Volunteer in Thailand

33 Years Experience

IVI is an Australian charity & non profit organisation founded in 1989 and is one of the pioneers of overseas volunteering successfully placing over 20,000 volunteers globally.  We accept volunteers from all over the world and place them in meaningful overseas missions.  

Affordable Volunteer Travel

With a long sandy coastline and jungle-topped islands anchored in crystal blue waters Thailand is a tropical getaway and favorite traveling destination for holiday makers and volunteers from all over the world. Thailand’s culture is generous, warm and outgoing and the cuisine is world renowned for a tropical abundance of fresh and varied flavors of spicy, sweet, salty and sour. 

Thailand is a fascinating and exotic country to explore. Through volunteering, you’ll gain a love in the people, culture, scenery, cuisine and in the overall lifestyle of Thailand.

We offer diverse project options catering to many different interests. Volunteering is the ideal way of assimilating into the local Thai culture and experiencing the real lifestyle in Thailand.

November to Febuary is the best time to visit Thailand, with a pleasent temperature through most of the country. From March to May temperatures can get very hot. The monsoon rains start from about June to October. Showers usually are quite predictabe and come in short bursts, so this time of year can be great to visit, as everything is so green and there are fewer crowds!

Temperatures are around 33 degrees on average throughout the year. If in the North of Thailand in the winter, evenings can get quite chilly, so bring some warm clothes too!

Theravada Buddhism is supported by the government and practiced by an estimated 95% of its population. Thailand boasts tens of thousands of beautiful temples. 

Another feature of Thai culture is in the wai greeting, which is essentially a slight bow with palms pressed together in a prayer-like manner to show respect. The gesture in Thailand can be compared to the Indian namasté. The higher the hands in relation to the face and the deeper the bow, the more respect is shown.

We have programs in basically all regions of Thailand. From the islands in the south, to the cultural towns in the mid to the jungle and hill tribe areas in the North. A brief overview of the key destinations as follows:

Sing Buri Province is approx 142 km north of Bangkok and was founded in pre-historical period. In the reign of King Rama V through consolidation of 3 small towns located on the bank of The Chao Phraya River north of Ang Thong. The three small towns, Sing Buri, In Buri and Phrom Buri, were then established as a new town on the west of the Chao Phraya River named as Sing buri in 1895.

Hua Hin is a lively fisherman-town and popular tourist spot these days offering all the standard beach stuff like snorkeling, swimming, sunbathing and with plenty of restaurants and tourist things like spas, water park, golf, shops and markets. There is a mountain at the end of the beach called Khoa Tekiab, with a temple that overlooks the beach. Surrounded by national parks, it’s a mountainous region where you can explore waterfalls and caves on various adventures. Buddhism is very prominent here and you will certainly get a good taste of the Buddhist way of life.

Ko Samet is near Bangkok, the island is ideal for those in the capital wanting to chill-out with their families for a couple of days, without having to travel down south to the islands of Phuket or Koh Samui. A more local Thai beach experience.

Mae Sot is near to the Myanmar boarder and is a mixture of Burmese, Thai, Karen and Chinese natives giving it a distinct culture located in one of the most sparse and relaxed areas, half-way between a wildlife sanctuary and Thailand’s jungles.

Wang Nam Khiao in the centre of Thailand and the ecological heart where an abundance of natural attractions in its forests, hills, wildlife and waterfalls that are easily accessible in locations such as Khao Yai National Park.

Umphang, an historic town in the north-west central region of Thailand has incredible and breathtaking mountain scenery, together with Thailand’s finest lakes and natural environment with Elephants and wildlife like no-where else in the world.

Kaeng Krachan is set in the incredible scenery of the Kaen Krachan National Park close to the Myanmar border you will have the chance to experience the authentic Karen Hill tribe way of life. This placement is off the beaten track and really allows you a deeper and more authenic travel and volunteering experience. 

All accommodation is included during your volunteer in Thailand program. Accommodation will be comfortable, clean and is generally single gender either twin or dorm style, with adequate bathroom and toilet facilities including running water, mosquito nets, fans and safe storage for valuables.

You’ll be housed in one of 3 large houses in central Thailand in a rural and very authentic Thai setting. Each house can sleep up to 33+ people! The houses are well equipped for volunteers and have been operational for over 10 years.  They are all located approx 10 km from Singburi (10 minutes by car), however there are restaurants and small local shops within walking distance of each of the accommodations.  

3 good meals are provided every day including filtered water, coffee and tea. Plenty of vegetarian options are served along with some meat dishes. You’ll eat authentic Thai, including plenty of rice dishes and fragrant herbs and fruits.  Volunteers may be expected to assist in cleaning up after meals depending on the placement.  

Volunteers in Thailand are encouraged to take up the orientation week to help you ease into the lifestyle and pace of Thailand. You will get to know your town and it’s facilities and everything required to make your stay comfortable. You may choose after the first few days to move straight into your chosen volunteer placement if desired or otherwise just enjoy the company of your new friends and extended family!

When confirming your dates please take note of the long holidays (mid-March till mid-May and October). During these times, renovation work continues, with the option to join special classes and English camps that are regularly requested by the local Thailand communities involved.

An arrival airport pickup is included in the cost of your placement. Accommodation on the Sunday is included in the program fees. Arrivals are on Saturdays and Sundays (please check the individual project for the pickup window times, as they can differ). 

If arriving outside the pickup times we can arrange a private transfer and extra night’s accommodation, depending on availability, or you can make your own way to the project. 

Weekends are always free for relaxing or sightseeing of your choice. Our local team will help you organize additional trips with special (non tourist) rates which can be paid directly in local currency. As a volunteer in Thailand you will gain access to local knowledge, opportunities and value you simply would not find if staying as a standard tourist in resorts. Some suggested activities may include;

Tuesday Evening – Visit the night market in Tha Kham Thailand. Taste all types of Thai food and enjoy inexpensive shopping

Wednesday Afternoon – Use the swimming pool, enjoy a Thai massage or take advantage of the great prices in a shopping center nearby.

Wednesday Evening – Attend optional Thai BBQ in a local restaurant. This is a fantastic opportunity to socialise with all the other participants, eat great food and enjoy some music.

Thursday Evening – Enjoy an organised excursion to a shopping mall in Thailand (including a large Tesco Lotus), where you can buy any essentials, snacks, and western fast food. 

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