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- Although Thailand's economy is improving, there is still a wide gap between the rich and the poor.
- The majority of Thailand's poor live in rural areas, with a lack of education being a main contributor to poverty.
- Due to economical developments, environmental degradation is evident. The decline of biodiversity and deforestation is increasing.
- The expliotation of animals in Thailand is a big problem. With many being beaten and held in small cages for the tourist trade.
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can you help?
- Experience life in a buddhist monastery for a true cultural immersion
- Learn about Buddhism, meditation and chanting
- Take part in the early morning alms giving ceromony to the Monks
- Talk to the monks and learn from them in this cultural exchange
can you do?
- Take up daily roles in the monastery, such as cleaning and other chores
- Enjoy daily morning meditation & chanting sessions
- Stay at the monastery for a couple of nights and live as the monks do
- Explore the local markets and other religious sites and live like a local
Why Involvement Volunteers International?
- Non Profit Organisation & Charity
- Over 30 Years Expertise Globally
- Low Program Fees - From US$295
- Excellent Safety Record, In-Country 24/7 Support & Emergency Assistance
- 1 Application Fee - Multiple Countries


PROJECT NAME: BUDDHIST MONASTERY EXPERIENCE
LOCATION: WANG NAM KHIAO
START DATES: WEEKLY (SAT/SUN ARRIVALS)
ACCOMMODATION: ECO RESORT (SHARED ROOMS) & IN THE MONASTERY
MIN DURATION: ONE WEEK
MIN AGE: 16+
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: N/A
PROJECT COSTS: From US$295 + APPLICATION FEE
Overview
Have you ever wanted to experience life in a real Buddhist Monastery and learn how to calm your mind by practicing mediation & chanting? This is a perfect opportunity to experience a taste of Thai Buddhism without having to spend months in a monastery. You’ll learn all about the day to day living of monks and participate in inter-cultural learning as well as teachings about Buddhism.
Buddhism began in Northern India around the year 500 BCE. The Buddhist tradition gets its name from a man known by his followers as “the Buddha”, or “the awakened one”.
Cultural Do’s & Don’ts: Please note,
- Women are not allowed to stay close to monks or touch the monks, so please be cautious.
- Do not point your feet to the monks or the Buddha as this is considered disrespectful
- Men and women cannot sleep together during temple stay and passionate contact is not tolerated
- Please be calm/quiet during and following meditation and chanting
- Monks only eat one meal per day (breakfast). This means we probably won’t have lunch and dinner on Wednesday and Thursday (when we will sleep in the temple’s grounds)
- Please bring enough white clothes that are not tight fitting or see-through. This can also be purchased at the local market
Location
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.
Project Tasks
- Learn about Buddhism and the traditional culture
- Practice chanting, meditation and other rituals
- Stay in the monastery for a true immersion experience
- Assist with daily chores
Food & Accommodation
You will stay in 2 seperate accommodations during the week with the first part of your stay at an eco resort in Nakhon Ratchasima province before staying 2 nights within the actual Monastery which is located approx 20 minutes away. During the Monastery stay, you’ll be staying in simple single gender rooms and be provided 1 large breakfast per day only as the monks eat only once per day! Thin blankets are provided upon request.
The eco resort is remote, quiet and comfortable with basic amenities. Located approx 15 km’s from town it’s far enough to feel like you’re in the middle of nowhere but close enough to basic services. The resort provides for shared single gender rooms and has a nice communal area with awesome views where you’ll spend time eating, relaxing with other volunteers. Wifi is available and receives decent reception. There is even a karaoke system for those who enjoy some cheesy fun! There is a small local store within walking distance. All other amenities can be found approx 15-30 minutes away.
There are 3 room types available, with the private room costing an additional $120 p/room p/week and the comfort room costing an additional $160 p/room p/week.
3 Meals are provided each which is typical Thai, including lots of rice dishes and fresh vegetables suitable for vegetarians.


















Testimonials...




















FAQ...
For those who want to experience an authentic cultural immersion, to learn more about Buddhism and to enjoy a simpler way of life, this this would be an excellent opportunity for you.
Thailand Program Fees USD | ||||||
Projects | 1 week | 2 weeks | 3 weeks | 1 month | 2 months | 3 months |
Standard Placements-Cultural Orientation WeekApply now | 295 | 450 | 595 | 795 | 1795 | 2655 |
Specialty Placements-Elephant Conservation Adventure (Umphang)Apply now | $495 p/week | |||||
-One off application fee of US$275 applies in addition to the above program fees -Application fee covers unlimited placements or countries at time of booking!! (maximum 12 week period) Click Here to convert the above prices to your local currency -Discounts may apply if travelling in a pair or group. Contact Us for more info |
- Accommodation
- 3 meals p/day weekdays / 2 meals p/day weekends
- Arrival airport transfer (Sat/Sun arrivals)
- Filtered drinking water, coffee & tea
- 1 day orientation
- Daily transportation to project
- In country 24/7 support & emergency assistance
- Fundraising support
- University course credits (where applicable)
- Certificate of Completion
- Airfares
- Travel Insurance
- Tours, Souvenirs & spending money
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.
Airport pick-up is included in the volunteering cost. This may involve either a local pick-up by your volunteer host or a public transport ticket where necessary. These details will be finalised with you upon making a booking as this will depend on your arrival information.
A transfer coordinator will meet you upon arrival into Bangkok airport and will arrange your transfer from the airport to the Mo Chit Northern Bangkok bus station and then further on to Singburi bus station, where you will be met by one of our local coordinators who will take you to the Volunteer Centre.
- Monday – Depart from Singburi to Wang Nam Khiao, Stop at a set of waterfalls en route to Wang Nam Khiao, Arrive at the resort in Wang Nam Khiao in the afternoon, Walk around the village, Dinner, Meditation and Buddhism ethics (how to pray and kneel, how to act around monks, etc)
- Tuesday – Early morning giving alms to the Monks, Introduction to the monastery, Breakfast, Q&A with a monk at Pha Rattanawan temple, Lunch, Watch a documentary about Buddha & Buddhism, Explore a big local market, opportunity to buy black/white clothing for the monastery, Dinner, Karaoke at the resort
- Wednesday – Depart for stay at the Monastery, early morning giving alms to the Monks, Breakfast at the temple with monks and the community, Free time or, depending on the needs at the monastery, we may be asked by the monks to help with chores, Meditation & chanting
- Thursday – Early morning meditation & chanting session (3:30 am), Short time for rest (meditation, shower, etc), Give alms to the monks, Praying, Breakfast at the temple with monks and the community, Free time or, depending on the needs at the monastery, we may be asked by the monks to help with chores, Meditation & chanting
- Friday – Early morning meditation & chanting session (3:30 am), Short time for rest (meditation, shower, etc), Give alms to the monks, Breakfast at the temple with monks and the community, A visit to the old temple Ban Rai 2, Lunch, Explore a mushroom farm, Head to Pa Keep Tawan viewpoint, BBQ Dinner
- Saturday – Breakfast at the resort, Transfer back to Singburi for further programs or taken to the Wang Nam Khiao bus station if this is the end of your program.
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.
Please bring enough white clothes that are not tight fitting or see-through. This can also be purchased at the local market
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 30 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!
Vietnam has one of the oldest cultures in South East Asia, creating a rich history with ancient traditions dating back thousands of years. It also has a large Chinese influence. Elders are very well respected in Vietnamese culture, the older you are, the more respect is shown to you. ‘Saving face’ is a concept shown by most Vietnamese people and is thought of as extremely important in their culture. This means that if you feel angered or annoyed by someone, you do not show it and remain respectful. If you lose your temper/ are rude, then this is seen as losing face and therefore a loss of reputation and self-respect.
Vietnamese is the most widely spoken language, other languages include Chinese, Khmer, Cham and tribal dialects. Buddhism, Taoism, and Confucianism are the main religious beliefs in Vietnam, and you will find many temples dotted around the country. You will often see the local people giving fruits and burning incense to give as offerings.
30 Years Non Profit 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.
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Check out this amazing blog with step by step info on how to raise funds for your overseas volunteer experience to help maximize your impact abroad. Guide to Fundraising
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Ready to Volunteer in Thailand?






APPLY NOW
Ready to Volunteer abroad? Complete your application in about 5 min






NEED MORE INFO?
Not sure which program is right for you? Contact us for more info






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