At a glance
Embark on an incredible six-week gap year programme through Southeast Asia with Projects Abroad.
Explore Cambodia and Thailand as you’re guided off the beaten path and into a thrilling blend of history, nature, culture, adrenaline, and relaxation.
Witness the delicate balance between ancient traditions and rapid modernisation. Discover the vibrancy of two distinct cultures that have endured centuries of transformation.
Download your detailed itinerary or explore the highlights here:
- Explore Angkor Wat, Bangkok, Phnom Penh, Koh Tao, and more!
- Visit tombs, temples, markets, museums, islands, and wildlife reserves
- Get hands on and contribute to wildlife conservation efforts en route
- Learn Muay Thai, Khmer Boxing, traditional arts, and dancing
- Snorkel, row, cruise, kayak, and raft though rivers, bays, and rapids
- Hike through lush jungle, cycle along the coastline, and unwind on pristine beaches
- Learn traditional skills from indigenous communities
- Recentre with a soul soothing three-day meditation retreat
- Stay in a mix of hostels, hotels, and homestays
- Programme Leaders to support you every step of the way
1
Snorkel with sea turtles
2
Support elephant conservation
3
Assist with sun bear rehabilitation
4
Kayak with Irrawaddy dolphins
5
Learn jungle survival skills
6
Visit the temples of Angkor and Ayutthaya
7
Learn about Buddhism and meditation from monks
8
Experience natural beauty while white water rafting
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Enjoy well deserved rest on a tropical island
Overview
Experience the extraordinary and spend part of your gap year abroad with a six-week voyage through Cambodia and Thailand.
Immerse yourself in local communities, contributing to conservation efforts while learning about sustainable practices. Discover the rich history of both countries, challenge yourself with adventurous activities, and embrace authentic cultural experiences.
Explore spectacular spots of natural beauty and man made marvels as you travel by boat, bicycle, bus, and train through centuries of civilization and world-famous monuments. Leap out of your comfort zone and contribute towards positive global change, making new friends, exploring new cultures, and falling in love with this stunning part of the world.
So, throw away your guidebook and embark on a journey of self-discovery. Trust your intuition and write your own story as we guide you through six weeks of challenges and adventure. Cambodia and Thailand provide one of the best gap year experiences available.
Your journey
You’ll spend three-and-a-half weeks uncovering Cambodia starting in Phnom Penh, where you will learn about Cambodian culture and history. Visit the magnificent Royal Palace, sobering Killing Fields, and the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum to understand the brutal history of the Khmer Rouge. Then, engage in cultural activities like traditional dance and Khmer boxing lessons. You’ll also head to a nearby wildlife rescue centre, contributing towards the rescue and rehabilitation efforts for trafficked and endangered animals.
Then, on to Oudong and a working monastery where you will discover how monks spend a typical day, visiting their school, homes, and more. Next, you’ll be taking a speed boat to the remote tropical island of Koh Rong where you’ll get to rest and relax in paradise. Take the bus to Kampot and Kep before returning to Phnom Penh for a day of learning.
Travel from here to Kratie where you will kayak with the critically endangered Irrawaddy dolphins before heading further down the Mekong River to Siem Reap and Angkor Wat. Explore the ancient temples of Angkor over multiple days, spotting monkeys and hidden Khmer ruins in the jungle. Discover the incredible history of the region, navigate the maze of temples, and learn sustainable fishing practices from local communities.
Exit Cambodia through a deep jungle trek, far from the tourist trail, where you will see hidden ruins, meet rural villagers, and learn bush crafts. Cross the border into Thailand by bus and spend the remaining 17 days of your time exploring the second nation on your trip!
Three action-packed days in the megacity of Bangkok are followed by a visit to Chiang Mai. Here, you’ll discover ancient crafts and traditions in the mountainous city before visiting (and helping out) an elephant sanctuary. Then, white water raft your way back to a well deserved three-day meditation retreat.
Feeling peaceful, jump on a night train to the UNESCO world heritage ruins of Ayutthaya before heading to Koh Tao. Here, you’ll end your adventure by snorkelling in warm blue seas while directly contributing to vital marine conservation efforts. Your final two days will be free, giving you time to reflect on your transformational six-week gap year experience.
Week 1 & 2: Cambodian heritage, coasts, and islands
Your extraordinary gap year project will start with a cultural orientation in Cambodia’s capital city of Phnom Penh. Here, you will get to know your fellow travellers and understand the recent history of Cambodia by visiting areas like the Royal Palace and Killing Fields - a powerful reminder of Cambodia’s enduring spirit.
Discover Cambodian traditions at an ethical silk farm and production site while discussing sweatshop working conditions with passionate human rights activists. Then, witness and participate in conservation efforts first hand at a wildlife rescue centre. Help prepare food and hide treats for Malayan sun bears, moon bears, and Asiatic black bears.
Visit a large monastery and gain insights into the lives of the monks and nuns, visiting their homes and schools. Breeze across the sea to the remote tropical island of Koh Rong and experience pristine white sand beaches and snorkelling in crystal-clear waters.
At a nearby coastal village, find out about traditional farming techniques and see the tiring process involved in producing salt. Visit Kep seafood market, see the various fishing practices used in the area, and relax on a sunset river cruise watching dancing fireflies at night.
Weeks 3 & 4: Temple ruins and city lights
In week three, head north to the remote town of Kratie, where you can cycle through farming villages, pagodas, and temples. Spend a day kayaking along the Mekong River, searching for endangered Irrawaddy dolphins and learning about conservation efforts to protect them.
Then, steep yourself in Cambodia's fascinating history with multiple days to explore the architectural marvel of the Khmer Empire's Angkor Wat and the surrounding temples. Visit floating villages on the Tonle Sap Lake and see trained rats searching for landmines, helping you understand the legacy of war in the region.
Your final days in Cambodia will be spent hiking deep in the jungle. Explore hidden ruins most tourists would never see and learn basic survival skills to live and learn as you march through the jungle towards Thailand. Cross the border by bus and arrive in the modern, sprawling megacity of Bangkok.
Delve into the rich tapestry of Thai history with a guided tour of the Grand Palace. Explore vibrant markets, take Thai cooking classes, and enjoy the sensory delights of the city. Learn Muay Thai and explore Bangkok at your leisure before boarding the sleeper train to set off toward the Thai highlands.
Week 5 & 6: Ancient wisdom and paradise conservation
Arriving in the remote, mountainous city of Chiang Mai, you will discover the ancient crafts and traditions in the region and be given a tour of the city. Then, deepen your connection with nature at an ethical elephant sanctuary, where you will learn about, feed, and wash these majestic creatures.
Next, it’s time for white water rafting, where you and your team will navigate the northern Thailand rapids. To help you calm down, you’ll immediately unwind with a three-day meditation retreat in a secluded forest monastery. This spiritual break will help teach you the core tenets of meditation and provide the opportunity you need for self-reflection and inner peace.
Take another night train south to the grand ruins of Ayutthaya, which became the Siamese capital in 1351 and was once one of the largest urban areas in the world. Learn of the conflicts between the historical empires of Cambodia and Thailand and compare the similarities between Ayutthaya and Angkor.
Finally, spend five days on the island paradise of Koh Tao where you will be able to relax in your own way and contribute towards crucial marine conservation efforts. Support microplastic surveys, beach clean-ups, and coral watch programmes while snorkelling in crystal-clear waters to see turtles and friendly sharks. Your trip will conclude with two fully free days to spend how you wish before boarding the ferry to Koh Samui for departure.
What makes our Gap Programmes so special?
They are the perfect blend of adrenaline, exploration, and meaningful connection. We pride ourselves on our ability to deliver authentic, unforgettable experiences – with safety, support, and the freedom to explore.
Each programme contains our Gap Components, the DNA of our philosophy around transformational travel.
Components focus on five essential aspects:
- Adventure — outdoor activities that boost confidence
- Community — make a positive impact, and develop real connection through relationships
- Exploration — go off grid, embrace nature and build resilience through new experiences
- People & Planet — learn about global issues, local responses, and different cultures
- Transformation — personal growth, new skills, and self discovery
For more information, read What are Gap Components?
Why Projects Abroad?
With over 30 years of experience connecting people with purpose, we’re no strangers to the transformational power of travel.
We believe for transformation to take place, your experience must be authentic. Likewise, the best experiences unfold where there is a real connection to other people, places, and the planet. And, when done well, travel benefits everyone involved.
Our global network means we have the two things to give you the experience, security, and connection you crave — local experts and local knowledge.
Of course, we know the sights, and you’ll see these. But you’ll be more than a tourist. You’ll be immersed in a local culture and way of life — so you won’t just see the world, you will feel it too.
- Relax, we’ve got this — we handle the planning so you can focus on the fun stuff
- Budget-friendly — honest pricing means no nasty surprises. Accommodation, activities, meals… all included
- More than just photos — return with new friends and unlock a whole new outlook, passion and perspective on this planet you call home.
Meals and Accommodation
Experience authentic South East Asian hospitality with home-cooked meals and comfortable accommodations.
You’ll stay in a mix of hostels, hotels, and homestays, fostering connections with friendly hosts and fellow travellers.
Savour a variety of local specialties and more familiar foods, with all dietary needs catered for.
From street stalls to vibrant restaurants, your culinary journey will be as diverse as the landscapes you explore.
FAQs
What's included?
The cost of your trip covers everything except your flights, visa(s), insurance, and spending money.
You'll get:
- Picked up from the airport, and taken back again when it's time to go home
- Three meals a day
- Accommodation
- 24/7 support in destination(s)
- Regular social events, excursions, and workshop activities
- Visa support and advice
- Full induction and orientation by experienced staff upon arrival
- A minimum of at least two Programme Leaders with you during your trip
For a full list, read What's included in the price?
How do I pay?
All that is needed to secure your place on any Gap Programme, Gap Project, or Global Gap Year is:
- Pay a £195 deposit today.
- This deposit is taken off the final balance of payment for your trip.
- The remaining balance is due to be paid three months before you travel.
You can choose how much, and when to pay, up to three months before your start date.
This means you have complete flexibility to save up or pay in instalments at a time that suits you.
There is no interest, no credit, and no fees. You are in total control.
Read Payments made easy for more information.
What are Gap Components?
Our Gap Components are the DNA of our philosophy around transformational travel.
Each Gap Programme contains five essential components:
Adventure
Leave your comfort zone in the dust! We're talking hiking epic trails, rafting down rapids, dune buggies, and ziplining through incredible landscapes. This is more than just an adrenaline rush. These adventures are designed to build your confidence, strengthen those friendships, and give you life skills that will stay with you long after you unpack your bags.
Community
Ready to make a difference? Get involved and give back to the incredible places you'll visit. Roll up your sleeves and join beach cleanups, help protect endangered forests and wildlife, or teach, build, and lend a hand in local communities. You'll learn about giving back, see the world through a whole new lens, and leave a positive footprint, wherever you tread.
Exploration
Time to go wild! Picture camping under the stars, spotting rare animals, trekking into the remote wilderness, and experiencing life in a homestay. It won't always be easy, but that's the point. These programmes are designed to build your resilience and ignite your sense of adventure. You'll push your limits, ditch the digital world, and stretch yourself further than you ever thought possible.
People & Planet
Ready to go beyond sightseeing? Dive headfirst into the real issues facing our planet, learn from local experts, and immerse yourself in vibrant communities. Get hands-on, open your heart, and experience different cultures for yourself. These programmes will shake up your perspective, inspire you to act, and help you understand your own place in this awesome, interconnected world.
Transformation
This gap year is your chance to invest in yourself. Homestays, workshops, excursions… These aren't just activities; they're stepping stones to uncovering what makes you tick, setting goals, and building the skills that will help you become the best version of yourself. Think boosted confidence, newfound independence, and a global mindset that'll open doors down the road.
Unlock the power of the Project Expert
Complete the form below to connect to your dedicated Project Expert who can answer any questions about Gap Adventures.
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