Southeast Asia is one of the most popular regions for world travelers, and for good reason. Not only is it an inexpensive spot where your money can stretch for months, but it’s also full of diverse countries that are just a bus or train ride away from each other.
Travel is easy, the cultures are rich, and the locals across this region are welcoming to foreigners. Why not make your travels even more meaningful by volunteering in Southeast Asia?
The truth is, despite Southeast Asia being a top tourist destination in the world, it also suffers from corrupt government bodies, imbalances of wealth distribution, and life-threatening natural disasters. While some countries have booming economies, you can also find some of the poorest communities in the world.
As a volunteer in Southeast Asia, you can experience this region in all of its beauty while also making a positive impact. From the best countries to the best placements, here’s everything you need to know about volunteering in Southeast Asia.
Where to volunteer in Southeast Asia
The Southeast Asian region consists of a cluster of eleven countries, each offering unique landscapes, food, languages, cultural attractions, and volunteer opportunities. Southeast Asia has volunteer placements in just about every country, but some destinations are more popular than others. Here are the most popular volunteer destinations, and the ones in greatest need:
1. Philippines
The Philippines is one of the most stunning destinations in Southeast Asia, with white sandy islands, crystal blue waters, and cities influenced by Spanish colonialism. It’s also one of the fastest growing destinations for volunteer work in Southeast Asia.
The Philippines has been hit repeatedly by typhoons and tsunamis that have destroyed most of their infrastructure, and with the inequality of wealth distribution, those most affected struggle to get back on their feet. Volunteering in the Philippines can not only rebuild what was lost in natural disasters but can better the community as a whole and protect it against future natural destruction.
- Popular causes: community development, conservation, disaster relief, teaching English
- Recommended program: Philippines - Palawan Kindergarten Care with GoEco
2. Vietnam
Southeast Asia volunteer programs exist far and wide across Vietnam, from the French-inspired cities to the national parks and fishing villages. With a history of war and destruction, many communities are still living in extreme poverty.
Volunteers will have the opportunity to work with victims of Agent Orange from the Vietnam War, teach English to build skills for locals to find better work opportunities, or venture into the lush jungles and islands for environmental volunteer placements.
- Popular causes: eco-tourism, healthcare, orphanages, teaching English
- Recommended program: Medical, Dental and Pharmacy Placements in Vietnam with ELI Abroad
3. Cambodia
There’s a lot more to Cambodia than white sand beaches, and you’ll learn about the country’s history when you volunteer here.
Cambodia is often known as a land of iconic temples, thriving markets, and pristine beaches. But anyone who steps foot in this tiny country nestled between Thailand and Vietnam can feel the haunting of ghosts after years of genocide and war.
Volunteers will have the opportunity to visit Angkor Wat, one of the largest religious monuments in the world, the Killing Fields in the French-inspired capital of Phnom Penh, or the gorgeous coastline—and do so while helping communities find their feet after the Khmer Rouge takeover from the 1970s that left the country in ruins.
- Popular causes: business development, community development, human rights, teaching English
- Recommended program: Teaching English in Rural Cambodia with Kaya Responsible Travel
4. Thailand
Thailand is one of the most colorful countries of Southeast Asia, with contrasting developed cities and untouched, rugged natural wonders. Thailand is also one of the most popular destinations to volunteer in Southeast Asia, especially in the world of teaching English.
Because it’s a top tourist destination, locals across Thailand strive to perfect their English skills, and there is never a shortage of teaching positions. Thanks to diverse wildlife sanctuaries, conservation is also popular here. In your free time, you’ll have the opportunity to go island hopping, visit ruins, and sip chai at sleepy cafes in the mountains.
- Popular causes: education, conservation, refugee relief, wildlife
- Recommended program: Volunteer with Elephants in Thailand with GVI
5. Malaysia
Volunteer work in Southeast Asia often ranges from teaching and education to manual labor to wildlife conservation. Malaysia is a popular destination for all three and attracts every type of volunteer.
Whether you want to volunteer on the mainland, teaching English in urban cities, or go with the road less traveled, volunteering with orangutans in the jungle of Borneo, Malaysia will leave you feeling fulfilled. It’s typically a less popular option than Thailand and Vietnam, meaning volunteer placements will be easier to find.
- Popular causes: animal welfare, marine conservation, teaching English
- Recommended program: Malaysia - Jungle Trekking and Sea Turtle Conservation with GoEco
Our Online Advisor can match you with 5 volunteer programs in Southeast Asia—it’s free!
5 common volunteer projects in Southeast Asia
No matter your interests and skills, you’ll find a volunteer opportunity perfect for you in Southeast Asia.
Volunteer work in Southeast Asia is as diverse as the countries within this colorful region of the world. Every type of traveler will find a placement that suits their desires—whether you want to be in the city, jungle, or beachside; whether you want to make a positive impact on the people, the animals, the plants, or the land.
Southeast Asia volunteer programs range from conservation to teaching to relief projects, and everywhere in between. Here are the most common volunteer opportunities in Southeast Asia:
1. Conservation
Animal lovers and earth lovers will be in heaven while volunteering in Southeast Asia. While this part of the world boasts diverse wildlife and landscape, it also has many threats to its delicate ecosystems.
Conservation projects are popular in most countries in Southeast Asia, giving volunteers the chance to support wildlife and marine life and to promote sustainable tourism to protect the earth, animals, and humankind. Whether you want to work in forest restoration or with endangered species, conservation projects are always seeking volunteers.
- Where: Malaysia, Philippines, Thailand
- Recommended program: Thailand Coastal Conservation Expedition with GVI
2. English Teaching
Because Southeast Asia is such a popular destination for travelers from around the world and has many tourist hotspots, most countries in this region place high importance on developing their own English skills.
English teaching jobs can be found in most countries across Southeast Asia, as locals are in constant need of improving their language skills so they can find work in the tourism industry. There is an endless supply of jobs for English teachers, whether you’re seeking paid work or volunteer opportunities.
3. Childcare
War and poverty has left many children homeless or living in orphanages across Southeast Asia. Volunteer programs in childcare are popular in underprivileged areas and are perfect for volunteers with a love for little ones. Childcare volunteer opportunities can also be quite diverse and include more than direct care of children.
Make a difference in the lives of children by volunteering in childcare or education.
Placements in this area can involve maintaining childcare facilities through painting, gardening, and general maintenance to make them safer and more beautiful for the children. Volunteers may also have the opportunity to lend a hand in education or extracurriculars. No matter what your childcare placement looks like, simply being a positive influence can make a lasting impact on the wellbeing of the children you meet.
- Where: Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Thailand, Vietnam
- Recommended program: Laos - Educational Outreach with GoEco
4. Disaster Relief
Natural disasters are unfortunately quite common in Southeast Asia, especially in the islands of the Philippines and Thailand. From typhoons to tsunamis, the destruction threatens the safety of many communities across the region and leaves communities without food, shelter, or medical care.
Volunteering in Southeast Asia in disaster relief is hard work that will test your physical body, but is often one of the most rewarding types of volunteering as you help make repairs and safeguard against future disasters. With constant need of house building, school and community renovation, and food distribution, there is never a shortage of volunteer placements in disaster relief.
- Where: Philippines, Thailand
- Recommended program: Philippines Typhoon Relief with All Hands and Hearts
5. Medicine
While you’ll often need educational or professional experience in the medical field to become a medical volunteer, Southeast Asia is full of opportunities. Volunteering in medicine can take many forms, from educating local communities on healthy sanitation, taking preventive care, filing medical paperwork, and aiding in nutrition, as well as providing emergency relief.
Some areas, like Indonesia, even lend a hand at working specifically with women in reproductive health, one of the biggest areas lacking adequate education in Southeast Asia.
- Where: Cambodia, Indonesia, Philippines
- Recommended program: Medical Placements with Volunteering Journeys
5 best Southeast Asia volunteer programs
So where will you find the best volunteer opportunities? Southeast Asia has volunteer placements through hundreds of organizations, and sometimes the abundance of options can be overwhelming. GoAbroad has narrowed it down to some of the best Southeast Asia volunteer programs out there:
1. International Volunteer HQ
International Volunteer HQ (IVHQ) is one of the most popular volunteer programs worldwide and offers countless Southeast Asia volunteer programs. It’s one of the lower-cost volunteering options and features hundreds of programs to choose from in education, childcare, conservation, wildlife, community building, medical care, and more.
One of the best things about IVHQ is that they work directly with local NGOs, meaning your money goes straight to the community you’re supporting. Not only that, but IVHQ offers above-and-beyond support to volunteers, from orientation, accommodation assistance, and 24/7 in-country support.
- Where: Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Philippines, Thailand, Vietnam
- Read IVHQ reviews
2. Love Volunteers
Similar to IVHQ, Love Volunteers boasts low-cost Southeast Asia volunteer programs and works with local ethical and sustainable organizations, feeding money directly into the communities in need and ensuring a positive experience for their volunteers.
They pride themselves on the safety of their volunteers, taking precautions to understand the safety arrangements and local security of their partner organizations while also providing in-country support during placements. You’ll feel well-taken care of while volunteering with Love Volunteers and making a positive impact.
- Where: Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Thailand, Vietnam
- Read Love Volunteers reviews
3. GVI
If you want to join an award-winning volunteer organization with local partnerships, GVI is the volunteer program for you. This program focuses on long-lasting impact with the goal of improving critical local and global issues, providing popular placements in both nature conservation and social development where it counts.
Whether you want to volunteer in elephant conservation or teach about gender equality, GVI can help you make a difference. They provide not only volunteer placements, but internships and apprenticeships as well.
- Where: Cambodia, Thailand
- Read GVI reviews
4. ELI Abroad
Founded in 2001, ELI Abroad is a well-established volunteer program with placements in over 40 countries, including a handful of Southeast Asia volunteer programs. With options for both volunteering and internships abroad, ELI Abroad puts a unique spin on their placements by working directly with each individual to find the perfect program to suit your skills and goals.
They also offer in-country support and specialized placements, so you’re sure to have the experience that’s perfect for you.
- Where: Cambodia, Indonesia, Philippines, Thailand, Vietnam
- Read ELI Abroad reviews
5. GoEco
From teaching English to working with exotic wildlife, GoEco is one of the top volunteer organizations for sustainable volunteering and internships abroad.
While placements can send you to over 40 countries worldwide, volunteer work in Southeast Asia with GoEco often takes participants into wildlife and marine conservation, education and teaching, and medical placements. Run by sustainable travel experts, GoEco ensures you will make a positive impact on the environment while volunteering abroad.
- Where: Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam
- Read GoEco reviews
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Start changing the world through volunteer work in Southeast Asia!
Your passport stamps will tell the story of your meaningful time abroad.
If you have a burning desire to make a positive impact while traveling meaningfully, there’s really no better place to do it than in Southeast Asia. Volunteering in Southeast Asia means you’ll have the opportunity to travel cheaply, visit multiple countries—all with their unique lifestyle, scenery, and culture—while lending a hand at making a difference in a part of the world that needs it most. You won’t regret saying “yes” to volunteering in Southeast Asia!
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