Chiang Mai, Thailand

Volunteer in Chiang Mai

Join community development projects in the heart of Northern Thailand.

With breathtaking views of lush green fields and forests, Chiang Mai provides an extraordinary setting to contribute to community development initiatives. Here, you can gain hands-on experience teaching English and work with the local elephant-keeping community to support eco-friendly tourism.

Positive<br/>impact

Positive
impact

Build a better world by contributing to vital, locally-led project work that strives for a more just and equitable future.
Ethical<br/>work

Ethical
work

In line with the UN’s SDGs, we are committed to ethical and sustainable engagement with our local partners and communities.
Beautiful<br/>community

Beautiful
community

Learn from the world’s most unique and significant cultures, in breathtaking remote locations.

Overview

Chiang Mai, located in Northern Thailand, is known for its natural beauty and rich cultural heritage. Our community hub is situated in the peaceful hilltop village of Huay Pakoot, a scenic five-hour journey from Chiang Mai city. From this elevated vantage point, Huay Pakoot offers panoramic views over rolling green fields and dense forests, alongside a glimpse into traditional village life with its stilted houses.

The village is home to the largest primary school in the region, along with two pre-school facilities, providing educational opportunities for children aged 2 to 12 within their community. During the rainy season, you can watch clouds roll in at eye-level, adding a magical touch to your experience.

Volunteers can engage deeply with the local Karen community through teaching English and participating in workshops aimed at fostering sustainable ecotourism. This initiative enables locals to offer homestay accommodations, creating opportunities for meaningful cultural exchanges and economic benefits.

Our collaboration with the local elephant-keeping community focuses on sustainable tourism practices. We support projects that help elephants transition from tourist camps back to their natural habitats while also enhancing the skills of local community members. This effort benefits both the elephants and the local economy.

When you’re not volunteering, there’s plenty to do. Spend your weekends hiking, participating in village events or exploring nearby spots like Pai. While public transport doesn’t go directly to the village, we can help with travel arrangements. You’ll also have the chance to explore Chiang Mai and other amazing places in Thailand.

Everyone’s invited. Get up to 80% of your program fees covered.

GVI Foundation Grants are now available for community development programs abroad. Up to USD 10,000 based on your motivation and circumstances.

Included in your program, at no extra cost

Make the most of our unique programs with these exclusively curated local adventure and wellness experiences.

Offered once a month, expand your adventure with GVI Experiences. These are just some of the activities offered on your program!
Learn traditional Karen cooking
Connect with the Karen people's culture
Forage for forest medicine with a village elder
Visit Thailand's highest peak
Explore Thailand's elegant and mysterious waterfalls
See amazing biodiversity on a night trek
Take a sunrise hike up Two Tree Hill
Sleep under the stars alongside Asian elephants