There are tons of different ways to travel abroad and volunteering is one of the best! Volunteering abroad, like any kind of travel, involves visiting new and exotic places and making new friends while you’re at it, but it comes with the extra benefit of contributing to a bigger project that you’re passionate about. You’ll work hard and make a big difference to many different people, animals, and/or communities! Thailand is no exception. But where specifically should you land for volunteer work?
Living abroad is wonderful and volunteering is a great way to do it!
It’s no surprise you’ve decided that you want to volunteer abroad in Thailand, with its tropical beaches and super-friendly people. Not to mention, there is a ton of need and your time, energy, money, and resources can be used effectively to improve the lives of many. Where in Thailand is ideal for you and your volunteering goals? Choosing a location for volunteer opportunities in Thailand depends on what exactly you want out of your overall experience.
Are you ready to volunteer with doctors in a big hospital and go enjoy the city nightlife on the weekends? Thailand’s got several big cities that will satisfy the urban craving volunteer experience. Are you excited to work with animals all day, and spend days off being lazy on the beach? Coastal areas with wildlife programs will satisfy your inner “beach bum” volunteer desires. And, if budget is an issue, we’ve got a guide for How to Volunteer Abroad on a Budget in Thailand as well!
Whether you want the jungle or beach, small town or big city, you can volunteer in Thailand in the perfect location for you. We’ve listed a few of travelers’ favorite places to volunteer in Thailand here to help get you started. →
6 top places in Thailand for volunteers abroad
1. Singburi
Singburi is home to a shadow puppet museum just like this one!
Singburi is perfect for a small town volunteer in Thailand experience. Volunteer programs here range from elephant conservation to teaching English. This city has many of the same shrines and temples, but without the business and crowds of the big city temples. There are tons of historic sights and the Shadow Puppet Museum (yes, really) is one of the biggest in Thailand.
Singburi is perfect for the seafood loving volunteer; being a small river town, Singburi is also famous for its fish, especially the pla chon Mae La. If the seafood and shrines aren’t enough to fill your weekends and you’re craving the big city scene, Bangkok is just a couple hours drive south!
Recommended programs for volunteering in Singburi
- GoEco's Learn, Volunteer and Travel. Teach English to adorable children at one of the local schools. Focus on informal teaching, a vegetable garden, and other cultural exchange.
- See all volunteer programs in Singburi
2. Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai’s annual Flower Festival features beautiful floats decorated with flowers.
Chiang Mai is the largest city in Northern Thailand, and the second largest in all of Thailand. Its sheer size makes it a hub for tons of volunteer programs in Thailand. The city is home to many refugees, including Burmese and tribal people, so many of the volunteer programs focus on human rights, education, or women’s issues.
Plus, while you’re volunteering, you can stop by the Chiang Mai City Arts and Cultural Center for an afternoon of cultural immersion. If you’re there in February, you’ll be treated to three gorgeous days of the Chiang Mai Flower Festival, where tropical flowers begin to bloom. You can stop by the night bazaar, famous for fabulous shopping. Or if nature is more your thing, nearby national parks such as Doi Inthanon National Park, which offers sights like the highest mountain in Thailand.
Recommended programs for volunteering in Chiang Mai
- GVI's Conservation Program. Keep busy with a combination of teaching English to members of the local community, learning about plant biodiversity studies, and assisting with the rehabilitation of elephants.
- IVHQ Outdoor Work Program. Work with construction and building projects including repairing roads and painting classrooms.
- See all volunteer programs in Chiang Mai
3. Ayutthaya
The Wat Chaiwatthanaram is an amazing Buddhist temple in Ayutthaya
The city of Ayutthaya has an incredible history that will amaze all the history buff volunteers out there. The original city was founded in 1351! The ruins of the old city, including prang (reliquary towers) and amazing monasteries, are preserved in a site recognised internationally as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The Wat Chaiwatthanaram in particular is one of the most famous temples in Ayutthaya; when you’re not volunteering, you can wander the incredible eight stupa-like chapels, or ponder the over 100 Buddha statues onsite. Because of the incredible history, many volunteer projects include restoration and helping the local people. If you’re a history lover with a desire to volunteer, Ayutthaya is the perfect location to volunteer abroad in Thailand.
Recommended volunteer programs in Ayutthaya
- Bamboo's Discover Thailand Project. See the best of the country through a variety of volunteer opportunities in Thailand, including Ayutthaya.
- Volunteer World's English Teaching at Monk school. Spend just two to three hours a day teaching children and teenagers conversational English.
- See all volunteer programs in Ayutthaya
4. Phuket
Phuket’s Big Buddha statue is almost 150 feet high.
If the island life calls to you, Phuket is the place to be. As Thailand’s largest island, it is home to balmy beaches and tropical rainforests alike. Because of the biodiversity, many volunteer projects here will be environmentally focused, such as conservation or diving projects. There are also construction/building or orphanage volunteer opportunities.
Phuket is also home to cultural and historic attractions. An afternoon hike could lead you to the Big Buddha of Phuket, a gorgeous white Burmese marble statue that measures almost 150 feet high. One of the few remaining butterfly gardens calls Phuket home as well. From local markets to pearl farms, you’ll have no shortage of things to see and do in Phuket.
Recommended programs for volunteering in Phuket
- Projects Abroad in Krabi. Why choose one focus? A teaching, conservation, and environment volunteer program in Thailand awaits you thanks to Projects Abroad.
- Office Volunteer by Phuket Has Been Good To Us. Spend your days in an office environment, helping to manage this awesome company.
- See all volunteer programs in Phuket
5. Surin
The people of Surin are famous for their bond with elephants.
Surin itself is a quiet town, but the people are famous for their bond with elephants. (Read more about whether or not you Should Volunteer with Elephants in Thailand). If volunteering with elephants is your dream, Surin is the place to do it! In fact, there is an entire “Elephant Training Village.” Other nearby sights include the City Pillar Shrine, a beautiful temple dedicated to the tutelary deity of the city, or the ancient Khmer-era temples.
Surin also has a fantastic night market for when you’re off-the-clock as a volunteer in Thailand. Make sure you try their famous Isaan sausage and Laos-style flattened chicken (gai yang). Their som tam (papaya salad) is another delicious Surin street food. If you’re craving some Cambodian cuisine, you’re in luck! The Cambodia border is just a short drive away, perfect for long weekend trips!
Recommended volunteer programs in Surin
- Summer Volunteer Program in Thailand with Volunteering Solutions. This volunteer program includes childcare, community interaction, and, of course, elephant conservation and care.
- Kaya's Responsible Travel Elephant Welfare Project. Help care for elephants to create sustainable, free-range elephant tourism.
- See all volunteer programs in Surin
6. Bangkok
Teach in Bangkok for a chance to experience its legendary floating market.
Bangkok is Thailand’s capital, a huge city known for beautiful, elaborate shrines and spirited nightlife. With a true variety of volunteer opportunities, from environmental projects to human rights programs, there’s a volunteer program for every type of volunteer in Bangkok.
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Volunteering in Bangkok will give you the chance to witness the legendary floating markets and experience the amazing street food. The city has a population of over eight million, and the locals are known for their kindness! With temples, Buddha statues, and culture galore, volunteering in Bangkok will be a never ending adventure! For those seeking the big city experience as a volunteer in Thailand, Bangkok is the perfect fit.
Recommended programs for volunteering in Bangkok
- ELI Abroad's Youth Programs. Work with at-risk women and impoverished children to provide daycare and possible career training.
- Love Volunteer's Teaching Buddhist Monks. Help teach Buddhist monk children English.
- See all volunteer programs in Bangkok
[View ALL Volunteer Programs in Thailand]
Have a blast while volunteering in Thailand!
Thailand is waiting for you!
From Singburi’s specialization in elephants to Bangkok’s sheer range of programs, each destination on our list of top places to volunteer in Thailand is special. When it comes down to it, there is no wrong choice for volunteer location. Thailand is an awesome place (see more about 9 Things to Know Before You Volunteer in Thailand here). Each location on our list has its pros and cons. Potential volunteers just need to decide what values and features of each location are important to them. There may not be a perfect destination, but there for sure is a destination that is perfect for you.
No matter what volunteer location you choose, Thailand is an amazing volunteer location.
There are miles of sandy white dreamy beaches and amazing depths of the tropical rainforest for you to adventure through. You’ll love filling your extra time with exploring the fascinating Buddhist temples and shrines. From the sunny weather to the diverse wildlife, from the incredibly friendly locals to the delicious street food, Thailand will welcome you with open arms and make sure you have an incredible volunteer adventure!
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