Gap Year in Bangkok, Thailand
Bangkok is one of those places that you either visit once and flee at your first opportunity or keep coming back, drawn in by its magnetic forces. The love or hate relationship is Thailand's capital’s beauty. It does overwhelm you, it is impossible to find your way around in, it is loud, chaotic and messy but these are the exact reasons why some absolutely love it and others hate it with passion. The best thing you can do is to fasten your seat belt and enjoy the ride!
Adventure Travel
Bangkok is usually either the start or the finish destination to many gap year adventures. It’s famous for its Grand Palace, multiple temples and Kao San Road – the SE Asian backpacker Mecca. Do your sightseeing here before heading off to the famous Thai islands and beaches.
Teaching English
Bangkok has multiple opportunities for English teachers and there are many more options now than 10-15 years ago. Apart from private language schools, there are openings available in Thai primary and high schools.
Volunteering
Even though Bangkok is not the main volunteering destination in Thailand, if you dig deeper, it offers fantastic projects and opportunities to help local communities; from working with blind and disadvantaged children to helping at the refugee camp. These are usually organised on either weekly or monthly basis for those that are in the area for longer. As in most of the South East Asian destinations, there are also numerous English Teaching opportunities available across the Thai Capital.
Must See Attractions in Bangkok:
- The Grand Palace: The dazzling mosaics, glistening roofs and the Emerald Buddha are what draws all to the immense complex, prepare yourself for at least half day sightseeing as the Palace’s grounds are very impressive in size indeed
- Wat Pho: To experience the sight of the world’s largest reclining Buddha and one of the best Thai massages and reflexology treatments
- Wat Arun: One of Thailand’s most picturesque temples and logo of the Tourist Authority of Thailand, different to all other temples in its architecture, definitely worth visiting
- One of Bangkok’s amazing sky bars: For that high-flying moment on a tight backpacker budget, one of all time favourites is The Sky Bar at Lebua, State Tower, where you indulge in fancy cocktails “The Hangover” style
- Khao San Road: The backpacker Mecca, street food, fried insects, hair braiding, fake IDs and bottomless buckets, this is where you go to experience it all
- Chatchak market: The haggling central, where you can practice your bargaining skills, get all your souvenirs sorted to then grab a quick bite and a beverage to end your busy day
- Lumphini Park: Best place to unwind in the urban jungle, grab a coffee and watch the world go by, it is where locals practice tai chi do their aerobics and tourists engage in people watching
- MBK Shopping Centre: For out of this world shopping experience where the surreal mixes with unbelievable, fake everything from clothes to Iphones right next to original retailers, 7 floors of absolute madness
- Take a boat ride on the Chao Phraya River: The best way to experience Bangkok from the water is to jump on one of the public transport boats whizzing up and down the river from early morning into the evening hours, make sure to familiarise yourself with the hierarchy of the seats and standing spaces first (i.e. the back of the boat is usually reserved for the Buddhist monks)
