Overview
Volunteer Holiday in Thailand

The renovation project in Ao Luk will focus on the local Non-Formal Education Centre as well as surrounding schools. The NFE Centre provides educational opportunities for those in the community that otherwise would not have access to these resources. The buildings are old and dilapidated but with some hard work and assistance the Centre could become a key place for the community to meet and have classes in language as well as music, arts, and vocational skills. In addition, volunteers will help renovate and improve rural schools in the area.

After 10 days of hard work making improvements in the Ao Luk community, you will get to relax in style on a 4 day adventure tour of Krabi’s beaches and islands including long-tailed and speed boat tours, snorkelling, kayaking and quality beach time.

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One of the best things about this project is that you are completely immersed in the culture and you experience the real Thailand, as opposed to just the tourist side.

Hannah McMurray, GVI Volunteer Thailand, 2009

What Difference Does This Project Make?

By helping to do basic renovation such as painting, minor repairs, picking up litter, landscaping, volunteers will have the opportunity to help create a useful place for the local Ao Luk community to come together in a central location. The NFE Centre is located in a central location where much of the community lives and works. With a bit of work the Centre can evolve into a dynamic community centre providing an inspiring place for the community to seek knowledge and education, make added income from teaching classes and selling goods, and create a warm environment for the community to share their love of language, arts and music.

Highlights

Work to renovate a key functioning community centre; create and improve a new English library for community use; help to improve some of the local schools; experience local Thai culture working alongside students and community members; learn some of the Thai language; enjoy a tour of the area’s local highlights including Railay beach, Phi Phi Island, Hong Island and other pristine locations; snorkelling and kayaking; relax on some idyllic white sand beaches.

Location

Ao Luk is a rural district of the Krabi province of Thailand located along the Phang Nga Bay of the Andaman region. It is a beautiful example of a traditional Thai community with a backdrop of towering karst rock formations. The local community is extremely warm and loves the chance to get to know foreigners and practice their English.

The island tour will take place in coastal and bay areas of Krabi. Volunteers will stay on Railay Beach and take daily trips to a number of surrounding islands for snorkelling, kayaking and adventure trips as well as have plenty of time to relax on these stunning beaches.

Field Conditions

In Ao Luk, you will be living closely with your team of fellow volunteers and staff. Accommodation will be dorm style with a shared bathroom which will have electricity and running water. Meals will be simple Thai meals. For your 4 day island adventure, you will be provided with shared accommodation (2 per room) at a resort on Railay beach and enjoy prepared Thai meals such as picnic lunches on the beach and buffet breakfasts at the hotel restaurant. Dinners on your island adventure will be up to you, giving you the opportunity to explore the restaurants and bars of your choice.