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Location
  • Thailand
Length
1 to 12 weeks
Project Types
Community Development Service Learning Youth Conservation Marine Conservation Sea Turtle Conservation Environmental Conservation Wildlife Conservation Elephant Conservation Education Teaching Health Education Human Rights Women's Rights +4

Program Details

Timeframe
Year Round
Housing
Guesthouse Host Family
Groups
Small Group (1-15) Medium Group (16-30)
Travel Type
Family Older Travelers Solo Women

Pricing

What's Included
Accommodation Activities Airport Transfers Meals Transportation
What's Not Included
Airfare Travel Insurance Visa
Nov 02, 2023
Jan 08, 2024
Wish List
166 travelers are looking at this program

About Program

Immerse yourself in the captivating beauty of Thailand, where lush northern jungles and pristine southern coasts beckon. Whether you're exploring the misty forests up north or diving into the fresh sea breeze down south, you're never far from paradise. Our volunteer programs offer you a chance to make a meaningful impact on communities and wildlife in this biodiverse haven.

GVI offers a variety of programs in Thailand driven by sustainability in a global, social, environmental and conservationist context. With bases in Chiang Mai and Phang Nga, you could get involved in education, marine and wildlife conservation, volunteering with children, supporting public health and community development.

You’ll be working on projects aligned with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals alongside a group of like-minded individuals. In your free time, you will have the opportunity to explore Thailand’s many beautiful beaches, jungles, mountains and small islands.

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GVI: Volunteer in Thailand
GVI: Volunteer in Thailand
GVI: Volunteer in Thailand
GVI: Volunteer in Thailand
GVI: Volunteer in Thailand
GVI: Volunteer in Thailand
GVI: Volunteer in Thailand
GVI: Volunteer in Thailand
GVI: Volunteer in Thailand
GVI: Volunteer in Thailand
GVI: Volunteer in Thailand

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Program Highlights

  • Support global sustainable efforts that contribute towards the long-term objectives of a program.
  • Learn about and assist projects in reaching their UN Sustainable Development Goals.
  • Live and travel in Thailand, connecting with the local community and other international volunteers.
  • Become a world citizen as you learn about different cultures, lifestyles, local cuisines and traditions.
  • Improve your CV by gaining skills in marine and wildlife conservation, teaching, health education and community development.

Popular Programs

Two participants observing an elephant

Volunteer with Elephants

Join us in Thailand's Chiang Mai where you'll volunteer with elephants that were once part of the tourism industry and are now living more naturally in lush mountain forests. Work with mahouts and locals to support their well-being. In your free time, explore Northern Thailand.

Two students conducting research in Thailand

Coastal Conservation Expedition

In Phang Nga, contribute towards conservation efforts to protect local species and habitats. You will gain skills in conservation, surveying, camera trapping, and coral reef and species identification. Enjoy tropical climates, natural islets and snorkeling in clear blue waters with newfound friends.

Thai students studying

Volunteer with Children

Join us in Phang Nga, Thailand to teach English to students from kindergarten to senior school level. You will be supported by our TEFL trained staff as you learn how to plan and deliver fun and impactful lessons, and develop your skills in teaching, leadership, teamwork and classroom management.

Volunteer working with green turtle Phang Nga

Endangered Turtle Conservation and Research

Contribute to vital conservation in Phang Nga as you work with GVI staff and global volunteers to protect endangered green sea turtles. Partnering with local organizations, we nurture hatchlings, clean tanks, conduct studies and release turtles into the ocean.

Program Reviews

4.93 Rating
based on 99 reviews
Leave a Review
  • 5 rating 92.93%
  • 4 rating 7.07%
  • 3 rating 0%
  • 2 rating 0%
  • 1 rating 0%
  • Impact 4.85
  • Support 4.9
  • Fun 4.9
  • Value 4.75
  • Safety 4.9
Good for Solo Travelers, Students, Adventure travelers
Showing 97 - 99 of 99 reviews
Default avatar
Sam
31
Female
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Life in the mountains

Nov 30, 2011

I decided to apply for GVI whilst taking my gap year. It was the best decision I have ever made!

Over my two month stay I really felt like a part of the community. The community, villagers and volunteers alike, were so welcoming and helpful with anything and everything.

A normal day would consist of hiking with the elephants and working in community development, wheather it be teaching or working on gardens etc.

My highlights would be the health checks on the elephants, getting up close and personal with the elephants, and starting to collect plant info through talking to the chief and mahoots as well as going on hikes to get geographical information on where the plants can be found around the village.

32 people found this review helpful.
Helpful
Response from GVI

Hey Sam, thanks for your review! I'm thrilled to hear you had such a positive experience with us and enjoyed your time on base as much as you did. We'd love to have you back on base sometime soon!

By GVI on July 28, 2021
Default avatar
r0wly
31
Male
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Amazing animals, amazing staff, amazing trip

Oct 24, 2011

An absolute amazing trip the best experience of my life. The elephants are incredible animals. I loved every aspect of the trip bar the cold water showers, but even then on very hot days and long hikes even they were good. The treks can be difficult as there a few steep hills, but the views and the elephants are more than worth the hard work. The hands on approach with the elephants meant a lot of bonding with your elephants which I loved so much.

The village is little isolated but that there are options to go out for the weekend, whilst i was there we went to May Hon son and a charity based hostel. In the village the weekends are very relaxed which can be nice as the days can be quite long but amazing.

Other than the elephants your time is spent doing other volunteering projects during my time we were setting up a garden for elephants grass and another one for vegetables and herds which was a very fulfilling experience. I was in charge of designing and building a compost heap for the group out of bamboo which was amazing. There is a also a chance to teach English to school children very rewarding.

36 people found this review helpful.
Helpful
Response from GVI

Hey, thanks for your review! I'm thrilled to hear you had such a positive experience with us and enjoyed your time on base as much as you did. We'd love to have you back on base sometime soon!

By GVI on July 28, 2021
Read my full story
Default avatar
Sarah
31
Female
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Caring for Elephants! Incredible.

Aug 28, 2011

I had the most amazing experience on this trip! I went to the north of Thailand to help with elephant and wildlife conservation and community projects in the village we stayed in. I went for 3 weeks and it definitely was not enough! It included a home-stay family for you, food, funding for supplies (eg. paper, pens, etc.) for the coordinators and interns, water, food for the elephants and many others. It was very easy to apply and pay for, and I thought it was the best value for money! The village we stay in is small and very community-based, it has no internet or phone service, but it's so refreshing to get away from all that for a while! Every second day we would walk the elephants out to the mountains, record how they interact with each other, eat lunch in the mountains, and walk back so they can have those nights by themselves. The other days we would walk out to find them and bring them back to the village. Weekends we could stay in the village or visit other towns, and there was always spare time! The group would sometimes be split; some would help around the community while others would go out and collect grass for the elephants. It's a little bit challenging, and the mountains can be difficult to climb, but that's what makes it fun; it's different, you're out in nature, you're actually doing something for these amazing animals and the community that surrounds them. It was just the most rewarding and incredible experience and I am going back every year :)

35 people found this review helpful.
Helpful
Response from GVI

Hey Sarah, thanks for your review! I'm thrilled to hear you had such a positive experience with us and enjoyed your time on base as much as you did. We'd love to have you back on base sometime soon!

By GVI on July 28, 2021

Questions & Answers

How high are the costs for this program?

Hi Diego, Thank you for your interest in a GVI sustainable development program. We offer a variety of volunteer programs in Thailand, and costs are dependent on the type of project you join. You can visit our Volunteer in Thailand page https://www.gvi.co.uk/volunteer-in-thailand/ to check out the cost of your chosen program. All program costs include the following: pre-departure support and...

By GVI on March 11, 2020
For the homestay part, are you alone with the local?

For the homestay in Thailand you have your own space/room at the locals house. You get up early and are out with the Elephants and other volunteers all day. Some nights you have dinner with the alone and try and learn each others languages.

By Silvi on May 24, 2016

Alumni Interviews

These are in-depth Q&A sessions with verified alumni.

Liam Ingram

Program
GVI, Ethical Impact. Volunteer in Thailand

Why did you choose this program?

I chose this program because I had a friend who became a staff member. He recommended it but I have been to 2 other GVI projects before this so I had considered it before. My friends was so insistent that this project was different and I needed to experience it so he convinced me, and he was right.

What did your program provider (or university) assist you with, and what did you have to organize on your own?

I booked directly through GVI so I had a couple of phone calls to give me information and then a pre departure pack that was emailed to me with kit list and info on the program. All you need to organise before you go are flights and accommodation before the Saturday of your program start. Luckily Chiang Mai is so easy to get around it was fairly simple. You can also get in touch with other volunteers and meet up before the start date.

What is one piece of advice you'd give to someone going on your program?

My main piece of advice is don’t worry about the home stay. I was concerned as I’d only been on programs with dorms and wasn’t sure how it would be living with a family. It was one of the highlights! The thing to remember is it’s unusual for you but not for the family, they do it all them time. They’ll welcome you into their house and if you want to spend time with them they love it, but they’ll also understand if you’re quiet and want some space. I miss Old Chiefs little bedroom already!!

What does an average day/week look like as a participant of this program?

An average day begins with breakfast from 6:30 at base. Elephant hikes begins at 7:30 and you’re picked up by the mahouts and taken to the elephants. A survey lasts about 2/3 hours and then you’re brought back to base for a packed lunch made by your home stay. Afternoons can be spent teaching at school or doing an intern project. Dinner is at 6 at your home stay and in the evenings there are usually things going on at base, like a quiz. This is a typical day Monday to Friday and weekends are yours to do with what you like. You can stay on base or visit places near by, I went to Pai, back to Chiang Mai and to Doi inthanon.

Going into your experience abroad, what was your biggest fear, and how did you overcome it? How did your views on the issue change?

Going into it my biggest fear was the language barrier with the locals and how they would feel about westerners living there. On base we were given pakinyaw lessons and even though I only knew a few basic words the villagers appreciate it and wanted to learn more English from me too. They loved having us there, they all enjoyed us visiting the houses at the end of harvest for a party and our weekly football matches. Once I left I felt a real part of the community and was really welcomed with open arms.

Do you interact with the elephants?

No, we only observe the elephants because we want to get accurate data on elephants in the wild. We do get very close and they will often come and sniff you, especially when you’re new. But as a rule only the mahouts will interact with the elephants.

Are the elephants dangerous?

No, the mahouts are very good at keeping the elephants a safe distance away and not in any compromising positions (ie above you on a slope) staff will also help keep you out of their way when they’re in the forest.

Will my home stay be able to cope with my dietary restrictions?

Yes! I’m a vegan and my food was great! My home stay didn’t really understand why I didn’t eat eggs but they were fine to cook for it.

Staff Interviews

These are in-depth Q&A sessions with program leaders.

Vanessa Rees

Program
GVI, Ethical Impact. Volunteer in Thailand
Job Title
Senior Program Manager
After 20 years in sales and marketing, Vanessa joined GVI in February 2017 as a teaching volunteer, it was soon apparent that she had found her purpose. She was welcomed onto the staff team to assist with the running of the service-learning program.

Vanessa joined the GVI Phang Nga team in Thailand in March 2018 again to work with the service-learning groups. She has been managing the GVI hub for over three and a half years now and loves every minute.
Vanessa Rees standing in a stream in a jungle with a hat on smiling

What is your favorite travel memory?

This is a tough one as I have so many amazing memories that I'd love to share. However, I think my trip to Costa Rica is my favorite most life-changing memory. When I was in my early 20's I wanted to go there to volunteer, but life got in the way and I never thought I would have the opportunity. Many years later I decided to go on a 3-week trip. The first time being in an actual rainforest was incredible. The smell, the sounds, the size of the trees! It was all overwhelming. That's when I decided there was more to life than work and it gave me the push I needed to change my life.

How have you changed/grown since working for your current company?

I joined GVI as a teaching volunteer in Kerala India in Feb 2017. Since then I've had an amazing life-changing journey. I fell in love almost immediately with volunteering and the difference I could make, I loved GVI's mission and the values they uphold. It seemed I had found my purpose. After 20 years in project management, I found a lot of my skills were transferable. GVI has enabled me to change how I live and supported my personal and career development.

My understanding of sustainable development has increased massively, I now have a deep understanding of what makes a project work on the ground, how engaging with the community, and understanding their frustrations and needs are the core of everything we do.

Instant gratification is short-lived, if you want to make a difference it takes time. Even a short-term objective can take many years to achieve, especially in conservation.
My knowledge and appreciation of conservation and community development topics have grown exponentially. Every day I learn something new.

What is the best story you've heard from a return student?

Again I have so many it's hard to choose. I'll go with this one. We had an 18-year-old from the UK come on our teaching volunteering program for 6 weeks, she extended it to 10 weeks as she was loving it so much. She then returned back to the UK but couldn't settle. She worked hard and did lots of work with our ambassador program so she could return. Return she did for another 8 weeks. Again she had the best time.

Just before Christmas last year I got a message from her ......

"Honestly thank you for your support over the years I honestly don’t think I ever would have gotten this far in life if we had never have crossed paths GVI really did make me believe in myself and realize my passion and now I’m on track to become a qualified special education needs teacher. To think I was a rowdy 18-year-old when we meet now I’m turning 21 soon and got a dream job! I really can’t thank you enough for making me realize my worth."

This makes my heart sing!

If you could go on any program that your company offers, which one would you choose and why?

My first choice would be Phang Nga as that's where I work, I've also been fortunate to travel to different hubs including, Peru, Tenerife, Cambodia, and India.

This is not enough, my aim is to visit them all. So next on my list is GVI Limpopo, I've never been to South Africa and I've never seen a wild giraffe (my favorite animal). The research they do there sounds amazing and they are really making a difference with their rhino protection (anti-poaching) project. From there I could skip across to Madagascar and Seychelles!

What makes your company unique? When were you especially proud of your team?

Every day I am proud of my team! I love working for a company with sustainable impactful projects that make a difference. GVI is a very unique company that not only makes a difference on the ground but also in personal and professional development. I have the opportunity to work with so many amazing people from all around the world. Seeing the change in people is one of the best parts of my job, it may be people come and find a new passion, they may develop their career aspirations, and are able to see how they can achieve their goals. And just as important, we have had people who really wanted a career in the field but then after experiencing it they have changed their mind. I always say it's important to find the things you don't like doing as much as the things you do like doing!

What do you believe to be the biggest factor in being a successful company?

Every successful company has a mission statement and a set of values that everyone lives by, by sharing a common goal, everyone's united by their passion to achieve it. Knowing that you are valued and listened to no matter what your position. Having a culture that allows you to be open, with great communication. Diversity is also very important as this allows for different, wider opinions and perspectives to be integrated and actioned, allowing a company to grow and develop.

A successful company doesn't wait for things to happen, they see the change beforehand and are ready.

Location

Location:
Thailand
Currency:
Thai Baht
Weather:
Jan-Mar
95 F / 57 F
Apr-Jun
91 F / 72 F
Jul-Sep
90 F / 73 F
Oct-Dec
88 F / 59 F
Airports:
Suvarnabhumi Airport
( BKK )
Don Mueang Airport
( DNK )
Phuket Airport
( HKT )

Thailand has become the most tourist visited country in Southeast Asia. This country provides dense jungles, beautiful beaches, world-class shopping, and stunning architecture. No matter your budget, there is something for you to take part in in Thailand.

About GVI

GVI is an award-winning organisation that tackles critical local and global issues through our travel-based volunteer, internship, fellowship and apprenticeship programs as well as online courses, and virtual programs. At GVI, we believe that long-lasting impact is locally-led, which is why our programs are run in partnership with local...
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  • Go Overseas Award

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