OpenmindProjects Overseas Volunteer and Training Center in NongKhai consists of two houses. International volunteers have their own office with PCs, Internet and wireless for those who bring their own laptops. There is also a small library in the volunteer office with teaching resources, travel and international volunteer literature. OpenmindProjects’ staff have a separate office. Both houses have bedrooms and showers for volunteers, local trainees, and staff. Bedrooms are Thai style with beds on the floor. A/C is available at an extra charge. Outside, you will find a terrace with a Thai style kitchen, refridge, dining areas, a garden, tennis court, and TV with DVD.

In Krabi, the Openmind House has a living area and one bedroom, bathroom, Thai style kitchen, and refridge. The volunteer living room has a computer with Internet. The house is available for up to four volunteers.

Volunteers are welcome to stay at OpenmindProjects’ houses during weekends and while volunteering in NongKhai, Krabi or elsewhere. Everyone helps to keep the common areas and houses clean.

In both towns, you will find several neighborhood laundries, shops and pharmacies. You can also find restaurants, a hospital (Wattana), Internet shops, ATMs, and 7/11 stores with ATM and where international calls can be made. Available are the many local open-air food markets. Thai and Lao foods are delicious and cheap! A meal from a local market is 25 – 50 bahts, less than one Euro or US dollar!

If you choose, you can stay with a local host, teacher, farmer or fisherman, or at the teachers’ house, located at the school itself. Living conditions vary, but are simple. You may have your own room or share with another volunteer. Families will include you in meal plans and in many family activities. Spending time with a family is an excellent way to immerse yourself in local Thai, Lao, Khmer or Nepal culture and language, and also allows the family time to practice their English speaking skills. Local people of all ages and walks of life are motivated to learn to speak English and appreciate your assistance.

At an orphanage or school overseas, volunteers normally stay in a guest room, either alone or with another volunteer. Living conditions are simple. At your placement, you will mostly eat at the school, orphanage and/or with your host family. Local friends will likely invite you to dinner too!

In major cities, there are private guesthouses to choose from in Thailand, Cambodia, and Nepal. Let us know if this is what you would like to do and we can give you a list of guesthouses used by other volunteers. You may also search on your own. Check our “Links” pages for possible accommodation in the various communities. The prices vary depending upon the desired standard of guesthouse.

Bring bedding, toiletries and towels for your stay. In town, there are local shops and markets where you can purchase clothes, pharmacy items, electronics, food and more. The prices in Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, and Nepal are very reasonable. Save space in your luggage for taking home beautiful handmade souvenirs! Volunteers can take their laundry to local shops (within walking) where it can be washed at a low cost. Better than doing your own ironing! Overseas volunteers can also purchase local Sim cards for their cell/mobile phones once they arrive. Calls within the country will be less expensive this way and calls to other countries may also be cheaper.

International volunteers stay at guesthouses, orphanages, national parks, temples, and home stays with host families at over 60 projects throughout Thailand, including Laos, Cambodia, and Nepal!