Real Thailand Experience PMGY

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