6 Reasons Why a Gap Year Thailand is Great for the Soul

A Gap Year Thailand is something that can mend a ‘Lost Soul’. If you are thinking of moving to Asia, you should definitely consider choosing Thailand.  You’re stuck in a stagnant life predicament of work and play, love and hate, then there’s no better time than now. Cut your losses and go search for your soul in Thailand, because it’s true what they say. You’re only young once and there is no better time than  right now.

Thailand will forever be a special place in my heart. A home away from home, a sanctuary if anything. For me, it is a reminder of how simple life is. At home in South Africa and in Western Culture, we create complex lifestyles through the desire for material possessions. An alter ego is created for being the best at something which is driven by success either in our careers or our personal lives. In return, this urges us to strive for the ultimate goal of becoming rich, powerful or self-obsessed. If you’re looking for a life changing experience, something to mend the soul and remind you of life’s subtle beauty, then Thailand is for you.

6 Reasons Why you Should Choose a Gap Year Thailand

1. Spiritually, a Humbling Experience for a whole Gap Year Thailand

You learn a lot about culture, people, and religion which in return humbles you spiritually, even if you are Christian or atheist. It broadens your mindset and makes you feel more in touch with yourself and the universe. According to Wikipedia, from 2000’s demographics, 93% of Thais are Buddhists of the Theravada tradition.

“Three things cannot be long hidden: the sun, the moon and the truth ”

The Buddha

Want to learn more about Buddhism? Here’s a link to a basic Buddhism guide

 2. A Gap Year Thailand is like living in Tropical Paradise

Coconuts and Chill on Koh Lanta Island, Thailand

Coconut is a super food and also super trendy, for that obvious reason. In Thailand, you can expect to eat coconuts all day, every day. What’s not to love about that? Fresh coconut, coconut shakes, coconut smoothies, coconut ice-cream, coconut soups, coconut on your face, coconut as a cream, coconut in your hair. It surely is tropical paradise or what I like to call coconut heaven. Even if your not living on an island, if you are living in Bangkok, Tropical Islands are just a short minivan ride away.

3. A Gap Year Thailand isn’t only about Beaches and Coconuts

If beaching isn’t really your things, it’s ok because Thailand is mountainous too. Everyone falls in love in the little hippie town of Pai in the north of Thailand. There’s no beach but the mountains and vibe are to die for. Read more about Travel Pai.

The beaches though…….

SHAKES on Magic Mountain, Koh Phangan

Thailand is known for being a party place. It’s a place where young people go for self-discovery missions and connecting with other travellers. My two best friends and I had the most magical experience at Magic Mountain. A bar at the bottom of Koh Phangan Beach. A trippy experience.

Oh and the diving too……..

4. Thai People are Incredible, plus you get to Experience a whole New Culture

Ancient Ruins, Ayutthaya Thailand Picture

Making friends with locals is the best way to learn a new country and its culture. Plus you pretty much make friends for life. Thai people are very welcoming and kind. I made some of my best friends here. Learning a new culture soothes the soul and reminds you how diverse the world is. Thai people taught me how to be kind, how to always share and especially how to embrace non-attachment. How to detach yourself from worldly possessions.

5. You Learn more about Yourself than Ever Before

Moving to Thailand was the best decision I ever made. It opened the door to my soul. I learnt more about Buddhism, and in return, I learnt more about myself. How to connect with others and how to be happier through simplifying my life and feeding my adventurous soul through travelling. I also happened to truly find Yoga in Thailand, but that’s a story on its own.

6. Thailand becomes your Oyster for Travelling around South East Asia

The truth is that in Asia being a teacher is quite a thing. You are well respected as a teacher and in return well paid. The money you can make in Asia is plentiful for South African basic salary standards. Plus getting around is easy if Thailand is your home base for your travels. You can easily travel the whole of South East Asia via a train or bus. It’s cheap, safe and you get to make friends from all over the world because Asia is a well-trotted continent. Therefore the travel opportunities are endless in Asia. If that’s what your adventurous heart is after, you will definitely find everything you were ever looking for in Thailand.

Ready to leave? Great, here’s extra information you may need to know about Thailand

• A guide to everything you need t know about living in Thailand
• Got the right visa? Learn more about Thailand’s Visa Regulations
• Alternatively, write to me  if you have any queries, I’m happy to answer them all