Xtreme Thailand Experience Essential Info
The Xtreme Thailand experience is designed to be a modular group tour of Thailand's best locations and offers a great blend of culture, adrenaline action, relaxation and of course the unforgettable full moon party in Koh Phanang..
Split between an intro week, a culture week, a trekking week and and an unforgettable Xtreme Week enjoying some of the best beaches in Thailand (in Koh Tao), you will be sure to have the best Thailand Experience.
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 and learn about Thai customs first hand with locals.
Second Week - Option 1 Culture Week.
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 aboutrn Thai Culture & Buddhism by visiting monks during a temple stay.
Here you will learn more about Buddism and get the opportunity to practice meditation and chanting together with the monks in the temple.
If you know nothing about Buddism to begin with, do not worry, we will show you a rnshort 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. You will also visit the Bueng Chawak Zoo and Suphanburi, where you will learn about traditional Thai pottery, called Benjarong.
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Please note this week is optional, if you want to skip it you can move straight onto...
Second Week option 2 - Trekking Week
Location: Phutoei National Park (Thailand)
| This week is spent trekking in the jungle & rainforest of the rnPhutoei 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.
Week 3 & 4 - Xtreme Activities and Beaches.
This is a beach week like no other, and kicks the crap out of other gap year companies Thailand Experiences!
This week you will head to paradise. Yeah. Yeah... No seriously. Paradise! Expect incredible beaches, and loads of time to relax and kick back watching some incredible sunsets, fire shows and some buzzing night life.
But before you get to relaxed, we have some adrenaline travel experiences in store for you. You can choose between one of the following packages to keep you busy during the week:
- Get fit package: with 5 Muay Thai lessons or 5 Yoga sessions
- Xtreme Packages: Either a Freediving course or beginner rock climbing course
- We also include a return overnight trip to Koh Phanang for the full moon party on the Koh Tao Party Boat!
- You can also upgrade and complete a PADI Scuba diving course (€280) see our upgrades section below.
Koh Tao Adventure Day
If that was not enough we have a Koh Tao Adventure day planned for you as well, involving speed boats, abseiling, rock climbing, freediving and lunch on an incredible deserted beach. It will be one day that you will not forget in a hurry...
Of course all good things must come to and end, and time on your visa will be ticking... unless you want to prolong the adventure and add on the tropical Island life programme week options to the package ( you will need to prebook and arrange a 60 day visa). You could also apply for a discounted Muay Thai, Yoga, or Diving package.
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While you are in Koh Tao, why not do an open water course (Koh Tao is the best place in the world to learn to dive) or check out our Koh Tao Upgrades to perfect your adventure? Or check out our Koh Tao Upgrades page.
Accommodation & Food
During the Intro Week & Culture Week:
Your new home will be one of our 3 ''Eco Houses'' in Singburi in central Thailand – the Lemon House, the Twin House and the Brown House. Situated about 10 km from the town of Singburi and takes about 15 minutes from the eco- houses. In Singburi you will find all the amenities you could need i.e. internet, shops, swimming pool, hospital, pharmacy, banks and restaurants, and there are plenty of trips into Singburi or you can easily take a taxi.
The houses sleep from 20 to 50 people. All houses have single gender shared dorm rooms with the number of beds ranging from 3 to 12. All houses have western style toilets and one even as an Asian toilet! Each bathroom has a shower and the water is always cool – nice and refreshing in the heat. All houses have a communal area where you can eat, relax and meet. Most of the houses are within walking distance of a local shop and a make shift bar provided by the friendly locals.
The doors and windows are screened All food is included during your stay. The meals will be typical Thai fare, including plenty of rice dishes.
During the Xtreme Beach Weeks
The accommodation in the resort in Koh Tao is of a very high standard complimenting your stay in paradise perfectly. A short stroll through palm trees from the beach you will find your beautiful new, safe clean home from home. A beautiful and laid back resort with a swimming pool, set in tropical Thai gardens. The fan rooms are big, clean and comfortable and have an en-suite and there is a maid service twice a week and a laundry service (approx. €1 per big bag load) located next door.
Getting there & when to go- You will start the Xtreme Thailand experience in Bangkok, we can help you arrange your flights and suggest group flights if you require, the first day of the trip is always starts on a Sunday, if you wish to go to Bangkok earlier, we can help arrange hotel options for you - most people fly in on Saturday.
Included- All Accommodation
- Transfers as per itinerary
- Excursions as per itinerary
- Thai Cooking lesson
- Thai Language lessons
- Tour of Ayutthaya
- Dinner in a famous Thai BBQ restaurant
- Tours of several temples and monuments and museums
- Visit to a Market, Zoo, Temple Stay (If doing the cultural week)
- Trekking in Phutoei National Park, visits to waterfalls, caves, Hill tribes, (Trekking Week)
- Overnight Transfer to Koh Tao
- 6 nights accommodation in Koh Tao
- Pick up from the boat by Xtreme Gap representative
- Evening dinner and induction on Koh Tao
- Koh Tao adventure day with speed boat, lunch and adrenaline activities
- Either: 5 Muay Thai Sessions, 5 Yoga sessions, a rock climbing course or Freediving course
- Return ticket to the full moon party in Koh Phanang.
Excluded
- Flights
- Visas (if staying longer than 28 days this will cost approx €30 for a 60 day visa)
- Insurance
- Return transfer from Koh Tao (but can be arranged locally for approx €15)
- Meals on Koh Tao (Approx €6 per day)
Price and Dates- Option 1 Intro Week, Culture Week, 2 Beach Weeks - €1139 / £975
- Option 2: Intro Week, Trekking Week, 2 Beach Weeks - € 1169 /£999
- Option 3: Intro Week, Culture Week, Trekking Week, 1 Beach Week - €1169 /£999
- Upgrade: Bangkok Intro (2 nights in a Luxury hotel near the Khao San Rd, airport pick up and tours) - + €259
- Upgrade: PADI Open Water Course on Koh Tao - + €280
- Upgrade: Stay longer in paradise € 199 per week.
- Or check out our Koh Tao Upgrades page.
Special Offer! Book with a friend and get an extra 6 nights accommodation on Koh Tao for Free!
Dates:
- 2010 4th July, 1st August, 29th August, 26th September, 24th October, 28th November, December 5th,
- 2011 January 2nd, January 23rd, February 20th, March 27th, April 24th, May 22nd, June 19th, July 17th, August 21st, September 18th
- All Dates in red co/inside with the full moon party on Koh Phanang falling in the last week of the trip - you will be taken there the evening of the party on a Party boat, and picked up at 7am the morning after and taken back to Koh Tao!
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Xtreme Thailand Experience Itinerary
Intro Week
Monday
After breakfast we will have a group meeting and take a short walk around the village. This will be followed by a full induction outlining what will be happening during the rest of the week.
A Visit to Singburi town for sight seeing and we will have lunch in a restaurant.
In the afternoon, there will be an introduction into Thai culture: do and don't s in Thai society.
In the evening, there will be an introduction to the projects and discussion about other programs if applicable.
There will be a welcome party in the evening with the school students from the local town performing a Thai traditional dance. During the party we will try to know each other quickly and play a presentation game in which you can perform something that is typical for your culture of origin
Tuesday
All day trip to the ancient city of Ayutthaya is scheduled. Many ancient ruins and art works can be seen in a city that was founded in 1350 by King U-Thong when the Thais were forced Southwards by northern neighbors. We will then visit the "Elephant village" followed by dinner near the river side.
Wednesday
In the morning we start with another Thai lesson, after which will visit some of the beautiful and famous monuments and Buddhist temples near our centre: Wat Phranon Jaksi (A huge reclining Buddha image) and the Bang-Rachan hero monument. In the afternoon there will be some free time to spend in town, whether to shop or check email. In the evening, we will dinner at a famous Thai BBQ restaurant.
Thursday
In the morning, we visit a school where we will do some activities with the children. During school holidays (from mid-March till mid-May and in October), when the school is closed, we may visit a palm tree farm instead. Just before lunch, we will visit a local handicraft place.
There will be a continuation of Thai language lessons for those who are interested in learning more Thai. Following this, we have an interactive Thai cooking class: after a short Thai lesson introducing the different ingredients you will learn how to cook these ingredients into a Thai dish, and to cook dinner.
Friday
A full day travel with several visits in the Lopburi province. Some of the highlights would be visit to the famous Somdet Phra Narai National Museum and the Wat Phraputhabaht Temple (Buddha's footprint) and we will experience some local cuisine at a nearby restaurant.
Saturday
There will be brunch at 10am, after which participants can choose between optional Thai Cooking Class or Thai Language lesson or visit to the Swimming pool or visit to the Singburi Town.
Sunday
Free time. If moving on to the Beach week(s) you will return back to Bangkok
Culture Week
Monday
Wake up early at 5.30am to give alms to the Monks. After breakfast, we will start with an introduction into different aspects of Thai Buddhism in our centre and that includes the basics of Buddhism, how to behave in the temple, meditation practice (walking and sitting meditation) and a possibility to raise questions. In the afternoon we will visit the famous temple-Wat Phikun Tong.
Tuesday
The monks will be invited to have a discussion about Buddhism and the various aspects.
A stay of one day and night in a different temple where you will join the normal routine, should be an eye opener for every one
Practice meditation and evening chanting with the Monks.
Wednesday
Continuation of the program in the temple with:
Morning chanting (very early)
Going on alms round with the monks
More individual meditation
Thursday
In the Morning, after breakfast, we will go on a short cycle tour next to the beautiful river to explore traditional Thai style houses. We will have lunch outside, and in the afternoon visit the local Market and temples.
Friday
In the morning we visit a 100-years old market and a traditional Thai pottery factory, where the pottery is still produced manually.
A visit to a local zoo is foreseen in the afternoon, after which there is some time free to update your web blog and send some mails to friends and relatives before we return to our centre.
Weekend
Free time at the centre. Most people choose to swim in Singburi's swimming pool or take a nice massage in our center. Sunday Return back to bangkok
Trekking Week
Schedule and Activity:
Monday
Depart to the Phutoei National Park with a stop on the way to make any purchases.
You will arrive at about 4.30pm at the destination and will set up camp and have dinner.
Tuesday
After breakfast, we will leave for the Taperngkee waterfall, and we will have lunch and relax near the waterfall. We will then start trekking from the waterfall to the school. After we arrive we will prepare the tents for camping outdoors.
Wednesday
We will have breakfast and then trek to the caves. We will have lunch at the school and then we will trek back to the Hill tribe village and we will cook together outdoors.
Thursday
We will trek to the nearby Huai Kha Khaeng region. We will visit the village of the Karen hill Tribe people, and there will be a special cultural performance by them.
Friday
We will take a truck to the Lumtaphern Dam and spend the rest of the day relaxing outdoors.
Saturday
We will leave for the hotel in the morning and have lunch once we reach there. The rest of the day will be free to do as you please, read, relax of swim.
Sunday
After an early breakfast, we will check out from the hotel and depart to prepare to head to Koh Tao overnight for some Xtreme activities and blissful beaches.
Beach Week(s)
Monday
Arriving on the morning boat you will be met on the pier by our Rep, who will be waiting to transport you in the back of a pick up truck to your new home, a paradise island resort. Expect to see palm trees whizzing by over head as you wind through coconut plantations to Sairee beach. You will get settled in and check out you new surroundings and be introduced to your relevant trainers. That evening you will be taken out for dinner with the group, and we will run through the weeks activities.
Tuesday - Friday
Depending upon your activity choices you will start your training. Please note their is a degree of flexibility in the itinerary to account for different course starting on different days. The freediving course takes 2 full days, Yoga and Muay Thai 5 days (2 hours per day), and Rock climbing takes one day. The programme leaves plenty of time for you to do your own thing and explore Koh Tao.
Saturday
Koh Tao Adventure Day
- 9.00: Pick up from start location up to Mek's mountain
- 9.30 - 11.30: Rock Climbing - designed with beginners in mind this will be a mind blowing start to the day, climbing up huge granite walls you will be stunned by the incredible views of Koh Tao and the gulf at the top
- 11.30 - 13.00: Abseiling from 'Fraggle Rock' viewpoint - what goes up must come down... The Xtreme way. Fraggle rock is infamous in Koh Tao for providing great views of the jungle, sea and island.
- 13.00 - 13.30: Short hike down to Hin Wong Bay on the East coast of Koh Tao where our speed boat will be waiting. Not just any speed boat either, the fastest, meanest bad boy on the island.
- 13.30 - 13.45: Speed boat pick-up and off we speed to Laem Thian beach - this is one of the most beautiful secluded beaches on Koh Tao, excellent snorkeling and crystal clear waters.
- 13.45 - 15.00: Lunch - with all this adventure you are sure to build up an appetite, fear not, we have an awesome lunch waiting for you.
- 15.00 - 15.45: Cliff Jumping (3m, 9m and 12m jumps) - He who dares...jumps.
- 15.45 - 17.00: Guided snorkelling in two areas with basic free dive training, sea caves, Coral reefs and Blacktip Reef Sharks.
- 17.00 - 17.30: Speed boat trip back around the island to back to Sairee Beach and finishes with a well deserved drink around the bar
Sunday
If enrolled on the one week course check out is at 11 am, You can catch the morning boat off the Island Koh Phanang, or do some onward travel, if you are heading home, you can also catch a cheap low cost flight from Samui back to Bangkok to connect with your flight. We can also help you arrange transfer back to Bangkok via boat and bus (for approx €15).
If you are enrolled in the 2 week programme, you will enjoy another week of Koh Tao´s fine tropical beaches and exciting backpacker night life.
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