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33 trips

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  • Africa
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Thailand Tours & Trips

Thailand Tours
Thailand boats in Krabi, Koh Phi Phi Island
Download Thailand Key Facts

Tuk-tuk into Thailand for a gap year to remember! Between the paradise islands, elephant sanctuaries, jungle treks, fragrant street food stalls, vibrant nightlife, gorgeous beaches and stunning temples… our Thailand tours are backpacking bliss, and it’s easy to see why. Immerse yourself in Bangkok’s bustling night markets, experience Koh Phangan’s legendary Full Moon Party and dance under the stars on the sandy stretches of Koh Phi Phi. Our Thailand trips offer incredible variety, so find your adventure today!

Read more in our Thailand Travel Guide.

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Thailand Facts

Capital City

Bangkok

Currency

Thai Baht (THB)

Language

Thai

Dialling Code

+66

Plug Type

A, B, C and O

Thailand Highlights

Tuk-tuk taxis parked outside by street vendor stalls on bustling city street at night, Thailand

Bangkok

The buzz of Bangkok is alive. Fusing cultural traditions and neon-lit backstreets, Thailand's capital is a total melting pot. Marvel at the Grand Palace and Wat Pho Temple's golden details, before going cafe-hopping in the Talat Noi neighbourhood. When the stars come out, so do the night markets and epic partying at Khao San Road!

Tropical palm tree valley with low roof city buildings in centre, long beach with lots of boats and high limestone cliffs

Koh Phi Phi

Snorkelling in crystal-clear waters by day… dance under the stars by night! In Koh Phi Phi, life is all about having fun and enjoying major bucket list moments. Kick back on the stretches of powder-white sand, take a boat trip to Maya Bay, or climb up to the iconic viewpoints. Koh Phi Phi is calling your name!

Small and traditional Thai temple with ornate details and mini statues, surrounded by trees

Chiang Mai

For a taste of tradition, escape into Chiang Mai: nicknamed the ā€˜Rose of the North’ after its thriving wildlife and vast paddy fields. Uncover ancient temples in the heart of Chiang Mai’s Old Town, wander the local markets, and attend a cooking class. While Chiang Mai is mesmerising all year round, its Lantern Festival is something out of a movie.

Adult elephant on dirt hill surrounded by forest and river stream, Thailand

Thai Elephant Sanctuaries

If you have ever wanted to see an elephant in the wild, the Chiang Mai countryside is the place to be. Encountering these majestic animals in their natural habitat is an absolute must. On many of our Thailand trips, you will have the chance to visit an ethical elephant sanctuary. It is a once-in-a-lifetime moment that you will always remember!

White sand beach with tropical palm tree forest to the left and bright turquoise ocean to the right on a cloudy blue sky day

Koh Phangan

Heard of the Full Moon Party? Koh Phangan hosts one of the most epic beach festivals in the world, and almost every single month. We are talking fire shows, neon face paint, giant sand buckets... it's all a Thailand gap year rite of passage. After partying the night away, catching the sunrise on the golden shore is pretty special.

Dark green lake with lush island to the left and tall mountains in the centre, grey clouds in bright blue sky

Khao Sok National Park

Like the Amazon Rainforest, Khao Sok is an absolute haven for wildlife. Sail along the jade waters, keeping eyes peeled for any jaguars, sun bears, or elephants at the edges. Take in the towering cliffs and floating bungalows, heading deeper into this world of its own. On our Thailand trips, this natural wonder is bound to take your breath away.

Golden sandy beach with traditional longtail boats tied to the shore, more boats in the water on a blue sky day

Krabi

Resting on the southwest coast, Krabi embodies everything there is to love about Thailand. From mountain temples and forested hiking trails to night markets and the iconic image of longtail boats perched against the sandy shores of Railay Beach, Krabi has an extraordinary experience for every traveller.

Ocean with limestone boulders in the background covered in lush vegetation, sailboats in the water

Phuket

Whatever you crave out of a trip to Thailand, Phuket has. Sensational nightlife? White-gold beaches that stretch for miles? Epic street food? Step inside Phuket's pastel-coloured laneways and experience a vibrant atmosphere like never before. Phuket itself is a bucket list hit, and our Thailand trips can tick this off for you!

Emerald island hills connected with bright blue waters in between, lowland island in between

Koh Samui

Escape into island paradise on Koh Samui, off Thailand's east coast. This stunning destination is love at first sight. Turquoise waters lap the palm-fringed shores, leading into rainforest. Adoration only grows from there, with mesmerising sunsets, beach bars, and national parks. It's an experience you'll never forget!

Tropical island with traditional stilt houses woven into jungle, rocky sea bed and turquoise ocean, cloudy day

Koh Tao

If snorkelling is high on your Thailand bucket list, picture yourself in Koh Tao. Plunge into its bright turquoise waters and swim past colourful coral reefs. Koh Tao translates to 'Turtle Island', and that is not all the marine life you can expect to find... Underwater adventure awaits!

Traditional pagoda-style house with rustic wooden bridges in distance, surrounded by dry grass fields and forested hills

Pai

Curious to explore Thailand off the beaten path? Pai is the answer to your travel desires. Inside the rugged mountains, uncover atmospheric caves, lush paddy fields, and secret temples. Or immerse yourself in the lively walking street, where you can feast on an array of street food. Cross the legendary Bamboo Bridge and feel a sense of awe.

Thailand Travel Advice

Traditional wooden boats with colourful ties on golden beach with tall jungle-clad cliff in background with clear blue sky

Climate & Weather

Thailand is a tropical and humid country that experiences three distinct seasons. March to May is the hottest time of year, which is perfect for island-hopping. May to October is the wettest time of year, making it a great option for budget travel and green scenery. November to February is the dry season, so it’s perfect for exploring cities.

Average annual temperatures can range anywhere from 15ā„ƒ to 38ā„ƒ, depending on which area you are visiting and at what time of year. Northern Thailand is generally cooler all year round, whereas Southern Thailand has consistently warmer temperatures.

Aerial shot of bright turquoise waters and white sands with boats gliding in water, little islands covered in lush vegetation

Best Time to Visit

November to March is the most popular time for Thailand tours because this is when the country is at its driest and sunniest. It’s an amazing time of year for exploring cities and beaches. April is also popular, as this is when Thailand celebrates Songkran (New Year’s Day); one of the biggest events is a water fight on the streets of Bangkok!

Thailand’s rainy season typically lasts from May to October, with short and spontaneous tropical showers. If you don’t mind a little bit of rain, the result is lush landscapes, fewer crowds, and lower prices.

Floating orange lanterns surround golden ornate, traditional temple palace on a pitch black night

Customs & Culture

Thailand, aka the Land of Smiles, is a warm and welcoming destination. While in Thailand, you may hear the phrases “sanuk” and “sabai sabai”; this translates to “joyful” and “easygoing”. Thai culture is non-confrontational and preserving dignity is important.

Travellers should be mindful of cultural customs. When visiting temples, it is important to dress modestly and always observe a respectful distance from the monks. Insulting the Monarchy of Thailand is an illegal offence. It is also against the law to buy Buddha statues as souvenirs in Thailand, as well as take home coral and shells.

Red and blue british passports

Passports & Visas

British passport holders can stay in Thailand for up to 60 days without a visa. Your passport must have an expiration date of at least six months after the date you arrive and have at least one blank page. You will need to apply for a digital arrival card online within 3 days before you arrive, and this is easy to do through the FCDO page.

We recommend staying up to date with FCDO advice before you go travelling, as entry requirements and visa rules can be subject to change.

Up-close shot of Buddha statue with yellow silk scarf. Behind statue is a red brick curved temple and a blue sky

Health & Safety

At Gap 360, your safety and well-being are our top priorities. From the moment your trip is confirmed until you arrive back home, you'll have access to a 24/7 emergency contact number for any urgent issues. For anything non-urgent, our friendly team is also available during office hours to help.

We strongly recommend checking the FCDO advice for Thailand, as it’s regularly updated with the latest safety and travel information and you can even sign up for email alerts to stay informed of any changes. In addition, you can check the FCDO general travel advice for British nationals abroad.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes! A gap year in Thailand is one of the best travel experiences you could ask for. Awe-inspiring temples, vibrant mega-cities, exhilarating nightlife, stunning countryside, and traditional festivals - Thailand offers it all! This destination is also super budget-friendly, and if it’s your first time in Southeast Asia, our Thailand trips are an amazing place to start!

British passport holders can visit Thailand for up to 60 days without needing a visa. Your passport must have an expiration date of at least six months after the date you arrive, and at least one blank page. Always check FCDO advice before travelling; this includes any countries that you may transit to or from Thailand.

Thailand's rainy season lasts from May to October, and is also called its Green Season. At the start of the season, rainfall tends to be shorter and heavier. Towards the end of the season, rainfall is lighter yet more frequent. However, this time of year can be amazing if you're looking to travel on a budget!

Flights to Thailand from the UK typically take around 12-14 hours, and it is possible to find direct flights from London to Bangkok. There are also flight options that include one or two layovers if you’re on a budget.

Gap 360 has partnered with Masta and Nomad Clinics, one of the UK’s largest networks of private travel clinics. Through Masta, you can arrange a Travel Telephone Consultation, an in-person Consultation, and book your vaccinations at your nearest clinic.

Thailand is a super budget-friendly destination. Travellers can expect similar prices to that expected of Southeast Asia, and can even spend as little as £25 a day. Some of the best travel hacks include eating the local food, staying in hostels, and saving on transportation costs by booking one of our Thailand trips.

Thailand Trip Reviews

4.7
Rating
432
Reviews

Alice Wilson

Trip of a lifetime!

Safiya Rafiq

Very helpful company, booked both flights and trip with them and had no problems atall. Will definitely use in future!

Jasmin Wheeler

Exceeded expectations

Catarina de Jesus GonƧalves da Silva

Great value for money! Great advisor! Supported throughout.

Sophie Peasley

Unforgettable trip

Joseph Tuplin

The only thing I have bought that made me richer.

Conor

The trip is a great way to explore Asia and meet lovely people from other nations along the way. The tour guides are outstanding, especially when crossing borders and helping with questions asked about their country showing a…

Roslynn Beighton

Organised, easy, exciting, fun, interesting

Rosie

Great experience without the stress of having to organise everything. Would highly recommend :)

Emma Miller

Was one of the best things I've done, I was nervous before going but so glad I did it and already looking to do more in the near future! Highly recommend.

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