Plan My Gap Year - Volunteer in Thailand from $435

At the beginning of September I spend 2 weeks doing the Thailand childcare programme. I would 100% recommend this programme to anyone, I had the best time making so many unforgettable memories! The months leading up to our departure were a breeze, you are sent all the information you need to know in the volunteer handbook and if you have any questions big or small the PMGY team are great at replying to your emails.

When in Thailand we stayed with our volunteer leader Sopida and her family, who made us feel more than welcome. We had everything we needed comfy beds, hot showers, our own locked draw for valuables and WIFI! Honestly I couldn't fault anything and that's thanks to Sopida, herself and her husband Darryl went out of their way to make us all feel welcome. They even bought me an early birthday cake and arranged for me to get one on my actual birthday while we were off exploring in Chiang Mai! They always asked what we fancied for tea and if we wanted to try any specific Thai food while we were there. They helped us book and organise flights, taxi's and were to go after we finished the programme.

Each morning we would walk to the school with Sopida ( if it was raining Darryl would give us a lift there and back in the car). Sopida made sure before we went to the school that we all felt confident enough to go into the classroom and teach. She provided us with lots a useful resources and activities to do with the children and was always on hand to help us translate with the teachers. However, there isn't lot of teaching time on the child care programme as the children take a nap during the day. But in the short time we spent with the children they picked up the song 'wind the bobbing up' pretty easily, that has to be one of my most favourite memories! On our last 2 days of the programme Sopida took us to another school in a more deprived area to take part in English Camp. This was such a rewarding but challenging experience I will never forget. We were with children ages 7-16 who were all eager to learn and truly grateful we were there!
Overall this trip was one I will never forget and that's all down to Sopida! I can not thank her ( and Darryl) enough for making my first experience of Thailand so memorable, I don't think there was a day we weren't all in stitches laughing! Now I just can't wait to book another one :) #honey #dazzle #gossipgirl #pmgythailand

At the beginning of September I spent two weeks on the PMGY Childcare programme in Thailand, where I have learnt so many skills, gained memories and been inspired for the future.
Before arriving PMGY sent a handbook with information and any questions I had they were reliable for answering in no time!
Our accommodation was in the house of our volunteer leader and her family! The accommodation catered for all needs as had everything us young people needed to be happy - WiFi, hot showers and a clean environment. Sopida and Darryl are a lovely couple who made us 6 feel comfortable and we became a little family for the 2 weeks we shared together. They supported us with weekend trips, taxis and flights. Sopida came with us to the school and supported us within the classrooms and translated any language we needed help with. We were hands on and never felt like we were unsure on what to do; as Sopida would prepare useful resources to support us if we needed it.
I recommend double checking the programme in the handbook for the difference between Childcare and Teaching. As our group are all trainee teachers we were happy to step in and teach more English without any preperarion with the younger children, however the ‘childcare’ programme doesn’t specify full on teaching. Also within the preschool the children have a large nap time and therefore we had a large break in the middle of the day (due to their age), if you are unsure if this would suit you, I would recommend double checking the programme you are going to be volunteering on. On the final 2 days of our programme, Sopida took us to a deprived school on the outskirts of Pathum Thani, here the children were aged 7-15 years old. This was a challenge for us all but the most rewarding as we saw how simple English lessons were appreciated and how the pupils were grateful for the small things in life. I feel lucky to have met such humble and respectful children in both schools.

Overall, I enjoyed spending time with Sopida and Darryl and can’t thank them enough for their hospitality. Sopida was always there to support us with any questions and to make our experience in Thailand the best! To say this was your first year, it was bloody brilliant! Keep at it guys and will see you soon! #pmgythailand

I couldn’t recommend this programme enough! Before heading out to Thailand the UK team supported us so much with any questions we had about flights etc. When we arrived in Bangkok we were greeted by our Volunteer leader Sopida who is the most friendly and welcoming woman ever! We stayed at her family home for two weeks which I couldn’t fault one bit. Its not a 5* hotel so don’t have too high expections but it was clean, beds were comfy, we had a fan each and we were catered for - we couldn’t have asked for anything more.

The school we went to was very modern and up to date. We did only spend a couple of hours with the children a day but that was their routine which we had to fit into. It meant there wasn’t much pressure on us to plan lessons, which we didn’t want. We had loads of fun with the children, singing songs, and playing with them. We would teach them basic English like parts of the body and fruits. Seeing them progress was so rewarding.

In the last few days Sopida organised for us to go to a less privileged school which was very eye opening and I’m so glad we did it! Although playing football against 50 boys in 34 degree heat was tough but also worth seeing the smiles on their faces.

Before we went to Thailand we had thought about travelling to a few places in our spare time. We had the weekends off and wanted to make the most of our time in Thailand. Sopida and Darryl helped us so much with planning these trips. They told us which places to go. Ps. definitely go to the Thai elephant home- best day ever.

Overall I don’t have a bad word to say about this trip, I loved every minute of it and I couldn’t recommend it any more! If I could I would go back in no time. Thankyou to Sopida for making us feel so welcome 😘 xoxo

Check out their Facebook and Instagram page for pictures from the Thailand Childcare programme.

have recently come home from taking part in the childcare experience in Thailand and I had the BEST time!!! Sopida was a lovely host right from the minute she met us at the airport until we left. We stayed in her house with her family which gave us a great experience of how Thai's live their day to day life. Their house was very 'homely,' had a lovely ambiance and was nice and clean. Sopida and her husband, Darryl did everything they could to make us feel welcome and meet our needs while we stayed with them. They were also very helpful when it came to planning the rest of our travels to Chiang Mai and Phuket by recommending places to visit and restaurants!!!

The volunteering experience was amazing and the children were adorable. The school was public and so the building looked nice but the children came from different backgrounds. We taught small bits of English from the get go, this included: numbers, the alphabet, fruit, animals and songs. The children were very responsive, even though we were only there for 1 week and a half they had learnt new songs and were able to sing them back to use, which was very rewarding. Sopida helped by providing us with basic worksheets if we needed them and also helped as a translator as the teachers spoke very little English. Although this might seem daunting it was quite easy to do it.

The last few days of our volunteering opportunity we took part in and English day camp which was further away from the house, which if Sopida recommends to do I would definitely take it up. I taught children who were older (11-15) but there was large range of ages at this school. They were so grateful for us being there and as the children were older we made lovely friends by the end and wished we had stayed longer.

Overall the whole experience was brilliant and I would recommend anyone to take up the opportunity, especially when Sopida and Darryl are your hosts!!! xxxx

I spent two weeks doing the childcare programme in Thailand. I could not recommend the programme enough as I had the best time and made some amazing memories.
The pre-departure help is great, pmgy keep you updated and well informed about anything you need to know for the trip and answer any questions big or small!

For our accommodation we stayed with our volunteer leader and her family. The accommodation is clean and has everything you need - hot showers, a comfy bed and wifi! Sopida and Darryl are such a lovely couple, who made us feel so comfortable and at ease from the get go and in the end became great friends who I know we will all miss! They helped with everything from ordering food, providing lifts and helping us organise flights, Taxis and other excursions. Sopida accompanied us everyday to the school making sure we were comfortable being in the classroom and also prepared some really helpful resources to use with the children. We never felt unsure of what to do or unsupported. If you are looking to do full days of teaching be aware that the childcare programme does involve a large break in the day due to the children napping - this was fine for our group as we would keep ourselves occupied! On the last 2 days of our programme Sopida organised for us to go to another school In a more deprived area teaching older children from the ages of 7-13. This was really the most rewarding part as it was apparent the children were grateful for you being there and wanted to learn. I feel lucky to have met such lovely children.

Again I can not thank Sopida and Darryl enough for their hospitality, they made us feel like we had a home away from home and made us laugh everyday. Sopida could not do enough to ensure everyone was enjoying themselves and was constantly thinking of ways of how to improve the programme to make it the best experience it could be. Keep up the great job guys and thank you for everything! #honey #dazzle #sozfortheessay #pmgythailand

I spent my August on the 4 week real Thailand experience and I honestly can't think of anything better!

It was my first time travelling in Asia and the trip meant we saw the best of thailand, from relaxing on the beautiful island beaches to exploring the busy cities! The volunteering week was one of my favourites, I didn't think teaching was going to be my thing but the children were so enthusiastic to learn and grateful it was hard not to enjoy! Also the home cooked thai food was some of the best I've ever had.

It was also great to have such a lovely group of like minded travellers to share the trip with!
All round an amazing experience, you are so well looked after by Darryl and Sopida so you don't have to stress about travelling, and they give you lots of tips and recommendations for things you can explore on your own aswell!

Would recommend PMGY to anyone!!

This summer, I went on the 4 week real thailand experience. If you've never been to Thailand before, or never really even been travelling before (both of these were me!) this is a really great trip to do as it covers everything you could want to do and see over thailand in the space of a month.

We got to relax on the islands in between snorkelling and having a great time at the full moon party in koh phangan. So much fun!

We volunteered up in rural northern thailand which was a crazy week filled with teaching English, playing with the kids and learning the occasional word in Thai. Jack, who hosted us in his parents house, is so welcoming, kind and funny. (His mum also cooks the BEST food).

As well as Bangkok, we got to see another amazing city; chiang mai - this is where we got to spend the day with elephants!! This was probably one of the best days, a real once in a lifetime experience.

Everywhere was filled with markets, great food and fun nightlife. (And Even if Thai food isn't really your thing, it's easy to find western food around so there really is something for everyone).

I was excited but a little terrified when I booked it, but Darryl and sopida looked after us so well that it really reduced some of my worries. They're the sweetest, kindest, most hilarious couple. They're just the best. They were like second parents to us while we were there (or more like a fun aunt and uncle that let you get away with things and don't tell your parents what you've been up to).

I went on this trip with two of my friends but I left with at least 20 more. You start the holiday with complete strangers and come home having made some lifelong friendships. I couldn't recommend this trip more.

I had never travelled abroad on my own or for this long before going on this Real Thailand Experience holiday and I can honestly say it was the best 4 weeks of my life!

Firstly, the co-ordinators Darryl and Sopida - two of the nicest and sweetest people! They arranged everything on our behalf and the whole holiday was so seamless and stress free! Darryl and Sopida were always there for us if we had any issues and they really knew their stuff! You couldn't ask for two better people to show you around Thailand!

Secondly, the program itself. I did the 4 week experience and we did SO MUCH! We really got to see the 'Real' Thailand. From being in the busy environment of Bangkok to the peaceful and relaxing islands down south! You really get to live so many different experiences. My highlight was definitely the Islands where we got to relax, sunbathe (don't fall asleep on the beach people!!), going to the full moon party, snorkelling with the fish and going on different boat trips to see all the beautiful scenery! For all you Instagram lovers (all of us) this is the perfect place!! My other highlight was definitely the elephant sanctuary that we went to where we got to ride, wash and feed the elephants that have been rescued from cruel areas (Highly recommend doing it). Overall the program is designed so well and there was not one point where I was unhappy with what I was doing.

If you're were like me and quite nervous on travelling alone, don't be! I wouldn't have done it any other way. You meet like minded people who are doing the exact same as you. You meet so many nice people and the friends I made out there are definitely friends for life and we created memories that i'll never forget! Be brave and go for it!

Thirdly, the volunteering - We spent the week at Jacks house in Nong Khai. Jack was such a great host. He runs his own volunteering charity called Isan Survivor and it was just the most fulfilling week. We got the opportunity to work in two different schools (one with 10-12 year olds and the other with 16-18 year olds - both very different!) where we took part and hosted their English camps for the year. It was a life changing experience and rewarding one where we were helping the children learn English through class room teaching, singing, dancing and quite frankly making a fool of ourselves - but all for the right reasons!! Other than the teaching, we stayed at Jacks house where his mum is just the best cook!! Jack also took us to see the local areas like the border of Laos river, various different temples and beautiful areas, took us to a Korean restaurant that was pretty damn cool! Overall a great week!

4 Week Real Thailand Experience - Highly recommend!!
Shout out to Darryl and Sopida for just being the best hosts!

I recently went on the 2 week mini Thailand experience in July. I have always have been very fond of this country and try to visit it every two years.

These two weeks have shown me a completely different side of Thailand which I haven't explored. I would really like to Thank Darryl and Sopida for being patient, fun, energetic and excellent hosts.

If you are thinking of traveling alone you should go for it because you will be surrounded in great company and like-minded people.

The highlight of the trip for me was staying at Koh Sok National Park. I wish we could stay there an extra day and explore more untapped areas.

In July 2017, I decided to take part in the Two Week Thailand Experience. It was something that I knew would be completely out of my comfort zone but knew I needed to do some sort of travelling whilst I am still young.
First things first, Darryl the leader really did make the trip. He was on the ball for everything and although we were all adults on the trip, he constantly looked out for us whilst still being able to come out for drinks with us all.
The two week experience included three days in Bangkok, four days in Koh Phangan, four days in Koh Samui, a night in Khao Sok National Park plus one night on a night bus and one night on a night train. All four locations showed a different side of Thailand so you do get to see all of what Thailand has to offer.
What I really enjoyed about this trip was that there was lots of autonomy and although Darryl got us to each location, it was up to us how we spent our time and where we went to eat which I did appreciate.
The trip cost me £620 and I also spent another £300 whilst i was out there on extra trips, food, presents etc. I know if I had done the trip solo, I would not have spent £900, HOWEVER, I do think the fact that all the transport and accommodation is sorted for you is worth the extra cost, as well as having a tour leader who knows the country so well. I also had a really nice group and got on with everyone which did add to the whole experience.
My favourite day of the trip was the last day which was an excess tour that I paid £50 for. We went to Erawan waterfall and climbed up the top which was lots of fun, then we went to the Bridge over the River Kwai and had the most gorgeous lunch out of the whole two weeks which was included in the cost. We walked over the bridge then got a longtail boat to a little museum which gave some history about the bridge which was very interesting.
My only negative - and this is really nitpicking - was that the accommodation in Bangkok and Koh Phangan wasn't amazing and we did have a bit of an issue with hot water/water coming on at all.
I would highly recommend the two week trip for anyone who wants to do some travelling but doesn't want to go alone. It is great constantly being with the same 20 odd people for two weeks too because you build up some close bonds rather than meeting new people at every hostel you go to. Two weeks doesn't sound like a long time but you pack so much in that you will be ready to go home when it's over!

I went on the Mini Thailand Experience at the beginning of 2017 and had a fantastic time. The group I went with were all really friendly, and Darryl and Sophia were great at introducing us to Thailand. Darryl stayed with us throughout, and was around for support when needed, but also let you get on with you own thing if you wanted to. All of the places we stayed were great, especially the floating raft houses and it was nice to not stay in one place for too long.

There are lots of fun and different things to do on all of the islands and in Bangkok, and I didn't have close to enough time to try most of it, but the stuff I did, was great. The food was also really tasty, and I enjoyed finding which place had the nicest, creamiest green Thai curry. And if you're trying to save money there is of course always 711. There was also cold coffee EVERYWHERE which I loved, because it is so expensive in England.

Advice? Pace yourself with your drinking at the Full Moon Party and apply Sun Cream frequently and liberally. And maybe take some after bite.

I have just returned from a month away in Thailand with PMGY and I can say it's been such a great experience and I would do it all over again! I would recommend this programme to anyone considering visiting Thailand as you receive a rounded experience and really get a grasp of their culture.
All the support before the programme was everything and more that I needed in order for me to organise myself beforehand an know what to expect. The volunteer handbook goes into depth with the background of the county your visiting, useful phrases, all important contact numbers, provides useful tips, a check list of what to bring with you, a plan of the itinerary and lots more. This answered all the questions I had concerning the trip and also reassured my parents too. If there were any questions, all the team were happy for you to send them a Facebook message or email them and they would respond back to you within no time. Josh, also arranged some live online webinars involving other volunteers on the trip where we could all ask for any advice which was great.
When we arrived in Thailand Darryl was there waiting for us and arranged our transport to the hotel to get us settled in, which was very welcoming after a long flight and arriving in a foreign airport.
Again the support continued in country through out the trip by Sopida, Darryl and Off who would go out of their way to make sure you had a safe stay. When they weren't with us they were just a phone call or message away. Sopida waited for hours for us from 5am at a coach station when we returned from our volunteering week after our journey was delayed, and always made sure we were first to board any form of public transport. Darryl was on hand for any minor hospital trips that were needed and went above and beyond to make sure we were safe through out the trip.
Our accommodation through out the trip was safe and provided us with all the basis necessities that we needed, not to mention that they were in great locations. The location or the bungalows in Koh Phangan were beautiful on the beach front, and also the volunteering house was a stunning place to relax and bond as a group, with hammocks, speakers and seating area and the lovely owners Jack and Patricia provided us with the best breakfasts and lunches - nobody went hungry.
In our volunteer week we worked at an English camp at 1 primary and 1 secondary Thailand school teaching the children basic English. The children were so appreciative and loved us visiting them it was such a pleasure to teach such enthusiastic and happy children. The staff made us feel very welcome and the work was full on but very rewarding and fun all at the same time. There was a lot of singing and dancing involved!
My advice to anybody looking to join the programme would be to read all the volunteer book before you leave, go into the experience open minded as positive, try to attend as many trips as you can and don't pack too much (I packed more clothes than needed) also there are always shops around to buy basic toiletries such as the famous 7eleven. Also make sure you try a 7eleven toastie. Make sure you budget yourself for any nights out and keep all your important things on you.
I would have liked to have seen more islands however it was just no possible to fit it all within a month, but you could continue travelling the country after your PMGY programme on a small budget.
Hoping to do another programme in the near future. Thank you for everyone who made the trip. I have made some great friends too!

Over the summer I took part in the Real Thailand Experience which was honestly the best decision I could've made. Having not travelled much before by myself the planning and organisation by the company was excellent and everything was very straightforward. The UK team were easy to get in touch with and answered any questions, they organised my flights and the handbook I received covered everything I needed to know.
Once I got to Thailand we were met by Darryl and Sopida - they made us feel at home from the start and were the best possible people to take us through the experience. All the people who supported us while we were there genuinely care about the work they do and really do go above and beyond.
The volunteering week was so rewarding and a chance to see more of the 'real' Thailand. Again, the support we received was fantastic, Jack, Patricia and the family were wonderful.
Without writing a book it's hard to even begin to cover the things we experienced and express how amazing the trip really was, we did so much in four weeks! Stroking tigers, riding elephants, climbing a mountain, staying up 'til sunrise at the full moon party, snorkelling, getting raced round in tuk tuks, eating some weird food (scorpions, bugs and crocodile...) and nice food too, sea kayaking, white water rafting, getting a tattoo (not a compulsory part of the trip!), visiting temples and staying in floating raft houses...
That doesn't even cover it!
I met some incredible people, saw beautiful places and did awesome things, if you're thinking about doing the experience - do it.
Thanks to everyone who made it amazing.

I went on the Plan My Gap Year Real Thailand Experience on the 16th July until the 13th August 2016. I can honestly say it was the best experience of my life so far! Whilst booking, I looked at lots of different volunteering programmes with many different organisations and the PMGY coordinators were the only ones who didn’t constantly pester me to book. They provided me with the information I needed and left me to make the decision myself, answering any questions I had as quickly as they could with best intentions at heart. The handbook provided and the facebook groups available are extremely helpful when preparing. I met all of my group on facebook before travelling, and we had the opportunity to ask any questions to the tour leaders Darryl and Sopida, and the people who had already completed the experience to make sure you’re on the right track. The whole experience is designed with you in mind. I found lots of other groups base their trips completely on volunteering which in Thailand would be a shame as there are so many places to visit and you need lots of time to go to them all! The real Thailand experience however, provides you with loads of variety and includes so much! It exceeded my expectations in every single way. The accommodation you stay in is surprisingly really nice, which I didn’t expect for the price you pay! The whole travelling experience is made so easy as Darryl or Sopida is always with you ensuring you have nothing to worry about! We spoke to other young travellers who were doing it alone and they had struggled with many different aspects of the traveling such as trying to find the right bus, getting off at the right stop, and understanding what the right kind of prices you should pay are.. but going with PMGY makes it all such a breeze and you feel safe all the time. All the people you meet during the trip can’t do enough for you. Darryl and Sopida are so much more than tour leaders. They become your family whilst you are in Thailand and genuinely care about everyone so much. I ended up in a Thai hospital at one stage of my trip and they both took me there and stayed with me the whole time! If you want to go on a trip other than the ones they provide they are more than happy to help you find what you need. They are great at recommending restaurants and bars (and most of the time they join you for a good party!) And if you need anything at any point no matter what time they are happy to help! I couldn’t have asked for more off either of them and I miss them both so much! During volunteering week the family you stay with are the loveliest! Jack is so sweet and is a fab cook! The make you feel at home so quickly and the week flys by so fast! PMGY have provided me with a trip I would never have been able to experience myself within the same budget. You easily receive your moneys worth and more! I have never been so gutted to come home from a holiday. I have met friends for life thanks to PMGY and I wouldn’t change anything they include in the trip. Thailand is a place I will never forget, I cannot recommend this trip enough! I will definitely use Plan My Gap Year for any future independent travelling I might decide to do! If you are thinking about doing it then go for it! You won’t be let down!