11 Reasons To Have Your Gap Year In Thailand

Considering a gap year in the Land of Smiles? Here, we give you 11 reasons to turn those potential plans into a reality. Thailand is a beautiful fusion of delicious food, friendly people, warm weather – need we say more!

Friendly locals

Thais are known to be some of the friendliest people on the planet and for good reason. Thai’s are excellent hosts and will do their utmost to make sure you have a safe, comfortable and happy time. Learn a few Thai phrases so you can immerse yourself more in the local culture and mingle with the locals.

Affordability

Ease of travel

There are plenty of options to get around Thailand, all of which are super easy. Plan ahead and book transport in advance as this will likely save you time and money. If you are travelling by bus it’s advised that you do your homework and pick a reputable company like Green Bus or Nakhonchai Air. Unlike many other countries, national flights are very cheap and there a plenty of low-cost airlines to choose from.

Safety

Thailand is widely considered a safe country to travel in even for solo female travellers. Taking precautions, practising common sense and travelling responsibly are always advised.

Convenience

Hungry late at night? There will be someone selling a comforting bowl of noodle soup nearby. In need of a pharmacy? There will be one open. Trying to sort how to get from A to B? Within a number of minutes, you can have it sorted.

Personal development

Travelling can teach you what no classroom setting can. Living, breathing and experiencing different cultures and countries is not only fun, it’s great for personal development. Travelling encourages you to practice different life-skills, like adaptability, open-mindedness and patience, to name but a few, and Thailand is the perfect place to learn and practice these vital skills.

Natural beauty

From the rugged mountains of the north to the picture-perfect beaches in the south, Thailand is home to an array of natural beauty and diverse landscapes. Head off the beaten path and explore remote hill tribe villages or trek through some of Thailand’s stunning National Parks, wherever you roam you’ll be impressed by the unique wildlife, lush jungles and mesmerizing underwater world.

Thailand’s location

Embrace your wanderlust and make the most of being in close proximity to other Southeast Asian countries. See the magnificent temples of Angkor in Cambodia, float in a hot air balloon above the temple-studded plains of Bagan in Myanmar or see the karst formations of Halong Bay in Vietnam – there is so much to explore and discover on Thailand’s doorstep.

Get involved

Tired of schlepping your backpack about? Why not set up a base somewhere for a few months. There are plenty of things to get involved in from volunteer opportunities working in wildlife conservation or community development to Muay Thai and yoga training courses.

The weather

Thailand’s tropical climate not only provides that “endless summer” feeling it also makes for light packing. From scorching hot temperatures to epic monsoon downpours there is never a dull moment. Thailand is ideal for those who prefer to be in warmer, more temperate climates.

Tick on your CV/resume

Having travelled, particularly to “exotic” countries, will likely impress your future bosses. Having worldly experience is often an advantage as people see that you are up for a challenge and embrace new experiences.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.