Itinerary

This is a flexible itinerary, meaning you can choose which week to participate in depending on how you feel and which people you want to hang out with!

How the weeks work out

You will always start off with the Intro week.

During this week you meet other group members and get to know Thai customs and culture and learn a bit about the language. During this week you get taken to lots of interesting places, which also helps bond you with the other group members. It is really easy travel, with airport pick ups and all transport, accommodation and food taken care of is you are a first time traveller it really takes away that just landed: feeling a little stranded aspect of travelling. Feedback from previous tours show that with average groups sizes up to 20 people, people always make new friends in the group.

The Second Week - Pick your option locally

The second week you can choose between some exciting options like working with Elephants, Trekking or Buddism and Culture.

The Third Week - You choose (when you book).

Pick another option (like in the second week above) or Transfer down to Koh Tao Via Bangkok and have an extra beach week. The fullmoon party usually falls in the third week so you may want to have 2 beach weeks instead of the extra option week.

Please note if you pick an extra beach week, you will have this free of activities (so you do not do the adventure day or learn to dive (for example) twice).

You need to tell us at the time of booking your prefered option for week three.

The Fourth Week

Is always a beach week, the adventure day happens this week and everyone picking an extra option in week 3 transfers down to Koh Tao this week. You will complete your Koh Tao advenutre activity options this week (Xtreme package, Fit Package or Diving Packages).

Bangkok stopover and Transfer to Koh Tao

One word. SHOPPING! Before you transfer to do your beach weeks on Koh Tao, you will also have a Bangkok Stop over in a luxury 4* hotel right near the Khao San Road where all the Backpacker action is. Great shopping and incredible sites. You then transfer to Koh Tao overnight giving you 2 full days in Bangkok.

The Beach Weeks

The activity option you pick will influence your itinerary in Koh Tao, and each activity takes a couple of days to complete. As well as your activity option, you also  get to do some really cool Xtreme Gap Adventures, speed boats, jungle off roading, abseiling, scrambling and snorkling - check out Oliver with a whale shark on his adventure trip in the video section!

The Options Week Itineraries in More Detail

First Week. The Intro Week.

Starting on the Sunday, you will be taken to Singburi to embark upon a comprehensive introduction to Thailand. Most people arrive a couple of days before, to check out Bangkok (easy to do with our bolt on Bangkok intro package). During the intro week you will learn more about Thailand, get to know other members of the group, and the local surrounding area. Emphasis will be placed on learning about Thai culture, Thai language and even try your hand at some Thai cooking.  You will also check out the famous Buddhist Temple: Wat Phranon Jaksi, the old capital of Ayutthaya (including a visit to the elephant village), Lopburi's museum and pagoda, and even have a cruise along the Chaopraya river.

Expect to:

• Meet the local people
• Experience amazing food
• Learn about Thai customs first hand with locals.

Second week, you can choose what and where.

If you do not know which option week you would like to be your second week do not worry, you can still make that decision once you are out in Thailand. It might be that you want to hook up with some people and decide to join them on the trekking week, or maybe you rather join someone else who decided to do the Buddhism week. It is very easy to go with the flow!

Just mention it on your booking from, and we will sort it out for you.

Second week:Buddhism and Culture Option

• Location: Wangnamkhieo

Calling all culture vultures! If you like the idea of learning more about Buddhism and culture, then this is a great option for you. During this week you will have the opportunity to get to know more about Thai Culture & Buddhism by visiting monks during a temple stay. Here you will learn more about Buddhism and get the opportunity to practice meditation and chanting together with the monks in the temple.
If you know nothing about Buddhism to begin with, do not worry, we will show you a short documentary on the subject and then later we will visit a monastery and you will able to ask questions to a highly respected monk. Participants will have the opportunity to practice and stay in authentic Thai temple and experience the Thai temple life first hand, of course meditation is a major part of this life style. Please note this week is optional, if you want to skip it you can move straight onto...

Second week: Elephant Option

Elephants are the symbol of Thailand and are held as sacred in Thai Culture.
Train with Mahouts, and work with elephants. You will be the care and feeding elephants, elephant bathing, take older female elephant walk camp around, and cleanliness in the area. Then learn how to ride elephants through forests and around the camp.
This weeks is an unrivalled opportunity to learn about Elephants and connect with your very own! Take it for baths, feed it and get to know him, but just be warned you can´t take it with you when your week is up.
Note other gap year companies charge £500 for this week alone. We include it as an option for on €325 extra.

Second week: Trekking in the Jungle Option

Location: Phutoei National Park (Thailand)This week is spent trekking in the jungle & rainforest of the Phutoei National Park, a lush park not often visited by other tourists.
The trek also includes the chance to experience the difference life style in Hill tribe village nearby. This will be a unique experience; you will be roughing it in beautiful surroundings, surviving with the basics whilst at the same time having a lot of fun!

The guides are very friendly and you will really enjoy yourself! Please note: The trekking is not for the faint hearted and the itinerary is subject to change depending on seasons, weather conditions etc.

Detailed Daily Itinerary

The Intro Week

Monday – Getting to Know You

Forge new friendships as you familiarise yourself with your new home after breakfast before taking a gentle stroll around the scenic village with its tranquil river setting. Today we’ll run through a complete induction for the rest of the week so you always know exactly where you are and what you’re doing.

After lunch it’s off to explore the historic temples of Singburi with their many images of Buddha.   Replenish those burned off calories over lunch at a local restaurant and we’ll introduce you to the diversity of Thai culture and the ‘dos and don’ts’ to observe while you’re here. Later in the day we’ll introduce you to the various projects available.

Boogie on down at our evening Welcome Party where local students perform a traditional Thai dance.  Join in our ‘get to know you’ presentation game where you have the opportunity to flaunt your skills as you show us something from your own culture! (normally the fun bit!)

Tuesday – The Ancient City of Ayuthhaya

Take the whole day to explore this enigmatic ancient city, with its mysteries and secrets shrouded in ancient ruins and arts. Founded in 1350 by King U-Thong after the Thais were forced south, this is a haven for culture vultures.  Our next stop is the Elephant village before filling your belly again on the banks of the river.

Wednesday – Culture and Down Time 

After another morning lesson on Thai culture, prepare yourself for a sensory assault as we tour the most famous monuments and Buddhist temples near our centre.  Take in Wat Phranon Jaksi (a huge reclining Buddha image) and the inspirational Bang Rachan hero monument.  We unleash you for the afternoon to spend time in town, bartering with the locals or catching up online.  Just make sure you leave room for our evening visit to a mouth watering Thai barbeque restaurant. (You won’t get hungry on this trip!)

Thursday – Back to School

It’s back to school in every way today. Spend the morning helping delightful Thai children with their activities (although you may learn a thing or too as well!)  If your visit takes place during the school holidays, (mid March to mid May and October) we’ll head to a palm tree farm instead.  How exotic does that sound?  

Once the children have exhausted you we’ll visit a local handicraft centre.  That’s not it though! After lunch there’ll be proper lessons for all - Thai language lessons followed by a cookery class.  Would your cookery skills have Gordon Ramsay and company running for the hills? Fear not!  We’ll teach you the basics and show you how to rustle up the perfect Thai dish – and then we’ll have you cooking dinner. Now that’ll be something to impress your friends and family with when you get home. Tear up the takeaway menu!

Friday

Make sure you’ve had your beauty sleep. This is an epic day trip to the Lopburi province.  Enjoy a packed agenda touring the renowned Somdet Phra Narai National Museum and the Wat Phraputhabaht Temple (that’s Buddha’s footprint to you and me!).  You’re sure to be ravenous after the culture overdose so we’ll sample more local cuisine.  After all, why break the habit …?

Saturday

Time for a lie in!  After a lazy 10am brunch (we don’t want you going hungry today either!), take your pick from another cookery class or language lessons. Or give the grey matter a day off by taking the plunge in the local swimming pool or delving through the temples and shops of Singburi. The choice is yours!

Sunday  

At last, a free day.

Buddhism and Culture Week

Monday

Forget the lie-ins this week as we rise with (or before!) the dawn to give alms to the Monks.  After breakfast, learn all about the basics of Thai Buddhism, including temple etiquette with plenty of opportunities for questions.  Try the transcendental as you practice the art of walking and sitting meditation.  After lunch we’ll continue the spiritual theme with a visit to the temple of Wat Phikum Tong.

Tuesday

Find out everything you ever wanted to know about Buddhism in an open forum with the monks. We’ll also visit another temple for an overnight stay and take part in their daily routine.  This may be an eye-opener for some of you!   Continue to learn your meditation skills as you fall under the hypnotic spell of the monks’ evening chant.

Wednesday

Continue where you left off with a mesmeric morning chant, join the monks on their alms rounds and perfect your meditation skills.  

Thursday

Maintain your serenity with a leisurely cycle tour along the river exploring traditional Thai style houses.  After an al fresco lunch, prepare your senses for another culture hit in the eclectic market and temples.

Friday

Visit a 100 year old market and marvel at the skills of the natives at a traditional Thai pottery factory where the pottery is still made by hand.  After lunch visit a zoo with a difference – a Thai zoo!  There’s time today to update your Facebook status and entertain your friends with your latest adventures on your blog and e-mails.  You know what they say - wish you were here!

Weekend

Spend a sublime day supine on poolside or stimulating your senses with a massage before we head back to the giddiness that is Bangkok on Sunday.  The choice is yours.

Trekking Week

Prepare to forage and explore in the tropical jungles and rainforests of Phutoei National Park. Beware, this trip is not for the fainthearted, follow our guidelines and be fully prepared!

Monday

Take your last chance to stock up on essentials before we head out for our wilderness week, arriving at Phutoei National Park late afternoon.  Flex your muscles setting up camp ready for a hearty dinner – much more fun than your local gym.

Tuesday

Our first trek is to the sparkling Taperngkee waterfall. Marvel at the cascading water as you enjoy lunch at the side of the falls. Continue your intrepid journey to the school before we set up our tents in readiness for some proper outdoor camping.

Wednesday

Take an invigorating trek to local caves and replenish your energy with lunch at the school before heading back to the Hill tribe village. Tonight we’ll have some fun cooking together outdoors (time to demonstrate your culinary prowess gleaned from those Thai cookery classes!).

Thursday

Today we trek to the nearby region of Huai Kha Kaeng.  Get up close and personal with the tribespeople of Karen Hill as we they perform a special cultural display just for you.  

Friday

Finally you get to rest your weary feet today as we travel by truck to the idyllic Lumtaphem Dam for a relaxing day outdoors.  Reflect on your week’s trek and your tales to regale your friends with.

Saturday

Breathe a sigh of your relief and give yourself a huge pat on the back. Your exertions are over – you can be extremely proud of yourself! We head back for the hotel just in time for lunch and for you to take some well earned time out.  Read, swim or snooze!

Elephant Week

According to World Wildlife Fund estimates, only 2,000-3,000 elephants remain in the wild in Thailand.  The numbers of these majestic animals are gradually shrinking as elephants and villages compete to survive on the land.  Sadly, domesticated elephants roam through Thailand’s cities with their mahouts, begging for food and performing tricks for tourists.

During this elephantine adventure of a week you’ll learn about the importance of elephants in Thai culture, their needs and the social problems.  Be prepared to get down and quite literally dirty.  Daily chores include cleaning (that’s mucking out to you and me) and feeding these majestic animals.  You’ll also learn gardening skills to impress the folks back home!

Don’t miss out on the chance to experience the thrill of white water rafting in the nearby river over the weekend. Don’t worry, if you prefer calmer waters, there’s always the swimming pool.  

Please note, Thailand’s tropical climate does give way to the occasional violent thunderstorm, torrential rain and flooding so the schedule may be subject to change during that time.

Food and Lodgings

Your home from home for the week will be our ecological centre in Wang Thong in the Phitsanulok province with its eco-style thatched huts.   All food is provided during the week and you’ll be relieved to know that all rooms are equipped with a shower. Trust us, cool water is utter bliss in a tropical climate.

Transport and Facilities – Please Read – Essential Information!

• The house is within walking distance of the local shop and there’s a small village about 2 kms away. 
• The nearest town is Wang Thong, approximately 20 km away and only reached by local taxis. 
• The nearest ATM is in Wang Thong so please make sure you have sufficient funds with you before reaching the centre (you’re not likely to need too much this week)
• Internet access is available in Wang Thong.
• International telephone cards (with PIN codes) can be purchased at the post office or CAT office. The best are CAT PhoneNet – you can use them from any telephone in Thailand.
• If you’re stuck or confused you can ask your co-ordinator at any time.    

Now for a History Lesson (so you really get to know your location – and impress your friends back home!)

Phitsanulok is a province in northern Thailand, 380 km north of Bangkok.  It originally served as a Khmer outpost Song Kwae before the Kwai Noi River changed course in the 11^th Century (apparently that can happen!)  In the 15^th Century Phitsanulok was the seat of the Ayuthaya Viceroy, ruler of the province of Sukothai.

It enjoys special status amongst the Thai people as the birthplace of King Naresuan the Great, Governor in the 16^th Century.   A memorial to the king is found on the north side of the river in the grounds of the former Chandahana Palace.

Highlights include an amazing Pra Buddha Jinaraj (Chinarat) image at Wat Mahathat, a stunning folklore museum, an intriguing Buddha factory, dazzlingly hectic night markets and delicately floating restaurants on the Nan River. 

PS : Don’t tell anyone but it’s virtually free of tourists – apart from us.   

Itinerary for Bangkok

In between heading to Koh Tao and finishing your option weeks you have 2 full days in Bangkok. You will head there on the Saturday and need to make your own way tot he hotel.  There is no set itinerary, but there is plenty to do you can see some suggestions here.

You will be staying in Khao San Road in a 4 star hotel, so you can chill by the pool, or visit many of the sites Bangkok has to offer. This is the location of the Hotel.

Staying the Saturday night for one night in Bangkok you then transfer to Koh Tao by night bus and boat on Sunday night, you need to get yourself to the bus departure point by this is very easy as shown in this video. This means you will arrive in Koh Tao first thing on the Monday.

Itinerary for Koh Tao

The Koh Tao itinerary is flexible because it depends on the option you choose, but in general it will go like this:

Arrival by night bus and boat on Monday morning where you will be picked up and taken to your accommodation. Once you are checked in, you have time to relax, jump in the pool and freshen up. In the afternoon around 4 our Rep Miss Jai will meet you and the rest of the group at the bar and give you an intro to Koh Tao. She will show you round, tell you the essentials, and show you where everything is like ATMs, Pharmacies, beaches and activity locations. She is onhand through out the week if you need her too.

You will then go out for dinner (on us) with the rest of the group, expect a tasty thai curry! The next day you will be taken by miss Jai to start your activity, depending on the option you have picked the itinerary will be as follows.

The week finishes on the Sunday morning, so you can arrange your transfer back to Bangkok with Miss Jai via boat and Bus (12 hours) or book a flight from Koh Samui to Bangkok (2 hour boat and 45 minute flight). This is the prefered option for most of our travellers as this gets you straight into the international airport for a smooth flight connection back home.

Get ready for some nightlife!

Koh Tao is not only famous for its great diving and beautiful beaches, there is quite a party scene there too! Picture cool beach bars, fire shows, awesome night clubs like Moov and Fizz bar. If you want to have some serious fun after the sun sets, you will not be disappointed. Read more

The full moon party! Party boat included!

You can´t go to Thailand and miss the full moon party. That would be criminal! So we arrange a trip over to Koh Phanang for the night to party your butt off at Haad Rin, and then after the sun comes up it is back to Koh Tao for a well deserved sleep in the ultra comfortable resort avoiding the messy crowds left in Koh Phanang. Want to read more about the Full Moon Party click here!

Group demographics

Who is this trip suitable for? The average age on this trip is between 18 and 22. Although it is open to all. The make up of the groups is usually 75% female to 25% male, just going to show, girls really are braver than boys!
So come on lads, what are you waiting for? Prove us wrong!