Volunteer in Thailand with Worldpackers exchange programs

How to volunteer in Thailand

Travelers flock to this South Asian hot spot each year to learn of its history and experience its food, which are both exceptionally rich!

Thailand is one of the most budget-friendly destinations in the world to navigate as a globetrotter and has captured the hearts of culture enthusiasts everywhere.

Eight million people call this exotic country home, and they are some of the most peaceful and friendly people you'll ever meet.

Volunteering in Thailand is sure to leave a lasting impression as you make a difference in the lives of locals in need of help.

Hop on a scooter anywhere Thailand and each of your senses will come alive. The scent of pungent spices, juicy seafood, and locally-sourced ingredients wafts through the air, tempting those passing by to taste the mouth-watering street food.

Spires of ornate temples can be seen virtually anywhere glittering in the sun.

Hear the chatter of the bustling marketplaces and witness the array of beautiful colors and patterns that fill the streets.

Feel the sand between your toes on the white beaches of Phuket or Koh Samui as you watch the long-tail boats pass the shore.

Another reason Thailand is such a popular destination is because the climate is warm and balmy all year round.

For those who wish to volunteer in Thailand, a visa is not required if you are staying for 30 days or less. If you wish to stay for longer, you should apply for the 60-day visa well in advance before you make the trip. It's quite easy to fall in love with this unique country, so make sure you prepare!

Before you arrive, know Thailand lives on very low income, often on an estimated $1.25 a day. Culture shock is something travelers, especially those who haven't explored much of the eastern world, experience regularly upon arriving in Thailand.

This is one of the reasons volunteer work in Thailand is so important to the natives. It really does make a difference in their lives!

Why you should volunteer in Thailand

Thailand is a place of unmatched beauty — rural rice paddies, cascading waterfalls, tropical forests, and clear blue waters make it a wanderer's paradise. This makes finding volunteer programs an exciting and sought-after experience.

After your shift each day, you can spend your evenings seeing Thailand like a local and enjoying the nightlife. You can find work in hostels as a receptionist or social media guru where you'll get to know people from all over the world who choose to stay there. There's lots of help needed in the capital city of Bangkok, where you can help out in guest houses, taking care of animals, and teaching English to families.

There are plenty of reasons to volunteer in Thailand! Besides always being in a gorgeous locale, there's never a shortage of culturally-rich travel experiences to learn and grow from.

Your host will be happy to give you free accommodation and meals in exchange for a few hours of work each day. There is a volunteer program for everyone where your skills are valued and put to the test each day.

If you want to connect with nature on your travels, consider becoming a volunteer in areas close to mountains and surrounded by nature, such as Phetchaburi or Hin Tung.

Thailand is home to five UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including wildlife sanctuaries and fascinating archaeological sites. Your host can help you find the best spots to eat in town and direct you to all the hidden gems so you don't miss anything!

The humble hosts in Thailand are grateful for any help they can get. You'd be surprised at how quickly you can develop a close relationship with them and other volunteers during your stay here.

Teach English to school children in Khuandon and you'll be thinking of them as family in no time.

Camp out at a jungle homestay as you work with a team to build their facilities and keep it all running smoothly.

Get your hands dirty on a farm as you practice sustainable travel and help tend to the fruitful gardens.

Become a tour guide in Pattaya to go on a thrilling adventure everyday.

A variety of skills are needed for each position, so there's bound to be an exchange program in Thailand that could use your awesome talents.

How to travel responsibly in Thailand

To travel responsibly is to be socially and culturally aware of the impact you are making in your destination of choice.

Not only that, but it means you are acting on this awareness and striving to make your impact a positive one. This is the mantra of environmentally-friendly eco-tourism and community-based travel.

A responsible traveler separates themselves from tourist traps in search of a deeper, more meaningful travel experience.

So what's the big deal with traveling responsibly in Thailand?

Thailand is a country that promotes animal tourism in order for some of its residents to make a living. Unfortunately, many of these establishments promote tours that run rampant with animal abuse.

Many tourists who have failed to practice responsible tourism have fallen for such experiences like elephant trekking or taking a selfie with a drugged, docile Tiger in Chiang Mai. These animals are kept in poor living conditions, treated even worse, and are worked to the bone for the tourist's amusement.

But you're not a tourist, you're a traveler and a volunteer. Be sure to steer clear of participating in these misleading animal encounters unless you know more about them.

Opt instead to visit reputable animal sanctuaries like Elephant Nature Park. Here, elephants are rescued from trekking tours and circuses, rehabilitated, and given a proper home. Additionally, you can volunteer at animal shelters and foster homes in Thailand to ensure you're making a positive impact in the lives of animals. 

Best places to stay in Thailand

Some of the most popular volunteer exchange programs in Thailand are at home stays, hostels, farms, and holistic centers like this one in Bang Sao Thong District. Here you can help organize events and lead a peaceful life as you learn about Buddhism and meditation.

There are hostels and resorts in Maung, Sichon, and Koh Phangan located near pristine beaches where you can watch the sunset and enjoy the crashing waves after work.

Stay in a shared dorm and receive three meals a day at this eco village in Chiang Mai where you can volunteer on the farm or do social work for the community. The best part about permaculture projects like this one is the wealth of knowledge you'll receive on subjects like organic agriculture, sustainable travel, and medicinal plants.

More farms need help from volunteers in Chiang Mai. This area is widely popular among digital nomads to hang out due to its accessibility to nature and great living conditions. The large expat community makes it easy to form close-knit families and find lifelong friends. 

If you'd like to do volunteer work on an island in Thailand, such as Koh Phangan, you're in for a treat at this surf camp! Learn how to kite-surf, take yoga classes, get free hiking tours and more in exchange for your social media know-how. Get your PADI diving certificate and you can even scuba dive at islands like Koh Tao and Phuket to explore the world underwater.

There are many NGO's in Thailand that are in need of content writers, freelance photographers, artists, and child caregivers. Working for these hosts is a very rewarding experience for all involved parties because not only are you helping their marketing efforts, you are giving back to the community that values your set of skills.

Volunteer at a hostel in Bangkok to get the chance to see this vibrant, chaotic city in all its glory on your off days.

Visit the Wat Pho Temple and the Grand Palace to get some sightseeing in, or head to the Chatuchak market on the weekend to get your fill of the delicious street food there.

Bangkok's nightlife is one of its best features, so make sure you get the chance to dance the night away at least once!