Thailand Coastal Conservation Expedition

Located in the town of Ban Chong Pli, within the picturesque Krabi Province, our research station offers easy access to the vibrant town of Ao Nang, just a short 15-minute drive away.

Krabi Province, located on Thailand’s southwest coast, offers a wealth of natural beauty with its stunning beaches, limestone cliffs and lush forests. You can enjoy activities like rock climbing and kayaking, or go for a hike in nearby national parks such as Khao Phanom Bencha and Than Bok Khorani to spot wildlife and take in the scenery. Immerse yourself in the local culture with visits to temples, shopping and nightlife.

As a volunteer in Thailand, you’ll have the chance to see incredible species like turtles, dugongs, whale sharks, gibbons, woodpeckers and hornbills. Don’t miss out on Krabi’s attractions, including the Emerald Pond and Tiger Temple Cave. And make sure to explore the Andaman islands for their marine life.

Some of the example typical activities you could participate in on this program.
Wildlife surveys - Survey turtle, dugong, bird and monkey habitats to collect data on population changes and how ecosystems work.
Species identification - Learn how to identify key species in Krabi’s land-to-sea ecosystems. Contribute to data collection for species inventory.
Ecosystem surveys - Join surveys and assessments to document ecosystem health indicators in rainforest, mangrove, seagrass and coral reefs.
Geospatial mapping - Help map coastal areas with drones, photographing seagrass meadows and habitats for georeferencing. Assess seasonal changes due to climate change.
Ecosystem restoration - Learn restoration ecology basics and assist in forest, mangrove, seagrass or coral restoration, including baseline assessments and nursery work.
Waste management initiatives - Learn about permaculture and sustainable living. Help develop a local permaculture centre and learn about waste management and recycling.
Community development - Engage in ecosystem restoration and training, support community forest management, run awareness campaigns and contribute to sustainable practices.

- Visa and vaccination requirements according to destination
- Minimum age of 18
- Police Clearance Certificate (not older than 6 months)
- Medical form
- Advanced level of competency in English
- Copy of return flight itinerary
- Acceptance subject to availability

Airport pick-up (specific pick-up times apply)
Transfer to base
Welcome meeting
Location orientation
Safe and basic accommodation (shared)
Breakfast and lunch Monday through Friday
All necessary project training by experienced long-term staff
All necessary project equipment and materials
24-hour in-country support
24-hour emergency phone
Access to alumni services and discounts

We want you to make the most of the chance to live in - and contribute towards - the most diverse and unique wildernesses and communities on earth. Introducing GVI Experiences - immersive adventure, cultural and wellness activities exclusive to GVI that have been specially designed in collaboration with our local partners to support
and stimulate sustainable economic development. Enhance your impact. Expand your adventure. Explore your world. These are just some of the activities offered on your program.

- Learn to make traditional Thai and Burmese food
- Visit the Buddhist temples of Ban Nam Khem
- Practice traditional Thai yoga massage
- Master Muay Thai self-defence techniques
- Raft along the Sok River
- Hike to hidden waterfalls
- Visit an untouched mangrove island
- Sleep in a floating river bungalow

By joining a GVI program, you not only contribute to preserving unique ecosystems but also get the chance to explore the surrounding area or venture further to see what else
the region has to offer on weekends. Our field staff are a great source of advice on local travel options. Many participants choose to travel before or after their experience, solidifying friendships made on the program.

Engaging with a new context teaches global awareness, adaptability and critical thinking - skills highly valued in today’s world. Cultural immersion is encouraged, and there are many activities to enjoy during your free time or before and after your program.

Please note, these suggestions aren’t included in the program fee and are at your own expense.

Festivals
February: Magha Puja is an important Buddhist holiday, celebrated on the new moon of the third lunar month, during which people make offerings at temples around the country
Spirituality and religion
Most Thai people subscribe to Theravada Buddhism. There are many local Buddhist sites in the region of Phang Nga that you can visit to learn more about Buddhist customs.
Dancing
The fluid movements and opulent gilded costumes of Thai traditional dancing are recognisable worldwide. Learn about the six types of Thai classical dance and/or watch a performance.
Cooking
Thai food is famous the world over and is known for its fragrant, spicy flavours. Participants may be lucky enough to participate in cooking lessons.

Volunteers need to be flexible and keep an open mind concerning their placements as situations can arise beyond our control which could require you to be placed at a different project than the one you have initially chosen. We will of course always do our utmost to fulfill your initial wishes but do remember that where you are going is quite different from where you are coming and as such one should be prepared for things not always going according to plan.

Volunteering and intercultural travel share a common trait: the more you put into it, the more you get out of it. This program is designed for proactive individuals and groups that are prepared to adapt to the local environment and its current needs. Naturally, the scheduling and activities of our program are subject to change. Alterations in activities are mainly due to changes in local conditions, which we believe is part of what makes overseas programs the interesting adventure and incredible learning experience that they are.

Our projects range from 1 week up to approx. 30 weeks. Projects have a specified minimum stay, then it’s up to you how long you can commit. In our experience the longer you stay the more you will gain, as your understanding of the project broadens and you take on more responsibilities. Every volunteer will be given a certificate of appreciation at the end of their stay as a symbol of volunteering stay.