Thailand Adventure

Affordable & Group Gap Year adventure in Thailand.



Are you looking for a great value fun trip where you meet loads of other travellers? Do you want to experience some amazing adventures and visit temples? You will be enchanted by Thai culture and eased into your travels on a great intro week, you can pick fun adventure options in week two, you’ll have a cultural exchange experience in week three and finish up with some serious beach time in Hua Hin.

Thailand Adventure: Trip Highlights

The Thailand Adventure is a perfect trip for first-time travellers who would love to see Thailand and travel in a group of young people. Get to know more about Thai culture, the food, and the beaches.

 

THAILAND ADVENTURE HIGHLIGHTS:

Squeeze out the most fun! This 4 week trip has been tailored for you: Introduction week, Adventure week (choose your favourite option), Cultural immersion week and a week on a tropical island with lots of beach time!

  • You can relax knowing that you will settle into the travel swing easily with comprehensive orientation including a Thai language and cooking lessons.
  • Have adventures on the Adventure week you will never forget, go trekking or stay at a temple learning more about Buddhism.
  • You can discover a deeper side to Thailand with exciting cultural exchange projects, join either the Muay Thai training or help us out at a local school.
  • Do you want to see some incredible beaches as well? You can! A 6-night stay in the beautiful Hua Hin district is also included.
  • Don’t worry about being alone, 85% of travellers travel solo. You will be joining a group of like-minded travellers, once you book you have an online buddy list to chat to others before you go!

You can tailor the experience too!

Week one is a set week (the introduction week), but in week 2 you can join the Trekking week or the Buddhism & Culture week and in week 3 there is an option to either get involved in a community project for a cultural exchange experience or learn Muay Thai, the National sport of Thailand. Week 4 is the beach week in Hua Hin.

Thailand Adventure Photos



Itinerary

WEEK 1: INTRO WEEK & SIAM CULTURE

Program Description

During Siam Culture week, you will learn about Thai culture, get an insight into the language and have a taste of what has made Thai cooking so famous around the world. You will visit Wat Phra Non Jaksi Worawihan temple (famous for containing one of the largest indoor reclining Buddha statues) the ancient capital of Ayutthaya, have monkeys jumping on your head in Lopburi and much more! Moreover, you will get to meet people, take a Thai cooking lesson, learn the basics of the language, and get a firsthand understanding of the Thai way of life.

Aims & Objectives

The purpose of this program is to help you get a reasonable understanding of the manners, norms, and etiquette that is inherent in Thai society. This week is also perfect for you to get to know and bond with other new participants. It is great for those who will be spending a prolonged period in the country, but also for those who have little time and want to experience Thailand at its best. Its emphasis is on educational factors, such as the language, cooking, cultural and historical aspects of Thailand.

Monday

After breakfast, we will have a group meeting which includes, registration, explanation of programs and changes, logistics, general information and health and safety. After that we will walk around Tha Kham village to get you familiarized with your new surroundings. We will then stop at the ATM, Bank, Pharmacy, Phone Shop, convenience stores and the local market then followed by lunch at our center.

In the afternoon, we will have a short drive to Singburi and find out about transportation methods to Bangkok. Then head over afterwards to Chai Saeng where you can buy essential supplies for the week such as temple clothing, Mosquito repellent, Sunscreen, Power adapters.

Next, we will pay a visit to Wat Phikun Thong, a buddhist temple where you will get a short introduction to Buddhist rituals.

Once back at the accommodation, you will get a Thai language lesson and you will also learn about the do’s and don’ts in Thailand. After dinner, you will be the special guests of a welcome party with local children performing a Thai traditional dance for us – they will expect you to join in with the dancing at some point! You will have the rest of the evening to engage in night activities or your own free time.

Tuesday

Start off the morning with a visit to Wat Muang in Ang Thong, which is home to the tallest Buddha statue in Thailand and the 9th in the world. Next we will drive to Banbang Sadet Court Doll Centre where you can see the famous world-class miniature dolls and even build your own!

After lunch, we will head to the Historic City of Ayutthaya, which was founded in 1350 by King U-Thong. Once there, we will explore Ayutthaya Historical Park, which contains the ruins of the former capital of the Kingdom of Siam and is recognized internationally as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here, we will also visit Wat Mahathat (The temple of the Great Relic).

Next up we will Visit Wat SriSanphet & a local market close-by. This trip will be a while but on the way out you can buy souvenirs, drinks and any other refreshments you like.

Our final stop for the today will be a visit to Wat Yai Chai Mongkol. You can you walk up the Chedi for photos of the city or go to the top of the temple and drop a coin in the bucket for blessings and temple preservations. You will also have the chance to see the Reclining Buddha.

Once we return back to the accommodation, we will finish off the evening with a dinner!

Wednesday

We will start off the morning very early with a drive to Wat Phra Non Chaksi and meet up with the monks on their morning alms collection and walk through the village with the monks. We will then prepare food for the monks and then have breakfast afterwards.

After breakfast, you will have the chance to learn about authentic meditation from a local monk. You will also have the opportunity to engage in a Q & A with the monk. We will then walk around the Vihan to see the massive sleeping Buddha. After visiting the temple, you can buy coffee, soft drinks, ice-cream outside of the temple.

We will then drive back to the accommodation and if you are up for it, watch a interesting documentary about Buddhism. After lunch at our accommodation, we will drive to Singburi for your free time at a local swimming pool or a nice relaxing massage at Chai Saeng.

In the evening, we will have dinner at a BBQ restaurant (Thai style, of course!)

Thursday

In the morning, we will visit Ban Din Moddaeng in Lopburi where we will also have lunch here.

After lunch, we will drive to Wat Phra Prang Sam Yot park and walk over to the old temple, where you can walk around and see all the monkeys. If you wish, peanuts can be bought for the monkeys for fead. We will then head back to our accommodation in Singburi, where we will freshen up and rest.

In the afternoon, you will engage in after school activities with the local children, assist with their homework, English and Maths at our accommodation.

After dinner at our accommodation, you will visit Top Plaza Mall where everyone will have 1 hour of free time in the mall or evening activities.

Friday

The morning will start off with a visit to Coconut Shell House. This local handicrafts workshop makes jewelry from coconut shells and is part of the Thailand’s OTOP program.

We will then head back to the accommodation for some traditional Thai cooking lessons. Make sure to pay close attention during the lessons because you will be eating your own cooked meal for lunch!

After lunch, we will visit the Royal Highness Queens Project in Nong Lad. Walk around the project site and see vegetation & rice fields, mushroom & fish farms and even water Buffaloes. Plenty of opportunities to stop and ask questions to the local farmers.

Once we leave the Queens project, we will go to Khai Bang Rachan Memorial Park – one of Thailand’s most historical site showcasing a great battle which took place over 250 years ago between the Burmese and Siamese people in old Siam!

We’ll then head back to the accommodation in Singburi where we will have dinner.

WEEK 2: OPTION ONE: TREKKING OPTION

During the second week, you and other participants have the option to go trekking in Khao Yai National Park, a lush park not often visited by other tourists. This again will be a unique experience. You will be roughing it, but in beautiful surroundings. After this experience, you will have a lot to boast about when you go home as you will be sleeping in tents and surviving with the basics – we´re sure you will have a lot of fun!

The guides are very friendly and you will really enjoy yourself! Khao Yai National Park highest mountain is about 1,351 meters above sea level.

The tropical moist evergreen forest covers the central area of Khao Yai National Park. There is a rich diversity of plants (about 2,000 species), towering trees draped in mosses, tangled trunks of the strangling figs, drooping lianas, spiny rattan palms and delicate ferns. There is always something new to discover in the forest.

Please note that the trekking is not for the faint-hearted and the itinerary is subject to change depending on seasons, weather conditions, group size etc. so please be flexible.

TREKKING WEEK IN DETAIL

MONDAY

After breakfast we will set off for Khao Yai National Park, make a pit stop to get food supplies before we get there. We arrive at about 4.30pm and will then set up the camp and have a Thai dinner. In the evening we will do an exciting night safari.

TUESDAY

Early morning we will have breakfast, tidy up the camp site and head off into the jungle. We set up the camp, cook and learn about survival techniques from the experienced park rangers.

WEDNESDAY

After breakfast you we go trekking to different stunning waterfalls, feel free to jump in. Again we will camp at a campsite with amazing views

THURSDAY

Today we trek back to the rangers base to check into our air-conditioned rooms. Here you will be able relax those aching limbs and get that well deserved shower. We will stay here for 1 night, taking in the glorious scenic views.

FRIDAY

We make our way back to Singburi and the Eco houses (see first week).

Weekends are always free after Jungle Trekking programme. Relax at the Eco-House accommodation, take a local taxi into town, expand your sightseeing and visit the many more sites in the central provinces or take a bus to Bangkok city for the weekend.

REMEMBER TO TAKE THE FOLLOWING WITH YOU ON THE TREK:

  • Raincoat
  • Sleeping bag and fleece – it can get cold in the early mornings
  • Towel
  • Trekking gear – good walking boots (trainers at your own risk)
  • Cap or sun hat
  • T-shirt and shorts
  • Torch
  • Water bottle
  • Sunscreen
  • Mosquito repellent
  • Snacks (crisps and cookies) the food menu will be very limited in the jungle!

We will provide the tent, first aid kit and food. Please note that this trek can be physically demanding and on some days you could be trekking for four to seven hours (with breaks). You will be trekking deep in the jungle, climbing vines and walking up and down mountains. Feedback from past volunteers has been that its hard work but one of the most adventurous and fun activities they have ever done. You will end up with lots of stories to tell your family and friends back home.

WEEK 2: OPTION TWO: BUDDHISM AND CULTURE OPTION

The Buddhism and Culture programme below is written to give you an idea of this week: The day order may change, however, the full programme will still be experienced.

It is quite a ride to get here from the location of the introduction week, but totally worth it! Your time will be spent in the Forest Resort, a luxury new resort and in a newly built dorm accommodation next to the ancient Thai temple.

If you choose the Buddhism & Culture week you will get to know a lot more about Buddhism and Thai culture. During this week you will visit temples, you have the opportunity to ask your questions about Buddhism to the monks, we will teach you about practising meditation and chanting in a quiet and spiritual environment. Our guide is very knowledgeable and will tell you all you need to know. If you have a real interest in Buddhism & Culture, this is the programme for you!

BUDDHISM AND CULTURE OPTION IN DETAIL

During the temple stay you will experience the Thai temple life first hand, and it is pretty impressive and special.

MONDAY

After breakfast, we leave the eco house in Singburi and take you to Khao Yai National Park. On the way, we stop for lunch. After dinner, you will be introduced to Buddhism & Meditation ethics.

TUESDAY

Forget the lie-ins this week as we rise with (or before!) the dawn to give alms to the Monks. After breakfast we will have a discussion with a local monk, where you will have the chance to ask him questions and hear the Buddhist perspective from a monk. Once he leaves we will have lunch followed by a documentary to learn more of Lord Buddha. We will have dinner at the resort and an early bed time is recommended, as we have an early rise next morning.

WEDNESDAY TEMPLE STAY!

Tonight we stay at a temple. We leave very early morning and upon arrival, we will pay respect to the headmaster of the temple. Today we also learn some of the history of the surrounding area and temple, we will help clean the temple (sweeping leaves). Then lunch, your last meal of today, as monks eat only one or two meals a day all before 12:00 (noon). After lunch we will learn walking and sitting meditation forms.

THURSDAY, TODAY WE LIVE LIKE A MONK

We will get up early for a session of sitting meditation. Immediately after, the boys will follow the monks around the village to gather alms. The girls will stay at the temple and help prepare the temple for when they return. Upon returning you will come together and pray before breakfast. After breakfast we will be spending the day just like the monks: Meditating, praying, gardening and cleaning the temple ground. Again more evening chanting and early sleep time.

FRIDAY

Awake at the temple. You can give alms to the monks, or stay at the temple. We will eat breakfast and provide gifts for the monks for our appreciation for letting us stay and then return for Singburi Eco-house, visiting Wat Muang in Ang Thong long the way.

WEEKEND

Weekends are always free after this week. Relax at the Eco-House accommodation, take a local taxi into town, expand your sightseeing and visit the many more sites in the central provinces or take a bus to Bangkok city for the weekend.

REMEMBER
  • Please bring your own white clothes which are not tight or see-through, if you don´t have any please buy some before departing to Buddhism and Culture week.
  • Please be calm and quiet during and following meditation and chanting
  • Monks only eat one meal per day so we don´t have dinner on Wednesday
  • Men and women cannot sleep together during temple stay and no passionate contact during temple stay
  • Please do not point your feet to the monks or the Buddha
  • Women are not allowed to stay close to monks or touch the monks so please be cautious.
WEEK 3: OPTION ONE: CULTURAL IMMERSION PROJECTS

During this week you will have opportunities to help the local community:

  • Help out in a School
  • Build Clay Houses
  • Looking after kids in a local orphanage
  • Boxing Option

CULTURAL IMMERSION PROJECTS IN DETAIL

The biggest area in need is education so you will be visiting the local schools during term time or local children or perhaps local police from the village at the Eco house during school holidays. You can chat to the kids, help with both English and maths through playing games, singing songs etc. More information will be given to you about this during your first week.

Accommodation during this week will be either at the eco house or if you prefer, a home-stay. Most of the schools are within walking distance. For those schools that are not, the teacher or a local co-ordinator will transport you there and back. Remember to dress and behave appropriately. The students will look up to you and will attempt to copy your fashion and actions. Ladies, you need to make sure you don´t expose too much skin. Polo shirts/T-shirts, trousers and long skirts are all fine. Also the smarter you dress the more respect you will receive in the classroom.

It can be helpful to bring some materials to help you assist with teaching. For example, books, games and toys. It´s a nice idea to donate these to the school or children once you have left. Pens and paper will be provided. If you have any questions about this week, then please feel free to contact us or talk to the co-ordinators.

WEEK 3: OPTION TWO: MUAY THAI BOXING OPTION

During this week you will train in elements of Muay Thai the exciting national sport of Thailand. This is geared for complete beginners so no need to feel intimidated. It is lots of fun and there is no better way to immerse our self in the local culture

MUAY THAI OPTION IN MORE DETAIL

While you are training you will focus on many different areas, a large part of Thai boxing includes agility, speed and balance. In order to develop each discipline of Muay Thai (i.e. punches, kicks, elbows etc), you will learn exercises and training drills that promote these three important things.A typical day begins with an early start, getting up at 5.30am. This is necessary so that you are not spending the hottest hours of the day participating in intensive boxing training. You will head for a run to warm up followed by refreshments at the gym. From here you will take training exercises led by our experienced Thai Boxing trainer. Once fully warmed up you will head into the ring to spar one-on-one. Our co-ordinator will translate the instructor’s explanations into English. He will try to teach you some Thai necessary to learn more about the sport.

From 9am you have the option of going to the swimming pool (14km away) or relaxing back at the eco-house with other participants. The morning routine is repeated at around 3pm. The training can be quite intense, so it is important that you have a warm down period each day.

You will have the opportunity to take part in optional Tae Kwon Do classes some evenings.

CHANGING OPTIONS

If you think that you may decide to change your option for week three from boxing to the teaching option, or that you may add extra cultural immersion weeks you can do this locally.

WEEK 4: BEACH TIME (6 NIGHTS)

This is usually the travellers favourite part of the programme. You will spend from Sunday evening to Saturday morning in the gorgeous Hua Hin District. It is a jam packed week with loads of exciting and interesting activities.

Set near the idyllic city of Hua Hin, you will get a real feel of Buddhism, help conserve the natural surroundings and of course, loads of well-deserved beach time.

We’ll take you south to the seaside city of Hua Hin, where you will take part in fun activities where you are able to see several beautiful temples. You will get the chance to help monks and learn about Buddhism. You will also be involved with vital beach conservation activities, visit local the markets and experience other awesome cultural activities. The afternoons are free for you to explore the city and relax at the beach.

Every day, we will take you to a different beach where you will be able to just relax and unwind amidst white sand and crystal-clear blue waters.

  • Dinner at our center when you arrive!
  • Amazing visits to temples!
  • An excursion to Pranburi Forest Park!
  • Excursion to the Artist Village!
  • And lots of beach time!

You are welcome to add-on activity’s or not and do your own thing. The rest of the time is free time to sunbathe, snorkel, explore the beautiful area or simply just chill out.

On the last day,  you will have breakfast, then get a transfer back to Hua Hin bus station.

Accommodation

During this programme you will be located in 3 different locations to get to know about different parts of Thailand. All transfers will be taken care of (arrival transfer is also included providing your arrive on set start dates).

ECO HOUSES WEEK 1 AND 3

During the first three weeks, you will be staying in Eco houses. Normally you share your ensuite room with 1 or 2 others of the same sex. The rooms have a good sized bathroom with western toilet end shower.

To relax you can chill in the gardens or in the communal area where you can hangout with the others. Here also your meals are served.

During the Intro week (week 1), Muay Thai or Cultural Immersion week (week 3) your accommodation is situated about 10 km from the town of Singburi. In Singburi you will find all the amenities you could need i.e. internet, shops, swimming pool, hospital, pharmacy, banks and restaurants. There are plenty of trips into Singburi or you can easily take a taxi (about 15 minutes).

The doors and windows are screened (to protect you from mosquitoes). There are fans in the room. For your valuables, we have lockers available. We strongly encourage you to use them, even if our centres are generally very safe. There are limited laundry facilities so expect to wash your clothes by hand. All participants are expected to be environmentally aware and to use all resources with restraint, especially water, paper and electricity. You will be expected to clean up after yourself, and to play your part to keep the accommodation neat and organised. All food is included during your stay. The meals will be typical Thai fare, including plenty of rice dishes. All meals (Thai style) are included.

Facilities:

  • Transportation- Our Eco houses are about 10-15 kilometre from the city, it’s a little bit difficult to travel to town by public transportation but it can be done by local taxi.   Taxis can be called though our staff at any time.
  • Money issues: there are numbers of bank and ATM machine near by. The nearest one is just a km or so away at Thakam market.
  • Internet use: internet cafes can be found in Singburi town. Our accommodation has free wireless internet for participants, but we advise caution in bringing bulky valuables with you.
  • International Phone calls – you can buy an international telephone card (with PIN code) in Singburi. The best ones are from CAT PhoneNet, with which you can call from any phone in Thailand. They can be bought at the post office or CAT office. Don´t hesitate to ask your coordinator for assistance.

BEACH WEEK ACCOMMODATION

During the beach week, you stay in our centre in Hua Hin.

Price

4 Week - Standard Shared Room

USD 1279



What's Included?

  • Information pack before departure
  • Airport pick up in Bangkok
  • Orientation including a Thai language and cooking lesson
  • One week trekking or Buddhism and culture
  • Cultural Exchange projects or try some Muay Thai Training!
  • 6 nights in the beautiful Hua Hin District
  • All meals
  • All accommodation through the four weeks
  • Transfers between weeks
  • Access to online buddy lists to chat to other members of the group

What's Excluded?

  • Flights
  • Visas
  • Travel insurance
  • Drinks
  • Extra spending money for souvenirs etc.
  • Airport drop off (but its cheap and we help you!)

Frequently Asked Questions


  • If you are planning on travelling to Thailand for 28 days or less and you have British, Dutch or USA passport you can get a Visa exemption on arrival. This is valid for 28 days and cannot be extended in Thailand. If you are planning on being in Thailand longer than 28 days you will need to pre-arrange a Visa. You can prearrange a visa for 60 days which you can extend to 90 days in Thailand.

    There are two ways of arranging your visa. When you are from the UK. You can either go in person to the Thai embassy in London, or you can post your passport along with the necessary documentation and fee to one of the Thai Consulates. In general, this works the same for the other countries like The Netherlands and United States too, but please contact the nearest Thai Consulate for visa inquiries.

    Please note that you are responsible for arranging your own visa. Xtreme Gap cannot be held responsible if you fail to travel with the correct visa. So please check with your local embassy personally. The previous information is meant as a guide, but visa rules change often and frequently. So do not take this as the current law.


  • Take £100 a week and you will be living very well. Remember that everything is included on this trip. So all the food, the accommodation, the transfers, airport pick up and loads of activities and adventures along the way are already paid for.


  • On Saturday, after breakfast, we will transfer you back to Singburi for Bangkok, if you have further programmes with us or to Hua Hin bus station if this is the end of your program, where you can catch a bus back to Bangkok to catch your flight home.


  • Usually there is an average of 15 fellow travel mates on the trip, but it can be more or less. Did you know that you can meet other travellers before you head out to Thailand? Simply sign up to our online travellers meeting point and you start to chat to other people interested in Thailand. Once you book, securing a place with £200 deposit, you will be given access to an exclusive buddy list. This enables you to talk directly with other people signed up your trip! So you already make some new friends on your trip before you go!


  • Yes, you can start off with this trip and then do some backpacking in Laos afterwards for example. Another really popular option is to get a 60 day visa before you leave Thailand, and then bolt on the Koh Tao adventure after this trip giving you two months in Thailand.

Thailand Adventure Trip Dates

We can help you customise your trips, and give you tailored advise. Please ask.

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