What makes Thailand such an attractive volunteer holiday destination?

Thursday, 11 August 2011 9:41 AM

Thailand has long been a popular destination for those looking to escape the dreary view out of their office window and head to sunny, idyllic islands. However, what exactly makes Thailand volunteering so appealing - and what can you do while you're out there?

Awash with incredibly varied, amazing sights and home to a rich culture, Thailand is one of the world's favourite south-east Asian destinations to explore. In addition to the beautiful, paradise-like isles it's so famous for, Thailand plays host to bustling cities and some fascinating heritage.

This makes it the ideal location for travellers keen to experience a different way of life, as well as everything from quiet, rural environments to the rush and noise of vast metropolises.

And when you embark on volunteer holidays here, you get to combine these experiences with a range of projects that will genuinely benefit local communities.

So, if you're planning on taking some time off from your career to travel - or are simply seeking a more rewarding, exciting and memorable way to spend your annual leave - this could well be the type of break for you.

Among the trips you can choose to take is an itinerary comprising multiple Thailand destinations. This will give you the chance to visit key and contrasting locations in the country - and educate children about your own culture along the way.

Your adventure will start with a thorough walking tour of Bangkok, during which you'll be encouraged to observe the reality of living here. You'll also be taught the basics of the Thai language, allowing you to further get to grips with the nation's unique culture.

Plus, you'll spend four days just outside Kanchanaburi sharing stories about your own country and culture with local youngsters, who for the most part will know very little about ways of life outside of their own.

And to round off your journey, you can enjoy four days relaxing on some of Thailand's most beautiful islands.

Alternatively, if you're interested in teaching English to Thai children, you might be keen to head to Surin in north-east Thailand.

Here you can educate youngsters in primary, secondary and special needs schools - although, for the latter two you will need to possess specific qualifications.

You'll volunteer at the school from Monday to Thursday, becoming a valued member of the local community, while having long weekends free to do as you please. And if you're keen to explore a little more of the country, why not use this time for excursions to other exciting Thai destinations?

If you would like to visit more than one country while you volunteer in Asia, you could opt to combine your Thailand adventure with trips to other nations.

For example, you could add Cambodia, Vietnam and Laos to your itinerary, taking in a range of amazing sights and trying incredible activities, such as cruising down the Mekong River and hiking in stunning surroundings.

As you travel, you'll visit worthwhile volunteer projects and learn how they work. Just one of the programs you can head to is an elephant conservation centre, where you'll be taught the basics of handling these magnificent creatures.

With such a wide variety of things to do and see, as well as projects to help with, it's no surprise that Thailand is such a popular and wonderful place to embark on volunteer breaks.

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