Eco-Tourism Volunteering 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 155,000 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.

Join GoEco's Hua Hin Construction and Renovation program in Thailand and make a tangible difference in communities that need help the most. This volunteer opportunity allows you to contribute to improving housing and community facilities while immersing yourself in Thai culture. Experience the satisfaction of hands-on work, from painting and mixing cement to more skilled tasks like plastering walls. Beyond the project, explore the beautiful beaches and vibrant culture of Hua Hin, creating memories that last a lifetime. Volunteers must be at least 18 years old. Participants aged 17 may apply with parental consent. The ability to perform physically demanding work and withstand humid conditions are vital.

Lying in the crystal-clear tropical waters of the Gulf of Thailand, Koh Tao’s abundant and diverse coral reefs offer some of the finest scuba diving found anywhere on the planet! The perfect location to maximize your diving and reef ecology experience, this exciting and in-depth program has been specifically designed for volunteers wishing to engage in marine conservation activities that protect, restore, and conserve Koh Tao’s coral reefs. With both 4 and 8-week programs available, get ready for a comprehensive marine conservation experience! If you're looking for a little more, join us for a full 12 weeks and complete an award-winning Divemaster training course, which is perfect if you wish to achieve a professional diving qualification that allows you to transform your passion into a paid job!

Travel to Thailand to volunteer in the stunning coastal province of Phang Nga, an area that encapsulates the very meaning of "dramatic", home to incredible islands and an abundance of natural beauty. Besides marine conservation activities, you will become immersed in the culture through various community initiatives to promote environmental education and English language learning. As a volunteer, you will help to protect some of the world's most beautiful beaches and coral reef systems. Contribute to the education of the community on local marine issues and on dealing with the social and economic pressures, which lead to the destruction of reefs, fish, coral, and turtle populations.

Find out why more and more people are choosing to become a Love Volunteer! Love Volunteers is the most affordable way to volunteer and help local communities in developing countries! Why are we cheaper than other organisations? Firstly, we are just a handful of passionate people working hard to help volunteers and local communities around the world. We don't have huge overheads - no company cars, no downtown office - we're just volunteers who knew we could do a better job. Secondly, we work with local organisations wherever we can to keep administration costs to a minimum and also to feed as much money and skills into the local communities where we operate. All of Love Volunteers partner organisations have been fully vetted to ensure that, not only does a genuine need for assistance exist, but that the environments that we place our volunteers are safe and of high quality. Choose from one or more of our 200+ amazing community-based programs in 37 developing countries around the world. Every program has been personally visited by one of our dedicated staff members and is regularly audited to ensure it meets our high standards in terms of safety, sustainability, and local impact.

Looking to apply your talent and expertise to a good cause? Find a program that matches your interests and skills through Volunteer World! We are the largest volunteer abroad comparison platform around the globe, enabling you to seek and compare offers from major travel agencies as well as smaller grassroots NGOs and local specialists in more than 80 countries. All these with just one click! Find projects in wildlife, teaching, community development, and several other areas. Simply choose your desired destination and desired travel date, and our search engine will compare the best volunteer abroad programs on your behalf. Whether you wish to gain experience at a wildlife sanctuary in South Africa or teach English at a monastery in Nepal, we've got you covered. Volunteer World guarantees a quick and easy application. We will guide you through this process, as well as help plan your next meaningful trip. We provide free access to quality-checked projects and flexible options. And if anything goes wrong, we've got your back with our qualified support team and our refund guarantee.

This program goes beyond ordinary high school travel programs and build cross-cultural community service summer trips perfectly geared to your interests and curiosities. Whether you’re looking to contribute to authentic service projects, experience exhilarating adventure, or develop your language skills, GoBeyond will immerse you in a new culture where you can make a meaningful difference while on the journey of a lifetime. Our high school community service summer programs proudly serve in many under-resourced communities and environments throughout the world. Explore our journeys in the British Virgin Islands, Costa Rica, Galapagos & Ecuador, Peru, Iceland, Spain, China, Thailand, India, Sri Lanka, and Australia. Beyond experiencing the adventure of a lifetime and creating lasting memories, we believe our community service summer trips enable lasting positive change in the world. For over forty years, we’ve been transforming communities, environments, and students’ lives through meaningful, collaborative adventures and service that develop skills and a more sophisticated worldly outlook—ultimately shaping the person you become.

Thailand is an exciting country to travel too. Not only is is cheap, easy to get around, with friendly locals, it’s also an adventure lovers playground! Theres so much to do here, from exploring the capital city of Bangkok, trekking in the jungle, swimming in natural waterfalls, relaxing on the beach or any number of adreneline pumping activities. A lot of our projects are concentrated on conservation, as this is a big problem, now more than ever. You will get to experience the ‘real’ Thailand, for a true authenic travel experience, and with the knowledge that you are helping underprivilaged communites and the environment! Volunteer with IVI for authentic, affordable and life changing projects in Thailand. We have over 35+ years of experience as a charity and non profit org and are passionate about helping those less fortuanate than ourselves.

A region accentuated by the colorful robes of Buddhist monks, the vivid greens of rice fields and jungle forests, and the cultural diversity of hill tribe communities—this is the ultimate Southeast Asia semester. Each country offers a unique cultural experience unto itself, and each faces the challenge of reconciling urban expansion and industrialization with indigenous land rights, free movement of nomadic peoples, and equal access to resources. This semester, walk among ancient temples, traverse mountainous jungles, and explore the clear blue water of Thailand’s beaches. You’ll explore tradition, globalization, and human rights against the backdrop of two of Asia’s most complex nations. Immerse yourself in community life through homestays and visits to remote villages. Emerge with your self-awareness and perspective forever altered. 2025: CLOSED Spring 2026: February 25 - May 6 Fall 2026: September 24 - December 4

The Elephant Sanctuary gives safe refuge to Thailand's domesticated elephants. These animals would otherwise be roaming the streets of big cities, kept in bad conditions at working camps, or otherwise exploited in the tourist industry. Volunteers provide hands-on assistance to the staff to ensure these beautiful animals live a life as close as possible to their wild relatives. The elephants spend their nights in the forests that their ancestors populated only 25 years before. Volunteers wash the elephants, walk them through the forests to forage, clean their enclosures, and learn all about these magnificent animals. You will work closely with the mahouts who always accompany the elephants. A typical day includes: * Walking the elephants into the forest to forage * Collecting fruits for their big appetites * Cleaning their enclosure at the center * Washing the elephants with hose pipes The center is next to a lake, surrounded by dense forest and near some of Thailand's least visited national parks. Globalteer is a registered charity in the UK providing ethical and affordable volunteering with the amazing elephants of Thailand.

Asian Elephant Behaviour and Community Driven Conservation in Thailand This is a 4 week field course that offers university students the opportunity to join an ongoing research project studying the behavior and ecology of re-wilded Asian elephants in their natural habitat. Students will gain hands-on experience in animal behavior sampling methods, research design, and behavioral data analysis. Students will learn critical thinking and problem solving skills for implementing successful field research protocols, learn the fundamentals of recording and interpreting animal behavior, all while collaborating with indigenous mahouts (elephant keepers) and their community as they work to conserve the forest. By promoting a multispecies approach to conservation, this course not only improves outcomes for animals and the environment, but also recognizes the interconnectedness of human health and well-being. In addition to participating in this vital research, students will have the chance to learn from expert staff, mahouts, and community leaders, and gain cultural immersion. Perfect for students with a passion for biology, ecology, conservation, animal behavior and welfare.

Help care for elephants at an elephant nursery, living the life of a mahout, and helping to protect Thailand’s vulnerable population of these magnificent creatures. Explore the ancient temples, buzzing markets of Chiang Mai, and the unspoiled beauty of the northern Thai countryside. At the elephant sanctuary, where you’ll spend the bulk of your trip, rescued elephants are cared for by expert mahouts, who you’ll work alongside and learn from. You’ll immerse yourself in the life of a mahout, rising early to walk and bathe the elephants, collecting grass for meals, and feeding them. As you work, you’ll learn about these beautiful, intelligent creatures and gain a deeper respect and appreciation for their relationship with humans. In addition to our interactions at the elephant sanctuary, we’ll delve into the ancient history and culture of Chiang Mai, exploring beautiful monasteries and savoring Thai cuisine at food markets. We’ll also venture into the beautiful countryside of Northern Thailand, experiencing all that the country has to offer.

Adventure, Purpose, and Connection: Grow, Explore, and Make an Impact in Thailand Discover the heart of Thailand through adventure, service, and self-discovery on this six-week journey. Explore ancient temples, bustling cities, and remote villages while volunteering at an elephant sanctuary, learning Thai cooking, and practicing Muay Thai. Kayak hidden lagoons, cycle past historic ruins, and experience homestays in northern communities for authentic cultural immersion. Designed for growth and connection, this program blends challenge with support: guided reflection for a gap year adventurer, hands-on learning for the study abroad alternative seeker, ethical and sustainable travel for conscious explorers, skill-building and service for career-minded participants, and deep cultural engagement for immersion seekers. Through mentorship, conservation projects, and a supportive small group, you’ll gain confidence, resilience, perspective, and lifelong friendships. Whether you’re seeking clarity, meaningful impact, or personal transformation, this journey helps you grow into who you’re becoming. This isn’t just a journey, it’s a step toward your future self. Reach out to learn more.

Length: 4-6 months | Intakes: January 2026 Join the Global Leadership Programme, designed to provide you with hands-on experience supporting the work of an international development charity. We are looking for passionate graduates, who are keen to learn about global challenges, work with youth and define their own purpose. After an initial period of training, you will be placed in one of our overseas hubs as a Group Mentor and Project Implementor, you will be supporting our in-country team through coordinating group projects and supporting our project participants on their journey to becoming global citizens. Your days will be filled with exciting challenges and fulfilling experiences, including: 1. Coordinating and delivering impactful project activities with our local partners. 2. Embark on a leadership role as you guide your group of project participants through immersive and exciting cultural activities. 3. Engage your group in reflective discussions and interactive sessions to foster personal growth. 4. Reporting on the progress and success of all international project participants and community development project delivery activities.

Experience the true colors of Thailand! GIVE’s Thailand Immersion Excursion places you in the heart of colorful hill tribe communities throughout Northern Thailand. This unique program enables you to connect with rural villagers by immersing yourself in their culture and way of life, living like a local. Positively impact their communities through participation in our volunteer initiatives and make life-long connections with the incredible people you’ll meet along the way! The trip culminates with a bamboo rafting journey down the Mae Tang River, stopping along the way to learn about elephant conservation and trek through the jungle to find these majestic giants. Thailand is the perfect introduction to this fascinating region of the world; take it one step further by adding the Elephant Experience add-on for an additional week. Note: All Southeast Asia programs and add-ons can be combined for the ultimate Southeast Asia Experience (travel up to 7 weeks!)

This unique opportunity is perfect for people who love animals. Volunteers help in a sanctuary that is home to over 400 neglected animals. Each day, you will work with birds, monkeys, gibbons, and the tiny sun bears. An elephant sanctuary is also on-site, so you may have the opportunity to see these gentle giants and maybe even work with them. As a volunteer, your main role is to help with food preparation and feeding, providing lots of interaction with the animals. You could also help create enrichment programs to rehabilitate the animals. No two days will ever be the same – and that is what makes this program so fun and fulfilling! You will live in the heart of the sanctuary with the other volunteers. You will even get to hear the sound of the wild as you fall asleep. You will be fed a hearty and hot breakfast, lunch and dinner, perfect for restoring you after a worthwhile day of helping animals.

Thailand is well known for its great hospitality and foreigner-friendly people. It is one of the major travel destinations in Asia due to its beautiful natural resorts, everlasting summer, and mystical history. An internship in Thailand will enhance your career by giving you a foothold in one of the quickest growing economies in Southeast Asia. Learn what it means to gain real-life work experience in a completely different culture. From meditating in an ancient Buddhist temple to overlooking the modern city skyline, your senses will be overwhelmed by experiences: ・Go jungle trekking in Chiang Mai. ・Party like there’s no tomorrow at a Full Moon Party. ・Bathe an elephant in Chiang Mai. ・Try Snorkeling in Koh Phi Phi
. As your gateway to Asia, Meiji Internships will accompany you throughout your journey. Kick-start your international career with an unforgettable internship adventure in your industry and destination of choice. We work with an extended network of 400+ partner companies in 8 countries to help pave the way for your future! You create your journey! Broaden not just your horizon, but also your professional network in the Far East!

This is our most popular program. It's a two or four-week course where professional dog trainers teach you dog training skills. Our shelter has a dedicated covered training area in Pattaya, Thailand. We train our resident dogs in obedience and agility. You will get the chance to train with 5 or 6 different dogs each day, including those with disabilities. The training is a massive success for the dogs, providing them with real enrichment and visibly increasing their confidence. We hope the trained dogs will have a greater chance of adoption as well.

Kindred Spirit is looking for volunteers to come out and help its new elephant sanctuary in northern Thailand. The sanctuary has just rescued four elephants from the tourism industry, and it has brought them home to live out their lives in the forest, in semi-wild conditions. The sanctuary needs volunteers to help keep these elephants happy and healthy in their natural habitat. Volunteers will carry out health checks, perform research on their natural behaviors and the surrounding forest, and take part in community projects, such as teaching English at a school and to other locals, cutting grass for the elephants during the dry season, helping out in the fields, planting and harvesting crops, and educating both locals and tourists on the captive elephant situation in Thailand to help combat illegal trade. Days begin with early morning hikes through the forest to find the elephants, staying with them while observing and taking data on their natural behaviors until lunch. Some days, lunch is eaten with the elephants in the forest. Upon returning to the village, community projects are carried out.

Volunteering with ICYE UK is a transformational experience with real impact. Our ethical programmes promote peace, intercultural awareness and equality of opportunity, encouraging young people from around the world to live, learn and work together. UK residents can apply now to join us on our six or 12-month placements starting in either January or August, and work with locally run NGOs in Asia, Latin America, Africa, and Europe on impactful projects that matter, such as: - Human rights projects - Women’s empowerment projects - Supporting people with compromised health and/or disabilities - Environmental and wildlife conservation - Sustainable agriculture projects - Providing education, care, and support for children from under-resourced communities - Sports, art, or cultural projects - Community development programmes - And many more Additionally, short-term placements of 3 to 5 months with flexible start dates are available in some of our partner countries. Whether you join us on our long-term or short-term programme, you’ll have the opportunity to immerse yourself in a new culture and language, learn, grow, and make an impact! Get in touch to find out more!