volunteer ThailandVolunteering in Northern Thailand is bound to leave lasting memories. The most satisfying experience for volunteers comes through interacting with the people of Thailand, learning something of the language, and throwing yourself into work designed to help the local community. Love Volunteer’s partner has vast experience of guiding and overseeing volunteers during their placements. We do all we can to ensure that volunteers in Thailand derive real benefit from their stay in Thailand, while remaining safe and gaining the respect of the people with whom they come into contact.

To spend time in Thailand – not merely holiday there – is eye-opening for all concerned. Whether teaching English or working outdoors, every volunteer in Thailand becomes deeply immersed in this Far Eastern culture and gains an otherwise unattainable insight into a fascinating and vastly different culture.

Volunteering in one of the Thailand placements available in Chiang Rai involves teamwork, flexibility, decision-making, creative problem-solving, stamina and humour. This is an area where several hill tribes live. Additionally, volunteers learn about aspects of Thailand’s geography, climate, faiths and values.

Thailand is known as one of the most popular South East Asian travel destinations. Its beauty and the innocent friendliness of the Thai people is legendary. For trekking, scuba-diving, beach fun and eating, Thailand offers unique experiences. The area where the volunteer programs take place – Chiang Rai – possesses historic monuments, including the Emerald Buddha and the Royal Villa of the mother of the King of Thailand.

You can find more information about Thailand in Lonely Planet's Guide to the country.

volunteering Thailand

Start and Duration

Volunteers in Thailand can choose to stay from two weeks to three months. Those electing to take on a three-month placement receive additional benefits. Programs begin on 1st and 3rd Monday of each month.

Volunteer Requirements

Volunteers must be at least 18 years old at the start of their placement and have completed a secondary school qualification. For English teaching a good level of English is required. Volunteers in Thailand should be able to devote themselves to a full working week. Due to the location some of the programs are less flexible in terms of time off. Contact us for more details or apply to volunteer in Thailand now!

Project Descriptions for Thailand

Program Costs

Love Volunteers is a not-for-profit organisation and is one of the most affordable ways to help out in a developing country while being immersed in the local culture. The program costs for Thailand are set out in the table below.

Other volunteers periods available. Please, contact LoveVolunteers for pricing of other periods.

A Love Volunteers registration fee of US$235 (approximately €170) is charged in addition to the program fees and covers any placements you undertake for twelve months from the start of your first placement. The fee is refundable if you choose not to volunteer more than three months prior to the start of your initial placement. This fee ensures 24/7 pre- and post-placement support from Love Volunteers, checking and vetting of local organisations, a comprehensive information pack, as well as administration and marketing costs. Given Love Volunteers is a not-for-profit organisation we also ask volunteers to cover any bank charges incurred by international money transfers.

Accommodation and Meals

You will stay in a self-contained community in a dormitory. Longer-term volunteers experience at least one homestay in a hill tribe village. Dorms are separated by gender, with cold showers and western style toilets. Meals are provided on the five working days per week. On days off volunteers in Thailand will prepare food themselves after a trip to a supermarket on Saturday evening.

Orientation

On the day your program starts you will be picked up from Chang Rai. Here, local staff will introduce you to the team with whom you will be working, and will explain how the program works and what you can expect. You'll also have a chance to meet other volunteers in Thailand.

A Typical Week

The structure of the week will vary dependent on the project. Volunteers’ roles fit into a larger scheme and are vital to ensure the smooth running of the program. Volunteers in Thailand are therefore asked not to request time off other than the existing two-day break, Sunday and Monday.

Weekdays: After rising and having breakfast between 7am and 8am, you can expect to attend a daily meeting of staff and volunteers in Thailand at 8.30am. Work commences by 9am, continuing until 5pm. After 5pm, outdoor work volunteers are free for the evening. Those teaching English share extra-curricular teaching in the evenings - but don't worry you'll still have plenty of free time.

Weekends: On Saturday evening you will be taken to a local supermarket to stock up for the following week. Otherwise, you may choose to tour parts of Chiang Rai province, or venture a little further. Without travelling far, you can catch a boat that sails down the Mekong or can take a raft tour on the Kok River. You will probably want to visit the so-called Golden Triangle where the countries of Thailand, Myanmar (Burma), and Laos meet.

About the Country

Chiang Rai, where the volunteer program takes place, is the most northern of Thailand’s provinces. Where the country borders Laos you'll find the Gate of Siam. This is a magnificent viewpoint where visitors go to perch on the mountain peak and gaze on Laos while standing above the Mekong River. Approximately one-eighth of the population of Chiang Rai consists of members of hill tribes with whom you will work, especially if you are teaching English. The city is peaceful and laid back, and there are several temples to visit and a handful of museums. In general, Thailand is famous for its friendly people and its safe, yet exciting backpacking destinations.

Apply now! Or check out the FAQ or contact page for more information.