Why don't we show our phone number?
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.
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The eternal travelers question: What to pack when backpacking in Thailand? Deciding what to pack when backpacking in Thailand depends partly on what you have chosen to do and how long you will be away for and where you are going. We don’t want to sound patronizing as you probably have a good idea of what to pack when backpacking, however here are a few suggestions by destination country.
Thailand is the ultimate in backpacking, so a back pack (duh!) is ideal. However, don’t run out and spend hundreds of pounds on an expensive backpack unless you are sure it is a good investment for the future. In Thailand you can buy anything and everything substantially cheaper than at home. When considering what to pack, consider flying out with your possessions in a cheap disposable duffel bag, and buying a bag out there.
It wasn’t that long ago that just being a British citizen enabled you to travel anywhere without a passport. Not any more alas. Make sure you pack your travel documents before you travel. I mean really, if you are wondering what to pack when backpacking these are the most important items. Everything else can be bought in country. An before you pack them check they are not about to expire during the trip. Also check they have a bar code (some of the older passports and replacement passports do not). Certain countries will not allow you to entre the country if your passports are not machine readable.
Pack light. Really, an empty bag is ideal! Shopping in Bangkok is a wardrobe busting experience. Ok so most of the goods are counterfeit, but that just adds to the appeal. Head out to the MBK centre for an afternoon and you will soon realize that the €200 shopping spree before you left home was totally pointless – and expensive.
Thailand kills your feet. Fact. It is also the land of the sacrificed foot wear. Trust me, you will loose your shoes, several times, it is not a matter of if, but when. This is mainly due to the following reason. It is customary to take your shoes off in Thailand when entering a house, bar, restaurant, shop… anywhere. Now add a few Thai whiskey buckets into the mix and you soon realize that you have no idea where your shoes are…again. Fortunately Thailand boasts more flip flop shops than the entire planet combined (yes, we did just make that up) so cheap footwear is available and very necessary. A pair of comfortable shoes or boots are pretty handy for your travelling days though.
Again, pack light, towels are very space consuming in your bag. Better to buy one in Thailand.
Oh yes, long may the memories last. When considering what to pack for your gap year, a decent camera is very necessary, just don’t take it to the full moon party. Your last pictures will be of thousands of drunkards passing out on a beach before the sand or sea water kills it. Do take a spare memory card though and back up your photos to CD or post them online on your travels.
Thailand has all the toiletries you could need, and then some (pink nipple cream anybody?). There is even a boots in Bangkok and Koh Samui. Ditch the shampoo and buy it on arrival.
Healthcare in Thailand is pretty good, so you shouldn't run into major problems. Do take some antiseptic cream and plasters though. The tropics can make the smallest of cuts become infected.
Speaks for itself really, although buying one in Thailand will generally be cheaper.
What to pack for a gap year in Thailand.- - Pen and something to write on
Always useful, why not keep a diary as well?
Take an MP3 player or a good book, and you'll have something to do on buses and trains. You can even carry a laptop if you feel the need, actually they can be pretty handy, a multitude of free wifi spots can keep you connected with family and friends via skype, email and Facebook. If you choose to do so, do not carry it in a laptop bag, buy a more generic looking bag and always keep it on you or locked up in your hotel.
Thailand supports European plug sockets, but consider carrying a multi adapter
Are you longing to get really fit? If you spend time at the Xtreme Gap fitness bootcamp, set in a tropical Thai jungle paradise, then you really will. Industry leading professional personal trainers will get you in peak condition in no time. After your training take your new six pack for a walk on the beautiful tropical beaches of Phuket. Feel the burn!!
Do you want see it all in one of the most exciting countries in the world? Join our group and have an incredible adventure. You choose your activities. An intro week, an adventure week, an action week and a beach week. You will be check out the buzz in Bangkok with new mates and letting the good times roll.
Are you looking for a great value fun trip where you meet loads of other travellers? Do you want to experience some amazing adventures like elephant trekking and visiting temples? You will be enchanted by Thai culture and eased into your travels on a great intro week, you can pick fun options in week two, you'll have a cultural exchange experience in week three and finish up with some serious beach time week four. A bit like the Thailand experience but with less action, better if you are on a tighter budget.
Are you longing for some fun? Want to experience pure travel freedom and adventure on one of Thailands most beautiful islands? If you like the sound of die for beaches, superb nightlife and some incredible adventure activities. Then the Koh Tao adventure is the trip you have been searching for. You will be massively entertained because each week has a new adventure. All you have to do is decide which activities to pick. You will have Travel mates guaranteed with plenty of Xtreme Gappers on Koh Tao, and a buddy list system, enabling you to chat to other travellers on your trip before you go!
So you wanna learn MMA? Then learn with the best. Mixed Martial Arts is the ultimate fighting style, and you will discover the secrets, techniques and methods delivered by one of the worlds top MMA fighters. Beginners, Intermediates or Advanced, by training at the Xtreme Gap MMA camp you will become one serious bad ass.
Do you want to try the ultimate in personal fitness training? Muay Thai training Thailand gets you closer to the culture and action. Set on a gorgeous tropical island paradise. You will train hard in a stunning jungle gym up a sandy track minutes from the beach. But will you be ready to step in the ring?
Master advanced Freediving techniques will enable you to dive down 20 metres on a single breath of air on the second day! Our Freediving school, set on a cool tropical island in Thailand, teaches you correct techniques, the physiology and science behind the ability to do advance freediving. Either complete an eye opening beginner or advanced course, or participate in a full blown freediving master or even instructor programme.
Koh Tao Divemaster course plus internship: Live the life on a tropical island in the Gulf of Thailand. The Koh Tao Divemaster course means living on an incredible tropical island, diving every day for 12 weeks, accommodation and equipment included. You will discover one of the most amazing lifestyles and gain a professional level qualification enabling you to work in the scuba diving industry all over the world.
Challenge yourself and admire the view from up high. Our rock climbing course, set on a beautiful tropical island, will teach you the basics of rock climbing. This course will give you all the inspiration you could need to develop a life long climbing passion. The setting is spectacular too, as you climb through the lush jungle and look out to sea from the pinnacles rising majestically out of the lush jungle.
Become a dive instructor! No prior experience needed, you can become a dive instructor teaching others how to dive leading to an exciting career all over the world. This7 month programme is a life changer, training under one of Koh Tao´s most established an successful course directors you can put the prospect of a 9 to 5 rat race well and truly behind you.
Learn to dive in Koh Tao on your gap year! Getting your PADI qualifications in Thailand is one of the must do activities when you go backpacking in Asia or as part of a round the world trip. Koh Tao is famous for diving, low prices and great experiences, and maybe even meet the Whale shark, the biggest and most amazing fish in the sea! Come join us and have a great time on Koh Tao.
Become an underwater camera man (or woman) on a paid underwater videography internship. Earn as you learn to film underwater while you are staying at the stunning Thai island Koh Tao. For 12 weeks you will be diving every day! You will work with a young dynamic team and earn your beer money shooting movies in paradise. Who does not love that!
Head round the world from West to East taking in the sites and sounds of South East Asia´s Thailand and Laos, before heading to Australia and New Zealand for some serious action! Finish up in the USA completing an awesome road trip from LA to New York before flying home.
The ideal way to start your backpacking adventure in Thailand! Travel as a group from Bangkok to Koh Phangan in 7 days. We will take care of everything for you including accommodation, activities and transport, plus your group leader will be on hand all week to ensure you have an awesome and trouble free trip. See the best of this amazing country and meet new friends whilst enjoying the experience of a lifetime! The best value for money backpacker tour in Thailand - everything only £375! Plus, one person in every group in Jan & Feb 2013 will win a free diving course and 3 nights accommodation on Koh Tao!!
South East Asia is a very interesting, fun, safe and beautiful part of the world. It has a well trodden backpacking route for good reason. This is a flexible trip showing you the best sites in Thailand, Laos and Vietnam! From bustling cities, to Unesco sites and from stunning beaches and Islands to lakes with dolphins.
Great combination of volunteering in Africa, experiencing the culture in Thailand and working and backpacking on the East Coast of Australia.
The Thailand Fullmoon party, one of the all-time top 10 must dos before you die. Five days of enjoying the stunning island of tropical Ko Tao with a group of other Xtreme Gappers culminating in one of the most epic parties abroad.
Gain an internationally recognised teaching qualification with a guaranteed job offer after your course and earn over $1000 per month A great way to work and travel.. Phuket is one of the world’s most famous dream destinations of the most beautiful places in the world. The course location is 30 metres from the beach . It is ideal for students to have time to relax while they are learning. Food and accommodation is very cheap by western standards.
