Your Complete South East Asia Gap Year

Trip code: QSEA

  • Adventure 3 out of 5
  • Relaxation 3 out of 5
  • Culture 3 out of 5
Your Complete South East Asia Gap YearYour Complete South East Asia Gap YearYour Complete South East Asia Gap Year

Trip Highlights

  • Immerse yourself in Indian culture, volunteer and see the Taj Mahal!
  • Explore Thai culture and it’s islands, beaches and temples
  • Make a difference volunteering in the fascinating town of Surin
  • Enjoy the frenetic energy of Ho Chi Minh City
  • Help Vietnamese Children build happy memories of their childhoods

Trip Summary

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See the wonders of the travel world including the Taj Mahal, a variety of beautiful Thai islands and the world famous Halong Bay. As you travel through the wide expanses of India, Thailand & Vietnam, you’ll have the opportunity to live and work with local people on volunteer projects and observe a different way of life along the way.  Discover the range of culture, wildlife and amazing landscapes of Asia.


When do I want to go?

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Dates of Departures Duration Price (Land Only) Trip Status

What will I be doing?

  • First stop India (4 weeks)

  • Next stop Thailand (6 - 8 weeks)

  • Final stop Vietnam (4 weeks)

First stop India: 4 weeks

Next Leg

Destination info

The Republic of India - second most populous country in the world, the most populous liberal democracy in the world and former British colony. Its slogan, ‘Unity in Diversity’ sums up the country rather well, and its citizens are deeply proud of this fact. All of the world’s major religions put in an appearance here, the best represented being Hindu (hence the many ‘sacred’ cows causing traffic jams in the capital, New Delhi!) as well as Muslims, Christians and Buddhists. The hustle and bustle is virtually constant, but there are always peaceful, spiritual spots that you can escape to easily. With a population of over 1 billion (2004 est.) it’s not really a surprise that it’s a bit noisy!

 
  • Location: Himichal

India Himalaya Community volunteer – 4 weeks

Volunteering in India is an amazing way to immerse yourself in the culture, why not take it one step further and volunteer in the beautiful region of North India, based at the foothills of the Himalayas! This is an excellent placement if you wish to work and travel around India, you will discover regions often overlooked by other backpackers.
 
This project gives a great opportunity to make a real difference to the community through one of three main volunteering options.
 
Whichever option you choose, helping with childcare, assisting at a special needs centre or helping to teach under-privileged children; you will be making a long-term difference to the community and especially these children’s lives.

Next stop Thailand: 6 - 8 weeks

Next Leg

Destination info

The Kingdom of Thailand, is located in the heart of Southeast Asia and shares borders with Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia and Myanmar. It is an area of outstanding natural beauty, also well known for its appetising food and the people renowned for their friendly manner.

  • Location: Various places in Thailand

Thailand Experience – 4 weeks 

Experience adventure travel in Thailand with all the best bits packed into just four weeks! You'll spend a full month getting to know Asia, Thailand, Thai food, Thai people and Thai landscapes!
 
We’ll take you to some of the best tourist spots in unspoilt Kanchanaburi and Sangklaburi and you’ll have a few days to get involved with worthwhile volunteer work or get a taste for adventure whilst trekking.
 
To round off your ultimate Thailand experience, the trip will end with an obligatory week hanging out on the beach on the island of Koh Pha Ngan. Well someone's got to do it!
 
Thailand volunteering – 2 to 4 weeks
Choice of:
 
Child care
Care for underprivileged youngsters by taking part in their daily lives, offer youngsters a refuge from life on the streets and assist with fun learning activities!
 
Community and Elephants - - max 2 weeks
Work and live within the local community, play a hands-on role in the care of Thai elephants and help to ensure their survival by preserving their habitat!
 
Teaching
Perfect your teaching technique whilst gaining classroom experience, give local children a better grasp of the English language and help to improve their employment chances through education!

Final stop Vietnam: 4 weeks

Destination info

The Socialist Republic of Vietnam is bordered by China, Laos and Cambodia. It is the 13th most populous country in the world and although it has had a reasonably troubled past, the name Vietnam does tend to conjure up pictures of quaintness and tranquillity, especially when you consider the fact that it has thousands of miles of beautiful coastline to its name! Occupied by the French from the mid-1800s until shortly after the end of WWII, it is not surprising that the influence is obvious, especially in the big cities, Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh (formerly Saigon), so much so that you may even think you’re in France, when you’re strolling down the wide colonial boulevards.

  • Location: Various places in Vietnam

Highlights of Vietnam tour – 14 days

A Vietnam adventure tour – with all the best bits packed into just two weeks. Your adventure tour starts in Ho Chi Minh City and ends in Hanoi – so it takes in the capitals of what were South Vietnam and North Vietnam – all names etched into the consciousness of your parents’ generation from their association with the war. Vietnam is rich with culture and with history – both indigenous and French colonial.
 
There’s lots to see and you’ll spend time with local families so you’ll get a feel for what life is like for the people who live here.Try your hand at bargaining with the locals at floating markets, get a new wardrobe tailor-made overnight at Hoi An and enjoy the splendour of innumerable limestone karsts in world famous Halong Bay from the comfort of your deluxe junk ship.
 
Vietnam volunteering - 2 weeks
Choice of:
 
Vietnam Care for Disadvantaged and Orphaned Children
Spend your time volunteering in a Children’s Home along with a care centre for disabled children. Your care and support is much needed by these lovely children and young people.
 
Vietnam Caring for Disabled Children 
Spend time helping out at a care centre for disabled children in Vietnam’s capital city Hanoi. Playing games, giving them an education, singing songs and arranging days out for these wonderful children is sure to a leave lasting memories for life.

Trip Notes Download

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To get a detailed PDF of information for this trip including full itinerary, country guides and travel advice on visas, money, insurance and the local weather, download our trip notes. By doing so you’ll also be kept updated on all the latest news, offers and stories on this particular trip. Happy reading!

What's included?

  • Flights from London – India – Thailand – Vietnam - London
  • India Himilaya Community Volunteer
  • Thailand Experience
  • Thailand volunteer project
  • Highlights of Vietnam Tour
  • Vietnam volunteer project

What's not included?

  • Travel insurance
  • Extra activities not on itinerary
  • Visas

Additional Information & FAQs

Minimum age

Minimum 18 years, maximum decided on potential participants health.

 

Accommodation

You will be staying in a variety of accommodation during your trip. These will range from hostels and guesthouses to hotels, beach resorts and home-stays.

 

Meals

Depending on your choice of countries and experiences, some meals may be included but it will vary from place to place and project to project. Please refer to specific programme information to find out what’s included.

 

Advice & Safety

Throughout your programmes you will have the support and guidance of the programme co-ordinator and team. You will be provided with competent assistance and help with any questions or advice you may need during your stay.

You will be assigned a personal travel advisor who will co-ordinate your programme with you. Feel free to contact them at any time before you go, or when you are on your travels.

In addition, you will have access to a 24 hour emergency contact number so you can contact one of our UK staff at any time should you need to.

 

 

FAQ

1. Could I change one of the programmes listed to an alternative programme that Real Gap offers instead?

Yes, that’s fine we have a selection on our web site for each location for you to choose from.

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2. How flexible can Real Gap be about the duration of trips? Can I spend longer in Thailand as I would like to visit friends there?

Yes, you can tailor make the trip to suit yourself and add in time for independent travel as well - this is your trip after all!

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3. How much additional money should I take for the trip?

We recommend that you allow £50 to £75 per week and take a credit card just in case; you will find that you will spend different amounts in each country you visit as the cost of living can vary quite dramatically. It’s always better to budget for more than you think you will need.

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4. When’s the best time to go?

Whenever really, although March onwards is good to get the warmer weather in India and Thailand but take warmer clothing for the time in Vietnam if you travel at this time.

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5. Can I add a different destination to my flights so I can visit family in Australia?

Yes, that would be fine.

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DBS

This trip requires a Police Check to be carried out - please contact us for further information on how to do this. 

What will I see in South East Asia?

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