I made so many great friends during the experience, and it really pushed me to be more open-minded. Stepping out of my comfort zone helped me grow—I used to be in my own little bubble, but trying new things changed that. I met people from all over the world, and we still keep in touch even after the volunteer trip. The connections I made felt so strong because we shared meaningful experiences that just aren’t possible back home. I was deeply touched by the people I met, their cultures, and especially the culture of Thailand. It made me reflect a lot on the world and on myself.
If you’re unsure about joining, I totally get it—I was hesitant too. But this experience honestly changed me in the best way. I stepped out of my comfort zone and realised how much I’d been living in my own little bubble. Volunteering gave me the chance to meet amazing people from all over the world, many of whom I’m still in touch with. The friendships and memories we built through shared experiences were so genuine and deep—something you just can’t get back home. I was really moved by the people I met and the culture in Thailand. It opened my eyes and helped me grow as a person. If you're on the fence, I’d say go for it—it might just be the thing that changes your perspective, too.
Volunteer in Thailand
Explore International Volunteer HQ’s exciting Thailand volunteer abroad program. Choose from a wide range of trusted Thailand volunteer projects, including Childcare, Construction and Renovation, Elephant Welfare, Environmental Conservation, and Teaching. Volunteer work in Thailand is based in the northern city of Chiang Mai or the southern tourist town of Hua Hin. With affordable Program Fees and top rated volunteer projects trusted by over 151,000 travelers, IVHQ is the best volunteer organization in Thailand.
Highlights:
- 9 meaningful project options available year-round
- Program Fees from $410 for 1 week
- Includes airport pick-up, orientation, accommodation, meals and 24/7 in-country support
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Accommodation in dormitory-style houses or homestays
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Projects based in and around Chiang Mai and Hua Hin
Key information
Volunteer opportunities in Thailand
Increases access to education
3-5 hours volunteering per day
Program Fees from $425
- Duration: 1 - 12 weeks
- Programs start every Monday
- Children’s development centers and childcare centers in Chiang Mai
- Volunteers aged 16+ and families
Provide care and support to children while immersing yourself in Thailand’s warm culture. Help young minds thrive in a nurturing environment.
Increases access to education
3-4 hours volunteering per day
Program Fees from $410
- Duration: 1 - 12 weeks
- Programs start every Monday
- Child development centers & kindergartens
- Volunteers aged 16+ and families
Help care for and educate local children at childhood development centers and kindergartens. Pass on valuable English language skills to the kids, which can later open the doors to many employment opportunities for them.
Supports community development
4-5 hours volunteering per day
Program Fees from $460
- Duration: 1 - 12 weeks
- Programs start every Monday
- Based at community spaces in Hua Hin
- Volunteers aged 16+ and families
Improve the standard of living for local people by helping build or renovate important community spaces that bring people together, such as temples, hospitals, schools, and housing.
Supports community development
3-5 hours volunteering per day
Program Fees from $475
- Duration: 1 - 12 weeks
- Programs start every Monday
- Community centers in Chiang Mai
- Volunteers aged 16+ and families
Improve schools, temples, and healthcare centers in Chiang Mai, directly supporting local communities through construction and renovation.
Protects animals
4-6 hours volunteering per day
Program Fees from $630
- Duration: 1 - 12 weeks
- Programs start every Monday
- Elephant sanctuary in Chiang Mai
- Volunteers aged 18+ and families
Feed, bathe, and observe elephants in their natural habitat. Your participation directly supports a vital sanctuary nestled amidst Thailand's lush jungles, making a real difference in elephant welfare.
Conserves the environment
3-4 hours volunteering per day
Program Fees from $410
- Duration: 1 - 12 weeks
- Programs start every Monday
- Mangrove nurseries & local schools
- Volunteers aged 16+ and families
Support local conservation initiatives such as tree planting, and help educate the local community on important environmental issues.
Develops cross-cultural learning
3-5 hours volunteering per day
Program Fees from $410
- Duration: 1 week
- Programs start first Monday of the Month
- Based in Kaeng Krachan
- Volunteers aged 17+ and families
Immerse yourself in a traditional hill tribe near Hua Hin, helping to teach locals English and providing support to income-earning enterprises. The perfect project for volunteers wanting an authentic cultural experience.
Increases access to education
3-5 hours volunteering per day
Program Fees from $425
- Duration: 1 - 12 weeks
- Programs start every Monday
- Various educational settings in Chiang Mai
- Volunteers aged 18+
Share your knowledge, immerse in Thai culture, guide eager students, and explore temples, markets, and landscapes. Forge lasting connections, make a positive impact, and enrich your life with unforgettable memories.
Increases access to education
3-4 hours volunteering per day
Program Fees from $410
- Duration: 1 - 12 weeks
- Programs start every Monday
- Schools, community centers and kindergartens
- Volunteers aged 18+
Help to teach English in local schools, using your knowledge as a fluent speaker to increase students’ access to employment opportunities.
What recent volunteers said about their IVHQ experience
I gained so much confidence from this experience, for my first time travelling alone IVHQ made my trip feel secure. I gained so much new knowledge on Thailand such as their culture, language, different foods etc and I’ll remember this forever. I’m glad I took the opportunity to go to Thailand with IVHQ and would definitely go again!
Whilst in Thailand, working on the childcare program, I have developed so much, not just from the hands-on experiences working in the kindergartens, but also from the vast amount of culture I experienced, both within the schools and from other volunteers. It was a unique and enriching journey that has provided me with invaluable insights and skills that I will carry into my own teaching career here in the UK. It was a truly amazing experience.
I feel like this program was extremely flexible and welcoming. The staff was very hands-on and any problems you could possibly run into will be handled. All in all, it was a great experience and definitely will make an impact on your life/views of the world.
To read all reviews, visit our reviews page.
Popular add-ons & experiences in Thailand
Take your volunteer experience to the next level with these popular add-ons and experiences. Explore your options below and learn how to book them once you've been accepted onto the IVHQ Thailand program.
Learn more about the Thai culture and tick off some must-do Thai experiences.
Upgrade to a private room with a private bathroom.
Elevate your experience with daily Muay Thai training! Train for 2 hours per day in your free time, learning authentic techniques from skilled local fighters. Perfect for all levels - whether you’re a beginner or looking to sharpen your skills!
If you’re arriving outside the airport pick-up times, book this add on now!
Learn more about the Thai culture and tick off some must-do Thai experiences.
Upgrade to a private room with a private bathroom.
Elevate your experience with daily Muay Thai training! Train for 2 hours per day in your free time, learning authentic techniques from skilled local fighters. Perfect for all levels - whether you’re a beginner or looking to sharpen your skills!
Check what's required to visit Thailand
Entry requirements can change at any time, so it's important you monitor this right up until you depart for your trip.
