I've never wanted to go anywhere quite as badly as I've wanted to go to Thailand. There's just something about the thoughts of those beautiful beaches, the amazing scented, fresh food, the colours and the warm, friendly people all combined that makes Thailand seem like the absolute dream location, in every aspect. So, how would you feel if I told you that there was a way and means of island hopping around the best that South East Asia has to offer this summer? Here's everything you need to know about the hottest J1 on offer with USIT….
You'll get to kick it all off in the bustling city of Bangkok.
Bangkok is like nowhere else on Earth. Crazy, colourful, a real burst of smells, tastes, sights and sounds that combine to create a kind of crazy sense explosion to end all other sensory experiences. Bangkok has a population of around 11 million people, we’re talking crazy population levels here. Make sure you hit up Khaosan Road for the best of the best in terms of a true, travelling experience and most of all, prepare yourself for an experience and a half.
You'll probably get to eat some of the most delicious food of your life.
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Ok, there's a slight chance that I'm biassed in saying this as I live and die by Thai food, but seriously, you're rarely going to have anything as delicious as a pad thai by the side of the road for about 50 cents or a curry that'll just blow your bloody mind. Dear God, I'm drooling at the mere thoughts of it all.......
It's bound to be a pretty major culture shock....
...But that's half the fun of it. You're coming from an extremely tiny island in western Europe where we’re all very pampered, so arriving in Thailand sans any diva-like behavior is strongly recommended. You'll be sharing space with a hella lot of people in pretty extreme heat, with many different languages and so just embrace it and drink in the experience (plus a lot of water, that heat is really something)....
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After a few days in Bangkok, you'll be off for 26 glorious days of island hopping.
Yeah, I'm hardly jealous at all. *sobs* When you book your island hopping trip, you'll get a pass included to hop, skip and sail your way through the beautiful islands of Koh Phangan, Koh Tao & Koh Samui with 26 handy nights of accommodation included in there too. Woop!
Did I mention the beaches?
Because they're some of the most beautiful you'll ever see, with clear blue skies reflecting into the even clearer warm water combined with white sands to quite honestly, almost take your breath away. Kao Tao is where it's all happening in terms of beautiful, unspoiled beaches and perfect opportunities for diving, snorkeling and basically getting your inner mermaid on. G'wan, make a splash (sorry).
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You're bound to meet some of the friendliest locals of your life.
Thai people are renowned for being friendly, happy, warm and oh so welcoming, especially to those who come to their country with admiration and respect, so no trashing the place, please. Get ready to question that so-called Irish hospitality when you get back home...
You’ll finally get to experience a full moon party...
..I've literally dreamed about full moon parties and everything that they could possibly entail. From the body paint to the buckets, the music, the waves crashing just yards away from you, the experience of feeling so completely and utterly free and of meeting like-minded and equally interesting people, well, it all comes together to create an experience like nothing else and Koh Phangan is where it's at. Party on folks.
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You'll have enough #insta pics in your collection afterwards to make everyone green with envy.
Oh, you'll be feeling hashtag blessed alright, that's a given. Think no filter necessary for those endless beaches, beautiful sunsets, white sands, colours and materials and people and sights and most of all, think the natural meets the unnatural and every little thing in between. Selfies galore, I say...
You'll even get a guide for the day on each new island.
Sure, most of the fun of island hopping is exploring around and discovering your own feet, but when you're landing in somewhere new, it's good to have someone in the know to quickly push you into place and help you to get on the right road to success. Winner winner, Thai chicken dinner.
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Oh and it's pretty damn cheap to eat and drink, once you get there.
I know people who go to Thailand with this weird notion that they just don't like Thai food or whatever resulting in them spend a small fortune in Dunkin Donuts. WHAT IS WRONG WITH YOU? There's literally an abundance of amazing, delicious food at every given corner,the booze is also cheap, the nightlife is for next to nothing and best of all, you're living on little to nothing every single day.
This is pretty far removed from your average J1 experience.
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J1 experiences are always amazing and a learning curve, it’s true, but sometimes, you can’t be blamed for craving a different, more exotic experience. Whether it’s a total change of scenery, language, and overall culture shock, or you’re even looking to give back a little, in terms of the alternative J1 Thailand volunteering programme (see here for more info), then Thailand might just be the place for you.
Experience the culture in all of its finest.
When in Rome, after all, then why not? Well, not so much Rome as Bangkok, but you catch my drift. Visit some of the many, many beautiful Buddhist temples that line the streets (just remember, be respectful, dress smartly, cover up and remove your shoes upon entering the temple), then hop on board a tuk-tuk and weave your way through the crazy city side streets before indulging in some street food and chilling out with some natives. And yes, you're welcome. <3
For more information on doing a J1 in Thailand, see the USIT website and book your Island hopping experience right here.
