Volunteer in Thailand with Abroad Escape
If you're looking to volunteer in Thailand, Abroad Escape offers volunteer programs in Chiang Mai, Hua Hin and Koh Samui, with projects including teaching, kindergarten, construction, conservation, sports and elephant care.
You can choose one location or combine different projects and locations, and we'll help you work out what makes sense for your trip.
I've been involved in volunteer travel since 2006, and I've spent a lot of time travelling around Thailand, and have spent time in each of the locations where we offer volunteer programs.
One of the reasons we continue to recommend Thailand is that no two locations feel the same. Each offers a completely different experience, which is why I encourage people to think carefully about where they want to base themselves rather than simply choosing the first destination they see.
Chiang Mai offers a very different side of Thailand, with its mountain scenery, historic temples and relaxed northern culture.
Hua Hin has a laid-back coastal atmosphere that's ideal if you'd like to combine volunteering with life by the beach.
Koh Samui provides a tropical island experience that's unlike anywhere else in the country.
There are also quite a few different volunteer projects in Thailand. Teaching, kindergarten, construction, conservation, sports and elephant care are all available, and you can sometimes combine projects or locations during the same trip.
My advice is not to spend hours trying to work everything out yourself. Tell us what you're looking for, when you want to go and what you would like to get from the experience. We'll help you work through the options and give you our honest advice.
Volunteer Programs in Thailand
Our volunteer programs are available in three locations: Chiang Mai, Hua Hin and Koh Samui. Each location has different projects, and you can combine projects in one location or, depending on your plans, experience more than one part of Thailand during your trip.
Chiang Mai
Experience northern Thailand, with its mountains, historic temples and local communities.
- Culture Week
- Kindergarten
- Teaching
- Construction & Renovation
- Elephant Experience
Hua Hin
A relaxed coastal location where you can combine volunteering with life by the sea.
- Culture Week
- Teaching
- Construction & Renovation
- Environmental Conservation
- Kindergarten
- Sports Coaching
Koh Samui
An island setting where you can combine volunteer work with everyday life in tropical Thailand.
- Culture Week
- Construction & Renovation
- Teaching
- Kindergarten
- Elephant Experience
Not sure which location or project makes sense for you? You don't have to decide everything on your own. Tell us about your plans and we'll help you work through the options.
Volunteer Programs in Thailand
Our Thailand volunteer programs are available in three locations: Chiang Mai, Hua Hin and Koh Samui. Each location has different projects, so you can choose one location and project, or combine projects and locations if that suits your trip.
You don't have to do the Culture Week, but we highly recommend starting with it. It gives you time to arrive, settle into Thailand, meet other volunteers and get to know the area before moving into your volunteer project.
- The projects start every Monday and can be combined to create a schedule that suits your trip.
- The Culture Week has fixed seasonal start dates. The Culture Week is recommended for first-time visitors who want to get to know Cape Verde before starting their volunteer work.
Chiang Mai
Culture Week · Kindergarten · Teaching · Construction & Renovation · Elephant Experience
Hua Hin
Culture Week · Teaching · Construction & Renovation · Environmental Conservation · Kindergarten · Sports Coaching
Koh Samui
Culture Week · Construction & Renovation · Teaching · Kindergarten · Elephant Experience
The Culture Week in Chiang Mai, Hua Hin or Koh Samui
Rather than arriving and immediately going into a volunteer placement, you spend your first week learning about the local culture, getting used to your surroundings and taking part in organised activities.
There are Culture Week programs in Hua Hin, Chiang Mai and Koh Samui, although the activities are different at each location.
The programs include cultural activities, Thai language lessons, local visits, food and excursions. They are designed to give you an introduction to the destination before you continue with a longer volunteer program.
Chiang Mai Culture Week
Chiang Mai Culture Week focuses more heavily on northern Thai culture, local crafts, temples and the surrounding mountain landscape.
What you'll do
The week includes:
- Thai culture and customs
- Thai language lessons
- A Thai cooking class
- A visit to the Umbrella Village
- Umbrella painting
- A hot spring visit
- Wat Phra That Doi Suthep
- Wat Pha Lad
- The Lanna Folklife Museum
- Warorrot Market
- Wat Chedi Luang
- A night market visit
A typical week
Monday
You are introduced to the program and Thai customs before taking part in a Thai cooking class.
Tuesday
The focus is on Thai history, religion and customs, followed by a Thai language lesson.
Wednesday
You visit the Umbrella Village and paint your own umbrella before spending time at a hot spring.
Thursday
You visit Wat Phra That Doi Suthep and Wat Pha Lad, followed by a welcome and goodbye dinner.
Friday
The final day includes the Lanna Folklife Museum, Warorrot Market, Wat Chedi Luang and a night market visit.
The schedule may be amended because of weather, local conditions or unforeseen circumstances.
Hua Hin Culture Week
The Hua Hin program combines cultural activities with nature and local experiences.
What you'll do
During the week you can:
- Learn basic Thai language and local customs
- Visit Pranburi Forest Park and the surrounding mangrove area
- Take a boat trip through the mangroves
- Visit a local fishing village
- Visit local markets
- Take part in a Thai cooking class
- Visit Buddhist temples
- Visit the Artist Village
- Try an introductory Muay Thai session
- Take part in a crab-release conservation activity
- Spend time at local beaches and viewpoints
A typical week
Monday
Your first day includes the program introduction, Thai language and cultural learning, lunch and a cultural activity.
Tuesday
You visit Pranburi Forest Park and the mangrove forest, followed by a boat trip and a visit to a local fishing village. The day also includes Sai Noi Beach and Khao Tao Viewpoint.
Wednesday
You visit a local market and take part in a scavenger hunt before joining a Thai cooking class.
Thursday
The program includes Huay Mongkol Temple, the Artist Village and an introductory Muay Thai lesson. There is also a welcome and goodbye dinner.
Friday
You take part in the crab-release activity and visit Krai Las Temple and Takieb Temple, including a meditation and traditional offering experience.
The schedule can change because of weather, local conditions or unforeseen circumstances.
Koh Samui Culture Week
The Koh Samui Culture Week is built around the island itself, with cultural activities, local visits, beaches and excursions.
What you'll do
The week includes:
- An introduction to Thai culture and customs
- Basic Thai language
- A visit to Lamai Beach
- A Buddhist food-offering experience
- A cultural and language class
- A coconut-shell craft workshop
- Na Mueang Waterfall
- Chaweng Beach
- An elephant sanctuary visit
- Big Buddha Samui
- Fisherman's Night Market
- A Thai cooking class
- Lipa Noi Beach
A typical week
Monday
You are introduced to the program and Thai culture before visiting Lamai Beach and local shops and supermarkets.
Tuesday
You learn about Buddhism through a food-offering activity and continue with Thai culture and language lessons.
Wednesday
You take part in a coconut-shell craft workshop, visit Na Mueang Waterfall and spend time around Chaweng Beach.
Thursday
The day includes an elephant sanctuary visit, Big Buddha Samui and Fisherman's Night Market, followed by a welcome and farewell dinner.
Friday
You take part in a Thai cooking class before spending the afternoon at Lipa Noi Beach.
The schedule may change because of weather, local conditions or unforeseen circumstances.
Teaching in Thailand
Teaching is available in Hua Hin, Chiang Mai and Koh Samui.
The exact placement depends on the location and school requirements, but the programs generally involve supporting local teachers and helping students develop their English and other educational skills.
You do not need to be a qualified teacher. What matters is that you are comfortable working with children, have enough English to communicate effectively and are prepared to plan activities and work alongside local staff.
Chiang Mai Teaching
The Chiang Mai Teaching program works with students from approximately 2.5 to 18 years old.
Placements can include child development centers, kindergartens, primary schools and secondary schools.
What you'll do
Your activities may include:
- Teaching English
- Supporting mathematics or science lessons where appropriate
- Working alongside local teachers
- Preparing lesson plans
- Using games, songs and visual materials
- Helping with classroom preparation
- Taking part in English camps
- Supporting special classes during school holidays
- Helping with workshops and community activities
One of the practical parts of the program is lesson preparation. You are not simply given a classroom and left to work things out yourself; lesson planning is carried out with the other participants and local coordinators.
A typical week
The program runs Monday to Friday.
Teaching can take place in the morning or afternoon depending on the school.
A typical day includes breakfast at the Center, teaching, lunch, further teaching or preparation and dinner.
The timetable can change according to the requirements of the school and local conditions.
Hua Hin Teaching
The Hua Hin Teaching program works with students from approximately 2.5 to 18 years old in different educational settings, including child development centers, primary schools and secondary schools.
What you'll do
Depending on the school and your skills, you may:
- Help teach English
- Support lessons in subjects such as mathematics or science
- Work alongside local teachers
- Prepare lesson plans
- Use games, songs and visual activities
- Help organise classroom materials
- Take part in English camps and special classes
- Support workshops and community activities
Teaching sessions are normally around two to three hours per day, with the timing depending on the school's requirements.
A typical week
Monday
The first day includes orientation, Thai culture and language lessons, followed by a project meeting, preparation and an observation visit with the local coordinator.
Tuesday to Friday
You normally have breakfast at the Hua Hin Center before teaching. After lunch, you prepare lessons and activities for the following day with the other participants.
The exact timetable depends on the school.
Koh Samui Teaching
The Koh Samui Teaching program works with children aged approximately 6 to 18 in local schools.
Subjects can include English, mathematics, science and sports.
What you'll do
Depending on the school and timetable, you may:
- Teach two to three classes per day
- Teach English, mathematics, science or sports
- Prepare lessons and teaching materials
- Review lesson plans with local coordinators
- Help students practise English
- Participate in English camps
- Work in child development centers during school holidays
During school holidays, the program can involve special classes and English camps. Creative activities such as songs, dances and games are particularly useful when working with younger children.
A typical week
Teaching takes place Monday to Friday.
Some days may involve morning preparation and teaching, followed by free time or further teaching in the afternoon. The exact schedule depends on the school's requirements.
The source describes two to three classes per day, with each class lasting around two to three hours, plus approximately one hour of daily lesson preparation.
Kindergarten and Childcare
The kindergarten programs in Hua Hin, Chiang Mai and Koh Samui focus on younger children.
These programs are different from the general Teaching programs because more of the work involves early childhood activities and daily routines.
Chiang Mai Kindergarten
The Chiang Mai Kindergarten program works with children approximately 2.5 to 6 years old.
What you'll do
You can:
- Assist teachers in the classroom
- Introduce basic English
- Use songs, games, dances and repetition
- Help with creative activities
- Support feeding and play
- Assist with basic hygiene routines
- Prepare classroom materials
- Help organise educational activities
The program is designed to give local teachers additional support while giving participants practical experience of working with young children.
A typical week
The program runs Monday to Friday.
You have breakfast at the Center before working at the kindergarten or childcare center. After lunch, you continue with teaching or lesson preparation depending on the placement.
Who is it suited to?
The minimum age is 18 and intermediate English is required.
You should be genuinely interested in working with children and be comfortable with the patience and flexibility that early childhood work requires.
Hua Hin Kindergarten
You work with children approximately 2.5 to 6 years old at a local children's development center or kindergarten.
What you'll do
You may:
- Assist local teachers
- Introduce basic English
- Use songs, games, dances and repetition
- Prepare creative learning activities
- Help with feeding
- Support playtime
- Assist with basic hygiene routines
- Help prepare classroom materials
- Support teachers in busy classrooms
The source states that classrooms can have up to 30 children.
A typical week
Monday is used for orientation, Thai culture and language lessons, project preparation and observation.
From Tuesday to Friday, you work at the childcare or kindergarten placement, with lesson planning and preparation included in the day.
Who is it suited to?
This program requires an intermediate level of English and a genuine interest in working with young children.
Patience, energy and adaptability are important. No formal qualification is required.
Koh Samui Kindergarten
The Koh Samui Kindergarten program works with children approximately 2 to 5 years old.
What you'll do
Your role can include:
- Supporting teachers in classrooms
- Helping with classes of up to 30 children
- Preparing simple English activities
- Using songs, dances and games
- Helping children with early English exposure
- Supporting meals and playtime
- Assisting with daily routines
- Helping with hygiene tasks
- Preparing activities and materials
- Supporting special events
The program involves both educational and practical childcare support.
A typical week
Teaching normally takes place in the morning, with afternoons used for lesson planning, preparation or free time depending on the school's timetable.
Who is it suited to?
You must be at least 18 and have intermediate English.
A genuine interest in working with young children is required. Patience, energy and adaptability are important.
Construction and Renovation
Construction programs are available in Hua Hin, Chiang Mai and Koh Samui.
These are hands-on programs. You should be prepared to work outdoors and do physical tasks rather than expect a classroom-style volunteer experience.
Chiang Mai Construction and Renovation
The Chiang Mai program focuses on improving local facilities including schools, temples, healthcare centers and housing.
What you'll do
Tasks can include:
- Cleaning work areas
- Mixing cement
- Painting
- Plastering
- Repairing roofs
- Improving classrooms
- Working on sanitation areas
- Supporting housing improvements
- Handling construction materials
The program is supervised by local coordinators, with an emphasis on safe working practices.
A typical week
The program runs Monday to Friday.
After breakfast, you travel to the project site, where the coordinator explains the day's work. Construction and renovation activities normally take around four to five hours per day, with a lunch break.
Hua Hin Construction and Renovation
The Hua Hin program supports construction and renovation activities in local community facilities and housing.
Projects can involve schools, temples, hospitals, homes and other community spaces.
What you'll do
Depending on the project, tasks can include:
- Painting
- Repairing furniture
- Building communal facilities
- Digging
- Handling construction materials
- Supporting renovation work
- Helping with sanitation-related improvements
You work under the guidance of local coordinators and should follow their instructions when using tools and materials.
A typical week
Monday is used for orientation, Thai culture and language lessons, project preparation and observation.
From Tuesday to Friday, you work at the placement on light construction and renovation tasks.
Koh Samui Construction and Renovation
The Koh Samui program focuses mainly on community renovation projects, including schools and temples.
What you'll do
Activities can include:
- Painting classrooms
- Repairing furniture
- Landscaping
- Cleaning and maintaining facilities
- Plastering
- Mixing cement
- Basic repairs
- Handling construction materials
A typical week
From Monday to Friday, you normally have construction and renovation work in both the morning and afternoon, with lunch between the two sessions.
The schedule can change depending on weather and local conditions.
Elephant Care
Elephant programs are available in Chiang Mai and Koh Samui.
These programs should not be treated as ordinary animal encounters. The source describes them as care-focused programs involving feeding, cleaning, observation and supporting the animals' living environment.
Chiang Mai Elephant Care
The Chiang Mai program focuses on elephants living at a sanctuary environment and involves working with experienced mahouts.
What you'll do
Activities can include:
- Preparing food
- Feeding elephants
- Cleaning elephant areas
- Maintaining their living environment
- Preparing Thai herbal medicine
- Learning about elephant behaviour
- Observing elephants
- Learning basic mahout skills
- Walking with elephants
- Supporting the maintenance of their surroundings
The source specifically states that the sanctuary described in the program does not involve elephant riding or exploitation.
A typical week
The week includes an introduction to Asian elephants and Thai herbal medicine preparation.
Other days involve cleaning and maintaining elephant areas, observing mud baths, preparing nutrition balls, learning basic mahout skills, walking with elephants, preparing food and observing elephant behaviour.
Koh Samui Elephant Care
The Koh Samui Elephant Care program focuses on supporting the day-to-day care and living environment of elephants.
What you'll do
Activities can include:
- Cleaning elephant habitats
- Maintaining wells and water supplies
- Supporting repairs or construction
- Bathing elephants
- Observing eating habits
- Observing elephant behaviour
- Preparing food
- Buying food from local markets
- Cutting grass
- Planting and maintaining food crops
The source also describes preparing Thai herbal medicine and learning about elephant care.
A typical week
The program runs Monday to Friday.
The work focuses on maintaining the elephant habitat, helping with food and water, observing the elephants and supporting the areas used to grow food such as grass, vegetables and other plants.
Environmental Conservation in Hua Hin
The Hua Hin Environmental Conservation program is the only dedicated environmental program in the Thailand source material.
It combines practical conservation work with environmental education.
Environmental Conservation in Hua Hin
What you'll do
Activities can include:
- Preparing mangrove seeds
- Planting and caring for mangroves
- Working at a tree nursery
- Beach cleanups
- Waste collection and sorting
- Supporting activities at a mangrove conservation center
- Working at a national park
- Teaching children and community members about recycling
- Discussing environmental conservation
- Supporting local conservation coordinators
The program is not simply about planting trees. The source describes a combination of practical conservation work and environmental education.
A typical week
Monday is used for orientation, Thai culture and language lessons, project preparation and observation.
From Tuesday to Friday, participants normally spend around four to five hours per day on conservation activities.
Depending on local requirements, this can involve national park activities, mangrove work, tree planting, community cleanups and environmental education at a local school.
Who is it suited to?
You must be at least 18 and have basic English.
You should be in good health and able to handle outdoor activities such as walking, planting and light physical work.
A genuine interest in environmental protection and sustainability is required.
Sports Coaching in Hua Hin
If you prefer working with children through sport rather than classroom teaching, Hua Hin also has a Sports Coaching program.
The program introduces children to sports such as soccer, volleyball, basketball and tennis while using sport to develop teamwork, discipline and healthy habits.
Sports Coaching in Hua Hin
What you'll do
Your role can include:
- Leading sports sessions
- Coaching team sports
- Helping children develop sporting skills
- Encouraging teamwork
- Teaching sportsmanship
- Supporting lessons about health and fitness
- Working alongside local coaches
- Mentoring children during activities
A typical week
Monday is used to meet the local team and sports coach and discuss the curriculum and lesson plans.
From Tuesday to Friday, you prepare your sessions and travel to the community field for coaching activities.
The source describes coaching sessions of approximately two and a half hours in the afternoon.
Who is it suited to?
A background in sport or sports coaching is highly recommended.
You should be energetic, patient and comfortable working with children of different ages and personalities.
Practical Information for Your Thailand Volunteer Program
Once you've chosen your location and project, the practical side is fairly straightforward. You can start on a Monday, and you normally arrive on the Sunday before your program begins.
Arriving in Thailand
Airport pickup is included, with pickup available from Chiang Mai International Airport (for Chiang Mai programs), Koh Samui Airport (for Koh Samui programs or Bangkok International Airport (for Hua Hin programs).
Do not book your flight until we have informed you of your arrival details.
Your First Day
You'll have an orientation when you arrive. This gives you the practical information you need, introduces you to the local area and program, and explains what to expect during your stay.
Accommodation
Accommodation is in shared volunteer accommodation. This is where you'll stay during your program and where you'll meet other international volunteers.
Meals
Meals are included during your volunteer program. You will have 3 meals per day on weekdays, and 2 meals per day on weekends.
How much do the programs cost?
One clear total price. No extra registration fee.
| Duration | EUR | GBP | USD |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 week | €765 | £750 | $1,015 |
| 2 weeks | €1,030 | £1,015 | $1,370 |
| 3 weeks | €1,295 | £1,275 | $1,725 |
| 4 weeks | €1,465 | £1,445 | $1,955 |
| Extra week | +€315 | +£315 | +$425 |
Most programs are covered by the standard price above. Some projects have an additional weekly fee because their local program cost is higher.
Extra project fees:
Culture Week, Construction, Koh Samui Teaching/Kindergarten +€40 / +£40 / +$50 per week
Chiang Mai Elephant Experience +€330 / +£320 / +$440 per week
Koh Samui Elephant Experience +€365 / +£355 / +$490 per week
Secure your place with a €200 / £175 / $250 deposit
You don't need to pay the full amount immediately. You can reserve your placement with a €200 / £175 / $250 deposit.
Your deposit is deducted from your total program price. It is not an extra fee.
The remaining balance is due 45 days before your program start date.
What's included?
- Volunteer placement
- Accommodation
- Meals as described
- Airport pickup
- Orientation
- Local support
- Pre-departure guidance
What's not included?
- Flights
- Travel insurance
- Visa fees
- Personal spending
- Criminal background check
Requirements to join
- Minimum age: 18
- Travel insurance: Mandatory
- Background check: Criminal background check or two reference letters
Flexible changes
You can request a free change of date, destination or program up to 30 days before your start date, subject to local partner availability and any price difference.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I start my Thailand volunteer program on any day?
Volunteer programs start on Mondays, so you arrive on the Sunday before your program begins. Culture Week has selected start dates, every first and third Monday of every month.
How long can I volunteer in Thailand?
Programs are available from 1 week to 12+ weeks, depending on the project and your plans.
Can I combine different volunteer projects?
Yes. You can combine different projects during your stay, and it is also possible to combine locations in Thailand. If you want to do this, tell us your plans and we'll help you work out what is practical.
Can I volunteer in Thailand without previous experience?
Yes, previous volunteering experience is not generally required for the projects.
Do I need to do the Culture Week?
No. It is optional, but we recommend starting with it, particularly if this is your first time volunteering in Thailand. It gives you time to settle in, learn about the local area and meet other volunteers before starting your project.
Do I have to decide which project I want before contacting you?
No. That's one of the reasons you can ask us for personal advice. Tell us your dates, how long you have, what interests you and anything you're unsure about. We'll help you work through the available options.
Not Sure Which Thailand Program to Choose?
You've now seen the locations, projects, practical information and prices.
You don't have to work out the final decision on your own.
Tell us a little about your plans ... when you want to travel, how long you have, what you'd like to do and anything you're unsure about.
We'll review your request and give you personal advice on the Thailand program that makes the most sense for your trip.
No pressure to book. Just tell us your plans and we'll help you work through the options.