Win a trip to Norway, plus other prizes!

Southeast Asia Loop & Absolute Oz Jobs

An epic gap year experience

Book now for £98

Prices from

£2,499

2499
15 people have been looking at this trip recently
Group standing in front of Hoang Thanh Thanglong sign

See all reviews

Group Size: Avg 10-28

Trip code: SEAB

Duration: Up to 1 year

Combo tour
Best of Southeast Asia
Live and work in Oz

This epic combo tour brings together two of our fave trips, to create the ultimate gap year experience. Explore the best bits of Thailand, Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam over 31 days, before spending up to 12 months living, and working Down Under. You’ll meet elephants in Thailand, go river tubing in Laos, cruise Ha Long Bay on a private boat and watch the sun come up over Angkor Wat in Cambodia. Then jet south to Australia where we’ve lined up an awesome week of activities in Sydney and Port Stephens before you launch yourself into your working life in Oz with the full support of our jobs team, and access to our mega jobs database! With salaries ranging from £15 - £25 per hour, and up to 1,900 jobs available all over the country, it’s an incredible way to travel without breaking the bank! 

Trip Highlights

  • Visit the elephants at an ethical sanctuary in Thailand
  • Spend a day cruising the emerald waters of Ha Long Bay
  • Discover the splendour of Angkor Wat at sunrise
  • Enjoy an action-packed intro week of activities in Australia, including a stay in our Port Stephens beach camp
  • Have the flexibility to live and work anywhere in Australia for up to 12 months
  • Enjoy the full support of our Aussie employment team and access to our jobs database
Gap 360 Brochure front cover

Still deciding? Still deciding where to go?

Get your free Gap 360 travel brochure - Download or delivered straight to your door

100% Financially Secure
We have provided financial bonds which guarantee that your money is totally safe with Gap 360 Ltd.

Southeast Asia Loop

  • 30 nights’ accommodation
  • 20 breakfast, 6 lunches and 3 dinners
  • Transport between included destinations (includes domestic flights)
  • Tuk tuk foodie tour
  • Elephant sanctuary visit
  • Chiang Mai homestay experience
  • Jungle trek to hill tribe village
  • Chiang Mai monk experience
  • Wat Doi Suthep
  • Kuang-Si Waterfalls visit
  • Blue Lagoon 2 visit
  • Hoa Lo Prison visit
  • Ha Long Bay overnight cruise
  • Kayaking on Ha Long Bay
  • Phong Nha village bike ride
  • Hoi An guided tour
  • Ho Chi Minh City guided tour
  • War Remnants Museum
  • Ho Chi Minh City karaoke
  • Phnom Penh walking tour
  • Koh Rong adventure boat cruise
  • Koh Rong beach hammock stay
  • S21 prison and Killing Fields
  • Sundowners at clifftop bar Koh Rong Sanloem
  • Swim with Plankton
  • Clearwater Bay trek
  • Koh Rong Sanloem camping
  • Snorkelling trip
  • Siem Reap walking tour
  • Siem Reap lotus fields bike ride
  • Sunrise at Angkor Wat
  • Guided tour of Bayon and Ta Prohm Temples
  • Tour guide
  • 24 hour emergency support

Absolute Oz Jobs

  • 7 nights’ hostel accommodation
  • 3 dinners, 2 breakfasts and 2 lunches during week 1
  • WhatsApp buddy list before you go
  • Airport shuttle from Sydney airport to your hostel
  • Tour guide for week 1
  • Guided Sydney city tour
  • Welcome meeting
  • Work and travel info session
  • Sydney Harbour catamaran cruise
  • Return transfer to beach camp
  • 4WD tour through Worimi Conservation Lands
  • Sandboarding on Stockton Bight Dunes
  • Mt Tomaree guided bushwalk
  • Beach evening & stargazing
  • Port Stephens dolphin cruise
  • One-to one advice session with jobs team
  • Sydney bar crawl (VIP entry & welcome drink included)
  • Bondi to Coogee coastal walk
  • SIM card activation
  • CV review service
  • Assistance with tax file number, bank account and Medicare
  • Assistance finding accommodation
  • Free PC and Wi-Fi access in our office
  • Access to comprehensive online jobs database
  • 12-months mail holding service
  • 12 months job support
  • 24 hour emergency support

This trip is a combo of two of our most popular trips – Southeast Asia Loop and Absolute Oz Jobs (up to 12 months).

Southeast Asia Loop

Day 1: Arrive in Bangkok (Thailand). Touchdown in Bangkok and head to our starting accommodation. Get to know your guide and group at a welcome meeting, before an intro to Bangkok’s incredible food scene on a tuk-tuk foodie tour!

Day 2: Explore Bangkok & night train to Chiang Mai. Spend today getting to know Bangkok. Explore Khao San Road, treat yourself to a Thai massage, or visit the Grand Palace. This afternoon catch a sleeper train to Chiang Mai.

Day 3: Jungle trekking and homestay. Arrive in Chiang Mai and head on a half day jungle trek and visit a secret waterfall, before staying overnight in our rustic homestay in a local community.

Days 4 - 6:  Elephant Sanctuary and Chiang Mai. On day 4 you will visit a local ethical elephant sanctuary where you will observe elephants grazing and speak to mahouts about their extraordinary lives. Spend the next few days meeting monks, visiting local temples, taking part in adventure activities, watching Muay Thai, and dancing the night away at a legendary nightclub. 

Days 7 - 9: Luang Prabang (Laos). Take the flight to Luang Prabang - a charming colonial city with a dreamy atmosphere. We’ll visit the fairy-tale Kuang Si Waterfalls while we’re here. We’ve got a number of exciting optional activities too, from night markets, and a Takbat Lao ceremony, to volunteering with children at a local bookstore and visiting the ethnic villages around the city.

Days 10 - 11: Vang Vieng. Stop for a dip at the crystal clear Blue Lagoon 2 on our way to picturesque Vang Vieng. Spend the next couple of days chilling by the river, hiking into the lush surrounding countryside, or book one of our optionals, including bike rides, rock-climbing and tubing.

Days 12 - 13: Hanoi (Vietnam). Fly to the Vietnamese capital. Dump your bags and head out for dinner, followed by an optional bar crawl. On day 13, visit Hoa Lo prison, or just explore the Old Quarter at your own pace, sampling Vietnamese coffee at one of the street side cafes.

Day 14: Ha Long Bay cruise. Take an unforgettable overnight cruise round Ha Long Bay. We’ll have lunch on deck and spend plenty of time jumping into the sparkling bay from the boat. Share dinner on deck under the stars before being rocked to sleep by the waves.

Day 15: Ha Long Bay to Phong Nha. Spend the morning messing around on the water in kayaks before refuelling with some lunch and transferring to Hanoi. Freshen up in Hanoi and stock up on snacks before hopping on the overnight bus to Phong Nha.

Days 16 - 17: Phong Nha. Nestled at the base of soaring limestone cliffs, Phong Na is surrounded by lush forest and is still very unspoilt. On day 16 take a bike ride to Bong Lai Village and on day 17, just chill in Phong Nha, or join the optional trip to the National Park before the overnight bus to Hoi An.

Days 18 - 19: Hoi An. Hoi An is an ancient town, with yellow-toned buildings and Chinese shop-houses, lit up by hundreds of colourful lanterns at night. It’s an amazing place to chill but we’ve also got trips to the Vietnamese ‘Disneyland’, a coconut basket boat experience, a lantern-making workshop, a local farm visit and a day at the beach on offer.

Days 20 - 22: Ho Chi Minh City. Fly from Da Nang to Ho Chi Minh City - a throbbing powerhouse of a city, where the scooters never sleep! Take a walking tour of the city, visit the night market, sing the night away in a private karaoke room, and visit the Cu Chi tunnels and the War Remnants Museum to learn about the impact of the Vietnam War.

Days 23 - 24: Phnom Penh (Cambodia). Tick another country off your list as we head across the border and to the capital city of Cambodia - Phnom Penh. We’ll take a walking tour, visit the infamous S21 Prison and the Killing Fields to learn about the country’s tragic history, and spend a night bar hopping.

Days 25 - 26: Koh Rong Sanloem. Leave the city behind and head to the beautiful island of Koh Rong Sanloem. We’ll swim with luminous plankton, take a snorkelling trip round the marine park, and spend a night camping under the stars – bliss!

Day 27: Koh Rong to Siem Reap. Join an optional scuba diving experience this morning before a barbecue lunch on the beach. Then hop on the speedboat back to the mainland where we’ll have a couple of hours’ free time before boarding the sleeper bus to Siem Reap.

Days 28 - 30: Siem Reap & Angkor Wat. Arrive in Siem Reap and relax by the pool before taking a walking tour of the city. Over the next couple of days, pamper yourself with a spa experience, tour the city on a peddle pub tour and explore local villages and lotus fields by bike. Day 30 starts with a real bucket-list moment – watching the sun come up over Angkor Wat! Celebrate with your travel buddies this evening over a final group dinner.

Day 31: Back to Bangkok. Hop on the bus back to Bangkok. It’s a long journey so sit back, relax and maybe catch up on some zzzs after last night! We’ll drop you off at Ratchathewi Road. 

Absolute Oz Jobs

Absolute Oz Jobs is the ideal introduction into the world of living and working Down Under. Before you begin your job search you’ll enjoy a week of fun, settling in and making new friends, including amazing activities in Sydney and at our gorgeous Beach Camp in Port Stephens. Once your first week is over you’ll kick-start your job search with the expert advice and assistance of our Sydney jobs team.

Week 1: Sydney & Beach Camp adventure

Day 1: Welcome to Sydney! Take the shuttle to your hostel in the city. Today is yours, so relax, catch up on some zzzs, or explore Sydney at your own pace.

Day 2: Discover Sydney. Meet your guides and the rest of your group this morning and then head out on a guided walking tour of stunning Sydney. We’ll start with lunch (not included) at Darling Harbour, before hitting Circular Quay for the Harbour Bridge, Opera House and Botanical Gardens. This evening, get to know your group better with a welcome meal and drinks.

Day 3: Info session & harbour cruise. Your day kicks off with an info session on working and travelling Down Under. Then we’re off for a private catamaran cruise around the harbour. Take in dazzling views, swim in the sparkling water and enjoy a classic Aussie BBQ lunch on deck. Tonight, hit the bars again with your new friends! Some travellers like to go out in the evenings for a meal and then carry on the party but there is no expectation to do so. If you prefer to chill and wake up with a clear head, then there are plenty of great options too!

Day 4: Head to Beach Camp. Today we’re off to our beautiful Beach Camp in Port Stephens. Nestled in the pristine Aussie bush, 5 minutes from the beach, it’s the perfect escape from the city. Take a wander down to the shore, keeping an eye out for the tame camp kangaroos. Then share a pizza dinner with your buddies before some star-gazing on the beach.

Day 5: 4WD tour, sandboarding & bushwalk. We’re up early to see the sun rise over the ocean, before hopping into our 4WD trucks for an exhilarating tour of the local sand dunes – you’ll be able to try sandboarding too! After lunch, take a guided bushwalk through Tomaree National Park, working up a good appetite for tonight’s BBQ. Tonight you will get a chance to learn more about Australian wildlife and reptiles.

Day 6: Dolphin cruise & return to Sydney. We’ve got one last treat in store before we leave - cruising the bay looking for bottlenose dolphins!  Sun yourself on deck, or sit in the water-skimming boom net while dolphins swim underneath. There’s time for one last swim before we travel back to Sydney. The rest of the afternoon is yours.

Day 7: Job advice session & Sydney bar crawl. Today you’ll can make your appointment for your one-on-one advice session with our jobs team. Tonight we’re going ‘out out’ in Sydney with an epic bar crawl of some of the city’s hottest nightspots!

Day 8: Bondi to Coogee walk. Breathe in the fresh ocean air on the coastal walk from Coogee to Bondi. Comfy shoes and swimmers are a must! We end our afternoon chilling at the famous Bondi Beach - the perfect way to unwind after your first week in Australia!

Beyond week 1 – the job search

After your first fun week of Australian adventures are over you can kick-start your job search properly! We’ve got work available all over the country in numerous different fields, so you’re sure to find something to suit you!

The most common types of employment for working holidaymakers are in hospitality, au-pair / nanny roles, customer service, construction and harvest / farm work (see our downloadable trip notes for full list). Salaries will vary dependent on role and location, but you can expect to earn between £10 and £15 an hour.

The job support programme includes:

  • Dedicated jobs coordinator (Mon-Fri)
  • 12 months’ access to the online jobs database
  • CV review service
  • Aussie mobile phone SIM card
  • Tax File Number
  • Medicare application assistance
  • Advice about Australian bank accounts
  • Office-based PC and Wi-Fi access
  • 12-month mail holding service
  • Accommodation advice

Trip reviews

70 reviews
4.5 average rating
Join our travellers
Facebook Groups!
Lauren Smith
Hey! What's the best time to travel?
Ben Thomas
Is anyone travelling in November? So excited!!

The prices will load here automatically, if this does not happen for you: Click here to view Prices

Please note: We can also process your Australian Working Holiday visa on your behalf for an additional cost. Please speak to a travel advisor for more information.

Online booking is unavailable for this trip

Online booking isn't currently available but if you'd like to enquire please use the form below. Alternatively if you'd like to discuss alternate trips or if you have any other questions please don't hesitate to contact us.
Call us on: 01892 527392
Email us at: [email protected]

Cheapest flights between London and Sydney for the next 6 months.

*Prices updated every 72 hours

Cheapest: £449 November, 2024
Most expensive: £1,314 October, 2024

We have a fantastic flights team who can help you book all the flights needed to get between your individual programmes, as these are not included in the cost of the programme. Contact a travel advisor who can provide you with a quote for the flight prices.

Southeast Asia Loop

The nearest airport is Bangkok Suvarnabhumi (BKK). on day 1 of your trip. There is a welcome meeting at 5pm.

The Southeast Asia Loop ends in Bangkok on day 31. As the trip ends in the late afternoon, you should book your onwards flight from Bangkok to Sydney for the following day.

Absolute Oz Jobs

You should arrange your flights to arrive into Sydney Airport (SYD) on your start date. Our shuttle company meets every new arrival, regardless of time or flight delays. Go to the shuttle desk and let them know you’ve arrived and the greeter will direct you to the shuttle bus. The shuttle bus runs to the city centre every 15 minutes.

If you want to arrive a few days earlier into Sydney, we’ll be happy to help you organise any additional accommodation you may need (at extra cost). Please contact us for further details.

Southeast Asia Loop

30 nights of simple accommodation are included on this tour. Most nights will be spent in multi-share mixed-sex dorms. The dorms sizes vary between 6-12 beds. Some nights will be spent on overnight buses and trains and you’ll even have a night camping on a beautiful island in Cambodia (weather dependent)!

Absolute Oz Jobs

Week 1

Your first week is all about sun, fun and adventure. You’ve got 7 nights’ accommodation included as part of your package.  For nights 1, 2, 3, 6 and 7 you’ll be based at Wake Up! Hostel in the centre of Sydney and for nights 4 and 5, you’ll be in our Beach Camp in picturesque Port Stephens.

Sydney – Wake Up!

Wake Up! is an award-winning hostel with bright, modern rooms and a sociable vibe. The historic hostel building is in a great location, directly opposite Sydney Central Station and within walking distance of Darling Harbour and many other world-famous attractions. You’ll stay in mixed-sex dorm rooms with up to 10 people. Sharing in hostels is the best way to meet a lot of new people very quickly, and by the end of the week, you’ll have heaps of new mates to discover the land Down Under with! However if you would prefer a private room, you can upgrade at additional cost. Please contact a travel advisor for more information.

The hostel is a hub of exciting city action, with its own backpacker bar where you can hang out with your new friends and stock up on tasty local tucker and enjoy a few drinks. The onsite café serves breakfast and there’s also a kitchen with fridges and storage. If you need some chill out time, there’s also a communal TV lounge.

Wake Up has all the facilities you could possibly need as a new arrival to Oz, including 24-hour reception, a travel and information desk, phone booths on every floor, security lockers, laundry facilities, Wi-Fi and a postal service.

Port Stephens – Beach Camp

Our Beach Camp is a hidden coastal gem. A stone’s throw away from a stunning empty beach and surrounded by wilderness and an abundance of wildlife – it’s the perfect contrast to buzzing Sydney. Being off-the-beaten track really allows you to bond fully with your group and gives you a proper taste of the natural beauty of Australia. With nights spent star-gazing on the beach and days taking in the humbling beauty of your surroundings, you’ll leave fully recharged and ready for that job-hunt!

While at Beach Camp, you’ll stay in multi-share dorm rooms of 6 people!

Accommodation beyond week 1

After the first week, most of our travellers choose to rent an apartment, often sharing with the new friends they have made in the first week. Our team in Sydney will be able to help you explore possible accommodation options either in Sydney or elsewhere in Australia.

Our team works with a local Sydney accommodation supplier who offers fully furnished accommodation in the CBD, Eastern & Western suburbs. Participants can make an appointment through the job team to be shown available properties.

Please be aware that accommodation costs in Sydney can be high due to the desirability of the city as a location to live and work, but it's worth it for the experience! Alternatively, you can apply for jobs further afield in Australia.

You can expect to pay £150-£200 per week on average for rent in Australia (costs in Sydney can be a little higher). The minimum contract is normally 3 months but some agencies will ask you to commit to six months.

Alternatively you can extend your stay in a hostel - a great option for those that want to travel around. Hostels offer cheaper rates for those that want a long term stay. You can often walk in and get a room that day but we recommend that you make a reservation the night before. Depending on where you stay in Australia, you can expect to pay around £150-£200 per week in a hostel.

Please note that when you are working in Australia, you are likely to earn enough to cover any living expenses such as rent, food and bills. If you would like any more information about costs and accommodation please contact us for more details.

Meals

  • Southeast Asia Loop: 20 breakfast, 6 lunches and 3 dinners
  • Absolute Oz Jobs: 3 dinners, 2 breakfasts and 2 lunches (first week only)

Please let us know at the time of booking about any dietary requirements you may have. 

You’ll have to be the rest of your meals yourself. This allows you maximum flexibility. Dietary requirements can be catered for but please inform us of these at the time of booking.

This trip is designed for travellers aged 18-35.

  • Thailand: British passport holders arriving by air or land can enter Thailand for 60 days without a visa (a ‘visa exemption’). Your passport must have at least 6 months’ validity remaining from your date of entry into Thailand.
  • Laos: Visa on arrival and e-Visa are available.Your passport should have at least 6 months’ validity remaining on your date of entry into Laos. The cost is around $35 USD.
  • Cambodia: You will need a visa to enter or travel through Cambodia as a visitor. Tourist visas can be applied for online or obtained on arrival.Your passport should have at least 6 months’ validity remaining on your date of entry into Cambodia. The cost is around $35 USD.
  • Vietnam: Vietnam has introduced visa waivers for the nationals of 13 countries including the UK. Visa waivers allow for visits to Vietnam for up to 45 days without needing to apply for a visa. Your passport must have at least 6 months’ validity remaining from your date of entry into Vietnam.
  • Australia: You’ll need to apply for a Working Holiday Visa for your stay in Australia. Gap 360 can apply for your visa on your behalf. To be eligible, applicants need to meet the following requirements:
    • Hold a passport issued by an eligible country or region that is valid for the proposed duration of your stay
    • Be aged 18-35 (inclusive) at the time of applying
    • Not be accompanied by dependent children at any time during your stay in Australia
    • Meet health, character and financial requirements
    • Not have previously entered Australia on a Working Holiday visa (unless applying for a second visa)
    • Be outside Australia when they apply and when their visa is granted
    • Apply within 12 months of intended travel to Australia.
    • Have sufficient funds to cover your expected living/trip costs during your stay
    • Have funds for a return or onward ticket to depart Australia (or an actual ticket)
    • Have health insurance

Please note: Visa rules are subject to change. Please check for the most up to date information before you travel.

Want to check who's booked on your start date? Request the demographics here >

Trips making a positive impact Learn more