We were a bit wary of heading off the tourist trail but it was extremely rewarding. I would thoroughly recommend a step off the well worn travelers\' paths into real Thailand.
Jane and family
Tung Nang Dam village';
Quotation[1] = '
Our guide showed us where the civets come to catch fish during the dry season and gave great explanations of plants and animals, even the number of species in Thailand. He was a great guide!
Annalise
Tung Nang Dam village';
Quotation[2] = '
The trip gave me a real sense of what life was like for Thai people instead of the usual resorts where you don\'t get a chance to see everyday life. The family really welcomed us and we had fun communicating with them using the games.
Beth and family
Tung Nang Dam village';
Quotation[3] = '
It was not hard to shed the academy and see in the enthusiasm and kindness and desire to share from the villagers that there is a real hope, a real agency toward healing and creating better lives for themselves and more importantly their communities.
Dan
Pak Triam village';
Quotation[4] = '
The itinerary was impressive—in one day I was enlightened to the meaning of some Buddhist symbols and imagery at the local temple, learned about the art of making batik, harvested a medley of locally-grown fruits, toured rubber and oil palm plantations, dug for beads at the site of a sunken Indonesian trade ship, and met the local shaman!
Erik
Volunteer teacher, Multi-villages';
Quotation[5] = '
I felt inspired by the work Andaman Discoveries are doing, especially as we had seen the positive effects of it first hand in Tung Nam Dam. I will definitely consider coming back during my gap year, even if it\'s just for more of Mina\'s awesome cooking!
Hannah and family
Tung Nang Dam village';
Quotation[6] = '
The positive aspects of the trip included spending quality time with the families. We exchanged cultural views and all learned how each other lived.
Heather
Go Differently tours';
Quotation[7] = '
I feel privileged to have seen behind the scenes in Thailand; it\'s a genuine and memorable experience I won\'t forget.
Helen
Koh Phra Thong';
Quotation[8] = '
Before my homestay trip in Pak Triam I harboured some fears over the language barrier. I was relieved when we met our English-speaking guide at the village and he translated the various conversations we struck up with the highly curious villagers.
Jamie
Pak Triam Village';
Quotation[9] = '
We visit fishing boats in the middle of the ocean, we indulge in the local cuisine, we harvest cashew-nuts and smash open their blackened shells with blocks of wood. In these tiny increments, we live their lives. That, in essence, is the allure of a homestay program: the interaction, the sense of inclusion. These are the souvenirs that we bring back with us—these stories, not plastic trinkets or T-shirts.
Jarad
Pak Triam and Tung Nang Dam village';
Quotation[10] = '
I was most impressed by the motivation of the villagers to rebuild and improve their own lives. Women were voluntarily learning new skills to try to help themselves. I rarely encounter that degree of self-determination.
Jason
North by North East tours';
Quotation[11] = '
The experience of volunteering in these villages and communities has been amazing; touching and unforgettable. I feel so lucky to have been given such a unique opportunity. I will never forget the beautiful things we have seen, and the truly inspirational people we have met. I\'m just so grateful to the families who welcomed us into their homes, allowing us such a valuable insight into their lives.
Julia
Volunteer, multi-villages';
Quotation[12] = '
The villagers\' friendliness, hospitability and genuine warmth were something that will stay with me forever.
Kelly
Tung Nang Dam village';
Quotation[13] = '
Lunch was delicious—and a really enjoyable experience with the woman chopping and working right in front of us. The evening was really enjoyable for me, even having no shared language we were able to communicate and have fun.
Laura
Go Differently tours, Ban Talae Nok';
Quotation[14] = '
I really recommend you to try the tours in the villages, excellent experience of nature and culture discovery, with a knowledgeable English-speaking local guide and very nice home-stay.
Leo
Natural Guide, Ban Talae Nok';
Quotation[15] = '
Driving back to Kuraburi the next morning, thinking of everything I had seen and done, and all the amazing people I had met, I realised how lucky I am. The places we visited have so much to offer, they are all so stunning yet still so untouched, and there in lies their magic.
Sally
Volunteer, multi-villages';
Quotation[16] = '
I stayed lived in a homestay—the home of Mr. Somporn and his welcoming and hospitable family. We ate like Kings and Queens—piping hot, home-cooked Southern Thai food was prepared by Somporn\'s family daily; the flavors were rich, the seafood was fresh and every meal a satisfying overindulgence.
Stephanie
Tung Nang Dam village';
Quotation[17] = '
Our host shared amusing anecdotes from his past and played the gracious host from start to finish.
Stephanie
Tung Nang Dam village';
Quotation[18] = '
Snaking through the mangrove swamps made me appreciate the natural beauty of these rich ecosystems.
Stephanie
Tung Nang Dam village';
Quotation[19] = '
I would recommend to tourists who seek a travel experience that is intimate, memorable and relaxed. I left Tung Nang Dam harboring a warm glow not unlike that after a pleasurable evening with friends I have not met in a long time.
Stephanie
Tung Nang Dam village';
Quotation[20] = '
We were all moved when the family and their friends came out to the jetty to say goodbye and it felt like we were all more emotionally engaged with Thai people than we have ever been before. Thank you for organising such a memorable trip: it has really left an impression on me and my family.
Steve and family
Tung Nang Dam village';
Quotation[21] = '
The trip was great and I would happily return to the island and community again in the near future, if I get the chance. The food, service and accomodation were impeccable. Thanks again to our guides and keep up the good work!
Lalana (Tui) and friends
Volunteers, Tung Nang Dam village';
Quotation[22] = '
Thank you for all your amazing work in the region while further allowing us this opportunity of insight and inspiration.
Matthew Allen
Project Coordinator, International Volunteer Society University of Birmingham';
Quotation[23] = '
The experience we as a group have gained, as well as the rewarding feeling for being able to give something back has been overwhelming.
Ko
International Volunteer Society University of Birmingham';
Quotation[24] = '
Thai families are lovely and the ones we visited did everything they could to make our stays enjoyable. I was amazed by how much can be communicated through mime. I felt I really bonded with my home-stay families despite the language barrier.
Doug
International Volunteer Society University of Birmingham';
Quotation[25] = '
Andaman Discoveries works along side communities rather than imposing inappropriate projects on them. I feel that Andaman Discoveries has supported this volunteer work and the communities in every aspect. I have every trust in Andaman Discoveries that they have and will continue to provide invaluable and beneficial experiences while caring every step of the way for the communities that they are working within.
Jenny
International Volunteer Society University of Birmingham';
Quotation[26] = '
The local communities were openly welcoming and appeared to be pleased to involve us in their community. I believe this positive reception was a direct result of the work ethic of Andaman Discoveries to empower the local people to develop sustainable projects that fit with their current lifestyle and local customs and culture.
Helena
International Volunteer Society University of Birmingham';
Quotation[27] = '
Due to the nature of the Community Based Tourism established by Andaman Discoveries on Tung Nang Dam, you are able to truly appreciate the way the islanders live without corruption from western influences.
Helen
International Volunteer Society University of Birmingham';
Quotation[28] = '
Our most enjoyable experiences however were participating in cashew nut shelling and making fishing nets; to understand how the family earned a living.
Abi
International Volunteer Society University of Birmingham';
Quotation[29] = '
By the end of the stay I was surprised how sad I was to leave behind this amazing community and say goodbye to the family that made us feel so welcome. The homestay was a fantastic experience and definitely one that I will remember and treasure for all my life.
Leena
International Volunteer Society University of Birmingham';
Quotation[30] = '
Volunteering experience so much culture and learn so much. Whilst teaching English, you pick up some Thai which is great fun. There\'s always something to do, but also enough rest time to recharge your energy for the next exciting day!
Nadiya
International Volunteer Society University of Birmingham';
Quotation[31] = '
The homestay in Tung Nang Dam is one of the best experiences I have ever had. I cherished every moment and every interaction. The island is beautiful and provides the perfect opportunity to see the \'Real Thailand\'.
Sarah
International Volunteer Society University of Birmingham';
Quotation[32] = '
The host families were very welcoming, with food and drinks constantly being offered - I think that my family were worried about me not eating enough, even though I was constantly stuffed!
Andy
International Volunteer Society University of Birmingham';
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