Thailand

Thailand, known as “the land of smiles”, is a magnet for travellers from around the world due to its glorious beaches, tropical climate, great food and fascinating culture. From the bustling modern city of Bangkok to the tranquil mountains in the North or the idyllic beaches in the South, Thailand has a something to offer everyone.

Top 5 reasons to visit and volunteer in Thailand

Temples and monks - a visit to Thailand would not be complete without visiting the Golden Palace and some of the temples in Bangkok. The best time to visit is early morning when the local monks are doing their daily alms ritual or 'tak baht'. Take a walk around and observe the incredible architecture and intricate decoration. Must see temples include Emerald Buddha, Wat Saket (Golden Mount), Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn) and Wat Mahathat.
Beaches and islands - need we say any more?! Pristine white sandy beaches, shady palm trees and clear blue sea with colourful corals and fish (plus you may even spot a whale shark if you are lucky!). Take your time exploring the tropical islands of Koh PhiPhi, Koh Phangan, Koh Toa and Phuket.
Chaing Mai - visit the ancient city of Chaing Mai where you can go trekking or mountain biking through the unspoilt jungles and visit the hill tribes. Or explore some of the 300 Buddhist temples in the city.
Thai cuisine - Thailand is famous worldwide for its cuisine which includes Thai green curry, red curry and pad thai to name just a few! Thai food is based on four tastes, sweet, salty, spicy and sour. If you have the time, cooking classes are relatively easy to find so you can make some of these culinary delights back home.
Festivals - Thailand celebrates several festivals throughout the year including Loi Krathong in November where people assemble floating banana-leaf containers decorated with flowers and candles onto the waterways and launch sky lantens. Songkran is the traditional Thai New Year which is celebrated in mid-April by a country wide water fight!

Dog & Cat Volunteering

Live on an amazing tropical island
Help care for rescued dogs and cats
Work with a small centre and vets

Elephant Care Volunteering

Work hands on and care for rescued Asian elephants
Live in a tropical wildlife centre based on temple grounds and home to around 300 rescued animals
Easily combined with the Wildlife Rescue project

Marine Conservation Volunteernig

Contribute to a range of local marine conservation initiatives
Learn to dive or increase your diving experience,with PADI courses included for beginners
Work with a dynamic research team on a beautiful tropical island
Earn your SSI Ecological Diver certification

Orphanage Volunteering

Enrich the lives of children affected by the 2004 Tsunami
Experience Thailand off the beaten track whilst being near Phuket, Thailand’s most popular island
Live at the orphanage and become part of the family, helping with daily life

Summer English Camp Volunteering

Join a team of volunteers led by PoD UK staff
Teach English to pupils through fun activities
Experience real Thailand and explore the tropical island of Koh Samui
Stay in a hotel, tropical resort and with a local homestay family

Teach in Tropical schools Volunteering

Help where there is a great need for improved English
Get off the beaten track and discover the real Thailand
Live amongst an incredibly friendly and welcoming Thai community
Explore the islands at weekends

Teach on an island Volunteering

Live on a stunning and fun tropical island
Stay in a beach bungalow
Island tour, night food market visit

Teaching English in Bangkok Volunteering

Friendly vocational college in central Bangkok
Experience life in an exciting and diverse city
Teach teenagers English
Long weekends free to explore Thailand

Wildlife Rescue Volunteering

Live in a tropical wildlife rescue centre based on temple grounds, home to around 300 rescued animals
Work with a variety of animals including macaques, gibbons, bears, exotic birds and reptiles
Easily combined with the Elephant Care project