Sarah's Thai Intro Trip: 10 Must-Dos in Thailand

By Sarah Hemsley

Last updated: 28th November 2025

For as long as I can remember, I’ve heard people rave about Thailand: the food, the beaches, the elephants. A trip to Thailand always sounded so dreamy. So back in January, I decided 2025 would be my year. After spending an unforgettable three weeks on Gap 360’s 18-day Thai Intro group tour, here are all the unmissable things you’ll get to do too:

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1. Temples in Bangkok 🪷

If there’s one thing you have to do in Bangkok, it’s receive a blessing from a monk at one of Thailand’s incredible temples. Thailand has the largest Buddhist population in the world, and with more than 40,000 temples (over 400 of them in Bangkok alone), Buddhism is a huge part of its culture. On the tour, we visited Wat Pho, known for the famous Reclining Buddha. With a local guide, we learned about Buddhist beliefs, explored the temple grounds, and even listened to the monks chanting. It was a peaceful way to start the trip.

2. Khao Sok National Park 😍

Our next stop was Khao Sok National Park, which was basically a scene from Jurassic World! I half expected a dinosaur to appear out of the mist, but instead we got pure tranquillity, emerald water and good vibes. We spent the day swimming, kayaking, and playing games surrounded by dramatic limestone cliffs. It was surreal.

3. Thai massage in Koh Phangan 💆‍♀️

Two words that belong together are ‘free’ and ‘massage’! After travelling from Khao Sok National Park to the island of Koh Phangan the day before, the massage was well deserved. Ultimate relaxation is all I have to say.

4. Muay Thai in Koh Phangan 🥊

This was one of my favourite included activities on the tour! We kicked things off with a fun workout session before learning some basic Muay Thai moves from the pros. Like how to step, punch, kick, and block. After practising the moves, we took our skills into the ring… well, sort of. Let’s just say the pads took a hit.

5. Snorkelling in Koh Phi Phi 🐠

Day 10 was my favourite day of the whole tour. We had free time in the morning to chill on Phi Phi’s beautiful beach, plus get a mango sticky rice açaí bowl for breakfast (which I’m still thinking about), then we headed out for a full day of island hopping around Phi Phi Leh.

We snorkelled bright blue waters, explored Maya Bay, and by night we ate Massaman curry, partied on the boat, and even snorkelled with bioluminescent plankton! Not something you get to do every day, and it was one of the coolest experiences of the trip.

6. Phi Phi Viewpoint 🤩

Have you really been to Koh Phi Phi if you’ve not seen this viewpoint? You’ve got to go! At the top, you’ll look over Phi Phi and realise just how stunning this island is. With its beaches, long tail boats, and rugged limestone cliffs, make sure you take plenty of pictures.

7. Party in Koh Phi Phi 🍹

If you’re on the 12-day tour, Koh Phi Phi is where your adventure ends… and what a way to finish. It’s known for its lively nightlife, so choose a karaoke song because you’ll be going! 

8. Chiang Mai Ethical Elephant Sanctuary 🐘

We got to see the changs - meaning elephants in Thai! The ethical sanctuary is home to five rescued elephants who are now looked after every day. When we visited, we helped prepare their medicine and fed them bananas. Then we followed these gentle giants into the jungle. It felt like a guided nature tour, just led by elephants instead of humans.

9. Chiang Mai Cabaret show 🎤

Though the Cabaret show is not officially included on the tour, it was Halloween, so everybody decided to get tickets! It’s a must-do when you visit the night market in Chiang Mai. 

10. Chiang Mai Sticky Waterfalls 🌴

I’d say it’s more ‘grippy’ than ‘sticky’. Somehow, as you climb up, your feet magically grip the limestone rock, and you find yourself powering up the waterfall like a pro. It was surprisingly really fun! There are also ropes to help guide you along the way if you need them. 

Oh, and one last thing… 🏮✨

If you’re planning to go to Thailand in November, you absolutely can’t miss the Yi Peng Festival in Chiang Mai. This magical lantern festival falls every November and is a celebration of letting go of the past and bringing in a brighter future. It was an unforgettable experience I’ll never forget!

Thinking of seeing it for yourself? Book Gap 360’s 9, 12 or 18-day Thai Intro tour 👈