Thailand Adventure

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

The first week is designed to introduce you to Thailand and it’s people, culture, language, attitudes and customs. It’s a great way to meet fellow travellers and to make new friends. To ensure you have fun and to make it easy for you to meet all the groups, we have arranged some fun social nights including a welcome party, a Thai-style BBQ and a dinner at a gorgeous bar / restaurant with Karaoke for those that like to sing!

ORIENTATION

When you arrive at the eco house in Singburi, you will be shown to your rooms. All rooms are shared with the same sex. While staying at the eco-house, males and females are not allowed to stay in the same rooms. There will be time to relax, take a shower and unpack. There will be an informal meeting after dinner to welcome you and to inform you of things like what time breakfast is served. The orientation meeting will be the following day.

There are two co-ordinators at each house. The co-ordinators are friendly local Thais. They are there to show you around, introduce you to Thailand, answer any of your questions and ensure you have a good time. They make this programme a special and unique one.

Programme Introduction: money, rules and appreciated behaviour, food, safety advice, cultural differences and social information.

THAI LANGUAGE:

During this week, you and your group will have a Thai lesson. You will learn enough phrases to get by on.

PROJECTS:

An explanation of the work places, projects underway and information on what has been achieved in the past (volunteers that have chosen extra weeks only)

VISIT LOCAL PLACES:

You will be shown the village, markets, temples and monuments in the local area. You will have several opportunities to go to the local town called Singburi. Here you can check your e-mails, go shopping and get a Thai SIM card for your mobile. There is also a pool in Singburi where you can go swimming, relax and sunbathe.

GAMES, COOKING LESSON, DISCUSSIONS:

Done in groups to help you make friends with fellow volunteers, project leaders and programme staff. This is an excellent way to learn the language and a fun way to experience the new culture.

LEISURE TIME:

You will have a chance to explore the local area. There are plenty of opportunities for free time. You can relax around the eco-house, read, go swimming, shopping, etc. The project co-ordinators are happy to show you around and point out the beautiful and amazing highlights that Thailand has to offer. Your weekends are your free time so feel free to arrange extra excursions if you´d like.

THIS WEEK IN DETAIL

This option is a great chance to know more about Thailand, bond with your fellow participants, and learn about the local surrounding area. You will learn about Thai culture, Thai language and have a

taste of what has made Thai cooking so famous around the world through some cooking classes. You will also visit the famous Buddhist Temple: Wat Phranon Jaksi, the old capital of Ayutthaya (including a visit to the Elephant Village), Lopburi´s museum and pagoda. This programme below is written to give you an idea of this week (it´s an example):

MONDAY

After breakfast, we have a group meeting and take a short walk around the village before lunch in a local restaurant. In the afternoon, we visit a local handicraft shop before being the special guests of a welcome party with local school students performing a Thai traditional dance for us.

TUESDAY

An all-day trip to the ancient city of Ayutthaya, many ancient ruins and art works can be seen in this city that was founded in 1350 by King U-Thong when the Thais were forced Southwards by northern neighbours. We will then visit the special Elephant village followed by dinner near the river side.

WEDNESDAY

In the morning, we start with a 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 a trip to the local town, here you can do some shopping, swimming or check email. In the evening, we will have dinner at a famous Thai BBQ restaurant.

THURSDAY

In the morning, we visit a local school and join in with the local students. During school holidays (from mid-March till mid-May and in October), when the school is closed, we may visit a palm tree farm or other local life instead. After noon we pick up from yesterday with another Thai lesson and then 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 renowned Thai dish, and have it for dinner!

FRIDAY

A full day with several visits in the Lopburi province. Some of the highlights would 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.

WEEKENDS

Weekends are always free in most programmes, but participants can delve deeper with advanced Thai Language lessons or hire local transport to visit the Swimming pool or shops in Singburi Town. (these are extra-curricular, please request on site!). Also, feel free to ask the friendly staff for help in getting to some of Thailand´s many nearby tourist attractions.

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.

A Rough Idea of Price

All of our gap year holidays are completely customised to your needs and prices will therefore vary based on things like the time of year and level of accommodation; but we want to give you as good an idea of how much this itinerary will cost.

4 Week - Standard Shared Room

Book Now

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

DO I NEED A VISA?

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.
HOW MUCH CASH DO I NEED OUT THERE?

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.
WHAT HAPPENS AT THE END OF MY TRIP??

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.
HOW MANY PEOPLE ARE THERE IN THE GROUP?

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!
CAN I COMBINE TRIPS?

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

Sep 2018

Sun: 23 Sep 2018 Book Now
Oct 2018

Sun: 07 Oct 2018 Book Now
Nov 2018

Sun: 04 Nov 2018 Book Now
Dec 2018

Sun: 02 Dec 2018 Book Now
Jan 2019

Sun: 06 Jan 2019 Book Now
Feb 2019

Sun: 03 Feb 2019 Book Now
Mar 2019

Sun: 03 Mar 2019 Book Now
Apr 2019

Sun: 07 Apr 2019 Book Now
May 2019

Sun: 05 May 2019 Book Now
Jun 2019

Sun: 02 Jun 2019 Book Now
Jul 2019

Sun: 07 Jul 2019 Book Now
Aug 2019

Sun: 04 Aug 2019 Book Now
Sep 2019

Sun: 01 Sep 2019 Book Now
Oct 2019

Sun: 06 Oct 2019 Book Now
Nov 2019

Sun: 03 Nov 2019 Book Now
Dec 2019

Sun: 01 Dec 2019 Book Now
Jan 2020

Sun: 05 Jan 2020 Book Now
Feb 2020

Sun: 02 Feb 2020 Book Now
Mar 2020

Sun: 01 Mar 2020 Book Now
Apr 2020

Sun: 05 Apr 2020 Book Now
May 2020

Sun: 03 May 2020 Book Now
Jun 2020

Sun: 07 Jun 2020 Book Now
Jul 2020

Sun: 05 Jul 2020 Book Now
Aug 2020

Sun: 02 Aug 2020 Book Now
Sep 2020

Sun: 06 Sep 2020 Book Now
Oct 2020

Sun: 04 Oct 2020 Book Now
Nov 2020

Sun: 01 Nov 2020 Book Now

Sep 2018
Sun: 23 Sep 2018	Book Now

Oct 2018
Sun: 07 Oct 2018	Book Now

Nov 2018
Sun: 04 Nov 2018	Book Now

Dec 2018
Sun: 02 Dec 2018	Book Now

Thailand Adventure

Thailand Adventure: Trip Highlights

THAILAND ADVENTURE HIGHLIGHTS:

Thailand Adventure Photos

Itinerary

ORIENTATION

THAI LANGUAGE:

PROJECTS:

VISIT LOCAL PLACES:

GAMES, COOKING LESSON, DISCUSSIONS:

LEISURE TIME:

THIS WEEK IN DETAIL

MONDAY

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

WEEKENDS

TREKKING WEEK IN DETAIL

MONDAY

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

REMEMBER TO TAKE THE FOLLOWING WITH YOU ON THE TREK:

BUDDHISM AND CULTURE OPTION IN DETAIL

MONDAY

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY TEMPLE STAY!

THURSDAY, TODAY WE LIVE LIKE A MONK

FRIDAY

WEEKEND

REMEMBER

CULTURAL IMMERSION PROJECTS IN DETAIL

MUAY THAI OPTION IN MORE DETAIL

CHANGING OPTIONS

Accommodation

ECO HOUSES WEEK 1 AND 3

BEACH WEEK ACCOMMODATION

A Rough Idea of Price

4 Week - Standard Shared Room

What's Included?

What's Excluded?

Frequently Asked Questions

Thailand Adventure Trip Dates

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