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Burma’s history of isolation and the ban on tourists means the country has kept its unique charm and individuality. It was closed to tourists until 2012 so the Western influences that have diluted the culture of many other countries hasn’t been allowed to change the way of life here at all. Since Burma opened up to tourists it’s become a hotspot on any backpacker’s trail. On the border of India, China, Laos and Thailand it can fit right in to anyone’s South East Asia itinerary. There are a few things to bear in mind however. It’s not as simple to get about as you’d find in the likes of Thailand, Vietnam and Cambodia. Typical tourism features – accommodation, restaurants, excursions – have not quite been set up to meet demand yet, but that’s all part of the charm. It will also be more expensive than those countries mentioned, but absolutely and totally worth it. Here are a few of the hotspots to include in your itinerary and a few words of advice on getting around… ...

Thailand is pretty much the most popular gap year destination in the world, and for good reason. There’s so much to do there, you could easily spend a year getting to know the country’s intricacies and quirks. Top gapper Rebecca Root has compiled this comprehensive list of all the top things to do in Thailand, as recommended by the gap year community past and present and by the gapyear.com team. Here goes… 1. Take a tuk tuk Check out this guide to landing in Bangkok and it’s pretty clear that it’s the tuk tuk all the way. A snug sofa with a small engine and a colourful hood, the tuk tuk is perfect for dodging lorries, swerving sidewalks and jamming taxis. They are the cheapest and by far the most fun travel option in Thailand. 2. Visit the Grand Palace As one of Bangkok’s main tourist attractions, it can be tempting to dodge the throngs of cheery snappers in the afternoon heat but it is worth the sweat-breaking agro. The collection of intricately painted ...

Some people have accused San Franciscans of being mired in musical nostalgia, that they can’t get away from a fixation with 1950s Beat bohemia or Summer of Love flashbacks. I say that all adds to the atmosphere and vibe of a modern city filled with iconic hotspots alongside new and upcoming things to see. The weather is highly changeable here so pack for all sorts and layer up so you can strip when the sun comes out. The culture is outdoorsy. whether to you that means supping coffee outside a cafe or running in the mountains, there’s loads for you to do in San Francisco if you like your travel cheap and dirty. San Francisco on a Budget 1. Drink copious amounts of coffee San Francisco is well known for its love of coffee culture. You definitely won’t have time to make it through the wealth of coffee shops lining the streets of the city. You may as well give it a go though. Start at Farley’s Coffee Shop on Potrero Hill and enjoy the art covered walls and beautiful views of ...

Contents Use these quick links to navigate the guide: Introduction History Politics Weather Health Advice Visas Getting There Getting Around Top Events Top Sites and Activities Costs Further Information Introduction “Ladies and Gentlemen, this is your captain speaking. We have landed at Suvarnabhumi International Airport, Bangkok and the local time is 11.30am. The temperature outside is 34º C coupled with a humidity of around 74%. We hope you enjoyed your flight with Cheepnkrap Airlines and we hope to see you again in the near future. Enjoy your stay in Thailand!” As you land in Bangkok you will no doubt hear your captain mumble something like this over the plane’s speakers, further exacerbating that itch of excitement that has been building up in the weeks and months leading up to this moment. The enthusiasm will come to a head at this point as you wonder about the wonder and mystery that is separated from you by the few minutes it takes to open those plane do...