Involvement Volunteers International * Currently not running. Check back soon or join another exciting project!
WHY we need you in Thailand
- Although Thailand's economy is improving, there is still a wide gap between the rich and the poor.
- The majority of Thailand's poor live in rural areas, with a lack of education being a main contributor to poverty.
- Due to economical developments, environmental degradation is evident. The decline of biodiversity and deforestation is increasing.
- The expliotation of animals in Thailand is a big problem. With many being beaten and held in small cages for the tourist trade.
HOW can you help?
- Play an important role in helping to conserve the bio diversity in the scenic national parks in the Khao Yai region.
- Assist local workers with tree planting out in some of the most scenic regions in Thailand
- Work with park rangers who’ll guide you and teach you on conservation efforts
- Get stuck in, hands dirty on this physical project!
WHAT can you do?
- Enjoy learning about local conservation efforts and get some hands on experience
- Enjoy trekking through the jungle, the beautiful waterfalls and other sights nearby
- Help the park rangers with tree planting and monitoring wildlife
- In dry season, help to salt the soil, which acts as bait for the wildlife, keeping them protected in the park
Why Involvement Volunteers International?
- Non Profit Organisation & Charity
- Over 30 Years Expertise Globally
- Low Program Fees - From US$295
- Excellent Safety Record, In-Country 24/7 Support & Emergency Assistance
- 1 Application Fee - Multiple Countries
PROJECT NAME: FORESTRY CONSERVATION
LOCATION: WANG NAM KHIAO
START DATES: WEEKLY (SAT/SUN ARRIVALS)
ACCOMMODATION: ECO RESORT (SHARED ROOMS)
MIN DURATION: ONE WEEK
MIN AGE: 16+
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: N/A
PROJECT COSTS: From US$295 + APPLICATION FEE
Overview
If you enjoy treking and exploring in the wilderness, Khao Yai National Park in Thailand will certainly tick all the boxes. Deforestation occurred here in the in the 90’s efforts to replant trees and preserver the natural wildlife have only started recently. You can play a key role in helping to conserve the biodiversity of Thailand’s amazing wildlife!
Depending on the season, you’ll be involved with park rangers who’ll guide and direct you through conservation activities which are mostly centered around tree planting and related tasks. With the beginning of the rainy season the best time of year to plant, the dry season is the best time to salt the soil and help bait animals to stay within the park boundaries and provide food. This is physical work!
Through your conservation efforts you will be exploring this incredible region complete with waterfalls and stunning vantage lookout spots. The Khao Yai National Park is located in the western part of the Sankamphaeng Mountain Range and spreads over several provinces in Central Thailand. Khao Yai accommodates over 3,000 species of plants, 32 species of birds and 66 species of mammals, including gibbons, deers, bears, elephants and even tigers. Aside from the fascinating biodiversity, the park also contains jaw-dropping waterfalls such as Heo Suwat (which appears in the famous film “The Beach”) as well as spectacular mountains.
Location
Wang Nam Khiao in the centre of Thailand and the ecological heart where an abundance of natural attractions in its forests, hills, wildlife and waterfalls that are easily accessible in locations such as Khao Yai National Park.
Project Tasks
- Help with clearing the land and plant trees
- Trekking through the forest, assisting the park rangers with daily activites
- Salting the soil, ready for bait for the parks wildlife
Food & Accommodation
You’ll be staying in the Nakhon Ratchasima province deep in a remote area set amidst rolling hills and spectacular views. You’ll be staying in a small eco resort which is quiet and comfortable with basic amenities. Located approx 15 km’s from town it’s far enough to feel like you’re in the middle of nowhere but close enough to basic services. The resort provides for shared single gender rooms and has a nice communal area with awesome views where you’ll spend time eating, relaxing with other volunteers.
There are 3 room types available, with the private room costing an additional $120 p/room p/week and the comfort room costing an additional $160 p/room p/week.
Wifi is available and receives decent reception. There is even a karaoke system for those who enjoy some cheesy fun! There is a small local store within walking distance. All other amenities can be found approx 15-30 minutes away.
3 Meals are provided, which is typical Thai, including lots of rice dishes and fresh vegetables suitable for vegetarians.
Testimonials...
FAQ
If you enjoy treking and exploring in the wilderness, Khao Yai National Park in Thailand will certainly tick all the boxes. This is an active placement and would suit those who love being outdoors and off the beaten track a bit- and of course anyone who cares for our environment.
[supsystic-tables id=98]
- Accommodation
- 3 meals p/day weekdays / 2 meals p/day weekends
- Arrival airport transfer (Sat/Sun arrivals)
- Filtered drinking water, coffee & tea
- 1 day orientation
- Daily transportation to project
- In country 24/7 support & emergency assistance
- Fundraising support
- University course credits (where applicable)
- Certificate of Completion
- Airfares
- Travel Insurance
- Tours, Souvenirs & spending money
Volunteers in Thailand are encouraged to take up the orientation week to help you ease into the lifestyle and pace of Thailand. You will get to know your town and it’s facilities and everything required to make your stay comfortable. You may choose after the first few days to move straight into your chosen volunteer placement if desired or otherwise just enjoy the company of your new friends and extended family!
When confirming your dates please take note of the long holidays (mid-March till mid-May and October). During these times, renovation work continues, with the option to join special classes and English camps that are regularly requested by the local Thailand communities involved.
Programs begin every Monday, and volunteers are required to arrive the day prior, for orientation before the project. Your accommodation on the Sunday is included in the program fees.
A free airport pickup is included when arriving to Bangkok BKK (Suvarnabhumi) Airport, Level 2, Entrance 4. You must arrive between 06.00 and 16:00 on Sunday.
If arriving outside the pickup times on Sunday, you can book a private transfer for US$50.
If arriving on Saturday, you will need to pay US$50 for an extra night’s accommodation, or arrange your own accommodation for the night.
If arriving during the week, or on Saturday outside of pickup times, we charge US$50 for any extra night’s accommodation before your program, and another US$50 fee for a private transfer.
Alternatively, if arriving early you could wait at the arrival’s terminal for the pickup time, book accommodation at the airport and meet us during the pickup times or make your own way to the project (we will advise on how to do this).
- Monday – Breakfast, Depart from Singburi to Wang Nam Khiao, Lunch, Visit a waterfall en route to Wang Nam Khiao, Arrive at the resort in Wang Nam Khiao in the afternoon, Walk around the village, Dinner, Introduction to the week
- Tuesday – Breakfast at the resort, Visit Center Four, Work in forestry conservation activities together with the park rangers, Picnic lunch, Work in forestry conservation activities together with the park rangers, Explore a big local market, Dinner, Karaoke at the resort
- Wednesday / Thursday – Breakfast at the resort, Work in forestry conservation activities together with the park rangers, Lunch, Work in forestry conservation activities together with the park rangers, Dinner
- Friday – Breakfast at the resort, Work in forestry conservation activities together with the park rangers, Lunch, Visit a Mushroom Farm, Visit the Pa Keep Tawan viewpoint, Short weekly evaluation just before dinner, BBQ Dinner
- Saturday, Breakfast at the resort, After breakfast, you will be transferred back to Singburi, Bangkok or Wang Nam Khiao bus station if this is the end of your program.
Weekends are always free for relaxing or sightseeing of your choice. Our local team will help you organize additional trips with special (non tourist) rates which can be paid directly in local currency. As a volunteer in Thailand you will gain access to local knowledge, opportunities and value you simply would not find if staying as a standard tourist in resorts.
- No extra requirements
With a long sandy coastline and jungle-topped islands anchored in crystal blue waters Thailand is a tropical getaway and favorite traveling destination for holiday makers and volunteers from all over the world. Thailand’s culture is generous, warm and outgoing and the cuisine is world renowned for a tropical abundance of fresh and varied flavors of spicy, sweet, salty and sour.
Thailand is a fascinating and exotic country to explore. Through volunteering, you’ll gain a love in the people, culture, scenery, cuisine and in the overall lifestyle of Thailand.
We offer diverse project options catering to many different interests. Volunteering is the ideal way of assimilating into the local Thai culture and experiencing the real lifestyle in Thailand.
November to Febuary is the best time to visit Thailand, with a pleasent temperature through most of the country. From March to May temperatures can get very hot. The monsoon rains start from about June to October. Showers usually are quite predictabe and come in short bursts, so this time of year can be great to visit, as everything is so green and there are fewer crowds!
Temperatures are around 30 degrees on average throughout the year. If in the North of Thailand in the winter, evenings can get quite chilly, so bring some warm clothes too!
Vietnam has one of the oldest cultures in South East Asia, creating a rich history with ancient traditions dating back thousands of years. It also has a large Chinese influence. Elders are very well respected in Vietnamese culture, the older you are, the more respect is shown to you. ‘Saving face’ is a concept shown by most Vietnamese people and is thought of as extremely important in their culture. This means that if you feel angered or annoyed by someone, you do not show it and remain respectful. If you lose your temper/ are rude, then this is seen as losing face and therefore a loss of reputation and self-respect.
Vietnamese is the most widely spoken language, other languages include Chinese, Khmer, Cham and tribal dialects. Buddhism, Taoism, and Confucianism are the main religious beliefs in Vietnam, and you will find many temples dotted around the country. You will often see the local people giving fruits and burning incense to give as offerings.
30 Years Non Profit Experience
IVI is an Australian charity & non profit organisation founded in 1989 and is one of the pioneers of overseas volunteering successfully placing over 20,000 volunteers globally.
Affordable Volunteer Travel
Safe & Responsible Projects
Work Experience & University Credits
Check out this amazing blog with step by step info on how to raise funds for your overseas volunteer experience to help maximize your impact abroad. Guide to Fundraising
Weekends & Extra Tours
