18 or 25 days
Thai Adventure
Beaches, culture, elephants, parties, trekking and more!
Prices from
£1,549Trip Highlights
- Help feed the elephants at an ethical elephant project
- Discover Thailand’s breathtaking countryside: from bamboo rafting in the jungle to a night in Khao Sok National Park
- Experience Phuket’s next-level nightlife with an evening out in Patong
- Chill on the beach all day and party all night under the stars in Thai island paradise: Koh Phi Phi, Samui + more!
- Kayak through the atmospheric mangrove forests of Bor Thor
Trip Overview
Travel Thailand in style with this incredible group adventure, exclusive to Gap 360! Kick off in Bangkok with temple visits and neon-lit nights on Khao San Road. Then head north where you’ll get to know the elephants at an awesome elephant project and spend two days trekking through hill tribe country. Southern Thailand is all about chilling out on sugar-white beaches, snorkelling, and partying under the stars on Phuket, Koh Phi Phi and Samui, as well as an unforgettable night in a traditional floating bungalow in Khao Sok National Park. It’s the ULTIMATE Thai adventure!
Trip Gallery
- 17 or 24 nights’ accommodation
- Some meals (see accommodation & meal section)
- WhatsApp buddy list before you travel
- Airport transfer on arrival
- A local Thai guide
- Bangkok city boat tour
- In-country transport (inc. internal flight)
- Cookery class in Chiang Mai
- Chiang Mai night market tour
- Ethical elephant experience
- Trekking in the northern foothills
- Bamboo rafting
- Night out in Phuket
- Koh Phi Phi viewpoint visit
- Phi Phi boat trip with snorkelling and kayaking
- Ao Nang street food crawl
- Day trip to Railay Beach
- Bor Thor mangrove forests kayak trip
- Khao Sok entrance fee
- Khao Sok long-tail boat trip
- Khao Sok floating bungalows
- Ang Thong National Marine Park visit
- Koh Samui Seen Beach Club entry
- Koh Tao Snorkel Boat Trip
- (Full Moon dates only) boat transfer to Koh Phangan
- Bangkok Chinatown street food tour
- 24-hour emergency support
What's Not Included
- International flights
- Visas
- Travel Insurance
- Some meals, snacks and drinks
- Optional activities
- Nightclub entry/tickets to Koh Phangan beach parties
- Return airport transfers
Accommodation
Accommodation is included for the full duration of the tour (17 nights if you’re on the 18-day trip and 24 for the 25-day option). We’ve hand-picked an incredible selection of accommodation, perfect for travellers looking for a sociable atmosphere.
Most nights will be spent in hostels. Rooms are a combination of single-sex and mixed-sex dorms (usually 4-12 per room). You’ll also spend one night on an overnight bus from Bangkok to Chiang Mai, one night in rustic huts at an elephant camp, and an unforgettable evening in a floating lake house in Khao Sok National Park!
There may be the option to upgrade to a private twin/double room for some of this trip. Please contact a travel advisor for more information.
- Bangkok: Samsen Street Hostel. Cool hostel within striking distance of Khao San Road, and all the major attractions, with stylish dorms, a large outdoor pool, restaurant, and poolside outdoor cinema!
- Chiang Mai: Elephant camp. Accommodation at the elephant project in traditional huts with dorm-style beds and mosquito nets.
- Chiang Mai: DeCharm Hotel. Small hotel with a restaurant and pool, close to Chiang Mai’s party area.
- Phuket: Lub D Patong. Award-winning hostel in the heart of Phuket’s nightlife with a 2-minute walk to the beach.
- Koh Phi Phi: Bodega Party Hostel Phi Phi. Air-conditioned dorm rooms with an incredible social atmosphere and near the heart of the island, from Maya Bay to the nightlife.
- Krabi: Pop In Hostel. Spacious and relaxing hostel with a short walk to bars, restaurants and the beach
- Khao Sok: Khao Sok Smiley Bungalows (Stone Bungalows). Rustic accommodation set in lush, tropical grounds, close to Khao Sok National Park.
- Khao Sok National Park: Smiley Bungalows (Lake House). Family-owned floating bungalows with private bathrooms in the most incredible lake setting.
- Koh Samui: SocialTel Chaweng Samui. Lively party hotel with a pink theme, modern rooms, and a huge pool area.
- Koh Tao: Good Dream. Comfy hostel with fitness centre, close to Sairee Beach.
All accommodation is subject to change.
Please note: In some of the hostels along the way, you may be asked to pay a security deposit of £15 - £20. This is standard practice across Thailand. This is fully refundable on departure, as long as there’s no damage to your room.
Meals
4 breakfasts, 6 lunches and 3 dinners are included on the 18-day trip, and 4 breakfasts, 7 lunches and 4 dinners are on the 25-day trip.
With food this delicious, no wonder Thailand is called the Land of Smiles! From spicy curries to hot soups, mango salads and a classic Pad Thai, travellers are spoiled for choice when it comes to purchasing their meals. On either version of this trip, you’ll also be able to try regional variations and eat on a budget at the night markets, restaurants recommended by your trip leader and more!
Day 1: Arrive in Bangkok. Touchdown in tropical Thailand! Meet your guide and the rest of your group and learn all about the incredible adventures we’ve got in store as well as Thailand’s culture and customs! Then head out to neon-lit Khao San Road.
Day 2: Bangkok Tour. Start the day with a boat ride down the city’s canals. Glide past saffron-robed monks and vendors selling exotic delicacies. Stop at Wat Arun and Wat Pho to see the reclining Buddha. Tonight, cosy down on the sleeper bus to Chiang Mai.
Day 3: Elephant Project. Wake up in Chiang Mai before transferring to an ethical elephant camp. You’ll help feed them before spending tonight in an authentic homestay. What an amazing day!
Day 4: Hill Trek and Chiang Mai. Immerse yourself in the jungle and hike for around 2 hours through epic landscapes - with plenty of stops along the way! Then we’ll jump onto bamboo rafts and drift down the river. You might get a wet bum but it’s all part of the fun! After a delicious lunch, we’ll transfer back to Chiang Mai. Enjoy a free evening of live music, bar crawls… Whatever you want!
Day 5: Chiang Mai Cookery Class. Today we’ll make traditional Thai dishes at a cooking class, before tucking into what we’ve made! This evening, we’ll walk through Chiang Mai’s famous night market and go bargain hunting, before kicking back with a Singha beer and some freshly cooked street food.
Day 6: Phuket. Fly down south to the vibrant region of Phuket, the biggest island in Thailand! From its exhilarating nightlife to the diverse mix of beaches, sizzling street food and a colourful Old Town, Phuket has a little bit of everything. Tonight, travellers can explore Phuket’s legendary party capital of Patong for a wild evening out!
Day 7: Koh Phi Phi: Enjoy a lazy morning in Phuket before we transfer to Koh Phi Phi, another sunkissed Thai island! Famed for its golden stretches of sand where travellers stay out dancing until dawn, Phi Phi’s party scene is in a league of its own! Stay in the heart of the action with a cocktail bucket in hand and catch one of Phi Phi’s iconic fire shows!
Day 8: Phi Phi Viewpoint. Spend today chilling on the beach, snorkelling around the bay, and picking up a few souvenirs. This afternoon we’ll take a hike up to the best viewpoint to see the island’s Instagram-worthy twin bays from above before partying under the stars tonight.
Day 9: Phi Phi boat trip. Head out on the ocean today. We’ll stop at several snorkelling points, swim at Shark Point, meet the cheeky residents of Monkey Beach, and visit the legendary Maya Bay by boat. Tonight, go wild at the hostel's pool party – what happens in Phi Phi, stays in Phi Phi!
Day 10: Phi Phi to Krabi. Transfer to the mainland, where we’ll be staying in lively Ao Nang. We’ll tickle our taste buds tonight with a guided street food crawl. Chow down on fresh-from-the-pan pad thai and chicken skewers, before stopping for some cold drinks.
Day 11: Krabi & Bor Thor Mangrove Forests. Kayak through the wildlife-rich mangrove forests of Bor Thor this morning. Glide through the water, looking for monkeys and birds, before stopping at a cave where we’ll see 3,000-year-old paintings!
Day 12: Day trip to Railay Beach. Let’s make our way to paradise, otherwise known as Railay Beach, this morning! Wander across the stunning white sand and enjoy some free time to explore before we tuck into some lunch. We will then return to Krabi for sunset.
Day 13: Ao Nang to Khao Sok. Leave the beach behind for a couple of days with an early minibus transfer to Khao Sok, just outside Khao Sok National Park. We’ll spend the night in jungle-style accommodation.
Day 14: Khao Sok National Park. Head inland to this unspoilt paradise filled with thick jungle and shimmering lakes and rivers. This afternoon, we’ll explore this spectacular area on long-tail boats before spending the night in an amazing floating bungalow on Cheow Lan Lake!
Day 15: Khao Sok to Koh Samui. Wake up with the sounds of the jungle as the sun rises over the lake. If you’re up early, why not take an early boat safari to see wild elephants and maybe the elusive sun bear? Later we’ll transfer to Koh Samui, where we’ll spend the next few days exploring the island’s glorious beaches and unforgettable party lifestyle - starting tonight in Chaweng!
Day 16: Koh Samui. Enjoy a morning Samui at your own pace today. Whether that’s a recovery beach day from a wild evening or exploring the local wonders. Finish off today with a sunset cocktail in a rustic beach bar.
Day 17: Ang Thong boat trip and Ark Bar. Spend a heavenly day sailing around one of the world’s most beautiful marine parks, kayaking, cooling off in the crystal-clear sea and drinking in the mind-blowing scenery. This evening, we’ll hit up Ark Bar: a world-famous beach club which has everything you could ever need for an unforgettable night out!
Day 18: Stay in Koh Samui (25-day tour only). If you’ve taken the 18-day option, then your adventure ends here. For those on the full 25-day tour, enjoy another day lazily exploring Samui’s enchanting island beauty. Whether you’re ready for a quiet day lounging on the silken sand or want to keep on partying, it’s easy to find the right vibe inside this diverse destination!
Day 19: Seen Beach Club in Koh Samui. Inspired by mid-century Miami, Seen Beach Club is one of the most photogenic nightlife hotspots you’ve ever been to. Between the vintage vibes, the unbeatable ocean view and the delicious selection of cocktails and food, it’s the perfect location to kick back in a beanbag or go wild dancing by the DJ booth.
Day 20: Koh Samui to Koh Tao. Today we’ll hop from one island to the next! As Thailand’s top destination for snorkelling and scuba diving, Koh Tao is where travellers can encounter a stunning variety of marine life - especially turtles! Once we’re settled into our place of stay, our only plan is to chill out and maybe explore Tao’s secluded stretches of sand.
Day 21: Koh Tao free day. It’s your last few days on the Thai islands, so soak it up! Take one of the island’s world-class diving courses, hike into the lush coastal jungles, or simply hang out on the lovely beach. After dark, hit the beachside bars for a few drinks with your mates.
Day 22: Koh Tao snorkelling trip. Today we’ll take a brilliant boat trip that loops around the entire island, with stops at all the best snorkelling spots in the area as well as the eye-catching island of Koh Nang Yuan. Sail back after the most amazing adventure, ready for a night in the beach bars.
Day 23: Koh Tao to Bangkok. We’re leaving Koh Tao behind today and travelling back to our old friend, Bangkok. Sit back and relax as the ferry and bus speed you back to the city. Check into your hostel before throwing yourself into the bustling streets for a wild night out.
Day 24: Bangkok. Enjoy a free day exploring the capital at your leisure, before joining a street food crawl this evening through Yaowarat Road: Bangkok’s own Chinatown! Sample a variety of different street food which is a melting pot of local Thai and Chinese flavours. As it’s the last night, let’s cheers to an epic trip!
Day 25: Trip end. It’s time to pack your bags, swap numbers and hug your new friends goodbye – your amazing Thai Adventure has come to an end. See you next time!
Please note, occasionally the order of the itinerary may change due to local festivals. On such occasions all included activities will remain the same.
2024 Itinerary
Please note that if you are travelling in 2024, you itinerary will differ to the one above. Instead of spending a night in Phuket, you will spend an additional night in Chiang Mai. You will also visit Koh Phangan for 2 nights and spend less time in Samui. Your activities on Samui and in your final days in Bangkok at the end of your trip will also change. For full details see our Thai Adventure 2024 itinerary or speak to a travel advisor.
Free Time
On this trip you will have some free time to explore on your own or with others in your group. During your free time, you decide how to spend your time. 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!
Moon Parties in Koh Phangan
Visit Samui's neighbouring island of Koh Phangan on one of your free days (as a day trip from Samui) at the right time and you can experience the legendary moon parties, like the Full Moon Party. Check out our guides and make sure they line up with your travel dates or speak to one of our expert travel advisors for help:
Booking Options Payment plans available
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If you are looking to travel in 2024, please see our Thai Adventure 2024 itinerary
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Arrival Information:
Arrival
Arrive at Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) where you’ll be met and taken to your starting accommodation in the city. There are no activities planned for today, apart from a welcome meeting this evening, so arrive whenever suits you best. However, please note that airport transfers are only available between 6am and 10pm on day 1. If you arrive outside these hours, or at Bangkok’s smaller airport (Don Muang), you will need to take a taxi to your hotel, which is very easy to arrange.
Departure
If you’re on the 25-day trip, your itinerary takes you on a full loop and ends in Bangkok, so the departure airport is the same as arrival. You can depart at any time on your end date. Return transfer from your Bangkok accommodation to the airport is not included however your guide can organise this for you if you like.
If you’ve taken the 18-day option, your trip ends on Koh Samui. You can fly direct from Samui to Bangkok, and this is easy to arrange. Ask one of our travel advisors for more information. If you’re staying on in Asia, we can also help with any onward travel.
Age & Eligibility:
You must be at least 18 years old to join this trip. This trip is designed for 18-35 year olds.
British passport holders arriving by land or air can enter Thailand for 60 days without a visa. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months following your date of entry to Thailand. Entry is usually refused if you have a passport which is damaged or has pages missing.
Visa rules are subject to change and you should check the latest information with the embassy before you travel.