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- Thailand, Laos, Vietnam & Cambodia Gap Semester
Thailand, Laos, Vietnam & Cambodia Gap Semester
Explore Southeast Asia on a 10-week journey through Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam—where travel becomes transformation. Volunteer at ethical elephant sanctuaries, trek to remote mountain villages, explore ancient temples, and engage with communities through meaningful, culturally respectful exchange. This program combines adventure, service, and immersion to help you grow personally and gl...
Explore Southeast Asia on a 10-week journey through Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam—where travel becomes transformation. Volunteer at ethical elephant sanctuaries, trek to remote mountain villages, explore ancient temples, and engage with communities through meaningful, culturally respectful exchange. This program combines adventure, service, and immersion to help you grow personally and globally. Learn traditional crafts, share meals with host families, and experience resilience and hospitality in every community. Conservation work, ethical travel practices, and local partnerships ensure your impact is responsible and real. With leadership training, guided reflection, and mentorship built into the experience, you'll return more confident, connected, and prepared for what’s next. W...
Program Highlights
Volunteer in elephant conservation at the Elephant Nature Park.
Explore the Mekong Delta by bike and riverboat.
Go on a 3-day hiking, tubing, and boating trip in the amazing jungle, rivers, and lakes of Khao Sok National Park, Southern Thailand.
Explore the amazing temples of Angkor Wat.
Enjoy a 2-day rock climbing and caving introductory course in Northern Thailand.
Media Gallery
Quick Details
- Thailand
- Vietnam
- Multiple Countries
- Cambodia
- Laos
- 9-12 Weeks
- Backpacking
- Camping
- Caving & Spelunking
- Animal Welfare
- Building & Construction Projects
- Community Development See more
- All Nationalities
Awards
Program Reviews
Hear what past participants have to say about the programs
Overall Rating
Total Reviews
Nine weeks of love, adventure, and challenge
February 15, 2017by: Sadie Traylor - United StatesThey told us during our program orientation that we'd become a family. We simultaneously rolled our eyes at the cliche, looking around the room filled with unfamiliar faces. But it's true, and it didn't take long. My nine weeks in Asia with Pacific Discovery were filled with an exuding sense of love and constant support. Together we marched for animal rights, lived in remote Hmong villages, trekked through rice fields, kayaked through caves, were attacked by leeches, and so much more. All the while we inspired each other to ask more questions, be more curious, and challenge ourselves further to ultimately be the best versions of ourselves. Ultimately, I can gratefully say that these nine weeks made me a more curious, passionate, capable and confident being. I leave my nine weeks inspired to learn more, see more, and challenge myself further.
Sun, surf, city, and elephants!
April 01, 2021by: S Freeman - United StatesPacific Discovery's Thailand program has been the shining part of a very challenging COVID pandemic year. PD did great in coordinating this program given all of the hoops and hurdles in meeting the Thai gov't requirements. While the 14-day quarantine was challenging, our son survived and is thriving. Thailand has much to offer and it has been great to see all of the pictures and to hear all of the stories about their experiences. Most definitely, the elephant preserve was the greatest! Rock climbing and getting scuba certified were also great. Experiencing the culture and Thai cuisine is awesome. Would definitely recommend the program to others!
10/10 experience!
November 26, 2021by: Cabell Haneberg - United StatesPacific Discovery was absolutely spectacular and I would recommend it to anyone wanting to take a gap year. I learned so much about myself and the world around me in ways I didn’t know I could. I had the best instructors and the best group members. So so so sad going home!
Program Details
Learn all the nitty gritty details you need to know
Locations
- Thailand
- Vietnam
- Multiple Countries
- Cambodia
Types and Subjects
- Adventure Types
- Backpacking
- Camping
- Caving & Spelunking
Availability
Years Offered: Year Round
- 9-12 Weeks
- After College
- Post High School
Age Requirement
Age Requirement Varies
Guidelines
All Nationalities
Cost per week
Program Cost Includes
- Tuition & Fees
- Accommodation / Housing for Program Duration
- All Program Activity Costs
- Weekday Meals (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Accommodation Options
- Group living
- Guest House
- Home-stays
- Other
Qualifications & Experience
- English
Language Skills Required
- Any/All Education Levels Accepted
Accepted Education Levels
Application Procedures
- Phone/Video Interview
- Online Application
- Written Application
- Other
Frequently Asked Questions
Interviews
Read interviews from alumni or staff
Ellie Schiappa
Participated in 2016
Ellie is from a small town in western Pennsylvania, Grove City. She is a sophomore at Slippery Rock University, where she is majoring in environmental...
Ellie Schiappa
Participated in 2016
It was my freshman year of college, at a university that was my last choice of eight, and I was super unhappy. I hadn’t made a lot of friends, my roommates weren’t the best, and I had no idea what I wanted to major in. I reached a breaking point at the end of the spring semester, and through tears I started looking up the process of transferring to a school in Colorado. I had my transfer application filled out and ready to turn in when I realized that leaving my university in Western Pennsylvania was only going to solve part of my problems. What I really needed was a break; a break from school, and a break from real life, and a chance to get out and explore. So, I began the long search for a travel opportunity, and I spent two weeks obsessing over what to do and where to go.
Ready to Learn More?
Explore Southeast Asia on a 10-week journey through Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam—where travel becomes transformation. Volunteer at ethical elephant sanctuaries, trek to remote mountain villages, explore ancient temples, and engage with communities through meaningful, culturally respectful exchange. This program combines adventure, service, and immersion to help you grow personally and globally. Learn traditional crafts, share meals with host families, and experience resilience and hospitality in every community. Conservation work, ethical travel practices, and local partnerships ensure your impact is responsible and real. With leadership training, guided reflection, and mentorship built into the experience, you'll return more confident, connected, and prepared for what’s next. W...
Pacific Discovery
Pacific Discovery
Ready to Learn More?
Explore Southeast Asia on a 10-week journey through Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam—where travel becomes transformation. Volunteer at ethical elephant sanctuaries, trek to remote mountain villages, explore ancient temples, and engage with communities through meaningful, culturally respectful exchange. This program combines adventure, service, and immersion to help you grow personally and globally. Learn traditional crafts, share meals with host families, and experience resilience and hospitality in every community. Conservation work, ethical travel practices, and local partnerships ensure your impact is responsible and real. With leadership training, guided reflection, and mentorship built into the experience, you'll return more confident, connected, and prepared for what’s next. W...
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