Adventure Travel Gap Year Programs in Thailand

At International Volunteer HQ (IVHQ), we unite people from over 96 countries who want to make a meaningful difference while exploring the world. With 300+ projects in 40+ destinations, IVHQ offers the widest selection of volunteer programs globally—from Teaching and Childcare to Wildlife Conservation, Medical Outreach, and Environmental Sustainability. Since 2007, IVHQ has supported over 147,000 volunteers on life-changing journeys. We specialize in fully-hosted volunteer trips that are safe, affordable, and accessible—starting from just $20 per day. Your experience includes airport pick-up, accommodation, meals, and round-the-clock support from our local teams. With flexible booking options and no change fees, planning your volunteer adventure has never been easier. Our programs run year-round and are available for 1 to 24 weeks across Africa, Asia, Europe, the Pacific, South and Central America, North America, the Caribbean, and the Middle East. Volunteering with IVHQ is about more than giving back—it’s about growing, learning, and building genuine global connections.

Explore the dream destinations of South Africa, France, and Thailand on a comprehensive 6-month journey. Experience an exceptional blend of cultural immersion, wildlife conservation, and community involvement. You'll start your journey by contributing to wildlife conservation in South Africa amidst the Big 5 conservation area. Next, you'll hop on to France where you will immerse yourself in French culture and language during an unforgettable summer in Loire Valley, studying at one of the country's oldest universities. Finally, venture to your third country - Thailand - where you will volunteer as an English teacher in the scenic Hua Hin island. The entire experience offers invaluable cultural insights, skill development, and lifelong memories; igniting passions for social and environmental causes as you embark on a journey toward becoming a dedicated global citizen effecting positive change.

GoEco is one of the world’s top volunteer organizations, with award-winning and ethical programs selected by sustainable travel experts. Since 2006, tens of thousands of volunteers have taken part in projects and internships worldwide, focusing on wildlife and marine conservation, education, and medical initiatives. GoEco operates in over 50 countries, providing unique cultural immersive experiences that aim to make a positive impact on the environment and society. The organization also offers internships and academic programs for students. GoEco provides safe and meaningful experiences while promoting sustainable travel and reducing carbon emissions.

Seamester is the educational adventure of a lifetime! For more than 40 years, we have offered unparalleled educational voyages where students spend a semester at sea sailing between islands, countries, and even continents. We design our programs to provide engaging learning experiences with real outcomes in ways that are impossible to replicate in the traditional classroom. Living as part of a close-knit team on an ocean-going vessel, our students learn fundamental lessons beyond academics: teamwork, leadership, and personal responsibility. They receive academic credit from the University of South Florida, along with PADI scuba certifications and IYT sailing certifications. Our programs are designed to inspire students to realize that it’s the journey, not the destination, that matters the most.

Combine adventure travel and volunteering in this awesome 8-week journey to three of Southeast Asia’s most beautiful destinations: Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam! Take part in conservation and community-based projects, further enriched with traditional backpacking. From the bustling cities of Bangkok and Chiang Mai to the roots amongst Angkor Wat ruins, this Southeast Asia Explorer adventure is the perfect first-time trip if you want to set out on one of the world’s most iconic travel routes! This program is for anyone looking to volunteer and backpack through Southeast Asia’s most sought-after destinations. No prior experience is required, although the minimum age is 18.

Explore Southeast Asia on a 10-week journey through Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam—where travel becomes transformation. Volunteer at ethical elephant sanctuaries, trek to remote mountain villages, explore ancient temples, and engage with communities through meaningful, culturally respectful exchange. This program combines adventure, service, and immersion to help you grow personally and globally. Learn traditional crafts, share meals with host families, and experience resilience and hospitality in every community. Conservation work, ethical travel practices, and local partnerships ensure your impact is responsible and real. With leadership training, guided reflection, and mentorship built into the experience, you'll return more confident, connected, and prepared for what’s next. Whether you're taking a gap year, earning credit, building your resume, or seeking clarity and purpose, this journey meets you where you are—and helps you grow beyond it. Travel deeper. Grow bolder. Reach out to Learn More!

This 70-day Southeast Asia Gap Program takes you beyond the traditional classroom while journeying to three beautiful and naturally diverse countries in Southeast Asia – Vietnam, Cambodia, and Thailand. It is a unique combination of hands-on projects, education, and immersion into fascinating and ancient cultures. Our exclusive access to people and places, developed over decades, gives us a window into aspects of Southeast Asia rarely experienced by outsiders. In Vietnam, we work with youth affected by Agent Orange both in the classroom and in their daily activities. We explore the bustling and historic city of Hanoi as well as the tranquility and natural beauty of the rural provinces. While exploring Cambodia, we become part of the change wherein we get our hands dirty building and installing bio-sand filters for families in rural villages outside Siem Reap. We partner with local conservationists at a Thai nature reserve deep in the jungle to understand the true value of conservation as we learn about Thailand’s endemic animals. Standing knee-deep in rice paddies with our host families, we discover a way of life that has remained virtually unchanged.

Sign up for one of our Rustic Pathways Gap programs, which run for a semester. No matter what you join, we guarantee incredible opportunities for travel, service, non-cognitive skills development, and cultural immersion. Our gap programs integrate several options and activities. You can immerse yourself in Latin American culture, intern and gain practical experience with a partner organization, or become involved with marine conservation in the South Pacific. It all depends on what you wish to experience. Participate in our Service and Exploration, our most popular and longest-­running programs. Get the chance to travel to multiple countries in one semester and contribute to meaningful service projects along the way! Choose Spanish Language Immersion, wherein you learn Spanish through structured classroom time and practice with locals through community interaction and homestay. You will travel to Costa Rica, Peru, and the Dominican Republic. Enjoy the flexibility to design the perfect program as well! Join several other Rustic Pathways students who choose this exciting option to combine programs.

Gain essential travel skills, cross-cultural competencies, and broad exposure to pressing contemporary topics while traveling across Southeast Asia and southern China. The 80-day gap semester, China & Southeast Asia: A Regional Travel Intensive By Land & Water, is for students interested in a comprehensive travel experience that strengthens leadership skills, travel savvy, and understanding of the region. From ancient trade routes to shared waterways, China and Southeast Asia's intertwined histories and natural resources shape the region’s future and play a vital role in a rapidly changing global context. This travel-intensive semester offers students comprehensive exposure to a globally critical region while loosely following the course of the Mekong River across borders. Participants journey through diverse landscapes and cultures while acquiring essential travel skills and a deeper awareness of contemporary topics.

Whether you want to support vulnerable communities in developing countries, help conserve the Great Barrier Reef in Australia, or protect animals in the Amazon, Love Volunteers has a program for you. With over 200 projects in 40 countries there's something for everyone! For over 7 years Love Volunteers has provided safe, affordable and ethical volunteering and gap year projects. Join a program today for a life-changing experience.

Training? Sorted. Support? Always. Flexibility? 100%. Drop the code GOABROAD12 at checkout to grab your exclusive 12% discount—yeah, for GoAbroad peeps only. Don’t sleep on this! Teach English in Thailand: More Than a Gap Year, It’s a Vibe. • Wanna make a real impact and live your best life abroad? Teach English in Thailand and soak up major adventure, epic scenery, and all the street food you can handle. • Thailand = the “Land of Smiles,” and it’s not just a name. Think top-tier salaries, tropical beaches, and a balanced work-life. Why This TEFL Internship is the Move • No stress. We sort everything, job placement, paperwork, you name it. • You’ll smash 120 hours of online TEFL training, then dive straight into four months of living + teaching in paradise. • Touch down in Bangkok for a wild three-day orientation—link up with fellow TEFLers and get the inside scoop from our local crew. • The support is full-send: our Thai team’s got your back from day one ‘til you wrap. • Want to stick around after your placement? Go for it! You’re not just teaching; you’re stacking memories and your bank account. Call us and we'll walk you through the process.

Looking to volunteer in Thailand? You have made a great choice! Thailand, also known as the Asia for beginners, is a place to feel at ease. It is a country full of beautiful beaches, lots of smiles, and simply a place where you will find it easy to let go of everything. At the same time, its ancient temples, ruined cities and exotic jungles with diverse wildlife are a playground for adventurers. Being a volunteer in Thailand will be a great experience for you, and we want you to be prepared for your travel. That's why we are here to help you find out about the available volunteer projects in this South-East Asian country. The opportunities are as varied as the country itself so there will be the right thing for everybody. Let's get started!

Jump into this transformational 10-week adventure through Southeast Asia with Projects Abroad. Explore Vietnam, Cambodia, and Thailand as you’re guided off the beaten path into a thrilling blend of history, nature, culture, adrenaline, and relaxation. Witness the delicate balance between ancient civilizations and full-throttle modernization as you blend travel between epic monuments and bustling modern cities. So, throw away your guidebook and embrace the unknown. Trust yourself and start writing your own stories as you’re supported through ten weeks of self-discovery, challenge, and adventure. Who knows, you might even fall in love with Southeast Asia!

Looking for a progressive gap year experience that blends travel, adventure, and skill-building? Our six-week Rock Climbing Program in Thailand is designed for those who want more than sightseeing. It's about pushing boundaries, learning leadership, and gaining certifications that set you up for future outdoor careers. • Climb epic crags in Railay, Chiang Mai & Tonsai • Earn internationally recognized climbing & first aid certifications • Immerse yourself in Thai culture & adventure travel • Turn your passion into skills that last a lifetime If you are looking for an experience that will have you meeting new people from all over the world while trying new food and experiencing a new culture, this program is the perfect choice.

Interested in taking a gap year? Do it with an organization well regarded for its responsible travel and gap year travel opportunities - Oyster Worldwide. Whether you are taking a break before pursuing higher education or taking time off from university, we have the perfect opportunity for you! Our programs and projects across 6 continents are open all year. Sign up for a program within a field that matches your skills and interests - animal welfare, child care, veterinary, medicine, conservation, etc. Go on a trekking holiday or volunteer on a project you are passionate about. No matter what you do, where you go and how long you stay, we guarantee amazing experiences you will treasure for a lifetime. UK-based Oyster Worldwide has been sending young people to take part in gap year experiences for more than 17 years. We offer over 60 volunteer and paid programs in over 20 countries around the world. We have been working with many host countries for years and have great relationships with them. Our aim is to provide happy, safe and fulfilling experiences, as well as to help participants to return home with a long-term affection for the country they have visited.

Make a lasting difference using your talents, skills, and passion. Join us in this gap year volunteering program in destinations like Kenya, Malawi, India, Nepal, and Thailand. This is the perfect opportunity to become a global citizen while immersing yourself in diverse cultures. At Africa & Asia Venture (AV), we consider your skills and knowledge to put these to good use in our programs in the following areas: - Art, Drama, Music, and Dance - Community Work - Sports Coaching - Teaching Stay for as short as 5 weeks or as long as 12 weeks. You can also participate in the 16-week gap year program, which comprises 12 weeks of volunteering and 4 weeks of independent travel. If you have an alternative duration, don’t hesitate to let us know and we’ll work with you to create a tailored itinerary. Your gap year doesn’t necessarily mean a “year” out. Get in touch with our team today to discuss your preferences.