Southeast Asia Explorer



A once in a lifetime trip to three of Southeast Asia’s most sought-after destinations: Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam

Encompassing both wildlife & community-based volunteering projects alongside traditional backpacking, the Southeast Asia Explorer is perfect for first-time travellers and solo adventurers looking to set out on one of the world’s most iconic adventure travel routes!

Suitable for: Adventure Travel and Wildlife Conservation.

DURATION: 4 OR 8 WEEKS    |     PRICES FROM: £3000    |     DEPARTURES: JANUARY, APRIL & OCTOBER

TRAVEL STYLE: GROUP BACKPACKING ADVENTURE

Perfect for first time travellers such as Gap Year or University students looking to explore Southeast Asia with a group of like-minded people!

Typical age range: 18 – 22

Accommodation: hostels, hotels, guest houses

Transport: public and private buses, pickup trucks, boats, taxis

Supervision: accompanied from start to finish by a Gapforce Leader


Highlights

  • Immerse yourself in the cultural hubs of Bangkok & Chiang Mai
  • Volunteer at an elephant rescue sanctuary, one of our most rewarding experiences
  • Soak up the sun on the idyllic Thai islands of Koh Tao & Koh Samui
  • Watch stunning sunsets over the amazing temples of Angkor Wat
  • Assist on a vital house-building project in Cambodia
  • Take a boat ride on the famous Mekong Delta
  • Marvel at the spectacular Halong Bay!

    THAILAND

    Week 1: Chiang Mai & Pai

    Your journey starts in Thailand’s northern capital, Chiang Mai. Hidden backstreets, mind-blowing temples and waterfall hikes make this the perfect location to begin your adventure! After exploring the stunning Doi Suthep Temple, you'll head over to Pai, a laidback town in a picturesque valley close to the border of Myanmar. You'll discover centuries old stalagmites and stalactites in Tham Lod Cave, one of Thailand’s most impressive and accessible caves, as well as enjoy the beautiful local scenery as you float down the Pai river in an inflated rubber ring!

    Week 2: Elephant Sanctuary Volunteering

    The second week of your adventure will be spent volunteering at an amazing elephant rescue sanctuary! You'll assist local staff in caring for rescued elephants in an ethical and responsible way. With the help of the project owners and local staff, you will get the chance to observe and experience elephants in their natural, safe environment, free from exploitation and abuse. This truly is one of our proudest and most rewarding volunteer experiences - you don't want to miss it!

    Week 3: Chang Khoeng & Bangkok

    After a magical week volunteering with elephants, and before heading down to the stunning Thai Islands, you’ll make the journey from Chang Khoeng to Bangkok. Whilst in the bustling capital, a rite of passage for all gap year backpackers, you'll get the chance to really immerse yourself in the hustle and bustle of this amazing city, spending a few days exploring the markets and canal systems. Don't tell anyone, but the Golden Mount Temple is a must!

    Week 4: Koh Tao & Koh Samui

    No visit to Thailand is complete without experiencing the idyllic beaches of the famous Thai islands. Koh Tao is one of the most popular islands for backpackers and it is no surprise - soak up the atmosphere in the beach towns, explore the rural inland island or just kick back and soak up the sun, sea and sand on one of the many paradise beaches!


    *For those booked onto the 4-week trip, your program ends here and you'll be transferred back to Bangkok Airport for your flights home. For those of you on the 8-week trip, the adventure’s only just beginning!


    CAMBODIA

    Week 5: Angkor Wat & Community Volunteering in Siem Reap 

    After a bus journey through some of the most rural parts of Thailand, Angkor Wat and Siem Reap will introduce you to Cambodia in true style. Whilst Angkor Wat will wow you with its vast complex of intricate stone buildings, Siem Reap is the epicentre of Cambodia's backpacker scene! Get ready for perhaps one of our most rewarding community volunteering projects, working with a local organisation dedicated to providing housing and shelter to some of the most vulnerable people in Cambodia.

    Week 6: Siem Reap - Phnom Penh - Ho Chi Minh

    fter your fantastic work on the community volunteering project, it’s time for a travel week as you make the scenic journey from Siem Reap in northern Cambodia to the nations capital Phnom Penh in the south. Here you’ll visit the Genocide Museum and The Killing Fields, one of Cambodia's most important historical sites.   


    VIETNAM

    Week 7: Southern Vietnam

    Next you head into Southern Vietnam starting in the incredible city of Ho Chi Minh City, then north to the stunning beaches of Nha Trang.  No trip to Vietnam is complete without a visit to Hoi An (seriously!) This is one of the region's most beautiful places and you will fall in love with cycling around this quaint town, surrounded by countryside and rice paddies.

    Week 8: Northern Vietnam

    Continuing north, you will visit the UNESCO World Heritage site of Phong Nha-Ke Bang with its remarkable karst mountains, cave systems, and spectacular underground rivers. The final stop on your journey, naturally, is the ancient city of Hanoi. You will have plenty of time to explore and shop and visit the legendary Halong Bay.


    *Please download the program brochure for full details!

    4-weeks: £3000

    8-weeks: £4500

    For available start dates check out the 'Dates & Availability' section below - you may need to scroll right to view the prices and book on! You can secure your place on your chosen adventure with a deposit of either £300 or 10% of the trip price, whichever is higher. The remainder is paid leading up to the trip departing.


    DepartingDurationAvailabilityPrice (GBP)
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    What's included:

    • Pre-departure support 
    • Airport pick-up 
    • Gapforce Leader 
    • Local support staff 
    • All accommodation & meals
    • Program transfers 
    • Trips & activities as listed in brochure 
    • Return airport transfer 
    • 24/7 emergency back up 
    • Financial failure protection 

    What is not included:

    • Flights to/from destination
    • Travel insurance
    • Visa & Vaccinations
    • Spending money 
    • Tips and gratuities for local guides

    Who is this program for?

    This program is for anyone looking to volunteer and backpack through Southeast Asia’s most sought-after destinations. There is no prior experience required although the minimum age is 18 and you must also complete our medical form confirming you are medically fit to participate. A reasonable level of fitness is required to participate, and if you plan to take part in any open-water based activities eg snorkelling and swimming from boats, you must be able to swim 200m. 

    Where will I be staying?

    You will stay in a variety of diverse accommodations throughout your trip including local hotels, hostels and volunteer guesthouses. Most accommodations will be dorm style with shared bathrooms. At the elephant sanctuary, you will be staying in a traditional thai-style hut.

    What is the food like?

    Three meals a day are included, and these will be a mixture of local and western cuisine. Meals whilst at the volunteering projects are cooked for you, then whilst we are travelling we will either buy food to cook at our accommodation or visit local restaurants and cafes. Vegan and vegetarian diets can be catered for, please check with us regarding further dietary requirements and/or allergies.

    Who will be supervising me?

    Throughout your expedition you will be accompanied by a Gapforce Expedition Leader. At various stages of your expedition we utilise the services of local support staff including project coordinators, drivers and guides. 

    What type of transport will I be using?

    You are responsible to getting yourself to and from the start point of the expedition. During the expedition, program transfers are included. Travel is a combination of day and overnight journeys using a range of transport including public and private buses, trains, boats taxis and pickup trucks. As is common on local road transport, seatbelts may not always be available. Please give us a call for more information on individual journey details.

    When does this program start and finish?

    The program starts in Chiang Mai on Day 1 when you meet the Gapforce leader or representative at the airport (CNX), or from 4.00pm at the group hostel if you are already in the city.  The program ends in either Bangkok (4 weeks) or Hanoi (8 weeks) on the last day at 10.00am, or at the time you checkout of the group accommodation,  whichever is earlier.  Transfers to the airport will be provided for participants flying out that same day.  Full details to help you book flights and plan your arrival and departure will be provided upon booking, but please contact us if you require further details beforehand.

    How many others will be in my group?

    Average group size is 10 - 15 people.  Popular departures can have up to 20.  We need at least 6 people for this trip to go ahead, so you know you will be travelling with at least 5 others, plus your leader! 


    After submitting this form, we will try and get back to you within 24 hours


    Download Brochure


    Or call us on 0207 384 3028

    • Thailand
    • Duration: 4 to 8 weeks
    • Departures: January, April, October

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