Volunteers involved with the rescue of 13 youths from a cave in northern Thailand set off on buses bound for Bangkok on September 5, where they will be honoured for their efforts in a ceremony.

Hundreds of volunteers took part in the Tham Luang cave rescue from June 23 to July 11 after a youth football team was trapped after floods inundated Chiang Rai.

The event, which will take place on September 6, will host the Australian rescue team led by anaesthetist Dr Richard Harris and more than 3,000 residents from Chiang Rai. Divers and rock climbers who took part will also attend.