Where
Chiang Mai, Thailand
When
Departures every week, all year round (excluding holiday closures)
Duration
From 1 week
Accommodation
Shared or private rooms in the volunteer house, with meals included
Language
Basic English is enough
Ideal for
Anyone who enjoys spending time with younger children and wants to see Thai culture up close
Project details
In Chiang Mai, local kindergartens welcome volunteers who bring practical help and fresh energy into the classroom.
In the villages around Chiang Mai, the youngest classes are often big and the teachers really need a hand to give every child the attention they deserve.
The project was set up to support local teachers in building basic skills, especially English, using simple, fun activities like songs, games and drawing. As a participant, you will step into the daily life of the early-years centres, helping the children at playtime and through their everyday routines too.
It is an experience that lets you live Thai culture from the inside, build genuine relationships and watch the children grow in confidence one day at a time.
The project was set up to support local teachers in building basic skills, especially English, using simple, fun activities like songs, games and drawing. As a participant, you will step into the daily life of the early-years centres, helping the children at playtime and through their everyday routines too.
It is an experience that lets you live Thai culture from the inside, build genuine relationships and watch the children grow in confidence one day at a time.
Early years and community life: an experience in Chiang Mai
In Chiang Mai, local kindergartens welcome volunteers who bring practical help and fresh energy into the classroom.
In the villages around Chiang Mai, the youngest classes are often big and the teachers really need a hand to give every child the attention they deserve.
The project was set up to support local teachers in building basic skills, especially English, using simple, fun activities like songs, games and drawing. As a participant, you will step into the daily life of the early-years centres, helping the children at playtime and through their everyday routines too.
It is an experience that lets you live Thai culture from the inside, build genuine relationships and watch the children grow in confidence one day at a time.
The project was set up to support local teachers in building basic skills, especially English, using simple, fun activities like songs, games and drawing. As a participant, you will step into the daily life of the early-years centres, helping the children at playtime and through their everyday routines too.
It is an experience that lets you live Thai culture from the inside, build genuine relationships and watch the children grow in confidence one day at a time.
Why participate
Support the youngest
You help children aged 2 to 6 take their first steps in learning, with games, songs and creative activities.
The Weekly Program
Weekdays
From Monday to Friday, you will join the kindergartens and early-years centres, in the morning or afternoon depending on the timetable. In the classroom you will support the local teachers and get the children involved with games, songs and simple activities.
The rest of the day is for prep, community life with the other volunteers and free time to discover the culture and surroundings of Chiang Mai.
07:30Breakfast at the centre and planning the day with the other participants
09:00Time at the kindergartens: games, songs and supporting the teachers in the youngest classes
12:00Lunch break at the centre and a relax in the garden with the group
14:00Afternoon classroom activities: creative workshops and helping with the children's daily routines
16:30Prep for the next day's activities, or free time to explore Chiang Mai and its markets
19:00Shared dinner at the centre, then an evening together with films, games or cultural activities
Weekend
Weekends are free of set activities. You can explore the area, plan a short trip, or just take it easy with the other volunteers.
Walk among the temples of Chiang Mai
Discover the famous Wat Phra Singh and Wat Chedi Luang, getting a sense of the spirituality and architecture of the north.
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FAQs
🏠 Accommodation in Chiang Mai (San Sai)
Welcome to our community centre: a simple, practical house in San Sai, around 30–45 minutes from the airport. You will find the basics for comfort, common spaces to unwind after activities and a grounded feel, a little out of the city bustle but close to markets, temples and small local restaurants.
Rooms are shared and lockable, with a personal locker for valuables. Bathrooms are shared, with showers and hot water. Common areas include a lounge and garden: ideal for studying, prepping lessons or having a chat with the other volunteers. It is a small community here, friendships happen quickly!
🍽️ Meals
Meals are included: 3 a day on weekdays and 2 at weekends. Home-style cooking, vegetarian-friendly, mixing Thai dishes with more international options. Drinking water, tea and coffee are available throughout the day.
🛏️ What's included
• Shared rooms with locks and personal lockers
• 3 meals a day (weekdays), 2 at weekends
• Free drinks (water, tea, coffee)
• Common spaces for relaxing and socialising (lounge and garden)
• Shared bathrooms with hot showers
• 24/7 support from the local team
📶 Useful notes
The accommodation does not provide towels; clean linen is provided on arrival. Laundry is available for a small fee (or hand-wash). Wi-Fi is in the common areas but can be patchy: if you want to stay properly online, consider a local SIM or an eSIM through Airalo.
💛 Living at the house
More than just a place to stay, it is a place to meet. Sharing meals, swapping ideas and putting on garden evenings will make your time in Chiang Mai that bit more memorable.
Welcome to our community centre: a simple, practical house in San Sai, around 30–45 minutes from the airport. You will find the basics for comfort, common spaces to unwind after activities and a grounded feel, a little out of the city bustle but close to markets, temples and small local restaurants.
Rooms are shared and lockable, with a personal locker for valuables. Bathrooms are shared, with showers and hot water. Common areas include a lounge and garden: ideal for studying, prepping lessons or having a chat with the other volunteers. It is a small community here, friendships happen quickly!
🍽️ Meals
Meals are included: 3 a day on weekdays and 2 at weekends. Home-style cooking, vegetarian-friendly, mixing Thai dishes with more international options. Drinking water, tea and coffee are available throughout the day.
🛏️ What's included
• Shared rooms with locks and personal lockers
• 3 meals a day (weekdays), 2 at weekends
• Free drinks (water, tea, coffee)
• Common spaces for relaxing and socialising (lounge and garden)
• Shared bathrooms with hot showers
• 24/7 support from the local team
📶 Useful notes
The accommodation does not provide towels; clean linen is provided on arrival. Laundry is available for a small fee (or hand-wash). Wi-Fi is in the common areas but can be patchy: if you want to stay properly online, consider a local SIM or an eSIM through Airalo.
💛 Living at the house
More than just a place to stay, it is a place to meet. Sharing meals, swapping ideas and putting on garden evenings will make your time in Chiang Mai that bit more memorable.
🛡️ Safety and support
Your safety is our top priority. In Chiang Mai we only work with reliable local schools and communities, in quiet areas, always supported by our local team on the ground.
🔹 Background checks and safe spaces
To keep things calm and safe for everyone, every volunteer is asked to provide a criminal record check (DBS or equivalent) before travelling. We will send you full step-by-step instructions on how to get it. It is a simple process, but an important one to protect you, the other participants and the local community.
🔹 Solid safety standards
• Lockable shared rooms
• Personal lockers for your things
• Local staff on hand throughout
• San Sai is a quiet, welcoming area, with hospitals and medical centres easy to reach
🔹 24/7 support
From your arrival to the end of your stay, you will always have someone to turn to. The local team is on call 24/7 for anything that comes up, and our UK team is also reachable on WhatsApp for any practical needs or urgent communication.
🔹 Briefing and orientation
On your first day you will join the orientation meeting, where you learn everything you need: local rules, safety tips, customs and practical info to get around Chiang Mai with confidence.
🔹 A few sensible habits
✔ Use official taxis or the Grab app for getting around.
✔ Carry only the cash you need for the day.
✔ Always follow the local team's advice.
💡 Our aim
A safe, well-cared-for and positive setting, so you can focus on what really matters: teaching, learning and getting to know northern Thailand from the inside 🌸
Your safety is our top priority. In Chiang Mai we only work with reliable local schools and communities, in quiet areas, always supported by our local team on the ground.
🔹 Background checks and safe spaces
To keep things calm and safe for everyone, every volunteer is asked to provide a criminal record check (DBS or equivalent) before travelling. We will send you full step-by-step instructions on how to get it. It is a simple process, but an important one to protect you, the other participants and the local community.
🔹 Solid safety standards
• Lockable shared rooms
• Personal lockers for your things
• Local staff on hand throughout
• San Sai is a quiet, welcoming area, with hospitals and medical centres easy to reach
🔹 24/7 support
From your arrival to the end of your stay, you will always have someone to turn to. The local team is on call 24/7 for anything that comes up, and our UK team is also reachable on WhatsApp for any practical needs or urgent communication.
🔹 Briefing and orientation
On your first day you will join the orientation meeting, where you learn everything you need: local rules, safety tips, customs and practical info to get around Chiang Mai with confidence.
🔹 A few sensible habits
✔ Use official taxis or the Grab app for getting around.
✔ Carry only the cash you need for the day.
✔ Always follow the local team's advice.
💡 Our aim
A safe, well-cared-for and positive setting, so you can focus on what really matters: teaching, learning and getting to know northern Thailand from the inside 🌸
🧭 Orientation day
Welcome to Chiang Mai! Your first Monday is all about settling in, getting your bearings and feeling at home straight away 😄
Through the day, the local team will walk you through a mix of practical activities and cultural moments to give you a solid foundation before the project begins:
• Welcome meeting with programme introduction and house rules
• Useful tips on health, safety and good daily habits
• A short introduction to Thai culture (and a few first words in Thai to try!)
• A mini cultural "survival guide": what to do and what to avoid so you can settle in respectfully
• A walk around San Sai with handy stops at markets, small shops and local spots
• Help picking up a local SIM, or the option to arrive with an eSIM already active through Airalo
It is also the perfect time to meet the other volunteers, break the ice and find out what brought everyone here.
📌 From Tuesday it all begins!
After this introductory day, you will start the education project at the local schools, with the local coordinators on hand throughout.
Welcome to Chiang Mai! Your first Monday is all about settling in, getting your bearings and feeling at home straight away 😄
Through the day, the local team will walk you through a mix of practical activities and cultural moments to give you a solid foundation before the project begins:
• Welcome meeting with programme introduction and house rules
• Useful tips on health, safety and good daily habits
• A short introduction to Thai culture (and a few first words in Thai to try!)
• A mini cultural "survival guide": what to do and what to avoid so you can settle in respectfully
• A walk around San Sai with handy stops at markets, small shops and local spots
• Help picking up a local SIM, or the option to arrive with an eSIM already active through Airalo
It is also the perfect time to meet the other volunteers, break the ice and find out what brought everyone here.
📌 From Tuesday it all begins!
After this introductory day, you will start the education project at the local schools, with the local coordinators on hand throughout.
✈️ Arrival in Chiang Mai (CNX)
For an easy start, book your arrival on Sunday between 08:00 and 16:00 at Chiang Mai Airport (CNX). Pickup within these hours is included and we will take you to the centre in San Sai.
If you arrive on a Saturday, an extra night and an extra paid pickup are required.
If you arrive outside the Sunday window, you can request a paid pickup or make your own way to the centre.
If you arrive overland or are already in town, you can join the Sunday meeting at 14:00 directly at CNX airport.
📍 Meeting point at the airport
Meet at Level 1, Door 5 of Chiang Mai Airport.
If you arrive on an international flight, exit into the arrivals hall, stay on the same floor, turn left and walk to Entrance 5.
If you arrive on a domestic flight, exit into the arrivals hall, stay on the same floor, turn right and walk to Entrance 5.
The area can get busy. Wait near the entrance and look for the sign with your name or the partner organisation's name. Do not move from the meeting point.
⏱️ Allow at least 1 hour between landing and meeting time for passport control and luggage. Let the team know about any delays via WhatsApp.
👜 Luggage
There is no specific limit set by the programme for arrival in Chiang Mai. If you are travelling with very large luggage, let us know in advance so we can sort the transfer.
🚕 Making your own way to the centre
On Sundays, arrivals are accepted between 06:00 and 20:00.
Taxi from CNX takes around 30–45 minutes.
Indicative fare 300–400 THB per trip. Always ask for the meter or agree the price before getting in.
📱 Internet connection
To stay in touch with the team, we recommend buying an eSIM before you travel through Airalo, so you have internet on landing. Otherwise, you can pick up a local SIM at the airport.
🧭 If you cannot find the coordinator
Check you are at the right point. Stay at the meeting point. After 15 minutes, send a WhatsApp message with your name and flight details. If they do not reply straight away, they may be welcoming someone else. Do not leave the meeting point and try again.
📌 Before you travel
Send us your flight details as soon as you book.
Complete the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) within 3 days of arrival.
For entry, we recommend a Visa Exemption if eligible, or a Tourist Visa. If officials ask the purpose of your trip, you can say "Tourism with cultural learning and community activities".
🏁 Departure and return flight
Check-out is by 12:00 on Saturday.
The return transfer is not included. We can help you book a taxi to CNX or, if you are carrying on, towards your next stop.
We would suggest booking your return flight for Saturday evening or Sunday morning, so you can leave the centre in your own time and get to the airport without rushing. If you are heading on to other parts of Thailand, let us know in advance so we can suggest the best option.
For an easy start, book your arrival on Sunday between 08:00 and 16:00 at Chiang Mai Airport (CNX). Pickup within these hours is included and we will take you to the centre in San Sai.
If you arrive on a Saturday, an extra night and an extra paid pickup are required.
If you arrive outside the Sunday window, you can request a paid pickup or make your own way to the centre.
If you arrive overland or are already in town, you can join the Sunday meeting at 14:00 directly at CNX airport.
📍 Meeting point at the airport
Meet at Level 1, Door 5 of Chiang Mai Airport.
If you arrive on an international flight, exit into the arrivals hall, stay on the same floor, turn left and walk to Entrance 5.
If you arrive on a domestic flight, exit into the arrivals hall, stay on the same floor, turn right and walk to Entrance 5.
The area can get busy. Wait near the entrance and look for the sign with your name or the partner organisation's name. Do not move from the meeting point.
⏱️ Allow at least 1 hour between landing and meeting time for passport control and luggage. Let the team know about any delays via WhatsApp.
👜 Luggage
There is no specific limit set by the programme for arrival in Chiang Mai. If you are travelling with very large luggage, let us know in advance so we can sort the transfer.
🚕 Making your own way to the centre
On Sundays, arrivals are accepted between 06:00 and 20:00.
Taxi from CNX takes around 30–45 minutes.
Indicative fare 300–400 THB per trip. Always ask for the meter or agree the price before getting in.
📱 Internet connection
To stay in touch with the team, we recommend buying an eSIM before you travel through Airalo, so you have internet on landing. Otherwise, you can pick up a local SIM at the airport.
🧭 If you cannot find the coordinator
Check you are at the right point. Stay at the meeting point. After 15 minutes, send a WhatsApp message with your name and flight details. If they do not reply straight away, they may be welcoming someone else. Do not leave the meeting point and try again.
📌 Before you travel
Send us your flight details as soon as you book.
Complete the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) within 3 days of arrival.
For entry, we recommend a Visa Exemption if eligible, or a Tourist Visa. If officials ask the purpose of your trip, you can say "Tourism with cultural learning and community activities".
🏁 Departure and return flight
Check-out is by 12:00 on Saturday.
The return transfer is not included. We can help you book a taxi to CNX or, if you are carrying on, towards your next stop.
We would suggest booking your return flight for Saturday evening or Sunday morning, so you can leave the centre in your own time and get to the airport without rushing. If you are heading on to other parts of Thailand, let us know in advance so we can suggest the best option.
Book your spot
1
Send your application (free)
Pick the project you like the look of and tell us when you'd like to travel. No commitment, the application is free and non-binding.
2
Meet your coordinator
After your application, we'll put you in touch with your dedicated coordinator. They'll walk you through everything and answer your questions.
3
Confirm your spot
When you're ready, pay the deposit to lock in your spot. You'll get everything you need: local contacts, a visa guide and your pre-trip pack.
4
Off you go
Pack your bag and travel. On arrival you'll find other travellers like you, a welcoming local team, and a trip you'll be talking about for a while.
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