Gap Year in Asia

Elephant sanctuary Chiang Mai, Thailand

Culture, history, temples, beaches, tasty food, friendly people, beautiful beaches, stunning islands and some of the most epic parties in the world, Asia is calling your name! Whether you want to spend your gap year backpacking South East Asia, experiencing different cultures in the Far East or going on an adventure in the north, there are tons of amazing programs available to book all year round.

Best Asia Gap Year Programs

Thailand volunteer elephants

Volunteer with Elephants in Thailand

• 2-12 weeks
• £1,245

Volunteer with Street Dogs in Thailand

• 2-12 weeks
• £1,245

Teach English in Thailand

• 1-12 months
• £1,895

Volunteer with Children in Cambodia

• 2-12 weeks
• Price from £1,500

Volunteer with Buddhist Monks in Cambodia

• 2-12 weeks
• Price from £1,500

Gender Equality Program in Cambodia

• 2-12 weeks
• Price from £1,500

Thailand Experience

• 8 days
• Prices from £775

Thailand Island Hopper

• 14 days
• Prices from £920 

Full Moon Experience

• 10 days
• Price from £995

Asia Adventure

• 16 days, 3 countries
• Price from £2,255

Indochina Encompassed

• 29 days, 4 countries
• Price from £2,789

Total Asia Tour

• 50 days, 3 countries
• Price from £4,650

Destinations

These are some of the best places to visit on a gap year in Asia: China, India, Indonesia, Japan, Nepal, Singapore, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Vietnam.

Other places to consider: Bangladesh, Bhutan, Cambodia, East Timor, Laos, Malaysia, Maldives, Mongolia, Myanmar, Pakistan, Palestine, Philippines, Taiwan and Tibet.

Asia Gap Year Ideas

Need some ideas for the most amazing Asia gap year? Here are some popular activities:

• Travel overland taking in multiple countries on a small group adventure tour
• Booking a safari and getting close to some of the most exotic wildlife on the planet
• Helping out at local school teaching or coaching sports
• Volunteering and giving back to worthwhile local causes
• Go island hopping and enjoy some of the most epic parties in the world
• Book courses – there are so many options from learning a new language to cooking!

Top Places to Go

Asia has some of the most exciting and tasty food the world has to offer, is packed with stunning temples, statues and ancient history, and is just bursting with beautiful beaches, crystal clear topaz water – just perfect for scuba diving in – and home to some of the friendliest locals you’ll ever meet.

Another thing that makes Asia such an attractive destination is of course the fact that many of its countries have some of the lowest cost of living levels you’ll find whilst traveling the globe. When it comes to backpacking on a shoestring budget that really counts for something, so it’s easy to see why Asia tops the list when it comes to the backpackers wish list.

In terms of where to go in Southeast Asia, there are so many destinations if you want to experience everything this amazing continent has to offer without breaking the bank. 

Gap Year Jobs in Asia

There are lots of gap year jobs you can find in Asia if you want to stay longer than the average tourist and actually experience living abroad.

For a little bit of a difference on your gap year, or a unique career break opportunity, getting yourself enrolled on a TEFL course and teaching English in Asia is a fascinating way to live for a while. Not only will you make new friends in far off-lands and get an insight into local culture, the memories will stay with you for life. You can even make a career out of it upon returning to your home land!

Volunteering in Asia is highly recommended, there are so many projects where you can help animals, people and the environment.

Asia Backpacking Tips

If you’re travelling anywhere in Asia, it’s important to check the rules and cultural sensitivities. Learning at least the basics of the local language is recommended, you can use apps or book classes, there are lots language schools in Asia offering classes.

Drinking too much is never a good idea especially in new foreign surroundings. It’s handy for women to carry around a shawl or sarong to cover up when need be. You won’t be allowed into many temples in Asia if you have bear shoulders or don’t cover up your hair.

Both men and women should not wear anything too skimpy or revealing in most countries. Take a look at what the locals are wearing, and although you don’t have to wear traditional dress, try to blend in as much as you can.

With adventure travel and volunteering projects in destinations throughout Asia, turn your fantasy a reality. Start planning your gap year today today.