Charitable Trust - Travel Award 2020

My journey across Thailand was one of the most memorable experiences of my life, combining adventure, culture, nature and personal growth. Over several weeks I travelled from bustling cities to mountain villages, tropical islands and a wildlife sanctuary, gaining a deeper appreciation of Southeast Asia’s diversity.

I began in Bangkok, spending two nights exploring the vibrant capital. I visited the floating markets, where boats overflowed with colourful fruits and spices and wandered down the infamous Khaosan Road, enjoying the street food and atmosphere. From there, I took a sleeper bus to Chiang Mai and then a minibus to Pai, a relaxed mountain town surrounded by scenic landscapes. I stayed four nights, visiting Pai Canyon, the Myanmar border and spending time with new friends. Returning to Chiang Mai, I bungee jumped, hiked through the jungle and joined a Thai cooking class where I learned to prepare traditional dishes.

Next, I flew to Hanoi, Vietnam, where I spent a few days before travelling north to Ha Giang to complete the four-day Ha Giang Loop by motorbike. The views were unlike anything I had ever seen, with winding roads through limestone peaks and remote villages. It was both thrilling and humbling and I met incredible people from around the world. After returning to Hanoi, I flew back to Phuket to begin exploring Thailand’s islands.

From Phuket, I travelled straight to Koh Phi Phi, visiting Maya Bay and Monkey Island and even diving with bioluminescent plankton at night. I continued to Railay Beach, Krabi, where I hiked (and scrambled) up a rock face during torrential rain. In Khao Sok National Park, I stayed in a floating bungalow surrounded by rainforest and towering cliffs. My island travels ended with Koh Samui and Koh Tao, where I earned my PADI Open Water diving qualification and made lifelong friends, some of whom I’m still in touch with a year later.

To conclude my trip, I volunteered for a week at a wildlife sanctuary near Bangkok, working with the elephant care team. This experience offered a powerful insight into the effects of tourism on animal welfare. My daily tasks included feeding and bathing elephants, creating enrichment activities and assisting with daily walks. Many elephants were off-limits due to aggressive behaviour caused by past mistreatment, a sobering reminder of the lasting impact of unethical tourism.

My time in Thailand and briefly Vietnam, was far more than a holiday. It taught me resilience, adaptability and the value of responsible travel. From diving with plankton to caring for elephants, every experience broadened my understanding of the world and my place in it.

This unforgettable journey would not have been possible without the support of the OB Association Charitable Trust. Their contribution opened the door to experiences that have shaped my confidence, cultural awareness and personal growth. I am sincerely grateful for their generosity and belief in the importance of learning through exploration.

If you are in the U6th and would like to know more about the Travel Award then call into to see Huw Richards