forests, and the cultural diversity of hill tribe communities—this is the ultimate Southeast Asia semester. Each country offers a unique cultural experience unto itself, and each faces the challenge of reconciling urban expansion and industrialization with indigenous land rights, free movement of nomadic peoples, and equal access to resources. This semester, walk among ancient temples, traverse mountainous jungles, and explore the clear blue water of Thailand’s beaches. You’ll explore tradition, globalization, and human rights against the backdrop of two of Asia’s most complex nations. Immerse yourself in community life through homestays and visits to remote villages. Emerge with your self-awareness and perspective forever altered. 2025: CLOSED Spring 2026: February 25 - May 6 Fall 2026: September 24 - December 4

This sanctuary is dedicated to the rescue and rehabilitation of wild animals previously exploited as pets, used for profit within the tourist industry, or rescued from the illegal wildlife trade. Most of the animals residing at the sanctuary were maltreated before they arrived, suffering from abuse, malnutrition, neglect, and improper care. Many of them arrived with permanent disabilities; hence, cannot be returned to the wild. The mission is to give these animals the best quality of life possible in captivity. Daily activities are rotated among volunteers and include: * Preparing food and feeding the animals * Enrichment for the animals to provide stimulation thought and fun; including making puzzle feeders and watching as the primates work out how to get to the food inside, freezing their food on hot days, or smearing honey in hard-to-reach areas in the bears' enclosure. * Cleaning the cages and enclosures * Providing the animals with water * Walking in the forest to collect the best leaves for the primates * Maintaining the center

At Rescue P.A.W.S., volunteers are essential to our mission. As a small team of full-time staff, we rely on volunteers to meet the physical demands of daily operations, ensuring every dog and cat receives the medical care and love they need. The funds raised through volunteering help cover vital medical supplies, medicine, and equipment, enabling us to care for the animals in our sanctuary. Simply put, volunteers keep our doors open! We offer two meaningful volunteer opportunities: Animal Lovers will experience the rewarding and challenging work of an animal rescue organization, from animal training and feeding runs to kennel upkeep and shadowing our medical team. You’ll gain insight into what it takes to run a rescue organization while making a direct impact on the lives of the animals. Vet Students and Professionals will gain invaluable practical experience under the supervision of our skilled vets. Participate in rehabilitation, vaccinations, wound care, parasite treatments, and more. This is also an ideal opportunity for students seeking practicum hours or academic accreditation. Join us and make a difference in the lives of animals in need!

Asian Elephant Behaviour and Community Driven Conservation in Thailand This is a 4 week field course that offers university students the opportunity to join an ongoing research project studying the behavior and ecology of re-wilded Asian elephants in their natural habitat. Students will gain hands-on experience in animal behavior sampling methods, research design, and behavioral data analysis. Students will learn critical thinking and problem solving skills for implementing successful field research protocols, learn the fundamentals of recording and interpreting animal behavior, all while collaborating with indigenous mahouts (elephant keepers) and their community as they work to conserve the forest. By promoting a multispecies approach to conservation, this course not only improves outcomes for animals and the environment, but also recognizes the interconnectedness of human health and well-being. In addition to participating in this vital research, students will have the chance to learn from expert staff, mahouts, and community leaders, and gain cultural immersion. Perfect for students with a passion for biology, ecology, conservation, animal behavior and welfare.

Explore the lush mountains and vibrant cultures of northern Thailand as you travel through Chiang Mai, Mae Ai District, and Chiang Rai. Teach conversational English to local students, contribute to hands-on construction projects at village schools, and learn from community members who call this region home. Between service days, hike to jungle waterfalls, cook traditional Thai dishes, practice Buddhist customs, and dive into the region’s diverse highland traditions. Cap your journey by exploring Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai—dynamic cultural hubs rich with temples, markets, and history.

Help care for elephants at an elephant nursery, living the life of a mahout, and helping to protect Thailand’s vulnerable population of these magnificent creatures. Explore the ancient temples, buzzing markets of Chiang Mai, and the unspoiled beauty of the northern Thai countryside. At the elephant sanctuary, where you’ll spend the bulk of your trip, rescued elephants are cared for by expert mahouts, who you’ll work alongside and learn from. You’ll immerse yourself in the life of a mahout, rising early to walk and bathe the elephants, collecting grass for meals, and feeding them. As you work, you’ll learn about these beautiful, intelligent creatures and gain a deeper respect and appreciation for their relationship with humans. In addition to our interactions at the elephant sanctuary, we’ll delve into the ancient history and culture of Chiang Mai, exploring beautiful monasteries and savoring Thai cuisine at food markets. We’ll also venture into the beautiful countryside of Northern Thailand, experiencing all that the country has to offer.