Thailand Coastal Conservation Expedition

Trang, located in southern Thailand near the Andaman coast, is home to serene coastal areas. This region is celebrated for its unspoiled natural beauty, with tranquil beaches, lush mangroves, and vibrant seagrass beds supporting a rich marine ecosystem teeming with diverse sea life and coral reefs.

For those eager to explore, Trang offers access to local fishing communities, traditional markets, and peaceful coastal trails, offering an authentic taste of the area's relaxed charm and stunning biodiversity.

As a volunteer in Thailand, you’ll have the chance to see incredible species like turtles, dugongs (rare sightings), a variety of tropical fish, gibbons, woodpeckers, hornbills and more.

- Our projects focus on habitat restoration from land to sea. The core focus of the restoration work is to help rejuvenate seagrass meadows and mitigate the factors on land that cause their destruction. The sighting of dugongs and turtles in the area is extremely rare, hence the importance of this work.
- We use things like tracks, dugong trails, camera trap footage of monkeys, bird counts, etc to support our monitoring and research.
- Project work is subject to weather conditions and project needs.
- Scheduled activities include fieldwork, data analysis, classroom briefings and personal work time. Outside of scheduled activities, participants will have ample time to relax with fellow teammates at the accommodation and have the possibility to participate in extracurricular cultural, educational and/or physical activities (one per week scheduled).
- All participants must undergo two swim practices before participating in snorkel surveys - one open water swim and one open water swim with snorkeling equipment. If a participant is not capable of completing these comfortably, they won't be able to join the snorkel surveys. A good level of fitness is essential for this project.

Some of the example typical activities you could participate in on this program.
Fieldwork training: Learn how to identify species and conduct surveys so that you can contribute to data collection and conservation activities.
Biodiversity surveys: Collect data on forest species composition and species phenology, conduct bird surveys and contribute to stumptail macaques population dynamics and behavioral ecology research.
Mangrove restoration: Learn the fundamentals of CBEMR (Community-based ecological mangrove restoration) combining community engagement and participatory methodologies with transformative environmental education and ecosystem restoration practices.
Community-based mangrove management plans: Participate in our project supporting communities in the adaptive management of their natural resources and supporting local livelihoods.
Mangrove ecosystem surveys: Collect data on mangrove species composition, diversity, abundance and zonation patterns.
Seagrass surveys: Participate in surveys (snorkeling-based or walking) in the shallows to document the health and distribution of seagrass meadows which are essential habitats for many marine species.
Habitat mapping: Assist in mapping coastal areas using drone images and georeferencing the sites to assess the seasonal changes in coastal habitats due to climate change and other human impacts.
Community engagement & outreach: Spread awareness of minimising plastic and contribute to coastal conservation initiatives such as environmental awareness campaigns, community outreach and environmental education. Assist with community events and consultations, and promoting sustainable practices while gaining a holistic view of coastal conservation challenges and opportunities. Take part in beach clean-ups, community outreach and environmental education.

Please note that this is just a sample schedule and your daily tasks will be influenced by the needs of the project and the activities happening at the time.

08:00 Breakfast: Enjoy a delicious breakfast together to start the day.
09:00 Project work: Get involved in impactful projects such as community-based mangrove restoration or seagrass and dugong habitat conservation. On occasion, you may also participate in mind-body wellness activities.
12:00 Lunch: Take a break for lunch and catch up on the morning's activities with the rest of the team.
13:00 Project work or wellness activity: This may include mapping and monitoring of mangroves, coral restoration activities, or a beach clean. Occasionally, you'll get to join a mind-body wellness activity such as a Muay Thai class.
19:00 Return to the hub: When project work is finished for the day, you'll head back to your accommodation.
19:30 Dinner: Enjoy your evening meal and take the opportunity to reflect on the day.
20:30 Free time: The rest of the evening is free for you to enjoy social time with the other participants or relax.

You will have Saturdays and Sundays off. On occasion, we may have weekend project activities.

- 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

There is 1 experience offered per month. Volunteers on longer durations will not be eligible to repeat Experiences. Please note, Experiences are subject to change or substitution and are optional. Volunteers who elect, or are unable, to participate will not be eligible for any refunds. Volunteers must ensure their travel insurance covers any activities. These are just some of the activities offered on your program:

- Learn to make traditional Thai food
- Visit a Buddhist temple
- Swim in a healing hot spring
- Master Muay Thai self-defense techniques
- Explore offshore islands
- Hike to hidden waterfalls
- Support sustainability through recycled art
- Enjoy a Meditation and Hatha/Yin Yoga class

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.

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.
April and May:
Thailand’s New Year, also known as Songkran, is celebrated during April every year. It is a family-centered holiday, and many travel to their homes where they honor the older members of their extended families. They wash statues of Buddha, which represents good fortune and cleansing of the past before stepping into the new year. In May, Thai people celebrate Buddha’s birthday (also known as Visakha Puja). Community members gather at temples to give donations, listen to sermons, and chant prayers.
July to October:
In July, many Buddhists celebrate Asalha Puja, which commemorates Buddha’s first sermon to his disciples. This starts the annual three-month retreat of the monks, known as Vassa. The retreat ends with a celebration called Wan Ok Phansa. This is marked in Northeast Thailand with illuminated boat processions filled with offerings and beautifully decorated with flowers, candles, and lamps.
September/October:
Also known as the Nine Emperor Gods Festival, the Thai Vegetarian Festival takes place in the 9th lunar month of the Chinese calendar, usually in September or October, and lasts for nine days. During this time members of the community abstain from eating meat, drinking alcohol and telling lies, in order to purify the body and mind. In the days leading up to the festival, the island is decorated with yellow Chinese flags. Phuket prepares for the festival by deep cleaning their shrines, setting up stages, hanging elaborate Chinese-inspired decorations and parade accessories. Dozens of vegetarian food stalls are set up and line the streets of Phuket Town. The festival is popular in towns and districts across Thailand, including Takuapa, where we celebrate.
November:
Loi Krathong, the festival of a thousand lights, is celebrated in November. People set thousands of lanterns out on rivers and lakes around the country to pay their respects to the goddess of water, Ganga. It is a spectacular site that draws many international visitors each year.

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. Travel to Wat Suwan Khuha to see the reclining Buddha or Wat Rat Uppatham to see a massive painted statue of Kuan Yin and Buddha rising out of the lush green countryside. In our local area you’ll find a mix of Thai, Chinese and Burmese Buddhism, which have their own temples and traditions. We are ideally located to experience all three.
Dancing
The fluid movements and opulent gilded costumes of Thai traditional dancing are recognizable 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 flavors. 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.