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

There is truly nothing that compares to embarking on a journey with GIVE. My trip to Northern Thailand with GIVE was an unparalleled experience that will resonate with me for a lifetime. The adventure not only exposed me to life- changing activities like bungee jumping and bamboo rafting but also connected me with extraordinary, like-minded individuals who have etched a permanent place in my heart. Exploring the culture of Northern Thailand proved to be immensely rewarding, leaving me with an overwhelming sense of gratitude. Engaging in permaculture practices and teaching English at local schools added an extra layer of love to the trip. It's challenging to articulate just how amazing and life-changing this trip was. I am profoundly grateful for these experiences and the friends I made along the way. I highly recommend stepping out of your comfort zone, taking the literal leap (bungee jumping), and saying YES to a GIVE trip!

Experiencing the wonders of Northern Thailand firsthand has changed my perspective on life in general. It was both inspiring and transformational. It also opened my eyes to see the world in a different light. To be out of my comfort zone and see the lives I was changing by being part of the action of contributing to help their local communities and everyday lives, I ended up being the one most changed by it. Additionally, the experiences in GIVE taught me how to feel alive again and live in the present moment. Meeting this group of people including the guides has indeed touched my heart which I call my family now. GIVE's Thailand trip was a SERENDIPITY that changed my life in the most positive and magical way! Go on yours now!!

It was beyond my expectations that the experiences and people I met on this trip made such a positive influence on my life! After the most thrilling and epic 2 weeks of my life, back home, I felt more appreciative of the things I already have and am grateful for the choices and experiences I had. Not only have I learned about the culture and knowledge of Northern Thailand but also experienced activities I never thought I would experience. Such as permaculture practices, teaching English to the local children there, exploring my inner child at the same time, experiencing what life is for from the local communities point of view, and making businesses through basket weaving and bamboo rafting.

Experiencing the wonders of Northern Thailand firsthand has changed my perspective on life in general. It also opened my eyes to see the world in a different light. Through this trip, I believe I have had a spiritual awakening. To be out there seeing the lives I was changing by being part of the action of contributing to help their local communities and everyday lives, I ended up being the one most changed by it. Additionally, the experiences in GIVE taught me how to feel alive again and live in the present moment. Furthermore, living out my life with intention and purpose!

Through GIVE's Thailand trip, I have met people who inspired and changed my life, as well as gave me a new perspective and set my life on a path of light and purpose. Meeting a group of amazing humans and like-minded people spreading so much laughter and kindness, opened up my world and I have found my chosen family. The feeling of falling in love with the experiences and people was ineffable!!

As a kid I travelled quite a bit, but none was like the experience I had with GIVE. Being able to travel with like-minded people is such an amazing feeling being able to give back to the community while fully emerging with the culture and the unique experiences the local guides are able to give you is such a blessing. We were taken to many remote villages that you would not easily be able to visit without this program, we saw some of our guides homes and were taken there by bamboo raft. Being able to connect and teach the local kids refuels my soul like I never thought it would. Experiencing a cultural dinner was one of the sweetest moments in my life. Being able to see and touch elephants my favorite animal for the first time in my life! Volunteering and learning so much on the permaculture farm, I didn’t think I would enjoy so much that even began making a sustainable garden at my own home when i got back! And facing our fears as a group and bunjee jumping on our last day there! The entire trip is an adventure one that you leave with happiness inside for months and years to come after! I highly recommend going on a GIVE trip at least once in your life!!

GIVE opened my eyes to a community of likeminded individuals who crave adventure, self-growth, knowledge, and human connection. The staff could not have been more encouraging, supportive and accommodating. The Thailand program introduced me to permaculture practices that sped up the production of healthy food for school students, ethical elephant tourism practices, Buddhism practices and so much more. I do not have one bad thing to say about my experience. The bungee jumping was also an amazing experience that I wouldn’t have been able to do without my wonderful group encouraging me.

Traveling to Thailand was GIVE was a positive and impactful experience! I’m thankful for the chance to learn from the locals in Mueang Khong and support/ empower their community. The locals were welcoming, hospitable, and willing to share their knowledge. The guides were clearly passionate about this program and very organized. After this trip, I understand what it means to travel responsibly and sustainably, which is something I’ll continue to practice in the future thanks to GIVE. There was a good balance between volunteering time (English education and permaculture), adventure activities, and free time. This trip was a great way to connect with like-minded people!

Words cannot describe my experience with GIVE in Thailand. I learned what it means to be a global citizen and to travel responsibly and now I never want to do it any other way. The connections I made with people while in Thailand will forever be with me. I made a family out there with other volunteers and staff who will always be in my heart. I found home away from home and I learned so much from every single person I met. Including the beautiful kids and locals. I will 100% be volunteering through GIVE again next year!

Nothing could prepared me for what I gained from this trip. From the first day I got there I was welcomed with nothing but endless warmth and smiles from the staff, not to mention the rest of the team. This trip pushed me to take on challenges I never could have experienced without Give. There’s not a day that goes by that I don’t think about the people I met, culture I learned, or the beauty of the earth I experienced. I will never not recommend Give to everyone and anyone interested, go on the trip!