When I first set out on this adventure, I did not know what to expect. My friends and family, even myself, were shocked that I chose such a far and unfamiliar place with people I had never even met. Little did I know what these people and this place would mean to me when I left.

Throughout these 14 days, I had the privilege of traveling, learning, and volunteering throughout northern Thailand. I experienced its rich culture, beautiful views, and the “Sabai Sabai” way.

There are no words that can truly do this experience justice. Nonetheless, I met the most amazing and inspirational people, from the locals to the guides to my fellow travelers. These individuals showed me what life looks like when we’re fully present, focused on each other and our actions rather than materialistic ideologies and unrealistic standards for the world around us. I was shown how resilient we are both mentally and physically, and how essential it is to put aside our worries in order to feed our wellbeing. During my time here, I was reminded how much I value the outdoors and hard work, and shown the level of possibility that can be reached in the span of 24 hours.

This trip is amazing and filled with new experiences and learning opportunities. Come in with no expectations and an open mind, and you will leave so incredibly fulfilled and changed. Say YES!!

Everything about Thailand with give was absolutely unforgettable! Every person that I met and place that I went exceeded every expectation that I could have had! This trip was so so excellent. And the guides made sure that I was not only always okay but that I was given the most immersive trip possible! They were so knowledgeable when asked any question and loved to share their culture and stories with us which made the trip even better! All of the local and international guides were so kind, caring and authentically themselves! Creating such a save space for each volunteer to do the same. The itinerary was packed with a great mix of all things Thailand, and on top of the wonderful volunteering we did, it provided a truly amazing opportunity to really experience the people of Thailand and it’s culture. It truly was such an incredible opportunity!

Travelling with this group was a life changing experience for me and showed me that there is so much this beautiful world has to offer. The way the guides opened their hearts to strangers and welcomed us in made it really easy to get comfortable with them. They are such a close group of friends too and I really enjoyed their group dynamic. Their planning makes it really easy to go with the flow and if you just show up on time with a positive attitude then youre gonna have an absolute blast.

The trip also had a really nice balance of volunteering, fun adventures, and activities that the local people led to give us an insight into the life and culture of Thailand. Really reset my mentality on how much was possible in 24 hours and showed me that I am much more capable that I thought I was.

And finally, the fellow volunteers. If youre nervous then thats totally normal because so was I! What I'll say is that youll never meet a more like minded group of individuals, no matter how different we all appeared on the surface. Everyone blended together so well and it was incredible for me to see how well strangers could get along and become life long friends. It only happens if you take the leap of faith so just do it!!

If someone had told me a year ago that a flyer on the back of a bathroom stall door would lead to one of the most meaningful experiences of my life, I never would have believed them.

My two weeks in Thailand with GIVE Volunteers exceeded every expectation I had. I came into this trip excited but nervous, unsure if I was ready to travel halfway around the world with a group of strangers. I left with lifelong friendships, unforgettable memories, and a completely new perspective on community, sustainability, and global citizenship.

One of the most impactful parts of the trip was working in the village of Mueng Khong, where I had the opportunity to teach English to local children and learn from the community that welcomed us so warmly. The villagers shared their culture, traditions, dances, crafts, and way of life with us, and I will always be grateful for their kindness and generosity. It never felt like we were simply visiting—we were welcomed with open arms.

The local guides were truly the heart of this experience. Their stories, resilience, and passion inspired me every day. Learning about the challenges they overcame to pursue education and create opportunities for their communities gave me a deeper appreciation for perseverance, gratitude, and service.

Beyond the volunteer work, the experiences were unforgettable. From working on permaculture projects and visiting Pun Pun Sustainability Farm to trekking through the jungle, bamboo rafting, campfires under the stars, and meaningful late-night conversations, every day challenged me to step outside my comfort zone and embrace the present moment.

More than anything, this trip reminded me of the importance of human connection. Despite coming from different countries, cultures, and backgrounds, I was constantly reminded of how much we all have in common.

Thailand gave me memories that will last a lifetime, but more importantly, it gave me perspective. I left with a fuller heart, a broader worldview, and a deeper understanding of what it means to be part of a global community.

Thank you, GIVE Volunteers, the local communities, and everyone who made this experience possible. This was more than a trip—it was a chapter of my life that I will carry with me forever.

This trip was truly life changing and an absolutely amazing experience!!! The guides were one of a kind and I will forever be thankful that I took the leap and went on such an amazing adventure. I grew and changed in so many ways that I never could have imagined. This was the best experience of my life. I would truly recommend this trip to anyone and everyone who wants to seek something fun and exciting outside of their comfort zone and I hope that I get to have more experiences like this! KapKunKa!

5 stars!!!!! Going on GIVE trips has opened my eyes to responsible traveling and how to respect cultures while I am on trips. I am in awe of the meticulous coordination and execution of these trips. The Thailand Hill Tribes and Laos trips have left an everlasting impact on my life and how I will move throughout my days. The staff are unmatched. I have found a family for life through these programs. The generosity and kindness is unconditional and I could not have asked for a better experience. Thank you GIVE!!!

This trip was more amazing than I ever could have imagined, GIVE offers such a unique way to travel and volunteer! I was able to see so many new things and try so many different things that I would have never thought of. This trip allows you to fully immerse yourself into the culture and environment of Northern Thailand. The guides are the most genuine, funny, and kind people you will ever meet and make for a unforgettable experience. 5 stars is not enough to express how amazing this trip truly is!

This trip was an amazing experience that I am so grateful I got to go on. I got to see incredible places, meet amazing people, and make memories I will cherish for the rest of my life. The trip would not have been the same without our incredible local guides. P'Boka, P'Nick, P'Krit, and P'Toni taught me so much and never failed to put a smile on my face. They were always showing us a cool fact about the nature around us, telling jokes, or showing off their expertise in various fields. In our free time they taught us how to carve, make yogurt, played guitar, and helped us to practice counting in Thai during our intense ping pong tournaments. Getting to interact with these incredible communities that I would never have seen otherwise taught me so much. I hope to go on another GIVE trip in the future.