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Brilliant 4.72rating (254)
  • Industry, Innovation And Infrastructure

Construction & Maintenance

location
1 - 12 weeks  ·  Age 18 - 50+
Verified

Highlights

  • Gain practical experience in light construction and renovation work
  • Join ongoing and existing projects at homes, schools and other community buildings
  • Work as a team with fellow volunteers and local workers

Highlights

  • Gain practical experience in light construction and renovation work
  • Join ongoing and existing projects at homes, schools and other community buildings
  • Work as a team with fellow volunteers and local workers
  • Improve the safety of buildings under the supervision of a tradesman
  • Stay right by the beach!
    • You don't have to pay anything yet

    Especially good for

    Age 18+
    Singles
    Couples
    Families
    Groups
    50+

    About the program

    Help renovate poor housing conditions and many of the local community areas and facilities, such as temples and schools, assiting the local community.

    Join the Koh Samui Community Renovation Program to create a meaningful impact in the lives of locals while experiencing the richness of Thai culture. This hands-on program focuses on improving schools and temples, vital pillars of the community’s heritage and development. Participants take part in ...

    About the program

    Join the Koh Samui Community Renovation Program to create a meaningful impact in the lives of locals while experiencing the richness of Thai culture. This hands-on program focuses on improving schools and temples, vital pillars of the community’s heritage and development. Participants take part in essential construction and renovation tasks that enhance educational spaces and preserve cultural landmarks, leaving a lasting legacy.

    Guided by experienced coordinators, you’ll develop new skills, collaborate with the community, and contribute to transformative projects that promote pride and progress in Koh Samui.

    Program Highlights

    • School Renovation: Improve learning environments by painting classrooms, repairing furniture, landscaping, and enhancing educational spaces.
    • Temple Restoration: Support the preservation of cultural and spiritual sites by repairing, cleaning, and beautifying temples to uphold Thai traditions.
    • Skill Building: Learn practical construction techniques such as plastering, mixing cement, and basic repairs under the guidance of skilled coordinators.
    • Cultural Connection: Work alongside local residents, gaining valuable insights into Thai traditions, values, and their commitment to cleanliness and environmental care.
    • Positive Impact: Make a direct difference by enhancing spaces that promote education and cultural preservation within the Koh Samui community.

    Location

    Koh Samui is a beautiful island in the Gulf of Thailand, famous for its white-sand beaches, palm-fringed coastlines, and relaxed island atmosphere. Known for its friendly locals and rich cultural heritage, the island offers a unique blend of natural beauty and vibrant traditions. As a volunteer destination, Koh Samui provides an inspiring environment where you can contribute to the community while experiencing authentic Thai culture.

    Project Tasks

    • Foster cultural exchange through collaboration with the local community
    • Provide you with practical experience in basic construction and renovation
    • Enhance the quality of life for the local Thai community through our renovation efforts
    • Thailand Digital Arrival Card
      • All incoming passengers are required to submit the Thailand Digital Arrival Card via this link: tdac.immigration.go.th. The system has changed from paper to digital submission. For more information, please review the link.

    Minors traveling to Thailand

    Minors traveling to Thailand with/without parents/legal guardians are required to adhere to instructions of the Thai immigration. For more information, please check here.

    Motorbike Hire
    Please note, motorbike hire is strictly prohibited for volunteers, including when outside the centre on weekends. If a participant is found to have hired a motorbike, this will result in termination of the program with no refund. 

    Typical day

    Monday (first week)
    • Introduction meeting, House rules, Setting Expectations, Health and Safety Advice and handling of documents, and Signing of Documents.
    • Thai Do's and Don'ts, Thai Culture Lessons, and Thai Language Lessons.
    • Lunch
    • Project Meetings, Preparation, Visits, and Observation alongside Local ...

    Typical day

    Monday (first week)
    • Introduction meeting, House rules, Setting Expectations, Health and Safety Advice and handling of documents, and Signing of Documents.
    • Thai Do's and Don'ts, Thai Culture Lessons, and Thai Language Lessons.
    • Lunch
    • Project Meetings, Preparation, Visits, and Observation alongside Local Coordinator
    • Dinner 
    Tuesday to Friday (and Monday from 2nd week) - 4-5 hours a day
    • Breakfast
    • Community renovation
    • Lunch
    • Community renovation
    • Dinner

    ***This schedule can be changed and/or amended depending on weather conditions, local conditions and unforeseen circumstances.***

    Free-time activities

    Ang Thong National Marine Park
    The Ang Thong National Marine Park is a scenic cluster of 42 limestone islands spanning over 95 square miles (246 square kilometres) in southern Thailand. Known for its dramatic karst formations, the park features secluded beaches, towering cliffs, and hidden caves. ..

    Free-time activities

    Ang Thong National Marine Park
    The Ang Thong National Marine Park is a scenic cluster of 42 limestone islands spanning over 95 square miles (246 square kilometres) in southern Thailand. Known for its dramatic karst formations, the park features secluded beaches, towering cliffs, and hidden caves. It’s also a haven for wildlife, including birds, monkeys, and dolphins.

    Secret Buddha Garden (Magic Garden)
    Hidden within Koh Samui’s lush hills, the Secret Buddha Garden is an enchanting site featuring stone sculptures of Buddha, animals, and mythical beings surrounded by waterfalls. Created by local farmer Nim Thongsuk, this serene garden serves as both an artful sanctuary and his final resting place.

    Na Muang Waterfall
    Located in Koh Samui’s mountainous interior, Na Muang Waterfall has two tiers: an easily accessible lower tier with a natural pool, and a higher, more secluded spot reached by a 30-minute hike. Surrounded by dense jungle, this free-access site is a favourite for visitors seeking a refreshing retreat.

    Koh Tan (Koh Taen)
    Just three miles south of Koh Samui, Koh Tan (also known as Koh Taen or Coral Island) offers tranquil beaches, mangrove forests, and diverse coral reefs ideal for snorkelling. With no cars and only around 30 residents, the island gives visitors a glimpse of traditional Thai island life.

    Grandmother and Grandfather Rocks (Hin Yai and Hin Ta)
    Koh Samui’s Grandmother and Grandfather Rocks on Lamai Beach are intriguing natural formations resembling male and female anatomy. A popular tourist spot, these unique rock outcrops sit on a beautiful beach with tide pools, making it an amusing and scenic destination.

    Big Buddha Temple (Wat Phra Yai)

    Koh Samui’s iconic Big Buddha Temple, or Wat Phra Yai, features a towering 40-foot (12-meter) golden Buddha statue that is visible from miles away. Situated on the north coast, it’s both an active worship site and a landmark for visitors seeking cultural insight and panoramic views.

    Butterfly Hill Samui
    Butterfly Hill is a scenic garden on Koh Samui that houses hundreds of vibrant butterflies, as well as other insects and tropical flowers. The hilltop location offers picturesque views of the island and sea, and visitors can cool off at a nearby waterfall.

    Aow Leuk Beach
    On Koh Tao’s southeastern side, Aow Leuk Beach is a quiet and somewhat secluded spot with soft sand and crystal-clear waters, providing a peaceful escape from the island’s busier areas. It’s ideal for snorkelling, as the calm, shallow waters are home to colourful marine life.

    Chaweng Beach

    The longest and most popular beach on Koh Samui, Chaweng Beach boasts turquoise waters, swaying palm trees, and vibrant nightlife. With a 3-mile (5-kilometer) stretch of soft white sand, Chaweng is perfect for swimming, water sports, and unwinding amid the lively beach scene.

    Requirements

    Requirements

    Minimum Age: 18 years

    In order to join the program you need to be at least 18 years old on the program start date. There might be exemptions if you can provide the permission of your legal guardian(s) or if your are accompanied by your parents.

    Language Skills

    You need to speak English (basic level)

    Criminal Background Check

    required

    Nationality Restrictions

    No restrictions. Helping hands from all over the world are welcome.

    Time Commitment

    Your helping hand will be required on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday

    What's Included

    What's Included

    On-site Services

    • Accommodation
    • 3 meals p/day weekdays / 2 meals p/day weekends
    • Arrival airport transfer (Sat/Sun arrivals)
    • Filtered drinking water, coffee & tea
    • 1 day orientation
    • Daily transportation to project
    • In country 24/7 support & emergency assistance
    • Fundraising support
    • University course credits (where applicable)
    • Certificate of Completion

    Airport Pickup at Koh Samui Airport

    Programs begin every Monday, and volunteers are required to arrive the day prior, for orientation before the project. Your accommodation on the Sunday is included in the program fees. 

    A free airport pickup is included when arriving to Koh Samui (USM) Airport. You must arrive between 08.00 and 17:00 on Sunday.

    If arriving outside the pickup times, you can book a private transfer and any extra nights accommodation for an extra fee.

    Alternatively, if arriving early you could wait at the arrival’s terminal for the pickup time, book accommodation at the airport and meet us during the pickup times or make your own way to the project (we will advise on how to do this). 

    From the airport to the accommodation in Koh Sammi, it takes around 1 hour. 

    Accommodation

    You will stay at the volunteer accommodation which has shared dorm rooms of 4-8 people (single gender). The accommodation has fans, air-con, wifi, hot showers and bed linen. For laundry you can hand wash or use a laundry facility in town. There is also a swimming pool and spacious living areas for relaxation.

    *Private rooms are available for an additional fee, subject to availability.


    Private Room Upgrade: please contact us directly for options and pricing

    *Please note: Upgrade prices can change, so please check the price with us first

    Food & Beverages

    All the meals served inside the accommodation are homestyle, vegetarian-friendly and you can expect that they will be typically Thai, including plenty of rice or noodle dishes with vegetables and occasionally some meat will be provided as well, along with seasonal fruits for dessert.

    While we do our best to accommodate our participants, what we provide for most meals is local cuisine. If you are a picky eater, have dietary restrictions, or if you think that you will not be satisfied with the local dishes provided, you might want to consider supplementing our menu with Western-type foods and snacks that are more to your liking.

    Internet Access

    Good access at the project site
    You don't have to pay anything yet

    What's NOT included?

    What's NOT included?

    Flight Tickets

    The nearest airport is Koh Samui Airport (USM) in Koh Samui. We assist you to find cheap flights to Thailand. FIND CHEAP FLIGHTS

    Travel Insurance

    Going abroad is an adventure and it is always best to be prepared. Sudden illness or injury, cancellation or theft - a travel insurance for Thailand provides security and is a plus to have. GET A QUOTE

    Vaccines

    If you are intending to volunteer in Thailand you should seek medical advice before starting your social journey. Check your required vaccinations for Thailand. VACCINE CHECKER

    Details on arrival

    Arrival on Sundays. 

    Availability
    Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

    Program Fees

    $823 per week 1 - 12 weeks Age 18 - 50+

    Payment methods

    Visa Master Card Maestro American Express PayPal

    NO CREDIT CARD FEES

    Duration

    1 - 12 weeks

    Deposit

    Reserve your spot with just a few clicks and a small, secure deposit. You can pay by credit card, PayPal, or other convenient methods.

    Final Payment

    You’ll agree on the final payment method with your local organization during the application process. This final payment is only due closer to the start of your trip.

    You don't have to pay anything yet
    4.7
    Top Pick
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    Sarah Damaschin

    School Construction

    Location

    Asia > South East Asia > Thailand > Koh Samui

    Meet your project coordinator

    Lauren
    254
    reviews
    4.72
    Brilliant
    1989
    Founded

    Verified

      Very high response rate
    Spoken languages: English
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    Volunteer Abroad  >  Community  >  Construction in Thailand
    Contact Lauren
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    Travel dates

    1. - 1. Jan 1

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