We have all the information you need to know for your trip, from helping with visa queries to walking you through a placement induction on your first day in Thailand. Our hassle-free approach means you can concentrate on what really matters, making a difference at your placement.
Arrival airport and pickup in Thailand
You’ll fly into Koh Samui Airport (USM). This usually requires transferring at Bangkok Airport. If you fly via Bangkok, you’ll have to go through immigration and get your passport stamped while transferring flights within the airport. Once you’ve arrived at Koh Samui Airport you’ll have a very simple process to collect your luggage. The airport is very small.
You will go to the transfer desk near the exit. You will have a transfer ticket sent to you in advance by Projects Abroad. Transfer staff will take you from the airport to the pier and onto your ferry. The ferry ride to Koh Tao lasts 2 hours.
There is a 20 THB ‘tourist charge’ when you arrive at the Koh Tao pier. This fee is used to fund environmental management projects on Koh Tao. Staff will collect you from the pier and walk you to the nearby accommodation. You’ll have time to rest and recover from your flight.
Our staff will organise all of your transport to and from the airport. The cost of the pickup and dropoff is included in your programme fees. Depending on the time of your arrival, you’ll either travel directly to the pier for your ferry ride, or you’ll be taken to a nearby hotel to wait for the ferry the following day.
Booking your flights to Thailand
Searching for flights online is easier than ever, but it can still be a time-consuming, overwhelming, and frustrating process. If you need support, our staff have in-depth knowledge of all our destinations. We’ll let you know which airport you’ll be flying to and recommend the best way to get there.
We can advise you on booking the best return flights, ensuring you have the safest, most convenient, and most cost-effective flight options, no matter how complex your travel plans are. Find out more about the flight booking process.
Visas requirements for your volunteer project or internship in Thailand
One of the perks of volunteering with us is the visa guidance we give you. We have a dedicated visa team who have up-to-date information on visa requirements for all of our destinations around the world. You can get in touch with us if you have any visa queries, big or small, and we will talk you through the process. Once you apply, you’ll also get a link to your own MyProjectsAbroad webpage, which will include all the necessary visa information.
Your induction and orientation in Thailand
Depending on the time of your arrival in Krabi or Ao Nang, you’ll either have your induction on the same day as your arrival or on the following day.
On the day of your induction, you’ll be picked up from your host family or resort and taken for an orientation around town. Your coordinator will show you different landmarks and amenities such as the post office, banks, and internet cafes. You will also have the opportunity to meet other volunteers in destination and hear more about how we run our different projects in Thailand.
During your induction, you’ll also receive an induction pack. This contains all the information you need, like a map of the town with important places highlighted, and contact information for local Projects Abroad staff.
The Projects Abroad Coordinator will show you how to travel from your accommodation to your placement, so you can feel confident about getting there on the first day of your project. During your induction, you’ll learn how to navigate public transport and ride in a tuk-tuk. All necessary work-related transportation costs are covered by Projects Abroad.
Your first day at your volunteer or internship placement in Thailand
No matter which project you’re doing, you’ll spend your first day learning more about your placement. We’ve set aside this day to give you the chance to get to know the work we’re doing and what your role will be. This way, you’ll feel comfortable and confident when your work starts on your second day.
On your first day, you’ll do things like taking a tour of the placement and meeting the local staff and other volunteers. You’ll also get to observe some of the work being done there. You’re welcome to ask any questions, on this day and throughout your trip, and our dedicated staff will be happy to help.
Support, safety, and backup
Your safety and security is our prime concern. We have many procedures and systems to ensure you have the support you need to enjoy your trip with peace of mind. Our Projects Abroad staff are available 24 hours a day to help, and will be on-hand to make sure you settle in well at your accommodation and placement. If you encounter any problems, they will be available to help at any time.
Find out more about safety and backup.
Our accreditations
