Summary
Voluntary work project at a wildlife sanctuary in Thailand for families
Project location
On the Malay Peninsula, Thailand, close to Kaeng Krachan National Park and the coastal towns of Hua Hin and Cha Am.
Length of project
1 to 2 weeks
Group / individual basis
Families travel together but join a wider group of international volunteers from around the world, creating a friendly and social atmosphere at the sanctuary.
Support
• Help and advice from our UK office before departure
• Local support from experienced sanctuary staff throughout your stay
Includes
• Family volunteer project at a wildlife sanctuary
• Pre departure information covering work expectations and life in Thailand
• Airport collection and private transfer from the airport to the sanctuary (optional extra)
• Accommodation and meals at the sanctuary
• Donation to the wildlife sanctuary project
• Full orientation and induction before volunteering begins
Not included
• International flights
• Travel and medical insurance
• Home country transport (for example taxis or buses to the airport)
• Return transfer to the airport
Accommodation
Basic but comfortable accommodation on site at the sanctuary.
Families should expect to share rooms within the volunteer accommodation.
• Western toilets and showers
• Internet available in communal areas
• Laundry service available at a reasonable cost (bedding included)
Travel arrangements
Fly to Bangkok (BKK). You can arrange an optional airport transfer to the sanctuary, which is approximately three hours south of Bangkok.
Pre departure information
You will receive detailed information through your My Oyster account at least four weeks before departure. This includes project preparation, health and safety information, responsible travel guidance and arrival instructions.
Medical
Vaccinations may be required. We recommend visiting your doctor or travel nurse as soon as possible to discuss appropriate vaccinations.
Oyster staff cannot provide advice on individual medical conditions or vaccination requirements.
Useful travel health advice can be found on the Fit For Travel website:
http://www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk/
You must inform Oyster of any pre existing physical or mental health conditions. In some cases we may ask for a letter from your doctor before confirming participation.
Vaccinations for diphtheria, tetanus and polio must be up to date for this project.
Insurance
All volunteers must have comprehensive travel insurance before departure. This must include cover for:
• Medical treatment
• Personal accident
• Trip cancellation
• Emergency evacuation
• Lost luggage
We can introduce a policy with Global Travel Insurance for UK residents once your booking is confirmed. If you arrange your own insurance, please ensure it provides similar cover.
Any risk factors
Working near animals carries some risks, and a full safety briefing will be given on arrival. Volunteers must always follow instructions from sanctuary staff.
Tasks may include using tools such as knives for preparing food or vegetation, so normal safety precautions should be taken.
The surrounding habitat may include low risk wildlife such as snakes and scorpions, and guidance will be given on how to avoid them.
The heat and humidity in Thailand can be intense, particularly when doing outdoor physical work.
Road safety standards are not always the same as in Western countries.
Tourist areas in Thailand can attract pickpockets, so normal precautions should be taken when visiting towns or markets.
There are occasionally political demonstrations in Bangkok. These should be avoided if encountered. Oyster monitors Foreign Office travel advice closely and will inform participants of any important developments.
Downtime
Families are welcome to travel independently during their time off if they wish. If you plan to leave the sanctuary for excursions or trips, please ensure:
• You have appropriate travel insurance
• Staff know your plans and expected return time
Accessibility
This project may be suitable for those with minor physical disabilities, depending on individual circumstances. Please discuss this with your destination manager before booking.
Financial security
When you book with Oyster Worldwide, your money is protected.
If your booking includes a flight arranged by us, your trip will be ATOL protected. If you book your flights independently, your project will still be protected through financial protection insurance, ensuring you are not left stranded in the unlikely event of company insolvency.
