Your generous donation helps to save and change lives every day.
Your charitable investment will go toward ongoing global relief to care for the underserved and vulnerable people of this community. As a member of this medical mission team, you will elevate the long-term impact of sustainable, capacity-building efforts that improve the health, wellness, and quality of life of those most in need.
Overview
The Need
Your team will treat remote indigenous groups of the Akha who dwell high in the Chiang Rai mountains. Our other patients will include local orphans, migrant workers, and refugees from Myanmar. While at clinic, you can expect to treat bacterial diarrhea, hepatitis, dengue fever, malaria, Japanese encephalitis, rabies, and leptospirosis. You will also care for patients with symptoms of HIV/AIDS, rabies, food and water-borne diseases, tuberculosis, and miscellaneous sexually transmitted diseases.
You and the rest of the volunteer team will also educate patients on how to stay healthy and how to care for their loved ones. One of the main focuses of this mission is dentistry. Because all community members are encouraged to attend, the demand for dental care will be high. Because the World Health Organization reports that Thailand is still recovering from a strikingly high infant mortality rate, another focus of this mission is women’s healthcare. We will provide general women’s and infant care, as well as empower women to seek higher education.
Our Work
International Medical Relief (IMR) first responded to Thailand in 2015, providing clinics and supplies. We have since served more than 4,000 patients through nearly 250 staff and volunteers. IMR specifically works with the most underserved communities, which has brought our clinics to mountain villages. We also provide medical supplies and health education in order to deliver sustainable health care services to the communities we serve.
With diligent planning and preparation, IMR is dedicated to ensuring that specific goals are met on our missions, each in correlation to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals 3 and 17.
IMR works to elevate vulnerable populations through shoulder-to-shoulder care with our local partners, creating workforce density, and a cadre of future healthcare and public health leaders in association to UNSDG 3: Good Health & Wellbeing.
In correlation with UNSDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals, our organization works in collaboration and at the request of local hosts where we are under their direct influence and affluence. IMR never goes into a country without a formal invitation where there is a great community need for medical or dental care, and health education.
This Mission
Experience the real “Land of Smiles” in Chiang Mai, a serene town in Northern Thailand. You will stay in a small forest compound surrounded by mango trees. Nestled among rice fields and the quiet hum of daily life, this town neighbors the bustling Chiang Mai night market. Stroll through lines of vendors for a total sensory experience; immerse yourself in the appetite-inducing smells, regional fruits, stunning silk tapestries, and even sizzling fried insects. With our advantageous location, remove yourself from the bustle with a short walk up the mountain to take in spectacular views of the valley below. Your team will participate in an ongoing effort to decrease specific health concerns in the villages we work in.
You will have the opportunity to care for the indigenous Akha Tribe and many children in the orphanages. You will travel through some of the most beautiful country in the world; keep a sharp eye out for the Akha in their native dress and the smiles of the children as you pass by!
Lodging/Transportation
On this Classic Trip, you and your fellow team members will be staying at a 2-star accommodation with safe, clean, comfortable rooms. The lodging is simple, basic, safe, comfortable, and affordable. In the evenings you and the team will be able to explore the city and take part in the many events surrounding the Lantern Festival. All transportation to and from clinic sites will be included and provided by safe, trustworthy drivers. Some travel times to clinics may be longer than others, but you won’t want to miss the stunning views of the hillsides and towns as you ride throughout Thailand.
Highlights
Having the opportunity to work in the Hill Country is certainly one of the many highlights of this trip. You’ll have time to enjoy the children and make a real difference in their lives during your orphanage days. The Akha are very traditional and unfailingly kind.
During your stay, your team will attend Thailand’s stunning Yi Peng and Loy Krathong festivals! During these celebrations based on the Thai lunar calendar, people decorate their homes and craft baskets made from flowers, leaves, and lights which they then float on the river. You’ll have the opportunity to send floating lanterns up into the sky, joining thousands of others that light up the sky for miles around!
Extend Your Stay
Since you’re journeying halfway across the globe, have you considered extending your stay to visit some of Thailand’s top spots? Join International Medical Relief on an exclusive trip extension provided by our partner, Worldwide Navigators!
- Loy Krathong Parade in Chiang Mai – the festival continues!
- Indulge your tastebuds in the sweets & savories of Thailand’s colorful cuisine
- Discover the gentle giants of the jungle up close at an elephant preserve
- Experience the intricacies of Thailand’s ancient and modern sacred temples
Ready for the adventure? Connect with Worldwide Navigators today!
Itinerary at a Glance
Arrivals & Orientation
Clinic
Clinic
Clinic
Clinic, Yi Peng and Loy Krathong Festival Events
Cultural/Free Day
Departures
Please View Full Itinerary in the Next Tab
Sustainable Impact
Your Journey
Weather
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Average High and Low Temperature in Chiang Mai, Thailand ©WeatherSpark.com
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Average Hourly Temperature in Chiang Mai, Thailand ©WeatherSpark.com
Clinic Photos
Gallery
Full Itinerary
This itinerary is subject to change without notice.
You will need to arrange your flight destination to be Chiang Mai International Airport in Thailand. If you need assistance booking flights, please contact Worldwide Navigators, our preferred travel agency, at travel@worldwidenavigators.com. You may also choose to arrange transportation from the airport to your accommodation, which you may purchase from within your portal under Trip Add-Ons.
Arrivals
You and the team will fly into the Chiang Mai International Airport and transfer to your lodging. Please be at the lodging by 2:00pm. Upon arrival, you will meet with your team and team leader for a required team orientation to discuss clinic roles, review protocols and gain insight into the communities and populations you will be serving.
Meals: Dinner,
Clinic
Today is your first day of clinic! You and your team will provide training for local healthcare providers to continue IMR’s long-term, sustainable education efforts. Education is as important as medical and dental care for our patients. Each clinic includes basic health education according to the specialties and skills of the IMR volunteers, as well as the needs of the local people. When communities become empowered to take health and wellness issues into their own hands, they become self-sufficient. IMR provides learning opportunities for the local communities through classes and hands-on learning to sustain their well-being beyond our visit.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner,
Clinic
You and the team will work in a large orphanage outside of Chiang Mai. You will spend the day caring for the children’s medical and dental needs and providing education for the children and staff on hygiene and disease prevention.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner,
Clinic
You will spend time with the beautiful Akha tribe and other smaller tribes in the area. Your patients will be both the very young and the very old. After clinic you will return to Chiang Mai.
You’ll discover family is very important to your patients. Health care is difficult at best for them to obtain, and you will find many of them are dealing with significant health issues and dental needs. Community education is important here!
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner,
Clinic and Lantern Festival
You will be working in another large orphanage today. Today is your last day of clinic and ending it with these children is a perfect way to wind down your trip. Dental needs in the orphanages are extremely high and many of the children will suffer from skin conditions, infections, and ear/eye complaints.
In the evening, you will have the unique opportunity to take part in the festival, which is actually a combination of two festivals.
Loy Krathong, a Buddhist festival celebrated all over Thailand, falls on a full moon night. Thousands of people gather at the river to release lotus-shaped baskets with flowers and candles into the river. This festival, Loy Krathong, is a tradition amongst the people of Thailand as they gather each year to set free the floating candles in an attempt to set free their fear and hatred. Taking part in this cultural experience will be a life changing and eye opening opportunity for you and your fellow team members.
The Yi Peng festival is unique to Chiang Mai and involves the release of lit candles in paper lanterns that float through the sky. You’ll watch in amazement as thousands of lanterns are let loose to pay respect to the Buddha and wish yourself a good year. Legend has it if your lantern floats into the sky and disappears in the night, you will have a year full of good luck.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch,
Free/Cultural Day
The day is yours to tour Chiang Mai. Parades and other festival-related activities will continue throughout the day, but most of the celebrations take place after dark. Be sure to make your way to the Ping River to join in the ceremonies!
Departures
Bid farewell to beautiful Thailand as you head to the airport for your international flight home.
Your airport transportation will be provided for you if you have requested to transport to the airport through IMR. Thank you for joining us at the Lantern Festival!
Contact Worldwide Navigators to extend your stay or plan an activity on your last day!
Meals: Breakfast,
Your Journey
Clinic Photos
Extension Photos
Extensions
Since you’re journeying halfway across the globe, have you considered extending your stay to visit some of Thailand’s top spots? Join International Medical Relief on an exclusive trip extension provided by our partner, Worldwide Navigators!
- Loy Krathong Parade in Chiang Mai – the festival continues!
- Indulge your tastebuds in the sweets & savories of Thailand’s colorful cuisine
- Discover the gentle giants of the jungle up close at an elephant preserve
- Experience the intricacies of Thailand’s ancient and modern sacred temples
Ready for the adventure? Connect with Worldwide Navigators today!
Minimum Donation
Your generous donation of $3500 will go toward the ongoing global relief to care for the underserved and vulnerable people of this community. As a member of this medical mission team, you will elevate the long-term impact of sustainable, capacity-building efforts that improve the health, wellness, and quality of life of those most in need. A small portion of your donation includes:
- Clinic supplies and medications for patients
- Clinic participation
- Transportation, accommodations, and meals as outlined in the itinerary
Donation Payment Deadlines
$3300 due by August 4, 2025
$3500 due by October 5, 2025
Early Bird Savings Opportunity
To be eligible, the participant must upload ALL your required documents and forms, sign their liability form and make your 50% donation including your $35 application fee by August 4, 2025. This savings opportunity does not apply to disaster relief missions.
Featured Enhancements
**To purchase any of the above Featured Enhancements for your mission, please contact our office at office@imrus.org or call at (970) 635-0110.
Your Donation to IMR for Your Mission Cost Includes:
All group costs from the time you arrive at the team meeting point in country until you separate from the team or when the team arrives at the departure airport, including:
- Transportation
- Lodging (except for Colorado missions, disaster missions, or as otherwise mentioned in the trip itinerary)
- Costs associated with the clinic
- Food
- Tips for services provided to the IMR team
- All logistics, including translation services and security as needed
Additional Costs That You Are Responsible For:
All group costs from the time you arrive at the team meeting point in country until you separate from the team or when the team arrives at the departure airport, including:
- International and Domestic flights to the country.
- Passport fees, visa fees, and transit fees, including baggage or overnight accommodations/meals while in transit
- Required or recommended insurance
- Vaccinations and medications common for travel
- Spending money for souvenirs and personal purchases
- Required or desired mission supplies, personal equipment, or small gifts for the special people you meet
- Any lodging, meals, and transportation outside of the scheduled team mission, payable at the time of service to the local vendor
- COVID-related fees such as testing, vaccinations, and quarantines as required by in-country arrival/departure or USA arrival/departure
- Each team member is responsible for carrying medical supplies for the deployment. All fees associated with transport are the responsibility of the volunteer.
Financial FAQs
Prepare to Go
A Walk Through Clinic
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