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

Traveler Reviews

• NW

  Nick5.0•August 2026
  Words can never truly describe the depth of human connection GIVE's Hill Tribe trip in Thailand gave me. I made...
  Words can never truly describe the depth of human connection GIVE's Hill Tribe trip in Thailand gave me. I made memories and friends I will keep in my heart for a lifetime. In Mueang Khong we got the opportunity to teach English at a few local schools and I ended up spending most days at Wang Mariew School. I'm in school now studying to teach English one day and this program gave me not only the chance to practice and grow those skills under the guidance of our wonderful education coordinators and guides P'Boka and Chelsey but it also affirmed that teaching was what I really wanted to do. Getting to see the kids excited and involved in class and being able to connect with them despite the language and culture barriers was deeply impactful. In the afternoon after teaching we would work in the permaculture garden at Wang Mariew School with our permaculture coordinator and guide P'Krit. That garden feeds the students, many of whom live in the dorms, gives them access to permaculture education, and helps fund the school with the sales of excess produce. Being apart of such an important aspect of so many kids' daily lives, getting to make sure they are taken care of and set up for life the best that Wang Mariew can makes every drop of sweat worth it. Give doesn't just leave when the tours are over and that's what makes Give and the Hill Tribes trip so special, they are apart of the community of Mueang Khong, integrated and dedicated to the success of the community and the people in it. We were also well taken care of in Mueang Khong. Meals were always fresh and delicious and snacks were abundantly available. Clean water was always available and all of our guides were well prepared with everything we would need. The schedule ran smoothly and was always well communicated. I was genuinely impressed by how well planned and ran the trip was. Our lead guide P'Nick was always prepared and knowledgeable. We had lots of fun and unique activities to enjoy after a day of volunteering and to fill our weekends. The fourth of July happened to land on the Saturday night we spent in the Lahu village Hoi Ngu, where we were graciously hosted by Chief Ton and his family, and the guides went out of their way to put together an amazing evening with fireworks and sparklers. Our last night in Mueang Khong they even hosted a Bai Si ceremony with amazing food, song, and dance. The jungle portion of the trip took us out of our daily routine and comfort zones and I got to experience things I never could have imagined myself doing. We hiked through the moutains surrounding Ban Bpa Kao Lam to find an elephant named Mae Boon Sri with her mahout P'Son Ram. We made bamboo rafts and spent the night enjoying music around the fire. The next day we rafted to the Lahu village Pong Ngen where our guides P'Boka and P'Tony had grown up. Being welcomed into the guides' family home and culture was something incredibly special and took the guides from feeling like tour guides to feeling like friends who have invited you to their homes for dinner. The last day of the trip was my birthday and I will never forget how amazing the guides and all my friends made it. We started the day rafting out of Pong Ngen and then drove back into the city to Chiang Mai X Centre where we were set to go bungee jumping. The staff there had a gorgeous cake waiting for me and treated us all with so much kindness. Bungee jumping was the one thing on the itinerary I thought I would never be able to do but because of GIVE I was able to gain the courage to try it and that was the best birthday gift they could have given me. It was scary but getting to do it with a friend whom I had grown to see like family on that trip made it possible. I even got to try drift carting after which was so much fun. The entire trip was amazing. Our guides, P'Nick, P'Tony, P'Krit, P'Boka, Chelsea, and Amy were there with us and for us every step of the way and gave us all the strength and support to try new things, to accomplish difficult tasks, and to feel like we've grown from it. The people at each and every place we traveled showed us so much warmth and kindness, from our hosts to the store keepers to the children of the villages. I truly could not have asked for more.Show more
  • 
  • 
  • 
  • 
  • 
  • 
  Traveled in July 2026
  

  Reply from: GIVE Volunteers

  Thank you so much for taking the time to share this incredibly thoughtful reflection. Your story is such a beautiful example of what we hope a GIVE experience can become—especially hearing that your time in Mueang Khong helped affirm your passion for teaching and gave you the opportunity to put those skills into practice. Thank you for showing up with such an open heart and for recognizing the incredible people who make this program what it is. We’re so lucky to have you as part of the GIVE family!

  Show more
• IR

  Isabella5.0•August 2026
  This trip was life changing in so many aspects and I could not recommend it enough. We were culturally immersed in...
  This trip was life changing in so many aspects and I could not recommend it enough. We were culturally immersed in ways that were so raw and authentic and were able to build connections with the community through local guides and volunteer work. We trekked through multiple tribes and got to experience the different ways in which each lives as well as learn a part of their language and try to connect by doing Q&As and joining in traditional activities and dances. The itinerary was incredible and the team was unforgettable, I will forever cherish the connections I made through this trip.Show more
  Traveled in July 2026
  

  Reply from: GIVE Volunteers

  Thank you so much for sharing this. We love hearing how deeply you connected with the communities and cultures you encountered along the way. We’re so grateful you took the leap with us and made connections that you’ll carry with you long after the trip!

  Show more
• TJ

  tess5.0•July 2026
  When I first set out on this adventure, I did not know what to expect. My friends and family, even myself, were...
  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!!Show more
  Traveled in May 2026
  

  Reply from: GIVE Volunteers

  We love that you took a chance on something completely outside your comfort zone and found so much more than you ever expected. Thank you for embracing every moment with an open mind and for encouraging others to say "yes" to the adventure—we're so grateful to have been part of your journey!

  Show more
• OR

  Olivia5.0•June 2026
  Everything about Thailand with give was absolutely unforgettable! Every person that I met and place that I went...
  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 their culture. It truly was such an incredible opportunity!Show more
  Traveled in May 2026
  

  Reply from: GIVE Volunteers

  Thank you so much for sharing your experience! It means so much to hear that Thailand exceeded every expectation and that you felt so supported throughout your journey. We're especially happy that your guides helped create such a welcoming environment. We're so grateful you chose to travel with GIVE, and we hope to see you on another adventure someday!

  Show more
• MP

  Minerva5.0•June 2026
  All of the events were well planned, spaced accordingly, and done with intentionality. The guides are very...
  All of the events were well planned, spaced accordingly, and done with intentionality. The guides are very knowledgeable and helpful. As a 53 year old participating in this adventure, I felt very supported by the guides. Shelsea, Amy, N’Krit, N’Tony, N’Nick, and N’Boka are friends for life!Show more
  • 
  • 
  • 
  • 
  • 
  • 
  • 
  • 
  • 
  • 
  • 
  • 
  • 
  • 
  • 
  • 
  • 
  • 
  • 
  • 
  • 
  • 
  • 
  • 
  • 
  • 
  • 
  • 
  • 
  • 
  • 
  • 
  • 
  • 
  Traveled in June 2026
  

  Reply from: GIVE Volunteers

  Thank you so much for sharing your experience! We love hearing that you felt supported throughout the journey and that our guides helped make your adventure so memorable. One of the things we value most is creating experiences that are welcoming and impactful for travelers of all ages. We're so glad you found lifelong friends in your guides!

  Show more
• ME

  Miles5.0•June 2026
  Travelling with this group was a life changing experience for me and showed me that there is so much this beautiful...
  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!!Show more
  Traveled in May 2026
  

  Reply from: GIVE Volunteers

  Thank you for such a thoughtful review! We love hearing how deeply the experience impacted you. It's amazing how quickly strangers can become lifelong friends when they're brought together by a shared purpose. Thank you for taking that leap of faith with us, and we hope this is just the first of many GIVE adventures!

  Show more
• LR

  Lillian5.0•June 2026
  If someone had told me two years ago that a flyer on the back of a bathroom stall door would lead to one of the most...
  If someone had told me two years 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.Show more
  • 
  • 
  • 
  Traveled in May 2026
  

  Reply from: GIVE Volunteers

  Thank you for sharing such a beautiful reflection. We love hearing how a simple leap of faith led to such a transformative experience. From the connections made to the lessons learned through service, sustainability, and cultural exchange, it sounds like you embraced every part of the journey with an open heart. We're so grateful you chose to travel with us and honored to have been part of a chapter that will stay with you for a lifetime. We can't wait to see where your next adventure takes you!

  Show more
• AM

  Allie5.0•June 2026
  This trip was truly life changing and an absolutely amazing experience!!! The guides were one of a kind and I will...
  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. KapKunKa!Show more
  Traveled in June 2026
  

  Reply from: GIVE Volunteers

  Thank you so much for your kind words! We're thrilled to hear that your experience was so meaningful and that our guides helped make it unforgettable. It takes courage to take that leap into the unknown, and we're so glad you did. Thank you for sharing your adventure with us, and we hope the memories, friendships, and lessons from Thailand stay with you for years to come. Kap Kun Ka!

  Show more
• 

  Elizabeth5.0•January 2026
  5 stars!!!!! Going on GIVE trips has opened my eyes to responsible traveling and how to respect cultures while I am...
  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. Thank you GIVE!!!Show more
  Traveled in December 2025
  

  Reply from: GIVE Volunteers

  Thank you so much for your kind words and continued support! It means so much to hear that your experiences in Thailand and Laos have had such a lasting impact. We're especially grateful that the trips helped shape the way you think about responsible travel and cultural connection—those are values that are at the heart of what we do. Thank you for being part of the GIVE community, and for taking these lessons with you long after the trip has ended.

  Show more
• 

  Braydon5.0•January 2026
  This trip was more amazing than I ever could have imagined, GIVE offers such a unique way to travel and volunteer! I...
  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!Show more
  Traveled in November 2025
  

  Reply from: GIVE Volunteers

  Thank you so much for your amazing review! We’re thrilled to hear that your time in Northern Thailand felt immersive, adventurous, and full of new experiences. Our guides truly love what they do, and as you experienced, deeply care about creating meaningful connections. It means so much to hear they helped make your trip unforgettable. We’re so grateful you chose to travel with GIVE!

  Show more