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We are always available to talk to you about your plans, but we do not run call centers to keep the trip costs low. So email is best. There is also a contact form at the bottom of the page. You can chat or message us on Skype, email us first. If you really want to call us you can on (+44)02032867065. Remember most of your programme questions can be answered with the get trip notes button too. Please do not contact us to sell advertising.

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Xtreme Thailand Experience



Worried about going it alone or meeting people? This is the trip for you! Join a group and really mix with the local culture on your first few weeks before hitting the beaches in Koh Tao! Temple stays, elephant camps, trekking and meeting hill tribes: You decide what you want to do and we do the rest. This is the ultimate Thailand gap year experience
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  • Full Details

    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, this means the itinerary can change.

    There is alot of information on this page, so the links on the right might help you navigate to the section of the trip you need. If in doubt, just send us a message below!

    So How Does It Work?

    You can build your own trip depending on how adventurous (or not) you are, but before you decide what adventures to take remember the most fun happens when you do things you really can not do at home!

    Quick Links

     

    Week One

    • Pick up from the airport and then a comprehensive 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.

    Week Two

    Pick from one of the following:

    • Buddism and Culture Option
    • Trekking
    • Elephant Conservation

    Week  Three

    Transfer to Koh Tao for plenty of dreamy tropical beach time and superb nightlife. You will stop off in Bangkok for one night and two days as well.

    Not such a beach bum?

    You can stay an extra week on the mainland and pick another option from the second week for €325 or £300 extra.

    Week Four - Action Week

    This week get ready for some adventures by picking either the Diving Pack, Xtreme Pack or Fit Pack.

    You will also do the Koh Tao Adventure Day too!

    An extra option week, or a beach week? Tough choices people!

    Most people choose one option to complete on their second week, however if you wish to do more than one you can do this in your third week. Please note sometimes adding an extra option might mean you miss out on the fullmoon party although it usually falls on the 3rd or 4th week of the trip. You can check the fullmoon party dates here.

           

     

    Culture Week Options

    Second Week: Culture Options In Detail
     

    Culture Week

    Elephant Week

    Trekking Week

    2 Days In Bangkok

    After your option weeks and before you head to Koh Tao you will have 2 days and a night in Bangkok. Plenty of time to explore this exciting city at your leisure.

    We put you up in a luxury hotel breakfast included, (no stinky bedbug backpackers for Xtreme Gappers!) and this is located in the heart of Khao San Road area. Backpacker central. This is a great location because it is so easy to see the city and explore the sites.

    What you do in those 2 days is up to you, but here are some suggestions:
    Places of interest just a couple of minutes from you are:
    • The Grand Palace
    • Wat Po Known as the Reclining Buddha
    • Wat Arun
    • The Chao Prayah River.
    • You can also organise a tour to The floating market, tiger temple and bridge over river Kwai (payable locally or in advance up to you!)

    In the evening it is booming on the Khao San Road with loads of bars, restaurants, internet cafés, shops, clubs and stalls selling street food, cheap clothes, bags, shoes, music and souvenirs.

    After Bangkok, you will head to Koh Tao onto the Koh Tao Adventure and beach week options.
    Khao San Activities Floating Market Bangkok hotel Info
    Click for Khao San Road and Bangkok Info.
    Click for floating market info
    		   Click for Bangkok Hotel Info

    Koh Tao Beach Week Options

    Xtreme, Fit or Diving

    The final 2 weeks of the trip are spent on Koh Tao, (unless you opt for an extra option week in week 3) one of the most beautiful and popular backpacking islands.

    There is plenty to keep you occupied and on this programme there are 3 different activity options to choose from, and we guarantee you will have never tried these before, so now is the time to try something new and exciting - what adrenaline travel is all about!
    No matter what option you do choose, you will always have the following included:
    • Transfer to Koh Tao
    • Arrival pick up and transfer to the Resort
    • Intro meal with the group and Miss Jai our Rep
    • Plenty of nights out at the amazing beach bars
    • A Koh Tao Adventure Day (see video below)
    • Return ticket to the Fullmoon party on the party boat
      (providing the Fullmoon party is on)
    On Koh Tao there are 3 different activity options to choose from:

    Koh Tao Activities Options

    Rock Climbing Freediving Muay Thai Scuba Diving

    Some Extra Koh Tao Activities You Can Do
    Long Tail Boats Fullmoon Party Nightlife Snorkling
           

    Bangkok stopover and Transfer to Koh Tao

     

    Bangkok

     

    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.

    Once you have shopped till you drop, be sure to check out some of the incredible temples located near the hotel.

    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 Option & Intro Week Itineraries Summary

    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.

    Week One -

    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 dormitory style with the number of beds in a room ranging from three to twelve. There aren’t any single, or twin share rooms. Whilst 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 basically 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 really make this programme a special and unique one.

    Programme introduction: aims, way of working, money, rules and appreciated behavior, 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 taking place 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 to swim, 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 a great way to learn the language and a fun way to experience the new culture.

    Leisure time:

    You will have time 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 program 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 neighbors. 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 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 renound Thai dish, and have it for 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.

    Weekends

    Weekends are always free in most programs, 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 friendly staff for help in getting to some of Thailand’s many nearby tourist attractions.





     

    Week Two

    Culture Week Options - Take Your Pick!

    The second week is option week where you can choose from one of the following activities:

    • Elephant conservation
    • Trekking in the jungle
    • Buddhism and culture

    You do not have to to decide which option you pick when you book, you can wait to see what takes your fancy when you are in Thailand.

     

    Elephants

    Option One: Elephant Week

    Elephants are the symbol of Thailand and are held as sacred in Thai Culture. Training along side the Mahouts, the Thai Elephant keepers, this week is all about hanging out with the elephants!

    Your role this week will be the caring for and feeding the elephants, bathing them, taking the older female elephants for walks, and generally helping out.

    Then you will actually get to learn how to ride the Elephants, heading off through forests and around the camp. This week 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.

     

    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.

     

    Trekking

    Trekking Option

    During the second week you and other participants  have the option to go trekking in the jungle and rainforest of the Phutoei 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! Phu Toei National Park is located in the area of three provinces, Suphanburi bordering Uthai Thani and Kanchanaburi. The area is about 317 sq km and is about a three-hour drive from Singburi. 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.

    • Monday: Depart Singburi for Phutoei National Park, pit stop to get food supplies. You will arrive at about 4.30pm when you will set up camp and have dinner.
    • Tuesday: Trek to Taperngkee waterfall, relax and have lunch. You will then start trekking from the waterfall to the school. After you arrive you will prepare the tents for camping outdoors.
    • Wednesday: After breakfast you will trek to the caves. You will have lunch at the school, trek back to the Hilltribe village and then cook together outdoors.
    • Thursday: Trek to the nearby Huia Kha Khaeng region, visiting the village of the Karen Hill Tribe people, and there will be a special cultural performance by them.
    • Friday: Trek to the Lumtaphern Dam and spend the rest of the day relaxing outdoors.
    • Saturday: You'll leave for the hotel in the morning and have lunch once you’ve arrived. The rest of the day will be free to do as you please, read, relax or swim.
    • Sunday: Early breakfast. Check out from the hotel and depart to Ban Phae Pier, Rayong which will take about five hours.

     




     

    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.

    The treks are co-ordinated by project leaders and trained park rangers will also be close by.

    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!

     

    Buddism and Culture

    Buddhism and Culture Option

    It is quite a ride to get here from the location of the introduction week, but totally worth it! Your time will be spend 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 practicing 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!

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

    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

    A the weekend it is time to head back to Sing Buri to spend a sublime day supine on poolside or stimulating your senses with a massage. Free time to chill.


    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.

     

    Action Week on Koh Tao

     

    Action Week Options in Detail

    Fit Package
    (Muay Thai)

    Discover Scuba Package

    Xtreme Package - Freediving

    Xtreme package - Rock Climbing

    The fit package contains 5 Muay Thai sessions in Total, that works out at 5 one hour sessions. You will be issued a voucher to redeem for your training sessions, so you can work out when you would like to do your training during the course of your stay.

    Some like to do it in the morning and then hit the beach others like the cooler evening training times.

    The Muay Thai sessions are a great wa to improve fitness and are actually the most popular option.

    For the discover Scuba session you will be allocated a diving instructor and work out when you will be doing this locally.

    PADI Discover Scuba Diving Experience

    See for yourself what scuba diving is all about! Try a Discover Scuba Diving experience

    Have you ever wondered what it’s like to breathe underwater. If you want to find out but aren’t quite ready to take the plunge into a certification course, Discover Scuba Diving will let you try scuba to see if you like it.
    While not an actual scuba certification, during the Discover Scuba Diving experience you’ll learn how to use scuba equipment in shallow water and get a quick and easy introduction to what it takes to explore the underwater world.
     

    This is probably the most Xtreme option, and one of the most rewarding!

    Our professional freediver instructors will teach you the basics of Freediving, and accompany you down to depths of 12 metres!

    The actual course itself lasts 2 days and included theory and water based instruction.

    Beginner Freediver course

    An introduction to Apnea (Freediving). During this course we will take you down to 20 metres in a controlled environment through the use of relaxation and breath hold techniques.

    First Day

    Theory (in the morning) introduction to the different disciplines, equipment. 2 section breathing technique theory of duck-dive, descent and ascent Water (in the afternoon) warming up and preparation equalization duck-dive practice and kicking technique dives (max. 12 meters)

    Second Day

    • Theory (in the morning)
    • Safety
    • Pranayama
    • Proper pre-dive and post-dive breathing
       
    		 The beginner  course is designed for people that are interested in rock climbing and introduces them to the sport. The Climbing course exists of 2 parts and includes:

    • a pre-trip training session and
    • a full day of field experience.
    • a guided session to improve you basic climbing techniques and ability

    After doing this climbing course you will be able to completing the course, you will safely be able to climb on existing equipment with a partner anywhere in the world.

    Knowledge and Skills covered:
    • Rock types
    • Equipment types and use
    • Types of climbing
    • Climbing commands
    • Knots
    • Belaying
    • Basic climbing techniques
    • Abseiling/ Rappelling
    • Self anchor
     
     

    Further Information

    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.

    This is a great way to finish up on your trip, after experiencing the culture its time to party. Speaking of which...

    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!

    The final 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.

    Remember lots of details are in predeparture pack you recieive after booking. You will also be hooked up with your buddy lists then.

    Finally

    The trip ends in Koh Tao, on the Sunday many choose to stay on, some fly home others travel to Laos and even onto Vietnam, if you are looking to do this as part of a wider tour of South East Asia, talk to us about your plans. Getting back to Bangkok for your flight out is arranged locally through our rep (there is a local payment of about £12).

    Finding Out More

    We can also send you loads of information on this trip and the locations so get trip notes for more details! Full details on your options to get back to Bangkok are included in a very detailed predeparture pack, which we send you after booking. You will also be set up with an online buddy list so you can chat to other members of the group in Koh Tao.

    Please do book early

    This can be a very popular trip so make sure you get booked up ASAP!