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

Traveler Reviews

• 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!

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• 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!

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• 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
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  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!

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• 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!

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• 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
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  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!

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• 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!

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  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.

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  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!

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  Sierra5.0•August 2025
  This trip was an amazing experience that I am so grateful I got to go on. I got to see incredible places, meet...
  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.Show more
  Traveled in July 2025
  

  Reply from: GIVE Volunteers

  Thank you so much for sharing your experience! We're so happy to hear that your trip was filled with meaningful connections, unforgettable memories, and incredible adventures. P'Boka, P'Nick, P'Krit, and P'Toni will be thrilled to hear your kind words—they each bring so much heart, knowledge, and joy to every program. Thank you for being part of the GIVE community, and for taking the time to recognize the guides who helped make your experience so special. We hope to have you join us on a new adventure soon!

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  Chelsea5.0•July 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...
  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!!!Show more
  Traveled in June 2025
  

  Reply from: GIVE Volunteers

  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 incredible guide team! We can't wait to see where you go next with GIVE! Sending good vibes!

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