Hill Tribes of Northern Thailand: Environmental Conservation, Education, and Elephant Trekking

Customer Reviews

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  Chelsea

  · July 9th, 2025
  It's hard to even put into words how much this trip truly impacted me. It was hands down the best two weeks of my life I have ever lived- truly beat my unforgettable and amazing four years of college. I have been home for two weeks now and an hour does not go by without me reminiscing on all of the great moments we had together as a group in Thailand. Traveling with GIVE was the best decision I could have ever made for myself. This unforgettable experience allowed me to fully immerse myself in the Thailand culture from cooking classes to language classes to dancing with the children. I was able to make connections with the locals, guides, and other volunteers that I will hold onto forever. Everyone was genuine, kind, and there for the right reason. Teaching the children was eyeopening and so powerful. I loved going into the classroom and watching the children's faces light up when they saw us arrive. I would love to teach over seas after this experience in the future! Participating in permaculture was another big highlight for me. We only had a short amount of time and it was amazing to see how far we came. Together as a team we worked so hard and made an impact on the community. Our trip to Thailand was so personalized, organized, and wholesome. We got to travel to three of our guides home villages where they welcomed us with open arms and shared their ways of living with us. Words don't even do justice to say how amazing this trip was. Thank you GIVE for giving me this experience, changing my life in the best way possible, and for all of the people you blessed me with through this trip. Special shoutouts go out to all of the guides- P' Nick, P' Krit, P' Boca, P' Tony, P' Yanne, P' Chelsey, P' Chloe, P' Boon, P' Au!! So inspiring, impactful, wholesome, and they just enjoy living life in each moment of every day. You all are seriously the best humans I have ever met and I hope to be half of what you all are one day. I could sit here all day and type all the best things about traveling to Thailand with GIVE but I think the biggest takeaway anyone reading this should take is- book the trip!!! Traveling to Thailand was the first time I traveled out of the country- I was nervous and did not know what to expect going somewhere so far away from home with a group of strangers. My best friend and I took the leap and booked the trip and the only regret we left with was not staying longer to do the add on trips. This trip truly impacted the both of us in so many great ways and we are already starting to plan our next one!! Travel with GIVE, travel with a purpose!!!
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  GIVE Volunteers commented on this review

  We’re honestly speechless reading this, thank you for pouring your heart into these words. Hearing how deeply Thailand impacted you (and inspired your future!) means everything to us. Huge love to you and your best friend, and massive shoutout to our... Show more
  Trip date: June 2025
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  Emma

  · July 3rd, 2025
  My experience traveling through Northern Thailand with GIVE truly changed my life in the most amazing way. It’s been a week since I returned home, and not a day has gone by where I haven’t thought about, laughed about, talked about, or even cried over how much I love and miss being in Thailand with such an incredible group of travelers and guides. When I landed at the Chiang Mai airport, I was fearful and unsure of what to expect, but the moment my friend and I were greeted by our local guides, all of that fear melted away. Their warmth and kindness put us at ease very quickly. Our trip was so personalized and unique. We visited the home villages of three of our local guides, where they welcomed us and shared their culture and daily lives in such a heartfelt way. I loved teaching at Mueang Khong School and Mueang Khong Anuban (preschool) alongside the other volunteers, and I felt so supported by our amazing guides the entire time. Another highlight was participating in permaculture work as it was so fun and it felt incredible to see the progress we made as a team. I also learned so much about Thai culture through lessons in the language, weaving, cooking, and traditional dancing. I could write a whole novel about how amazing this experience was. I want to thank P’ Yanne, P’ Tony, P’ Nick, P’ Boka, P’ Krit, P’ Au, Chelsey, Chloe, all our drivers, hosts, and fellow travelers for changing my life in the most incredible way. I am already planning my next trip with GIVE after how incredible this trip was!
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  GIVE Volunteers commented on this review

  Thank you so much for sharing your beautiful experience! We're beyond grateful to hear how impactful your time in Northern Thailand was and that our team and community left such a lasting impression. We can’t wait to travel with you again soon!
  Trip date: June 2025
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  Natalie

  · June 16th, 2025
  Traveling to Thailand with GIVE was an unforgettable experience. Building meaningful connections with the guides and local community allowed me to truly immerse myself in the culture and gain a deeper sense of perspective and appreciation. Some of my favorite moments included participating in cooking classes, attending ceremonial dinners, and both teaching and learning in local schools. The adventure didn’t stop there—bungee jumping and bamboo rafting added an extra thrill to the journey. I wholeheartedly recommend this trip to anyone looking for a life-changing experience.
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  GIVE Volunteers commented on this review

  Thank you for sharing such a heartfelt review! We’re so glad to hear how deeply connected you felt with the guides and local community during your trip to Thailand. It’s wonderful that you enjoyed both the cultural experiences and the exciting... Show more
  Trip date: June 2025
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  ava

  · May 30th, 2025
  Traveling with GIVE was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. Being welcomed into the communities in Thailand and having the opportunity to truly immerse myself in their culture was an experience I’ll never forget. The connections I made—both with the locals and fellow volunteers—were genuine and meaningful. Working on projects that directly benefit the community gave me a real sense of purpose and showed me just how much of an impact you can have, even in a short amount of time. It was inspiring, humbling, and incredibly fulfilling. I’d do it all over again in a heartbeat.
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  GIVE Volunteers commented on this review

  Thank you so much for sharing your experience! We’re thrilled to hear how deeply you connected with the communities and fellow volunteers in Thailand. It’s amazing how even a short time can create such meaningful impact and lasting memories. Your words... Show more
  
  Trip date: May 2025
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  Angela

  · May 22nd, 2025
  This was an inspiring, unforgettable, life changing experience. I had so many amazing experiences with the guides, the locals, and my fellow volunteers that I will treasure for a lifetime. I went to Thailand not knowing what to expect and ended up being able to immerse myself in the many cultures of Northern Thailand, which helped me learn about this beautiful country, its people, and myself. I would 100% recommend it to anyone searching for an incredible experience.
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  GIVE Volunteers commented on this review

  Hey Angela, thank you so much for your kind words nd for recommending the journey to others! We’re thrilled to hear that your time in Thailand was such a meaningful and life-changing experience. We're honored to have you be a part of the GIVE family!
  Trip date: May 2025
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  collinnkingg

  · August 30th, 2024
  My trip in Thailand was truly life-changing. From the people I met, the friends I made, the experiences I had, it was all so incredible. Those 2 weeks gave me a lifetime of memories and I learned more about myself than I ever have before. This trip taught me so much about the world and changed my outlook on so many things. I would do it all over again if I could.
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  GIVE Volunteers commented on this review

  You're right, traveling with purpose will open our eyes and hearts! Thank you for being the inspiring global citizen that you are. We can't thank you enough for your immeasurable impact!
  Trip date: July 2024
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  Saleta

  · August 24th, 2024
  My experience with the elephant trip in Thailand was nothing short of life-changing. This program offers a perfect blend of cultural immersion and hands-on conservation work, making it ideal for anyone passionate about wildlife and sustainable tourism. The highlight of the trip was, of course, working directly with the elephants. The program focuses on ethical and sustainable practices, ensuring that the elephants are well cared for and that all interactions are respectful and responsible. Assisting in their rehabilitation gave me a deep appreciation for these magnificent creatures and the importance of protecting them.
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  Trip date: July 2024
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  Elisa

  · August 15th, 2024
  I love to travel and this experience thought me a whole new way to do so! It felt very liberating not having to think about an itinerary or what was next. The tour guides were great at communicating and making sure we were ready for the next activities. No matter how wild the adventure, we always felt very safe. From the learning discussions, to the volunteering sites (education and permaculture), to the cultural immersive activities, I felt the program was very complete. A mix of giving back to the community and enjoying the beauty of the people and the country. I'm very glad I went on this program!
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  Trip date: July 2024
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  Henry

  · August 14th, 2024
  Trying to put this experience into words is so difficult, so I've put off writing this review for too long. If you're willing and fully immerse yourself this will be an experience of a lifetime. Some people on the trip seemed to want more of a vacation abroad with a focus on partying. This trip isn't like that, it's a cultural awakening. You get to experience a new way of life firsthand and you have amazing local guides to make everything fun and easy to learn. I can't put into words how wonderful it is to have local guides, they made the trip and I can't imagine Thailand without them. Something I've been saying to people who ask "How was Thailand?" is that Thailand is the land of smiles. That's its nickname and it holds so true. Everyone was happy and friendly, I smiled and waved at all the people I passed. As happy as you are to be halfway around the globe, the locals are so happy and proud that you came to them. Making connections despite the language barrier was so easy because both sides were happy to be with one another. If you think this is something you want to do, do it. You only live once, so conquer your fears!
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  GIVE Volunteers commented on this review

  Henry, thank you for pouring your heart into this. Your global citizenship is radiating through these words. "A cultural awakening" is a beautiful description for your trip to the land of smiles :) We hope to see you again!
  
  Trip date: June 2024
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  Gia

  · August 13th, 2024
  My trip to Thailand was the most rewarding and fulfilling experience! In only two weeks, I got the opportunity to fully immerse myself in Thai culture. The guides on the trip were easily the most insightful, inspiring, and pure humans. From playing with and teaching the kids at the schools to working in the permaculture field, each day offered a new chance to learn, grow, and challenge yourself. While in Thailand, I had never felt more grounded and at peace thanks to all of the welcoming and truly kind locals we had the pleasure of meeting. Getting the chance to embark on this adventure has been indescribable and absolutely life-changing. I am forever grateful for this journey for changing my perspective on life, teaching me how to care for our planet, and allowing me to make life-long friendships. Choosing to travel with GIVE was the best decision I ever made.
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  Trip date: July 2024