Imagine kicking back with remote hill tribes on the Burmese border, partying on Kho Pha Ngan, being immersed in Thai culture while volunteering with local communities, unwinding under stunning waterfalls and getting swept up in Bangkok’s frenetic energy. Then, imagine fitting that all into 30 days. While most tourists only see one side of gap year favourite Thailand (usually the one involving cheap cocktails and tacky resorts) during their time there, travellers taking part in volunteer travel specialists i-to-i’s brand new Thai Adventure experience almost everything this exhilarating country has to offer, from Bangkok to the Burmese border.

The month-long adventure kicks off in Thailand’s diverse capital, Bangkok, where ultra-modern skyscrapers jostle for space with spectacular temples. Travellers see both sides of the city, mixing cruises up the Chao Praya River and tours of temples with the organised chaos of the MBK shopping centre and the hectic Khao San Road.

Before the bustle of Bangkok becomes overwhelming, travellers are whisked off to the tranquil town of Kanchanaburi, sitting on the banks of the River Kwai, 130kms west of the capital. There, they have the chance to unwind in some of Thailand’s most gorgeous scenery, visiting waterfalls, taking revitalising dips in freshwater pools and even doing a spot of trekking through the area’s forests. Travellers also try their hands at Thai cookery and get an insight into Buddhism and Thai meditation during visits to temples in the area.

After five relaxing days in Kanchanaburi, travellers head deep into the north-west of Thailand, to rural Sangkhlaburi, on the border with Burma. This is the Thailand that most gap year travellers miss – a remote and enchanting town nestled on the banks of the beautiful Vajiralongkorn Lake and surrounded by forest-covered limestone hills. Sangkhlaburi is home to a mixture of Thai, Mon and Karen people, making it a fascinating melting pot of different sides of Thai culture.

There, travellers are immersed in the town’s multicultural environment as they spend two weeks doing volunteer work with the local community and exploring the surrounding area. They can choose to teach English, help out at one of the town’s orphanages, get their hands dirty working at a farm, or volunteer with a hill tribe on farming and building projects. No matter what the project though, they’ll be making a real difference to the lives of people in Sangkhlaburi and getting a privileged insight into Thai culture.

Then, to round off this amazing, month-long experience, travellers spend a week letting their hair down on the fun-packed island of Kho Pha Ngan. Famous as the home of the full moon parties, it’s certainly an island that knows how to party. More shy and retiring types needn’t worry though – there’s plenty of peace and quiet on the island’s stunning beaches!

The whole trip costs just £899 (excl flights), which includes accommodation, most transfers and some meals. Throughout the tour, i-to-i travellers have the help of expert local guides, ready to give advice on everything from Buddhism to the best place to grab a beer. There’s also loads of pre-departure support from i-to-i’s expert team in the UK and 24 hour emergency support while travellers are in Thailand.

Those wanting to take part should visit http://www.i-to-i.com/volunteer-projects/thai-adventure.html or call i-to-i’s travel experts on 0800 093 1505 to book their spot today. Plus, those who reserve their space on the trip by putting down their £50 deposit before January 30th will get a massive 12% off!

• Thailand
• volunteer abroad
• gap year
• career break
• year out
• Volunteering Abroad
• travel
• adventure
• challenge
• volunteer travel
• voluntourism
• asia