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Thailand

Thailand the land of the smiles. But also the land of the great food, sunny weather, beautiful nature and great activities. Let us tell you a bit more about this destination.

Some further research on Thailand Thailand Activities Bangkok Destination Activities Koh Tao FCO Website for Thailand All Xtreme Gap Thailand Programmes Group Travel Programmes in Thailand

Food

Love it, like it or try it for the first time, Thai food uses fresh ingredients and is loaded with flavour! Add in to the mix that you can eat really cheaply in Thailand (from 20 to 70 baht per meal) it becomes a no brainer that you will have some really good meals in Thailand. Expect a running nose over your first hot Thai curry, but you learn to love this healthy dish. We love Thai food, which is one of the reasons you will not find all meals included in our programmes, as in our experience set meals on trips tends to mean sticking to the same menu and same place. Eating out in Thailand is really social, often you will find groups of backpackers sat around tables “meeting” over a Pad Thai or delicious Curry. If Thai food is not your thing, there are plenty of western options in Thailand – expect to pay more for the luxury of eating pizza though.

Weather

Goes without saying that Thailand has some great weather. There are no summer or winter seasons to speak off, just hot and dry and monsoon seasons. Working out the best time to go weather wise can be a little tricky, as there are actually 2 different monsoon seasons in Thailand Dependent on whether you are on the Andaman sea side (West coast in areas like Phi Phi and Phuket) or in the Gulf – Koh Tao, Koh Samui and Koh Phanang.
In October and November the monsoon hits the Gulf of Thailand and in June and July the Andaman coast has monsoon. Destinations in general are still open, but expect heavy rains interspersed with bright sunshine.

Culture

Thailand has a mix of Buddhist and a minority Islamic population in the far south. Temples (Wats) cover not only Thailand but the rest of the region too. Many seek a life of quiet meditation and enlightenment by becoming monks, you will often see brightly orange robe monks just walking down the street, waiting for a bus or praying in a temple. If you are fortunate enough to be blessed by a monk, you will often receive a small piece of string to Tie around your wrist. Obviously it goes with out saying to be respectful to the Thais religion. The head in Thai culture is considered the most sacred part of the body, so never tough a Thai on the head, especially if you hardly know them, the feet are also considered the lowest, so etiquette dictates that you should not point the soles of your feet at people, easy to do when sat in a hammock lazing on a dreamy Thai beach.
 

Sports

There are plenty of gap year sports options in Thailand the main ones being:

• Muay Thai and martial arts
• Scuba diving
• Free diving
• Rock Climbing
• Health and fitness programmes
   

Getting Fit and Healthy

Many people do not realise that Thailand offers a great opportunity to get your health and fitness sorted properly. With activities like Muay Thai, Yoga, our very own Xtreme Fitness bootcamp and even diving, you can get in shape in Thailand. This works well  as you will in general eat very well, and very healthily, further more training in the heat really adds a new (positive dimension to getting into shape. Then you have the fact that you are away from home, and your day to day environment, so you can take your fitness goals seriously with a “its now or never attitude”
 

Ease of Travel

Thailand is not a difficult country to travel in. With a well developed infrastructure you will find English speaking travel agents ready to assist with your transfers and side trips in every town and city. The organisation that goes in to the movement of backpackers would leave British rail blushing. Sure travel can be painfully slow, with a few surprises on the way (Elephants doing U turns in the road from example) but be rest assured, if you need to get somewhere you will, and for very little money too.

Incredible Beaches

Thailand has some of the worlds best beaches. “True to Alex Garlands classic book “The Beach” he said “Somewhere out there must be the perfect beach” Sure enough it was located in Thailand. (You can see “The Beach” filming location and actually stay the night there and many other fine beaches on our Thailand Beach experience).
The clichés of white soft sand and lazy coconut palm trees are all true, they exist and in some places the complete beauty of the beaches can be a little overwhelming. Take a trip to Maya Bay (Phi Phi Ley), or Freedom Beach (Koh Tao) and you will get what we mean.

Good to meet people

If you are a first time traveller, and a little nervous about planning that big gap year away from home, with Thailand, you could be in for a treat. Thailand is a really good destination if you want to meet others. Everyone is in the same boat when they travel, it is not just about seeing the destinations, it is about the people you meet and the good times to be had. In Thailand it is virtually impossible not to make friends fast. On arrival you might be thinking: They all travel in groups of friends, because you see people hanging out together. But you can not be further from the truth, They probably all met during travelling…maybe even only that morning.,

Great nightlife

Obviously this depends where you go, a small village in Northern Thailand is not going to be that banging (although some Thai Whiskey inspired Karaoke is not that uncommon), but if you know where you are heading, you can expect to experience some of the best parties on the world in Thailand.
The most famous is the fullmoon party on Haad Rin in Koh Phanang, this needs little introduction, up to 10,000 party goers dancing their butts of until well into the next day. Expect fire shows, and a great Atmosphere fuelled by Alcohol buckets (Yes the Thais serve booze in Buckets. Classy.)

Low cost of living

Travel in General is an expensive undertaking, but it is something worth doing right. Fortunately Thailand is an inexpensive destination. Sure there are some seriously luxurious places, but in general you can eat for very little and party without breaking the bank. Shopping and clothes are also really good value (a little knocked off though).
Remember we are always happy to talk to you on Skype or email about Thailand and your travel plans for taking a Thailand Gap Year, so if you are planning your trip and need advice. Contact us.

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Laos

Some further research on Laos Laos Activities Bangkok Destination Activities FCO Website for Laos

Laos is one of South East Asias best kept secrets. It is a stunning mountainous country that only opened its doors to Tourism about 10 years ago. Significantly cheaper than Thailand, with lots of natural beauty and friendly people, not trip to South East Asia - time permitting should be with out a trip to Laos. A small country you can travel Laos  comfortably in 10 days to 2 weeks, you do not need to devote much time to it, but you definitely do not want to miss out.

Ask anyone who has been tubing in Laos, and you will get the idea of why so many backpakers highlights of Asia is a trip to Laos.

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Fall in Love with Laos

Laos is a small and relatively unknown country to many, but don’t let this fool you into thinking that it’s not worth a visit. Laos contains many interesting sites of historic and religious significance, and your gap-year will be spent in a truly rewarding way if you work at uncovering the hidden beauties of this country.

If you, like many people, know little about Laos, then your first stop during your gap-year may be to one of the many museums or archeological discoveries that Laos has to offer. The Laos National Museum in the capital of Vietiane, while not the most attractive of buildings, has displays and artifacts dating from various significant periods in Laos’ history, such as its colonial history, and the two World Wars and their influence.

There are also many beautiful and revered temples throughout Laos, which continue to inspire generations of visitors. Wat Wisunarat is one of the oldest temples in the country, dating back to 1513, and is a place where spiritual curiosity meets historical discoveries, making it a doubly rewarding visit. In addition, there are attractions which simply cannot be labeled or categorized. One such attraction is the Plain of Jars, a large area which contains over-sized glass jars.

While many archeologists, historians and architects have puzzled over the purpose of these jars, their reason for being is still unknown. So why not visit them, and add your own ideas to the continual debate? The food and restaurants of Laos are just as diverse as its attractions. Restaurants range from typical Asian cuisine to European food, such as French bakeries and typically British fish and chip meals.

A notable restaurant in Laos is the Makphet restaurant, which employs and trains homeless young people, arming them with skills in waiting-on and cooking in order to improve their own lives. Not only do you leave Makphet with a sense that you have done some good in the world, you also leave with a full stomach and a yearning for more of its delicious food! The best time to begin your gap year in Laos is during the dry season, which occurs from November through May in most of the country. This is also the time when most of the country’s vibrant, colorful festivals take place, on both a regional and a national scale. During the wet season, beginning in May or April and lasting through to November, rainfall is often daily and heavy, but lasts for only a short time. However, rivers and roads quickly fill up and overflow, so boat travel is a common, quick, interesting and usually cheap way to travel during the rainy season. While Laos remains relatively untouched by tourists compared to other Asian destinations, it is certainly a worth-while place to spend your gap-year. Youthful energy and curiosity is an essential quality, as this country is quiet and unassuming, so you need to work quite hard to uncover all the mysteries and beauty that it has to offer.

Vietnam

Some further research on Vietnam Vietnam Activities Hanoi Destination Activities FCO Website for Vietnam

As you can tell from the name this trip focuses on the North of Vietnam, if you are wondering why this is so special, here are some good reasons to add this to your trip!

After gaining independence for the French, Vietnam split into 2 countries, North and South Vietnam. After the war with the USA the communist North was successful in uniting the 2 countries to become Vietnam as we know it today.

Hanoi

The Capital, Hanoi is located in the North, and being the main base of operations for Vietnams war time leader Ho Chi Mihn, there is plenty to see and learn about Vietnam, by visiting the North of thre country.
A week could be spent in Hanoi itself, visiting monument, museums and attractions (be sure to check out the war memorial featuring salvaged wreckages from US Aircraft and also pay a visit to uncle Hos house!)
There is also plenty to see and do checking out the mentally busy street scenes in Vietnam! Like having a glass of beer in one of Hanoi’s street bars for a whopping 7 pence.

Sapa

Sapa is also located in the North of the country and is the highlight for many. It is indescribably beautiful in Sapa, and well worth the effort to put your trekking shoes on!

Halong bay

Probably the most famous part of North Vietnam (other than Hanoi) is Halong bay, a world heritage site. Thousands of islands make this area incredibly picturesque, so bring lots of memory for your camera, as you are going to need it!

V is Most Certainly for Vietnam

For many, their first thoughts when it comes to Vietnam are of violent conflicts of the past. However, if you instead consider the country as it is in the 21st century, you’ll find a fascinating and diverse place to spend your gap-year. Unfortunately, Vietnam is a very wet country for most of the year – the difference is in the temperature. The drier months can see temperatures reaching 40 degrees C in the south, while in the north, icy winds and frost plague the mountains.

Generally, October through March sees a colder wet season, while May through September is warmer, though still rainy. The near-constant rain can be an annoyance for tourists, so many visit the country during April, which is really the only dry time of year. However, Vietnam is a lively and interesting place to visit if you don’t mind a spot of rain.

Why not travel to the Sapa Valley, to walk in the mountains’ mysterious haze, and encounter tiny tribes of unique people? Or, you could take a boat trip around An Thoi islands, 15 miniature islands, some even with their own beaches. If you want to catch a glimpse of some interesting wildlife during your gap-year, then Cat Ba National Park is ideal, with over 32 different types of mammal and more than 70 different species of bird.

Whilst on your gap-year in Vietnam, it is only right that you celebrate the Vietnamese culture and heritage. A perfect way to do this is by visiting one of the many museums Vietnam has to offer, such as the Fine Arts Museum, or the Women’s Museum, which is constantly undergoing modernizations to keep up with Vietnam’s social changes. Or why not visit one of Vietnam’s beautiful temples, such as the Mariamman Hindu temple – which also happens to be the only active Hindu temple in Vietnam?

To take part in something more active, consider the Hué Art Festival, a dynamic celebration of Vietnam’s colorful art scene. A more somber, yet nevertheless significant, visit would take you to the Reunification Palace, a symbolic reminder of the conflict with the southern Vietnamese government. After all, if you’re spending your gap-year in Vietnam, it’s morally right that you recognize the conflict and bloodshed that occurred in the country. After all of your touring and learning, you’ll probably be hungry, and Vietnam is a place where every dish and flavor imaginable come together. European restaurants flourish with a prime example being the Vine Wine Boutique Bar and Café.

You can take your dining experience to a new setting by trying out Highlands Coffee, a novel café located on a boat. Or why not try traditional Vietnamese cuisine with a modern twist, with restaurants such as Bobby Chinn’s Restaurant offering sheesha as an after-dinner treat. While many people cannot escape their preconceptions of Vietnam, spending your gap-year there would be the ultimate way of identifying yourself as a member of the new generation, not restricted by your parents’ and grandparents’ memories of turmoil and bloodshed. And you’ll find that Vietnam has much to offer in return.

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