Gap Year Travels

Visiting Thailand should be on the list of everyone taking a Gap Year, the cheapness of getting there, the cost of living while you are there combined with the culture and good times to be had make this country one of the most backpacker friendly out there.

With crazy Bangkok being at it's centre, Thailand is located in the middle of South East Asia and allows you to travel to other great spots like Viet Nam, Cambodia and Laos, it's a must do if even for a few days.

We recommend you give yourself as long as possible in Thailand getting out to the beautiful islands, chilling on the beaches, scuba diving and snorkelling and hitting Koh Phangan for a famous Full Moon Party.

With cheap accommodation and food, your money will go so much further in Thailand, get a suit made and sent home for pennies, take a ride in a Tuk Tuk, get a Thai massage, try out an infamous Red Bull or whiskey bucket and live in luxury, Thailand really is as good as you've heard. Make sure you try out this amazing country with so much to offer your round the World trip

The easiest way to get around the mainland is by coach, there are heaps of companies and trips that run during the day and overnight, these coaches are a bit more luxurious than your average National Express bus so there's no need to worry about comfort.

Everything can be booked when you arrive through a registered TAT local travel agent where you can arrange any transfers and accommodation at great prices, if you're going to be visiting any of the amazing islands they can book you onto boat trips which are very safe and regular.

Although not an english speaking country, it is really set up for Backpackers and you won't struggle getting by with English, it's surprisingly easy to sort out all your travelling needs and make sure you don't miss out on any of the hotspots

Probably where you arrive, get ready for a shock, bustling Bangkok is one of the most memorable places you will visit. The home of Khaosan Road, an amazing area full of shopping, bars and cheap knock offs, here you can barter your way to buying a whole new wardrobe for next to nothing.

With non stop traffic, great nightlife and beautiful temples, Bangkok is such a diverse place you need to experience. Walk around this city in wonder or take a tour on a Tuk Tuk for pence, you may need to pop into a suit makers or jewellers to keep the driver happy but this is all part of the experience.

Get out there and enjoy a night out with a pethra of bars all offering a great time, you cannot fail to have a great time in Bangkok.

A real gem in Thailand, we love Bangkok and know you will too, definately a place to experience and stay a couple of days, enjoy some street vendor food, have a Chang beer and buy some stupidly cheap clothes. This place is packed with culture and until you are there you cannot fully understand the wonder of Bangkok. Visit the Patpong Markets and the Huge statues and you won't be disappointed.

Tour the city in a Tuk Tuk with the change in you back pocket
 Have a tailor made suit crafted in luxury
 Visit Khaosan Road and Patpong Markets for some cheap shopping
 Enjoy a traditional Thai Massage

You should definately sort out your first nights accomodation before you arrive, there are some good and bad ones in Bangkok, one we recommend is the Sawasdee Khaosan Inn, with a great location and cheap rates, give yourself a bit of luxury in the mental streets of Thailands capital

Chiang Mai is the largest and most culturally significant city in the Noth of Thailand. Steeped in History with 14th Century Bhuddist Temples, this is a city well worth a visit.

Enclosed by a moat and city walls it is becoming a more popular spot for backpackers. The city has great markets and is close to surrounding villages where you can experience unforgettable jungle treks and elephant rides.

The Elephant Sanctuary is well worth a visit during the day and a night out can offer everything you need from a selection of bars and the opportunity to see some amazing Thai Boxing. Get out there and experience the real Thailand in Chiang Mai.

Chiang Mai is an awesome city and very different from Bangkok, it offers amazing experiences with Jungle Treks on Elephant back and is a great place to visit if you are travelling overland to Laos. No trip to Chiang Mai will be a wasted one.

We loved our stay in the Imm Eco, with a great pool and stylish interior, we were treated like kings and would definately go back, we think you should give it a go during your time in this amazing city

With beautiful beaches, cruises and plenty of Activities, Phuket is the biggest of the Thai islands and is linked to the Mainland by 2 bridges and is well worth a visit. Well known for it's nightlife and gambling scene, there is plenty to keep you occupied the whole time you are there.

With Snake shows, Muay Thai and a zoo, your days can be spent lounging on the beaches or enjoying some of the activities on offer, for those of you that want to enjoy both, there are loads of beach and watersports activities from kitesurfing to Jetskiing.

Phuket was a great spot for a short visit, it has beautiful beaches and loads to do, however, if your time is short, make sure you don't miss out on some of the other islands where you will feel more on holiday in paradise.

The best place to stay is in Patong Backpacker House, with free internet and breakfast, this is a great backpackers just a few minutes from the beach.

Home of the World Famous Full Moon Party, Koh Phangan is a must visit spot for you party animals. Offering a party every night of the month the island spends it's time gearing up for and down from Full Moon and Half Moon parties on the beach and Black Moon parties in the jungle.

With awesome beaches, heaps of watersports and a huge tourism industry, you will find great restaurants and shops on the island.

You will spend your nights partying like never before and spend hungover days at the beach, remember to book accomodation early, especially if you are going for a full moon party as thousands of party goers hit the island for buckets and dancing to music suiting every musical taste, this is a party you will never forget

Accommodation is hard to come by on the island as a Full Moon party approaches so make sure you plan ahead. We enjoyed our stay at Fubar for clean and friendly service right in the heart of the party action

This is a massive must do during your trip to Thailand, you need to experience a Full Moon party during your life as you won't find anything else like it, with fire shows, great music, buckets of booze and an atmoshere so electric you'll never forget it. Make sure you visit Koh Phangan for one of the parties and you'll be talking about it for years.

The beautiful island of Koh Samui is the island of coconut trees and will is a great spot to spend a few days of your trip. With breathtaking beaches and crystal clear waters Koh Samui is great for kicking back and getting into a good book.

With a ring road around the island, there's a great opportunity to explore on a cheap to rent moped allowing you to visit several of the white sand beaches, see the Big Bhudda, beautiful coral reef, luscious lagoons, amazing waterfalls and the local towns. Koh Samui offers relaxing days and great nightlife in Chaweng and Lamai, you'll definately have a great time ion Koh Samui.

Definately check out Samui Reef View Resort, with free WiFi, free pick up's and being amazingly clean, this is the best spot on the island

Koh Samui is definately up there with the islands to visit in Thailand. It's an amazing place to explore and relax, make sure you put this great place on your itinerary.

Tsunami struck Koh Phi Phi is one of the most beautiful islands we have visited, with a pituresque sight around every corner, this island is not to be missed. Used in the filming of 'The Beach, it truely is a gem in the islands of Thailand.

With plenty of festivals, amazing snorkelling and scuba diving, Koh Phi Phi is a phenominal place with so much to do and see, there are plenty of open air bars and nightclubs to satisfy you in the evening, great bars and cafe's for those hangover cures and beaches to die for, do not miss out on this unforgettable island.

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Probably our favourite Thai Island, we really didn't want to leave. We had such a great time here, everything from the beaches to the thai boxing ring in Reggae bar, make sure you don't miss out and spend a few days on Koh Phi Phi.

For a great place to rest your head in Phi Phi, we recommend staying at the PP Ingphu Viewpoint, it offers amazing views for sunset and sunrise and a great pool and all the facilities you could need.