To make the best out of your volunteer vacation, try to follow local style where ever possible. It will not only give a better first impression but helps avoiding trouble with some tuktuk drivers and others hunting for the average tourist they can overcharge.
Here are a few hints for future volunteers.
It is generally simple, local style accommodation depending on your placement. Normally you will stay in a twin room in one of our volunteer dorms in the middle of Nongkhai, together with other volunteers. These are a old style Thai houses with a kitchen for your use. Be prepared for Thai style bathrooms without hot water.
We provide you with pillows and blankets. Please bring your own towels.
There are several places to eat around and many volunteers prefer to eat out and enjoy the wide variety of Asian food. For going around town we have bicycles.
If you prefer to stay more comfortable or need more privacy, we can help you making arrangements with one of the local hotels. Same when you come with your family or someone not taking part in your volunteer activities. In this case Thai-Experience.org will reduce your placement fee.
TopVolunteers may stay with a Thai family. This is a great opportunity for open-minded volunteers, who do not need privacy or comfort. The houses are simple, your host does speak only little English. Thai people have lesser need for privacy than the usual Western person.
TopNongkhai knows mainly three seasons:
We had some pretty cold days during February and March the last years so come prepared with a sweater or jacket during this time.
Buengkan shares the same seasons with slightly lower temperatures in cold season.
To help your body adjust to the different climate wear loose clothing from natural materials to allow for ventilation, drink lots of water or fruit juices and stay out of the direct sun. Apply suntan lotion on all parts of your body exposed to the sun ( don't forget your feet when wearing sandals). Be careful when changing from the hot outside to air conditioned rooms or cars to prevent catching a cold.
Please bring modest clothing for teaching. T-shirts and long pants, pants or skirts and dresses below the knees are fine for volunteering at school but no shorts or mini-skirts. Avoid bare shoulders, see-through material or tight clothes. Keep this sort of clothes for the beach. And women should wear a bra!
Best you pack some light, loose cotton clothes. And do not forget a jacket or sweater when you come in the cold season or plan to go to the mountains.
Additionally think of some proper shoes to wear at your volunteer place. Shoes showing your toes like sandals or flip flops are fine for your free time, but to teach you will need a pair of closed shoes.
TopThai food is the best in the world many people say. We do not know your taste or allergies. So we do not include food in the placement cost.
Some give Thai street vendors a try, others stick to mainly Western food. While local food can be as cheap as 20 Baht per meal at one of the roadside restaurants, western food is more expensive.
In most schools you share their lunch at no extra cost for you. And you are welcome to join our Thai breakfast at the office from time to time.
The volunteer house has a kitchen. So if you have special dietary needs or allergies, you could prepare your own meals.
There are vegetarian / vegan restaurants in Nongkhai. They also offer take-away food.
TopConsult your doctor or a travel physician about any special medication and vaccinations you might need. Tell him / her that you are going to Thailand and will stay in rural areas. Health risks important to consider are mainly stomach upsets, hepatitis or traffic accidents. There are tropical diseases in Thailand as well.
Here are some internet addresses for more information:
Centres for Disease Control and Prevention
World Health organization WHO
www.lonelyplanet.com/health/
There are three hospitals, as well as general practitioners in Nongkhai, one in Buengkan, and a lot of pharmacies but if you rely on special medication better bring it from home. The hospitals offer a walk-in service, where you can see a general practitioner, during the daytime usually from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m..
The Thai word for private hospital is "long-piya-barn ekachon".
We recommend you apply for health and accident insurance before you come. Even though the costs for treatment are low, compared to Western countries, once you have to stay in a hospital for treatment it will sum up. A travel health insurance may also relocate you in case your illness can not be treated in Thailand.
Different local brands of mosquito repellent are available.
Suntan lotion is also available but mostly labelled "whitening". We have no clue if it is just a marketing issue because Thai people value light skin. The sun is quite strong and you might consider bringing a high SP-factor lotion from hone.
At the moment there is no immunisation required for Thailand. Vaccines that are generally recommended for adults are Polio, Typhoid, Tetanus and Hepatitis 'A' .
This disease is generally transmitted by the sharing of hypodermic needles or by sexual contact.
If you do require an injection of any kind, watch carefully to see that the doctor or nurse uses a new syringe and needle. Generally this is the normal practice, but it pays to be careful.
We can not give you medical advice, please ask your doctor and do what suits you best. There are anti malaria drugs you can take. They all have side effects especially when taken over a longer period of time. Many people just bring some as standby medication. Please notice that not all brands or prescriptions are available in Thailand. Bring a sufficient quantity from home.
Best protection against Malaria is not to get bitten by mosquitoes. Use a mosquito net, repellent and keep the screens at windows and doors closed when in places where there are some. Light coloured clothing with long sleeves and long trousers also can help.
TopThere are several internet cafes in the cities but few in villages.
TopThe language spoken is Thai with local dialects. You do not have to speak Thai to participate in our program. With English you can get by in most situations. Like in other countries the more educated people are the better their English is.
We offer basic Thai language classes for all volunteers staying at our volunteer centers in Nongkhai or Buengkan.
TopYou will find someone doing the laundry for you in nearly all places. Usually it takes 2 - 3 days and you will get them back clean, pressed and neatly folded. Price per piece varies from 5 to 10 Baht.
Underwear is considered very private and some laundry services will not take your underwear. When washing it yourself, you should not dry it in public areas.
In Nongkhai coin operated maschines are available.
TopBeside food other costs you should calculate for are bottled water, laundry, email and mail and calls home. In your spare time you also might want to travel or take a massage or cooking course, rent a motorcycle or buy souvenirs.
Thai currency comes in 10, 20, 50, 100, 500 and 1000 Baht notes and several smaller coins.
1 Euro equals approx. 48 Baht, 1 US$ equals approx. 38 Baht. Banks are open from Monday to Friday 8.30.a.m. to 3.30 p.m. except on holidays. At ATMs you can withdraw money 24 hours with your bank or credit card.
Link to XE.com Currency Converter
The country code for Thailand is +66.
When calling a number in Thailand it is necessary to dial the whole number, including the area code, even if you are in the same area. All area codes are prefixed with a 0. The 0 is dropped if you are dialling from outside Thailand. You can call to international destinations from specially marked public phones.
If possible bring your mobile. Thai SIM cards and prepaid cards are readily available in many places. It helps us, and others, staying in contact with you as there are not always phone lines in the rural areas.
TopWater from taps is suitable for brushing your teeth but not for drinking. Please drink only bottled water. The water you are offered at street side eateries or in Thai homes is usually safe to drink, so do not worry when you are offered a glass of water or some tea. Ice cubes served in drinks are normally ok as they are usually prepared from boiled or bottled water.
Stomach upsets are difficult to avoid and are often not related to dirty drinking water but unusual living conditions and climate. So give your mind and body some time to adjust.
TopMost nationalities do not require a visa for a stay of up to 30 days if they have a ticket for onward travel and adequate funds. Longer visits require a visa from a Thai embassy and consulate obtained in advance. Contact your nearest Thai embassy or consulate or click here to get all details Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Please also check the Country Info page to learn more about Thailand, Thai culture and customs. You will also find some information about the places where we work.
Giles Smith has a website that deals with travel preparations like packing, flight ticket etc.