Walking through the city of Bangkok you will experience both the serenity of hundreds of years of Buddhism and the fast-pace of a major urban center. With canals running through the city and a scattering of floating markets, Bangkok embraces every aspect of Thai culture. This location allows for a great diversity in the types of volunteer placements available.
Best Volunteering Programs in Bangkok
Areas of focus available include health, education, and social services. Volunteers and interns in Bangkok, Thailand, are involved with caring for infants and children, teaching children, teaching English, assisting teachers, sharing their professional skills/experience, caring for the elderly, observing and assisting local medical professionals, caring for people with disabilities, working with people affected by HIV/AIDS, and assisting teachers of special education.
Culture Activities and Free Time
Cultural and learning activities may include a discussion with UNICEF workers on the evolution of the HIV/AIDS epidemic in Thailand, a visit by a local Buddhist monk and expert on the religion to share how it has shaped Thai culture, a Thai cooking class, a Thai massage demonstration, a tour of the Grand Palace, and more.
Popular excursions can include a visit the Erawan waterfall, take a trip upcountry to an agricultural farm, or go on a tour of the red-light district in Bangkok. For those interested, Thai classes are also available twice a week.
During free time, volunteers can also visit temples, such as Wat Arun, the temple of the dawn, or Wat Po, Bangkok’s oldest wat and home of the Reclining Buddha, or take a long-tail boat ride down the Chao Phraya River. Many volunteers enjoy seeing a Thai kickboxing match, or getting a Thai massage; you can even take lessons in either of these. Karaoke, bowling, and movies are available at any shopping mall.
You may also choose to travel outside of the local area and visit the up-country towns of Chang Mai and Chang Rai where traditional Thai cooking classes, hill-tribe treks, and elephant reserves can all be part of a weekend excursion. Or you can travel south to Phuket, Ko Samui, or any one of the hundreds of beautiful islands and beaches Thailand has to offer.
FAQ
Accommodation
Volunteer accommodation in Bangkok can be in the Bangsue district, in north Bangkok. This area is more tranquil than central Bangkok, while still having good access to the city, via train or taxi. Houses are large, with air-conditioned dormitory style rooms which sleep 4-6 people per room. Sometimes there is also an office, as well as a dining area, small kitchen, and lounge/resource room.
Staff
Local staff will make you feel at home during your stay and help you to better understand the culture. Most staff are born and raised in Thailand but are fluent in English which is the main language of programs offered to foreigners.
For more options in this country view our Thailand volunteer programs.