Your Complete South East Asia Gap Year

The Republic of India - second most populous country in the world, the most populous liberal democracy in the world and former British colony. Its slogan, ‘Unity in Diversity’ sums up the country rather well, and its citizens are deeply proud of this fact. All of the world’s major religions put in an appearance here, the best represented being Hindu (hence the many ‘sacred’ cows causing traffic jams in the capital, New Delhi!) as well as Muslims, Christians and Buddhists. The hustle and bustle is virtually constant, but there are always peaceful, spiritual spots that you can escape to easily. With a population of over 1 billion (2004 est.) it’s not really a surprise that it’s a bit noisy!

The Kingdom of Thailand, is located in the heart of Southeast Asia and shares borders with Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia and Myanmar. It is an area of outstanding natural beauty, also well known for its appetising food and the people renowned for their friendly manner.

The Socialist Republic of Vietnam is bordered by China, Laos and Cambodia. It is the 13th most populous country in the world and although it has had a reasonably troubled past, the name Vietnam does tend to conjure up pictures of quaintness and tranquillity, especially when you consider the fact that it has thousands of miles of beautiful coastline to its name! Occupied by the French from the mid-1800s until shortly after the end of WWII, it is not surprising that the influence is obvious, especially in the big cities, Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh (formerly Saigon), so much so that you may even think you’re in France, when you’re strolling down the wide colonial boulevards.