Thailand Experience

Absolutely beautiful country, a fabulous experience with amazing people :)

Eawan Falls in Kanchanaburi - incredible! The culture, the people, the volunteering!

Be adventurous with your food, embrace the culture, have a go at everything that's available!

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Eye-opening; breathtaking views; inspiring; amazing people; learnt so much (and not just about Thailand!)

Optional extra tour to Anthong National marine park, off Koh phangan; half moon party.

Say YES to everything; DO NOT overpack (you really don't need that much!); take a durable camera, which you can take everywhere! And- don't worry about going on your own- you'll meet so many great people, who are all experiencing the same thing, just book it and worry about it later!

Replace some time in Sangkhlaburi, with a stop somewhere else in the South.

Great Trip For First Time Travellers, Who Want The Security Of Being In A Group Or Just Want Someone Else To Do All The Organising!- Amazing Company.

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Unforgettable, eye-opening, life changing, unique, surreal, unpredictable, colourful, amazing!!!

Spending a day at Dream House, elephant trek and Half Moon Party

Take a camera everywhere you go and don't be afraid to ask to take photos of people Be open to new experiences Make the most of it!

A tour of Koh Phangan

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Great friends and guides, time of my life.

Songkran in Koh Phanagan. Elephant Ride, Erawan

Budget in drinking out most nights. Pack plenty of mosquito repellent. Pack, repack and repack again to make sure you bring the minimum.

Be Prepared About Drinking Most Nights And Extravagant Taxi Costs, E.g. 400 Tiger Temple, 300 In Koh Phangan.

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Once in a lifetime, great team and friends made, fantastic memories !!

The trip had many highlights - the most memorable highlight was the visit to tiger temple. This was an incredible experience where we literally got to get right up close to the tigers and the cubs. The night outs were brilliant - are tour guides Jip and Smith made every night great from half moon parties to boat parties which were incredibly fun ! Would not have been the same without such great guides out there that helped us in all situations and sorted absolutely everything out for us!

- don't be worried about traveling alone everyone is in the same situation and you meet friends for life. I got to know everyone in the group really well and everyone in the group got on really well. - do everything - real gap offer extra activities such as tiger temple, island trips and Thai boxing - go for it as each activity is so much fun - just have fun !!

I would have like a possibility to extend the trip to see all the islands. Although real gap offer an optional trip to some of the islands out in Thailand a day trip was not enough and would like to have spent a few nights on some of the islands.

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Inspiring, fun, valuable, unforgettable, varied, new friends

The people - this is why I booked with Real Gap - to be sure I'd meet like minded people while travelling by myself.

Travel light and take lots of money You make the experience - do everything Think less and book it

Chang Mai and less time in Sangkaburi

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Amazing experience, couldn't have asked for a better tour guide (Meaw), great chance to meet new people.

Tiger temple, trekking with elephants, Meaw. JOOP JOOP

Mosquito net for sangkhlaburi Bring more money than you think Make the most of it as it goes too quick!

Scuba diving instead of paying extra

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Amazing people, beautiful places, missing it all so much!

There were just so many! The full moon party was obviously amazing, but i think what made it so good was the group of people on the trip all going together because it was just such a fun group. Lying by the lake in Sangkhlaburi after a hard days building work was definitely a highlight! Meeting the children in the Dreamhouse also has to be well up there.

-Pack light!! You can buy so much cheap and really nice clothing in Bangkok! And also don't pack to much cover up stuff for temples you only need to cover shoulders and legs. One pair of leggings and trousers is fine for girls. -Don't be scared to go alone- you will meet the most amazing people who will be friends for life! I'm 18 and I went straight after finishing high school and am so pleased I did it! -Just do it!! You won't regret it!!

A better elephant trek- but think this was just because they had to move it to Koh Phangan because the one we were meant to do got cancelled.

May And Bee, The Two People Working For Realgap Who Were With Us The Whole Trip Were The Reason The Trip Was So Amazing. Both Being Thai You Got Areal Insight Into Thai Life And They Literally Were Part Of The Group Since They Came Out With Us, Took Care Of Us In Any Situation And Were Just Such Fun And Lovely People.

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The highlights of my Thailand Experience were definitely volunteering at the DREAMhouse orphanage and beach week on Koh Pha Ngan.

1. Bring a mix of nice clothes and clothes you're willing to ruin. We went out a lot but also got dirty during the jungle trek, volunteering, etc. I only brought old clothes and was wishing I had some nicer clothes when we went to bars and clubs. 2. Be prepared for a lot of extra costs, such as the Tiger Temple. A lot of things aren't included in the trip price so work a lot of spending money into your budget.

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1. Unforgettable 2. Amazing 3. Great friends 4. Amazing food 5. Brilliant coordinators 6. Eye-opening (orphanage) 7. Never boring 8. Exciting 9. Memories 10. Culture shock

TIGER TEMPLE, ELEPHANT TREKKING, VOLUNTEERING AT THE ORPHANAGE WAS AMAZING AND TO TOP IT OFF BEACH WEEK AT KOH PHANGAN!! Meaw and Jib made the whole trip a lot more exciting and fun also!

1. Don't take lots of clothes, especially girls!!! There are soooo many clothes shops, markets etc to buy nice clothes from, plus you will NOT wear them all, you just end up wearing the same things! Also, one thing that we weren't informed of is that we had to cover our shoulders and knees all of the time that we were in Sangkhlaburi, which was where I had to purchase some more t-shirts! 2. CARRY TOILET ROLL WITH YOU AS THAI PEOPLE USE A BUM HOSE NOT TOILET PAPER!!! 3. Try everything and anything you can, everything you do is an experience and worthwhile :D

I would have liked to visit Koh Phi Phi whilst I was in Thailand.

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New friends, unforgettable, eye opener, most amazing month EVER, perfect

The whole trip in general was amazing. Being home has been difficult as our group got extremely close and were not ready to leave. I loved every place we went. The orphanage was amazing and I was proud that I was able to contribute to building their future home for them. The island in the end was beautiful and was probably the most fun because of our ability to do most whatever we wanted. Overall, the whole trip was a highlight for me. Best month of my life.

Don't pack too much - buy so many good items like jewelry and clothes for super cheap. Let your guard down and just enjoy everyone! You'll meet some amazing people. At least I did. I traveled with 2 other friends and had a blast with them but don't be discouraged to travel alone. Majority of the people in our group of 23 were alone and it made no difference.

I did the community option, which was the manual labor. I only got to spend a few hours with the kids at the orphanage. I would have hoped to spend more time with them because that is what I was originally thinking I was signed up for.

Meaw, Our Guide, Made Our Trip What It Was. She Always Made Us Laugh And I Couldn't Imagine Having A Better Person Show Us Around Her Beautiful Country. By Far One Of My Favorite People I Have Ever Met And Hope I Get To See Her Again.

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Amazing experience would do it all again in a heart beat!

Our tour guide May was amazing and made the trip for us! Highlights for me were volunteering at the DREAM project. I also loved the Elephant trek!

Take a smart phone/laptop as there is wifi everywhere! Check your visas! And go with an open mind and you will love it!

Island hoping instead of just staying on Koh Phan Ngan

Amazing!! Thank You Real Gap!

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Something I could do for the rest of my life!

The whole trip was amazing! Guides were great fun mainly due to the fact that they were Thai people. Spending a day with at the Dream House (Orphanage) and the Boat party were probably the highlights. Not to forget having a Full moon party.

Pack light, you spend the first two days in Bangkok where almost everything is available clothing wise for both males and females. Make the most of your time, there is so much to do and most are well worth experiencing. Practice your bargaining, Thailand has many markets where the price could be determined on your confidence and ability to 'haggle'.

The Tiger temple was a must and should be integrated into the itinerary. Also the chance to jump off the longest wooden bridge we walked across in Sangklaburi after seeing pictures of people doing it.

Don't Be Scared, Let Thailand Open Your Eyes To Something New And Amazing.

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best thing ive ever done!

tiger temple was amazing, volunteering was so much fun! (did the building in the jungle), elephant ride, beach week. the whole trip was amazing :)

dont pack too much buy it all in bangkok. take stuff for temples. hotels all have wifi, i didnt take a phone everyone else did!

no there was more than enough to do!

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Had the time of my life. Great people, great country.

The beach week was amazing and volunteering at the nursery

Take enough tops that cover your shoulders. Try everything. Take a good pair of shoes for trekking.

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fantastic tour, made friends for life, I'LL BE BACK!

too many to count! Tiger Temple was incredible, as was volunteering (I did childcare). i really enjoyed the trekking part of the tour whilst others didn't though! The whole trip was fantastic, a great mixture of culture, relaxation, and of course, the massive Full Moon Party which ended the trip on a high note!

1. take more than £100 a week- i ran out of money twice so i recommend £150-£200 a week. you underestimate how much youre going to spend, especially if you want to do everything on the trip. 2. take proper hiking boots for the waterfalls, volunteering (building and childcare) and the trek- my trainers were trashed! 3. do everything they offer, you'll regret it if you don't.

Possibly longer in Koh Phangan so we could have looked around the island and similiar islands near by.

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Best month of my life, want to go back already!

Getting on so well with the entire group, elephant trekking, nights out at sugar member, how welcoming and friendly all the thai people were, visiting the stunning temples, trying new food, playing with the kids at the dreamhouse orphanage and having the best coordinators ever, bottle and mark!

1) Take loo roll EVERYWHERE! 2) Don't buy a thailand sim card before you travel, i did and got my phone unlocked and it didn't even work! 3) Go with an open mind and make the most out of every opportunity and activity.

Don't Hesitate To Book Onto This Trip! You Will Not Regret It! :)

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Met amazing people, saw amazing sights and done amazing things.

The friendships I made, the sights I saw, experiencing a different culture. The photos taken at Tiger Temple, Koh Samui day trip, plenty of boat trips, my 21st celebrations in Kanchanaburi, DREAMHOUSE orphange, jungle trekking, EVERYTHING.

Pack t-shirts to cover your shoulders and trousers of knee length or lower. Visit Koh Samui within the last week. Take a fancy dress costume.

Maybe a few more places, e.g. Koh Samui.

DO IT!!

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amazing people, team leader (meaw) was great with us all, beautiful thai children, great food

tiger temple, waterfalls, nature park, childcare, beach parties

Do everything you can, pack short sleeve tops, buy a waterproof cover for your bag when treking as it rained so much everything in my bag was soaked including my camera. oh and buy insect repellent out there, the english stuff doesn't work half as good as the thai ones.

i would have liked elephant tracking to have been in the north rather than the small one in phangan but other than that it was spot on.

I'd Hoped That The Teaching Would Have Been Better Organised By Starfish. All That Happened Was I Was Put Into A Class Of 5 Year Olds By Myself With No Idea What Was Expected Of Me And A Teacher That Couldn't Speak English.... I Got Used It Though, But The Briefing And Introduction Should Have Been More Detailed

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Amazing, eye opening, unforgettable, great friendships, hilarious, challenging, lots of fun , fantastic experience, grow as a person, incredible, so hard to leave.

Everything meeting amazing people, tiger temple, waterfalls, amazing nights out on the beach, elephant trek and the day volunteering in the school and orphanages.

Pack lightly, take enough deet spray , take more money than told to cause you will need more for the extra options!!

Go With An Open Mind, Do Everything You Can , Have Fun And Make The Most Of The Month , Its Goes Too Quick!

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Amazing culture, best coordinators, great friendships, partying but also rewarding

The Tiger Temple, Spending a few nights in the jungle, visiting the dream orphanage, parties at Haadrin

Be flexible (the itinerary will change) Try everything on offer Have fun

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Fantastic trip, everything I wanted, made some amazing new friends.

I enjoyed every second of the trip it's too difficult to pick a highlight. Beach and party week was obviously fabulous as well as the elephant rides and water falls, but I would have to say the volunteering and the cultural experience found in Sanglabuhri was amazing. It really felt like our work made a difference to the lives of others and has really opened my eyes and made me more appreciative of what we have in the u.k. I have come away determined to do more fundraising so the money can be used at Dreamhouse.

Take a travel diary. Be prepared to be moved by some experiences. Don't be scared of going on your own - friends are so easy to make on the trip.

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Amazing, just do it!

Enjoyed almost all of it to be honest. The elephant riding and meeting loads of new people and making many new friends!

Make sure you give yourself plenty of time to pack and think of everything you will need. Dont leave it all to the last min

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hilarious, amazing, life changing, unforgettable, action packed, exciting, cultured, perfect.

Ideally i'd like to say all of it, but in order to be helpful, I'd say my favourite day was when we went elephant trekking and then helped out in dreamhouse orphanage. That was a great day. Spending a few nights in the jungle was incredible too, we worked hard in the day building a chicken pen and farming the rice for the school, but we were rewarded with delicous home made food and were able to relax in the night with the help of the bar. I love that this trip has given me a real insight into thai life and especially the two weeks spent in Sangklaburi I really began to feel at home and settle into the culture. It was great being able to walk down to the lake here and just spend our free time all chilling out by this beautiful lakeside and everyone must get a banana shake up at the guest house!

Spending time at the orphanage and in the childcare centre have undoubtedly changed my outlook on everything, i know thats cliche to say but they really have. I feel way more aware of the variation between our systems and theirs and also just seeing the smiles on the childrens faces despite their past histories is amazing. Definitely do this. Another top tip is dont be afraid to go alone, I am 18, just come out of school and wanted to travel but had no friends who could come with me. And after possibly two/three days I felt like some of the people on the trip were old friends and this made the experience incredible. You dont need a lot of spending money because food, drink and most activities are really cheap. However, there are some things that youve got to pay for that you may not expect (this was never a problem but im just saying) so for example, some activities that you pay for in the package are planned but the actual transport may not be paid for so you'll have to pay for this. Or perhaps, lunch isnt included on a day trip so youll have to pay for this. One other tip, sorry i know you said three, but girls, id carry toilet roll around in your bags if you go on a day trip or for the 16 hour bus trip to koh phangan because thai toilets just dont have toilet paper!

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Best time of my life, made so many good friends!

Visiting the Tiger Temple in Kanchanaburi.

The money suggested to take is not enough if you want to make the most of your trip. Try to pack lightly At night stay in groups and take care of valuables.

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friends for life stay with me forever you wont wnt to leave soak it all up!

the tiger sanctuary, working on a house in the jungle for the village leader, the waterfalls, the various nights out, elephant riding and the most important thing was meeting life long friends

take a backpack. make sure you dont overpack on clothes because you will buy so much out there and most importantly give everything a try and seriously soak it all up!

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best time of my life, made amazing people and lifelong friends!

Kanchanburi- sugar member bar, tiger temple. The food!! Full moon party, our travel coordinator

Brings lots of extra money Wear lots of insect repellant and sunscreen Bargain bargain bargain!

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Best month of my life! Totally worthwhile and unforgettable!!

Best bits were easily the project work in theParanoik jungle village. Loved it!

-100% Deet no less -girls, pack more t shirts that cover shoulders for villages -Do ALL of the tiger temple, scary but worth it.

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Hot, lovely country and amazing culture.

Elephant riding, learning to Scuba dive on Koh Phangnan and Staying right on the beach, partying on Hadrin beach.

Bring enough tops that cover your shoulders, don't bring a bag that's too heavy, make sure you have long light trousers for the trek through the jungle!

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Tiger Temple Full Moon Party Dreamhouse Orphange - I learnt so many valuble lessons whilst working with orphans, never take your family for granted because you never know what is round the corner. Pond! Our group co-ordinator War Memorial and Cemetry

Pond- He really made the trip for me. His energy and personality made the group bond and feel really comfortable. He was always there if you needed him for anything (even a hug). Lucy/ Meaw were brilliant too. Lucy was amazing for volunteering and Meaw was amazing in the first week. All the events that were organised.

Our tour rep - Puukkii was amazing and made the trip enjoyable for everyone. She is approachable, well organised and great to be around! I loved the tiger temple, erawan waterfalls, adventure option, Dreamhouse and all the amazing friends made

There were so many!!! My top 3 though have to be: 1) Elephant trekking- that was an amazing experience, even if it was in the rain!!! 2) DREAMHouse- going to the orphanage to help out was a humbling experience, these kids are amazing and so is the woman who runs it! 3) Erawan Waterfalls- It was beautiful, and the fact you get to swim in a waterfall like this makes it worthwhile!

Everything, especially spending time in the dream house.

Waterfalls, elephant trekking, water pipe building, half moon party.

Seeing the caves in Kanchanaburi and helping build a new libary for a school , knowing i was doing something to help otherss. We had a really large group with all great personalities , so we had a great time doing the work but also partied hard !

The four locations we stayed at were amazing and really different! The people in our group were lovely and our co-ordinator Kai Jae was excellent!!! I loved the elephant trek and dreamhouse orphanage, as well as Koh Phangan!

There were numerous highlights! I absolutely loved going to the Tiger Temple in Kanchanaburi and the whole time there was amazing. Also, in Sanglaburi, I found the visits to the Dream House were so touching and really worthwhile. The elephant trek was also the experience of a lifetime and the day at the Nature Club was one of my favourite days. Our coordinator, Pond, absolutely made the trip for me - his personality had us laughing everyday and he kept me going through the volunteer work with his lighthearted attitude. Lucy was also excellent during our time in the jungle.

tiger temple elephant trekking volunteer work

Everything was absolutely amazing, cannot fault the experience in any way. Everything was really well organised and i had such a good time, i especially loved Koh Phangan, the accomodation was amazing and had a really good time I want to give a massive thanks to May, Pond, Lucy and Meaw they were absolutely brilliant and it wouldnt have been the same without them.

There are too many!!! I loved the trekking, it rised above my expectations, and i wanted to do it for weeks on end! I really enjoyed all the visits to the temples, rafting, elephant trekking, and the volunteering was so rewarding!

I loved trekking in the jungle- it is not something that many people can say. I also really liked seeing really Thai areas and communities, with nothing touristy about them, it felt authentic and I feel that I can say I really saw Thailand.

The highlights were visiting the orphanage, trekking in the jungle, visiting the tiger temple on our day off and Full Moon!!

The friends you meet, the leaders and Thailand is amazing for young travelers!!

All the great people i met, working with the orphans at Dreamhouse, Jungle trek and elephant trek, the Erawan Waterfalls, the Border Market and the Grand Palace. Kai Jae Waritsara Kaewkumla (our team leader) was amazing, especially considering it was her first ever group! 

- Pack as lightly as you can, so you can take advantage of all the amazing shopping opportunities. - Never walk alone or in small groups at night, and only ever carry your valuables in money belts, not shoulder bags, one of my friends was mugged as she had a shoulder bag on and lost all her valuables. -Bring lots of mosquito repellent and sun cream, you will still burn badly even if its cloudy!

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elephant trekking, dreamhouse, jungle trekking, haad rin beach, koh phangan as a whole!

bring a suitcase instead of a backpack get a waterproof case for camera come with an open mind, charisma and willingness to help

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I oved moving around from one place to another however i felt that 2 weeks in Sangkhlaburi was possibly too long, personally i enjoyed it there however i felt that we could have used some of the time spent there to see another place in Thailand. I loved getting to know the other people on my trip and i felt that we had ample opportunities to do so. I felt that our guides Katoon Meaw Lucy and Sasha were all really useful and more than willing to help us if we had any queries or problems. Overall, i loved the trip and would love to do a similar trip but in a different country again.

Everytime there is an optional extra, take it; its better to do everything and know what you enjoyed than to regret going all that way and not doing it!

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our tour guides, katoon and meow, were real good so its hard to choose one but i'd have to say the tiger temple was amazing experience as was teaching. I really enjoyed spending time at dreamhouse, while the last week on the beach was definitely fun as well.

i recommend bring a backpack stick with it, do everything thats available, make the best out of it go out and have a good time, get to know the people in your group they're likely to be real cool.

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KATOON was by far the highlight of the whole trip! an amazing tour guide! apart from him, bangkok was amazing as was koh phangan.

pack light, you buy alot. take old clothes to leave behind WEAR PROPER SHOES IF DOING ADV OPTION!

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There really were so many highlights, the whole experience was amazing. The elephant trekking was one of my favourites. The community placement was also a great experience, the whole group worked together to get as much done as we could, and although it was hard work, we felt that we'd made a difference and it was appreciated.

1. You can never have enough repellant, but buy it when you get there because it's much cheaper than at home. 2. Try everything, it's what you are there for. 3. Each make it your responsibility to make the group work, and you will all enjoy it. By the end of the trip the group is like a family.

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Tiger Temple has got to be one of the most amazing life changing things I have ever done. Had there been a bit mentioned about it in the itinerary eg. whilst in kanchanaburi there is tiger temple available, that would have made it easier to prepare for the cost of it. My co-ordinator Puuki was a highlight, seriously fantastic woman - could not have done enough for us! she was really ill during the last week but was still on top form!! Full Moon as well!!

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Highlights were the elephant trek, erawan waterfall and the jungle trek!

Prepare for rain ( I didn't!) Don't take valuables out in Ko Phangan Keep an open mind

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meeting new people and experiencing things that i never new about

do it do it do it

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too many to say

just do it!

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Erawan waterfalls All of the time in Sangkhalburi Visiting DREAMHOUSE The co-ordinators; Meaw, Lucy, Pond, Jay and special mention for Katoon.

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Orphanage work, elephant treck, waterfall trecks, the whole week in Koh Pa Ngan. The nature and attitude of the starfish group leaders; Wisan, Meaw and Lucy.

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I loved the community project of the adventure option in Sangkhlaburi and the jungle trek! The last week in Koh Phangan was a much needed break and there was still loads to do! The week in Kanchanaburi (week 1) was my favourite. We did loads of different activities and still had time to relax around the pool and party (loads). The best month of my life!

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Seeing a lot of Thailand, the food! Volunteering with the kids, meeting new people.

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The tiger temple was along with the jungle trek, volunteering and the elephant rides.

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visiting dreamhouse, jungle water pipe work and trek, snorkelling and scuba diving, visiting temples etc, elephant ride, nature club.

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Adventure filled, wont forget this trip in a hurry!

Koh Phanghan, the Thai tour guides, meeting some cool people, elephant trekking, zorbing, being blessed by a monk!

1) Make the most of the time you have. 2) Be open minded. 3) Be sensible, if you wouldn't do it in the UK, don't do it in Thailand!

Four weeks of giggles and awesome adventures!

The people I met were fantastic and we had such a great time. I was a single traveller and everyone was so friendly! I miss them! Elephant trekking was out of this world and volunteering was brilliant, kids were amazing! Kanchanaburi hotel was mega!

Don't be scared if your on your own, you will make friends easily! Do everything you can, even if your tired and hungover as you are only there once and go to Jonny F***in bucket stand on Koh Phangan - he will give you good deals!

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Hot Unpredictable Make new friends Tolerating others Good experience

Hot springs, thai cooking, the weather, and the beach week

Ensure that you have the coordinators phone numbers as if you ever need any help or assistance and there is noone around to help you, you will need to contact them Keep hydrated, there is alot of walking involved to the erawan waterfalls!

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Amazing people, beautiful country, memorable experiences, opens your mind!

Our reps in the country were amazing and made it very entertaining! Making new friends along the way- starting off as strangers but being like a family by the end. The jungle trek was great fun and i loved going to meet the children at the orphanages.

Go with an open mind of trying new things. Pack light as there will be many things to buy along the way. Emerse yourself in the culture of the country.

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Hot. Very Hot. Great Reps. Fantastic Trip.

Riding an elephant. Eating dinner on a boat. Meeting/Meditating with Monks Visting Temples. The truck rides.

Dont bother with a mosquito net. Buy plently of water from 7/11 (cheaper than others) every day. Do not compare lifestyles with that of England-have an open mind.

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The people who I met out there, including Puukii and Pop the group leaders who were amazing throughout. The elephant trekking, white water rafting, and our trip to the tiger temple.

Be open minded and patient, don't pack too many clothes because the shopping is very good and take up all opportunities offered.

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expensive, good way of meeting lots of people, badly organised

The predeparture info was good and I left feeling very well prepared. I liked the fact that we were picked up from the airport and appreciated the support travelling through realgap gave me.

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Will never forget this experience!!

Everthing was great but the main highlight for me was meeting all the people in the group and also the staff in thailand, as they are the ones that make the trip, couldnt have asked for a better group, felt like we had all known each other for years.

Dont buy too many clothes before you go as clothes are really cheap in thailand and it save you carrying around all that weight. Dont book too many things in advanced like hoels and internal flights after you are done with your thailand experience as plans can change as you may make freinds with people on the group and decide to change some of your plans. Also go with an open mind and enjoy yourself (remember its your trip).

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Best month on my life, met some amazing people (staff and travellers)!

The big group, the staff, the orphanages, the selection of places, koh phangan accomodation...

-clothing for temples and the orphanage -extra padlocks for rooms and valuables -open mind!

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Fantastic trip with many unforgettable experiences and people.

Erawan Waterfall, elephant trekking, orphanage volunteering, beach week in Koh Phangan.

Don't bring many clothes cos you'll end up buying loads. Bring a mac, even if it's supposed to be the dry season. Pack as lightly as possible cos you really won't miss the stuff you leave behind.

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1- fantasic experience 2- made friends for life 3-unforgetabble 4-mozzy bites 5- pleanty of cheap booze 6-pleanty of cheap clothes 7- 7 eleven 8- tuk tuks 9- angry dogs 10- temples

Erawan waterfalls, Elephant trekking working in the school and visitng house of hope were definatley the highlights of my trip.

1- Pack lightley you can get everything u need on your travels especially in Bangkok. 2-Bring pleanty of sun cream with you as most of the suncream has whitener in it and when u find suncream without it it costs a fortune even pharmacys in non tourist areas dont sell suncream. 3- Remember your waterproofs even if its meant to be a dry season.

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Fantastic experience: Buddhism, thai cooking and culture, contributing to the society and enjoying the natural beauties of the country.

Volunteering in Sangklhaburi orphanage, Elephant treck and Tiger Temple

Embrace Thai culture, get fully involved with the projects and enjoy!

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Amazing time, made best friends, unforgettable, best guides ever!

The in-country team in Thailand were the best ever. Everything was so well organised by them and all were friendly. I think the in-country team made the experience even better by getting involved and recommending so many options for us on our days off. Two of my highlights were the elephant trek and Tiger Temple, but the best part of the experience was definitly the volunteering at the Orphanage!

1. Make sure you bring Mosquito repellent, although they were not that bad when I went (Jan/ Feb time). 2.Have enough memory on your camera to take hundreds, even thousands of photos- there are so many beautiful camera opportunities. 3.Once you've packed, half the amount of clothes by half, and then take even more out! You will not need much, there are laundrys out there so you can always get your clothes washed. Also gives you more room for the massive amount of souverneirs you can buy!

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A great way to fit in as much as possible to your time travelling!

Erawan Waterfalls Thai Massages in Kanchanaburi Tiger Temple Thai Boxing in Sangkhla Teaching in Sangkhla Koh Pha Ngan - half moon party and Haad Rin

Go to the Tiger Temple and pay to see the evening exercise programme - well worth it! Try Thai Boxing Don't waste to much timing sleeping in Koh Pha Ngan

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Unforgettable, amazing, awesome people. I LOVE THAILAND!!

Rafting day, despite no White water. Thai boxing, beach week, the co-ordinators especially Lucy, pond, Meaw and may, they were amazing. Lucy did an incredible job of looking after everyone On the nights out on koh pangnan, I Dont know what we would have done without her!! The group was awesome, everyone wad up for everything. And the volunteering was great fun.

Be prepared to say yes to anything and take every opportunity!

Yes

Yes

Exciting, unforgettable, laid-back, educational, adventurous, occupied, enjoyable, made new friends & learned more about a different country & culture.

Everyday was an adventure. I thoroughly enjoyed nearly every aspect of the trip.

Have a budget planned. Pack only three days worth of clothes, carrying around excess clothes was the biggest annoyance. Don't be afraid to

Yes

Yes

Fun packed Amazing co-ordinators Friends for life Fantastic experience Unforgettable Dont actually think these words are doing justice to how much I loved this experience :)

I loved the Thailand Adventure option due to the fact that May and Pond and Pookie while she was working with our group(our co-ordinators) were absolutely fantastic and looked after us so well. They were the best 4 weeks of my life. They felt like friends rather than tour guides and were so welcoming. Im off to australia next and I will be amazed if it comes close to the time I had in Thailand. The volunteering is good and the staff are really friendly, although doesnt seem as organised and there are times when you dont really feel as though your making a huge difference to the school etc.

I would definately recommend the Thailand experience. I had the time of my life. Enjoy every minute and make the most of an opportunity like this. Its amazing just what you get out of an experience like this.

Yes

Yes

Amazing time! Expensive but I felt secure but still adventurous!

Rafting, elephant trekking and feeding the cubs at tiger temple.

Take LOTS of anti-bug spray (5/6 cans!?) Take lots of clothes, I didn't take enough really, or would have liked more! Don't forget to haggle....you can get things a lot cheaper than they first say in Thailand!!!

Yes

Yes

Fantastic way to see the country.Truely unforgettable experience

All of it, the places and people are amazing and the team looking after you are fantastic

Yes

Yes

Best thing i've ever done, and met some incredible people.

Meeting everyone on the trip. The team leaders were all amazing especially Katoon and Meaw. Working at the Nun School in Sangkhalburi was amazing, the accomodation in Koh Phangan was as well. I really want to emphasise how brilliant the leaders were, so helpful all the time as well as being fun.

Enjoy yourselves all the time. Do things you normally wouldn't do,

Yes

Yes

Elephant trekking was awesome as was the day out to the nature club and water parks...

Do not leave your flip flops behind. Be aware of your surroundings at all times. Be responsible in Koh Phan Gan

Yes

Yes

Best month of my life, met some great people!

Meeting new people and learning about different aspects of the culture.

Always listen to your reps, take every oppourtunity you can whilst out there and have a great time!

Yes

Yes

staying in a beautiful resort in Kanchaniburi, elephant trekking and working with the children in Sangkhlaburi

dont pack all your western luxuries as you wont need them - and if you do you can buy them. learn a few thai phrases before you go as people respond much better if you're polite pay attention to local customs and be prepared to cover up if asked to without complaining.

Yes

Yes

Amazing people, pad thai, full moon, beaches, best bars, cheese omlette sandwhiches, buckets, temples, coach journeys, the best memories.

1. The amazing people that you meet! I made such good friends out there and had so many unforgettable memories. Not forgetting my super coordinators - Puukii and Pop. 2. The full moon party and all the nights out throughout the trip! 25,000 people partying under the moon, neon paint and buckets everywhere, and every genre of music pumping through the speakers all night! 3. The crystal clear waters of Koh Pah Ngan's beaches and snorkelling. 4. The day at the Nature Club in Sangkhlaburi! Trying my hand at zorbing, the longest zip wire in Thailand and quad biking. Absolutely awesome. 5. The jungle trek on the adventure option. A really rewarding experience after a rigorous trek and living simply but the evening games were hillarious! 6. Elephant trekking. A truly awesome experience to ride an elephant and see children as young as 10 steering them. 7. Tiger Temple. Washing tigers, playing with them and seeing them jump 10 feet in the air in front of you! 8. The amazing food! You won't find food like this anywhere else. Nothing beats a tasty chicken fried rice lunch - except the delicious red Burmese curry in Sanghklaburi! Finally, the legendary Seven-Eleven supermarket ham and cheese toasties. 9. Three temple tour in Kanchanaburi. Climbing all 400 steps to the top of one of the temples and seeing the view was priceless. 10. Working on the development project at Dream House orphanage. It felt great to do my bit for the community and then be able to see what came out of the hard work I put in.

1. Bring a water-proof pouch to keep your passport, money and important documents in. 2. Bring two bottles of insect repellent. They run out very quickly. 3. Learn some haggling skills! You will be suprised how much you can bring the price down on anything you buy!

No

Yes

Month of a lifetime doing amazing things with amazing people.

Puuki and Pop (on the Thailand Experience) were incredible coordinators. They were constantly upbeat and enthusiastic and this rippled right through our (oversized) group. My highlights include zorbing, the kids at the orphanage, Haad Rin beach parties and the amazing people.

Don't book your flights too early - talk to other people on the trip to see what they're doing afterwards. If there's any way for you to stay longer, take that chance!

Yes

Yes

Absolutely incredible experience, made the best friends ever! Katoon's Amazing!

Meeting everyone in my group Elephant Trekking Volunteering at the Nun School Amazing views and Beaches Night's out in Bangkok Great in country coordinators (especially team leader Katoon!)

Be confident and outgoing towards the other members of your group and your team leaders as they could become some of your best friends for life! Get Involved with as many different activities as possible (don't stay in your room!) Don't drink alcohol if you are on antibiotics!

Yes

Yes

'Best decision of my life, incredible experiences, made new friends''

Elephant trek in Sangkhlaburi, Erawan Waterfalls in Kanchanaburi, Nature Club (zip wire, zorbing and quad biking) in Sangkhlaburi and Half Moon party on Koh Phanang

Pack light!!!! Throw yourself into every experience. Always smile - you''ll make more friends!

Yes

Yes

Unforgettable Experience

Everything, literally everything, Koh Phangan was crazy, but Sangkhlaburi was great too with the trekking and volunteering and Kanchanaburi was so relaxing and like a proper holiday! May, Pond, Meow and Lucy who were our coordinators were so great and made the trip for all of us, they made everything so much more fun because they're so quirky and outgoing! I'd do it all again just so i could see them for another month!

Be prepared to spend much more money in Koh Phangan because it's so worth the extras Don't talk to the ladies in Bangkok who give you birdseed, they will pretty much rob you for your money Do a diary/journal/blog and write in it everyday because you'll forget everything you did

Yes

Yes

Certainly a trip I will never forget: I've made friends for life!

Kho San Road The Elephant Trek Volunteering in 'Dreamhouse' Mac Bay Resort May; Pond; Lucy

1)Take advantage of every opportunity that is put to you from the coordinators - this is a once in a lifetime experience. 2)Remember to respect the culture, you are not at home!

Yes

Yes

Amazing experience, great people and fantastic team leaders.

All of it! Meeting new people. The leaders were fantastic, really helpful and helped make the trip even more fun.

Yes

Yes

The best month of my life. Everyone should do it!

First night, Tiger temple, elephant trekking, full moon party, making lots of new friends!

- Take lots of suncream and deodrant because everything is whitening so it is hard to find one that doesnt make your skin whiter! - Take trousers and warm clothes even if it says it is going to be hot, we ended up buying lots! - Try everything!

Yes

Yes

absolutley amazing, unforgettable experience, best time of my life.

the water fights for thai new year, meeting new friends and the "real" team. katoon and meaw were brill, so funny, they made every day fun, no matter what you was doing

Yes

Yes

Made friends for life and have unforgettable memories, loved it.

Full moon party, tiger temple, volunteering at the orphanage.

Don't hold back on anything, take every opportunity given to you, take a lot of photos so you never forget

Yes

Yes

Amazing experience, met some amazing people, trip I will never foget

The whole month was really incredible. My highlights have to be going on the elephants, spending time at the orphanage, being in Thailand for Tai new year, and spending time on the island.

Yes

Yes

Exceeded my expectations, travelled with awesome like-minded people, unforgettable memories, fantastic trip, unbelieveable opportunities

Everything was amazing, the team in Thailand are awesome and always ready to help in anyway they can. Big thanks to Katoon, Mai and Pon, for all their support and guidance. Loved elephant trekking, bamboo rafting, learning about Buddism, meeting monks and temples, Erawan waterfall was beautiful. Big highlight was my achievement of completing the overnight jungle trek, very hard but worth it. Loved learning Thai and cooking thai dishes, Tiger temple was brilliant and the volunteering was really good.

Try everything you can, especially if outside your comfort zone. Buy tiger balm for bug bites. Ask guides for local tips, eg in Bangkok always find a axi who will put on the meter, much cheaper!

Yes

Yes

Amazing, unreal, met friends for a life time!

Meeting the group that we travelled with, and sharing many great memories with them!

Yes

Yes

sensational experience, the group and the country were unforgettable

the locations of the hotels. the excellent co-ordinatirs, especially nom. the tiger temple day and many of the day trips then the beech week

do all optional activites. look after your health

Yes

Yes

emotional fun exciting relaxing hot great shopping amazing food great friends fun activities cheap unforgettable

meeting a fantastic group of people, bamboo rafting and being able to organise our own trip to the phi phi islands.

dont take too many clothes, buy a thai sim card for your mobile. definitely have a full thai body massage (

Yes

Yes

Absolutely fantastic, made the best friends ever and unforgettable experiences.

Nym and Nay our Thai coordinators were absolutely fantastic and really made the trip as amazing as it was. It would not have been the same without them

1.Remember you're in Thailand, it's not going to be, nor would you want it to be, 5 * luxury 2. Bangkok and Koh Phangan are a lot more expensive than rural areas. 3. Remember where you are and have a fantastic time!

Yes

Yes

Sounds cheesy but it is simply unforgettable.

The people, both the other Volunteers and the tour leaders! Also the tigers. elephants and lack of safety in Thailand!

1) Enjoy every minute - you'll miss it when home 2) Do everything - don't worry about how much your spending 3) Wear sun cream!

Yes

Yes

Amazing experiences. Incredible journey. Fantastic Friends. Would do it again!

Everyday was so different and so full that you could say everyday was a highlight. For me, every activity we did, from sightseeing, to volunteering, to elephant riding, bamboo rafting, zorbing and to sitting on a beach was amazing. And the people I was with made the trip. I loved every minute and everyone.

1. Make sure you know whether you need a visa or not. There was a lot of confusion in my group as we were all staying for different lengths and not everyone had the right one. 2. Don't worry about making friends. You definitely will. 3. Enjoy it! (Clich

Yes

Yes

Amazing, met some of the friendliest people and made some lovely new friends that Im still in touch with. Learned a lot about the culture as well as gained new qualities for myself, with lots of great memories.

I loved the elephant trek and staying in the rural areas, experiencing what it is really like in some of the remote parts of thailand. as well as learning about the temples and the beach week, black moon party.

take plenty insect repellent, only take clothes that are practical for the treks as well as do a bit of background reading about the culture to learn about some of the norms and values, helping you to respect it. Lastly take a camera with plenty of memory or keep a diary so that you can remember your experience.

Yes

Yes

great experience, love the country, now have the travel bug!

too many to write, i even liked the monsoons!

take sun cream and mosquito net, try as much food from their country as you can and enjoy every second.

Yes

Yes

Amazining trip, made so many friends, coordinators were amazing, trip planned so well..

Coordinators, the whoile round experience was amazing.

Yes

Yes

amazing, beautiful, great people, cards, tiger balm, tuk tuks, banter

tigers, elephants, bamboo rafting, house of hope orphanage, meeting all the new people, the partys, the real gap team we had who was, Num, May and Nay they were brilliant.

get vacuum bags for your clothes it will keep them dry and clean. if you get alot of bites take alot of insect spray. dont over pack you can buy clothes flip flops and stuff in bangkok at cheap prices.

Yes

Yes

Great experience, great memories, great excursions, will never forget it.

elephant trekking & bamboo rafting grand palace bangkok thai cooking lesson temples in Kanchanburi The orphanage & schools The 2 day trek was fantastic. All of Kophangan

Enjoy it all, your probably only there once Learn about their culture its very intresting Try everything

Yes

Yes

unforgettable great experinece best four weeks of my life

Best four weeks of my life

Go with and open mind Dont say no enjoy every minute of the trip

Yes

Yes

Incredible month filled with "once-in-a-lifetime" opportunities everyday!

Elephant treakking, Koh Phangan beach week (inc. Fullmoon party!), The guides, The group!

1. Take enough money so you're not worried to pay for little extras or indulgences which aren't on the itinery. 2. Don't hold back - embrace every opportunity and they'll be the highlights that you never forget! 3. Read up on the culture in Thailand first; make sure you're aware of the differences, and make sure you're open to trying new things, e.g. different foods.

Yes

Yes

varied, cultural, relaxing, lots of free time, beautiful.

The Beach week in Ko Pha nang.

1) Try to meet to as many people as possible! 2) Take loose cool clothes - it gets really hot! 3) Be prepared to spend more than you think you will!

Yes

Yes

Unforgettable

The amazing people in our group and the co-ordinators, elephant trekking and tiger temple, being part of the community in Sangklaburi and the half moon party on Koh Phangan

Be open to trying different foods, be patient with your co-ordinators and remember they're not there to hold your hand, before you go unlock your phone and buy a Thai sim card because they cost as little as 2p a minute to landlines

Yes

Yes

Good food, amazing people, unforgettable experiences, falling in the mud, sunsets, sand, Sangsom, 'Sawatdekaa' - undoubtably the best 4 weeks ever!

All of it!! The In country team, Starfish, were absolutely amazing and while we did have a few hiccups, the co-ordinators were there to help and support us and just made the trip so memorable! One of the many highlights was the volunteering at the orphanage in Sangkhlaburi. We got to take the kids to a nearby river a couple of times which was so rewarding to see how happy there were, just spending time with them put everything in persepctive. I would definitely recommend this trip to anyone who is looking to meet some amazing people, make friends for life, try new and different experiences and cultures and is willing to have fun and plenty of laughs!

My top tips would be to drink plenty of water, remember the loo roll and have the most amazing time of your life!! I know I did!

Yes

Yes

ABSOLUTLY AMAZING! the people, culture, food, travellers, parties, simply incredible.

Erawan Waterfalls, elephant trecking, Tiger Temple, meeting so many different people, party time on Ko Pagnan!

dont forget loads of deet, beware of the dogs, buy a thai sim card out there, its definitly the cheapest option

Yes

Yes

amazing experience, get to meet loads of people, have fun

buy all toiletries out there no need to pack these things be prepared for the teaching, you get left to do everything

Yes

Yes

Unforgettable, amazing friends, fantastic coordinators, memories to keep forever.

My highlights were the first week of all the sight seeing and the elephant trekking and also the beach week.

1) Take cheap clothes then you have the option of leaving them on the way home!Bit of extra room! 2) Dont bother taking loads of jewellry as there is plenty to get out there. 3) Buying a sim and phone out there is easy and cheap.

Yes

Yes

Trip of a lifetime, best group ever, completely incredible!

All of it, Elephant trekking, volunteering, our group of amazing people were what made it!

sleeping bag liners! take plenty of pictures! Dont have early nights!

Yes

Lifelong friends, experience of a life time, unforgettable, Thai protestors!

Meeting some amazing people! Elephant trekking Jungle trek hard but worth it! Sense of achievement for travelling alone.

Dont pack too many clothes, do pack going out clothes as in many places there is lots of evening entertainment, Dont drink too much chang as its much stronger than our lager! Water all the way!! Take plenty of sun cream as it is very hot and very expensive in Thailand. Dont be afraid of being alone so is the majority "you are not alone"

Yes

Yes

amazing people, unforgetable experience, beutiful country, friends for life

Everything- there were so many amazing aspects of the trip that to name a few highlights is impossible however the amazing people i met was awesome and the bond with the real gap co-ordinators out there are now friends fro life!

1- always be yourself 2- try new things 3- go with the flow

Yes

Yes

great fun experience, made some great friends, definitely worth it!

overall it was a great way of seeing the country of Thailand! met some great people on and off of the tour and the coordinators (in particular Num) were excellent and helpful. elephant trekking was my favourite experience but all was enjoyable.

pack light and buy once you reach thailand and its much cheaper! if you have a couple of free days leave the tour and explore on your own or with friends e.g. i traveled back to bangkok on our free weekend! make the most of the days AND the nights as they're equally important!

No

Yes

Awesome everyday, amazing experience,miss everyone, beautiful country, loved it.

The elephant trekking was amazing, the hotel in Kanchanaburi was well above expectations, the community project was awesome and going to the orphanages was a real eye opener, the kids were amazing. Our guides May and Pond made the whole trip a great experience.

Take toilet paper on the day trips. Make the most and enjoy everyday, the time flew by. You dont need to take lots of clothes with you because you can get everything very cheap out there :-)

Yes

Yes

amazing experience best memories that ill cherish forever i laughed so hard it hurt

The Koh Phanyan beach week the accommodation we stayed in the friendliness of the staff. the free weekend when we arranged to go zorbing quadbiking etc

its not the trip its the people you meet that make the trip

Yes

Yes

The leaders of our trip Katoon and Puuki. Without them the trip would not have been as fun or organised. They made me feel happy in every location, answering all of my questions and helping everyone out at any time of day!

No

Yes

fantastic friends, great tour leaders, volenteering rewarding, best month of my life!!!

Absolutley everything, the volentering was very rewarding and the whole holiday was amazing

watch out for the wild dogs. bring mosquito repellent. have lots of fun

Yes

Yes

Best month of my life thanks to Pond and May!