Involvement Volunteers International 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.
WHAT does Adventure Week Involve?
- Explore the local areas- walking tours, and excursions
- Go bamboo rafting or kayacking on the river
- Have fun on adventure activities like cycling tours
- A chance for some time off after your program
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: ADVENTURE WEEK
LOCATION: CHIANG MAI, THAILAND
START DATES: WEEKLY (SAT/SUN ARRIVALS)
ACCOMMODATION: VOLUNTEER HOUSE (SHARED ROOMS)
MIN DURATION: ONE WEEK
MIN AGE: 16+
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: N/A
Overview
Get ready for an amazing experience where you will explore the stunning surroundings and nature of Chiang Mai, a perfect way to start or end your volunteering program.
You will spend the week going on walking tours, cycling tours, bamboo water rafting, and more. You’ll even visit an elephant sanctuary and spend a full day with these gentle giants. But that’s not all – you’ll also have the chance to indulge in a traditional Thai massage and spa treatment, ensuring a full sensory experience. Your week will be filled with sightseeing, giving you a taste of the authentic Thai lifestyle.
The week is a mix of adventure and relaxation and allows you the chance to explore the local area with the security of having everything organised for you.
See dropdown section below for schedule.
Location
Chiang Mai is a city in northern Thailand known for its rich cultural heritage and stunning natural beauty. It is a popular destination for tourists, with attractions such as ancient temples, night markets, and trekking in the nearby mountains. In addition to its religious sites, Chiang Mai is also famous for its vibrant night markets, where visitors can find a variety of local crafts, souvenirs, and delicious street food.
Project Tasks
- Fun adventures and relaxation tours
- Create cultural exchange opportunities through our efforts with the locals.
Food & Accommodation
You will stay in a nice volunteer house with all the standard facilities like WiFi, hot showers and aircon/fans. Rooms are single gender and fit 4-8 people. Private rooms can be booked for an additional fee. We also have an open and lovely lakeside where you can get some fresh air. There is also a beautiful dining area where you can have a cup of tea and coffee and hang out with fellow volunteers. Table tennis is also available!
3 meals a day are provided, and 2 on weekends. All the meals served inside the accommodation are homestyle, vegetarian-friendly and you can expect that they will be typically Thai style dishes, including plenty of rice or noodle dishes with vegetables and occasionally some meat and fish will be provided as well, along with seasonal fruits for dessert.
While we do our best to accommodate our participants, what we provide for most meals is local cuisine. If you are a picky eater or allergies, have dietary restrictions, or if you think that you will not be satisfied with the local dishes provided, you might want to consider supplementing our menu with your own western type foods and snacks that are more to your liking.
*Accommodation may be in our local centre or in close proximity, depending on availability and time of year.
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Adventure Week-
$895 -
21 Day Road Trip -
$1740
- Private rooms cost additional $400 p/week
What's Included
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Accommodation
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Meals
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Airport Pickup
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Local Transportation
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1 Day Orientation
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24/7 In-Country Support
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Project Materials & Equipment
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Pre-departure Expert Advice
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Preperation Tools & Checklists
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Certificate of Completion
- Application fee is one off per person (unlimited placements)
- Click Here to convert the below prices to your local currency
- Discounts may apply if travelling in a pair or group!
- All credit card /international fees included in below pricing! 🙂
Testimonials...
FAQ
If you would like to explore some of the sights and adventure activities, join this week long adventure! Everything is organised for you and you will be with your fellow volunteers, so it’s a great chance to enjoy the local area with your new friends!
Monday
- Breakfast
- Program Introduction, registration and general info. Introduction to Thai Culture, Do’s and Dont’s
- Chiang Mai City Walking Tour
- Dinner
Tuesday
- Breakfast
- Cycle tour
- Lunch
- Cycle Tour
- Dinner
Wednesday
- Breakfast
- Elephant experience
- Lunch
- Bamboo water rafting
- Dinner
Thursday
- Breakfast
- Thai Boxing Session
- Lunch
- Thai Boxing Session
- Dinner
Friday
- Breakfast
- Experience a traditional Thai Massage & Spa treatment after a fun-packed week.
- Lunch
- Go on a souvenir shopping and explore local markets
- Dinner
***This schedule can be changed and/or amended depending on weather conditions, local conditions and unforeseen circumstances.***
*Schedule possible to change due to the project and community needs at the time. Volunteer flexibility and adaptability is important to a positive volunteering experience.
- 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
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 Chiang Mai Airport (CNX), Level 1, Door 5. You must arrive between 08.00 and 16:00 on Sunday.
If arriving outside the pickup times you will need to pay an additional fee for any extra night’s accommodation, and a private transfer to our accommodation.
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).
From the airport to the accommodation in Chiang Mai, it takes around 30-45 mins by Taxi/Song Teaw. This is not including any delays that may occur.
- Visit ancient temples – Chiang Mai is home to over 330 Buddhist temples, many of which are centuries old. Some of the most famous temples include Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, Wat Chedi Luang, and Wat Phra Singh.
- Explore the night markets – Chiang Mai has several night markets, where visitors can shop for souvenirs, handicrafts, and local cuisine. The most popular markets include the Sunday Night Walking Street and the Night Bazaar.
- Trek in the mountains – Chiang Mai is surrounded by beautiful mountains and forests. Visitors can go trekking, hiking, or mountain biking in the nearby Doi Inthanon National Park or Mae Sa Valley.
- Learn about the local culture – Chiang Mai has a rich cultural heritage, and visitors can learn about traditional crafts, music, and dance at places like the Old Chiang Mai Cultural Center or the Lanna Folklife Museum.
- Take a cooking class – Thai cuisine is famous worldwide, and visitors to Chiang Mai can take a cooking class to learn how to prepare traditional dishes like pad Thai or green curry.
- Attend a festival – Chiang Mai hosts several festivals throughout the year, including the Yi Peng Lantern Festival and the Songkran Water Festival.
Minors traveling to Thailand
Minors traveling to Thailand with/without parents/legal guardians are required to adhere to instructions of the Thai immigration. For more information, please check here.
Motorbike Hire
Please note, motorbike hire is strictly prohibited for volunteers, including when outside the centre on weekends. If a participant is found to have hired a motorbike, this will result in termination of the program with no refund.
Requirements
The following are further necessary in order for both the participants, local staff and everyones involved to have a meaningful, enjoyable and safe adventure..
- Older participants or over 65 years are required to have a medical clearance as proof of their physical fitness as they may perform various activities.
- Participants below 18 years old need a signed parental consent as proof of involvement of their children for the program. If possible, accompaniment by an adult is highly advised.
- Due to the length and active nature of this program and as there are lots of outdoor activities under the heat of the sun, a decent level of fitness is required.
- Excellent time management and self – organizing and a strong desire to take on new challenges and learn as much as possible.
- Though pre – flight PCR test and proof of vaccination are no longer required to travel to Thailand, however, be aware that if you have a connecting flight from your country to Thailand, you will need to meet the requirement of the connecting airport, which may still require pre – flight PCR test and proof of vaccination. Thus, it is recommended that you may have a COVID – 19 Vaccination. You are also advised to bring with you a COVID – 19 antigen rapid test as you need to take tests.
- You are advised to purchase travel, medical and Covid – 19 insurance prior to your arrival.
- Have completed or recommended the following vaccines: Polio, Hepatitis A, Diphtheria/Tetanus, Typhoid, Malaria, Hepatitis B, Tuberculosis.
Dress Code:
- Cover up as much as possible in the spirit of the local culture to avoid embarrassment.
- Your clothes must not be too short, too tight, or too revealing. Kindly make sure your shoulders and legs are covered.
- It is completely fine to wear western clothes as long as they fit the local standards.
- Be thoughtful of the graphics, symbols or text printed on your clothing and avoid wearing clothing styles that might be inappropriate especially when visiting school or temples during your spare or free time.
Personal belongings such as:
- Comfortable working clothes that you don’t mind getting dirty and wet all day.
- Clothing and shoes suitable for Biking, rafting, boxing and other physical activities are required.
- Bring Personal toiletries such as basic soap, shampoo, toothpaste and towels.
- Bring a hat, sunglasses to protect from the heat of the sun for all the activities throughout the day.
- Please also bring sturdy shoes or boots so you can move easily and comfortably.
- An environmentally friendly sunscreen or lotion is also advised to protect you from the heat of the sun and please carry with you preventive agents during outdoor activities, such as mosquito repellents for insect bites or other insects that may irritate your skin.
- Moreover, bring Medicines with you especially if you have to take specific medicines on a regular basis as well as other medicines for headaches and stomach aches.
- Refillable water bottles and hydration packs to stay hydrated throughout the day as you may be walking under the heat of the sun and strenuous activities to perform.
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.
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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.
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