Thailand Gap Year Jobs, Volunteering & Tours

Thailand is one of the most popular countries to visit on a gap year in Asia and it is easy to see why. Expect world famous cities, some of the most beautiful islands and beaches in the world, legendary parties, friendly people and amazing food.

Paid Work, Volunteer Programs & Backpacking Trips in Thailand

Travel to Thailand

Whether you have a few weeks, 3 months or longer, there are lots of places you can visit including Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Krabi, Koh Tao, Phuket and Koh Phi Phi. You can choose between lots of amazing gap year packages which mix travelling with activities like volunteering.

Highlights include:

• Volunteer with elephants
• Teach English
• Learn to scuba dive
• Go island hopping
• Enjoy the legendary full moon party

Volunteer in Thailand

There is an idealised image travellers have of the most famous travel destinations. Call it a cliche? In Thailand’s case, it’s all about the beaches and the tropical flair of places like Pattaya and Phuket. Yet it is way too simplistic to picture Thailand as a pure and simple beach getaway especially as this is one of the best places to book volunteering programs.

There are so many incredible projects available here. You can help wildlife, people, communities, nature and conservation efforts. Popular programs include working with elephants at a wildlife sanctuary in places like Chiang Mai, this really is a life changing and special experience. Short and long term placements are available with local NGO’s, charities and international sending agencies.

Jobs in Thailand

Do you dream of living and working abroad? Thailand is such an amazing destination to consider and there are some paid jobs available to foreigners. You can find work in Thailand for students, graduates, career breaks and for people seeking the adventure of a lifetime.

There are so many options including teaching or working for travel companies. Benefits include competative salaries, free or subsidised accommodation and getting to travel in your spare time.

Teach in Thailand

One of the most popular ways to work in Thailand is by teaching English. Local schools, universities and language centers hire international teachers to work throughout the country in places like Bangkok, Chiang Mai and Phuket.

Whether you are an experienced teacher or a student looking to further your skills, teaching will provide you with the perfect opportunity to broaden your horizons and even provide you with the ideal platform to achieve a TEFL Qualification.

Internships & Work Experience

Are you looking to boost your CV and career? There are internships with local and international companies in places like Bangkok. Whatever your aim, the ability to intern in a new and exciting country like Thailand shows that you have determination, adaptability and maturity and will undoubtedly enhance your career prospects and employability with future employers.

Thailand Tours

One of the best ways to experience the highlights of Thailand is on a tour. You will get to visit the best locations in the country, travel with likeminded people, get experienced guides and do incredible things. There are so many trips available all year round including small group, overland, adventure, sailing and island hopping.

Popular Activities

Cookery Courses

Thai food is among some of the best and tastiest in the world and if you would like to improve you knowledge and techniques you can book cookery classes throughout the country. Learn from experienced chefs and learns the skills to make delicious Thai food.

Martial Arts

Are you looking to study martial arts abroad? Whether you are a complete beginner, or you have martial arts training experience, you can find something for you in Thailand. Martial arts and Muay Thai training camps are more than just have the training holiday, you have the luxury of picking and choosing the best masters and schools to train with.

Thailand Backpacking Tips

When to go

It is worth knowing about the seasons to plan your trip accordingly. With temperatures soaring above 40 degrees in the March-May period in North-eastern and central areas, you better avoid these regions over those months. If that’s when you’re planning to visit Thailand, the south of the country, or anywhere closer to the sea, will be a much more refreshing option. Generally speaking, if you don’t have restrictions on the period of your visit, the wet months between July and October are wetter and better avoided, whereas November to March is a great time to enjoy the warm local climate.

Where to visit

These are some of the most popular places you need to add to your itinerary:

Bangkok
The hustle and bustle city and the chances are you will fly here to start your trip. If you’re more of a busy city type, Bangkok has limitless things to do. Top of the list for the day time are the many temples, markets, river cruises and shopping! As the sun sets there’s plenty to keep you entertained with Bangkok’s array of restaurants and nightlife, be sure to check out a sky bar on your night out for an impressive view of the Bangkok skyline. Stay on the notorious Khao San Road – the backpacker hub.

Chiang Mai
With a cooler climate than the south, the north can be the perfect getaway and the relaxing city of Chiang Mai is the perfect destination. Chiang Mai has a very chilled atmosphere and you can be happy whether your relaxing by a pool, sampling the many outdoor activities, trying out some new dishes at one of the hundred cool new fusion restaurants, quirky cafes and late night bars!

With over 300 temples, the city is a relevant cultural centre also because of its university. Not far from the town, the forests to the north attract most travellers who want to go on a long immersion in nature for even a week. Here you’ll even have the chance to discover some remote temples, waterfalls and do some of the best hillwalking of your life. Plus the north has tons of elephant sanctuaries to visit or volunteer at.

Phuket
The party on the beach holiday! Phuket is full of spectacular views of pristine beaches with a backdrop of limestone cliffs, just set back from the shoreline are busy areas of restaurants and bars. Phuket offers the opportunity to combine beach life with a huge party scene.

Koh Phangan / Koh Phi Phi / Koh Tao
The group of beautiful Thai islands along the south east coast containing Koh Phangan, Koh Tao & Koh Samui are known for their backpacker scene, with huge amounts of travellers flocking here (especially around the time of full moon) there is always a party and always an opportunity to meet new people. The high volume of tourists means the islands are packed with activities such as boat trips, snorkelling and cliff climbing. Be sure to do the boat trip to Maya Bay in Phi Phi.

Before arriving you might like to learn some basic Thai travel phrases too which will make backpacking here easier.

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