With paradise islands, vibrant markets, and more elephants than you can shake a bamboo branch at, it's no wonder Thailand is one of the most popular backpacker destinations on the map!
Discover the country’s heritage by visiting Buddhist temples or just soak up the chaotic buzz in Bangkok. If it's adventure you’re looking for then head to the mountainous regions and enjoy sleeping in hill tribe villages, eating from banana leaves and bathing in waterfalls. Or go island hopping around the Andaman coast and savour the white sandy beaches, clear waters and world-class diving spots.
Whether you’re bartering with tuk tuk drivers in Bangkok, partying with fellow travellers in Koh Phangan, or sampling the delights of a traditional Thai massage, whatever you’re looking for you’ll be sure to find it in Thailand!
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!
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!
For a taste of tradition, escape into Chiang Mai: nicknamed the ‘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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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!
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!
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!
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.
Thai cuisine has become increasingly popular in the UK so many travellers will have already sampled the flavours of the coconut and chilli-based curries made ‘green’, ‘red’ or ‘yellow’ depending on the strength of the curry paste. Noodles and rice also feature heavily on Thai menus, as do exotic flavours such as lemongrass, tamarind and kaffir lime. Fresh fruit such as mango, lychees and papaya can be found in abundance. To the foreign palette, some of Thailand’s street vendors may look quite suspect, particularly if you come across one serving nothing but fried cockroaches! Grasshoppers, silkworms and scorpions can also occasionally be found in the street markets but despite this, street vendors also offer a wide and tasty selection of some of the freshest foods in Thailand. Buying from these stands allows you to dine on a seriously tight budget, so why not pull up a chair and watch the world go by with a cold Chang and some super cheap eats?
Thailand has an equatorial climate in the south and a tropical / monsoon climate in the north, making it very hot and humid. From June to October, the country experiences high rainfall from the southwest monsoons, but the rain tends to come in the late afternoon and normally only rains for around an hour. April and May are the hottest months, but due to the location, it rarely gets cool except in the mountainous northern region in the months of September to January.
If you want to spend most of your days lounging on Thailand’s beaches, the best time to visit is probably the peak season months of November to March. However, Thailand is a great to place visit at any time of year, and those who find the heat and humidity overwhelming will enjoy the heavy but short bursts of rain during the wet season.
Visas may be required depending on your nationality, travel plans, and length of stay. Below are the FCDO travel advice for British travellers. Entry rules can change at any time, so always check with the relevant embassy before travelling.
To make things easier, we’ve partnered with The Travel Visa Company, a UK-based visa specialist. Their team can guide you on requirements and, for a fee, apply for visas on your behalf.
This information is for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK. It is based on the UK government’s understanding of the current rules for the most common types of travel.
The authorities in Thailand set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the Thai Embassy in the UK.
To enter Thailand, your passport must have an ‘expiry date’ at least 6 months after the date you arrive and have at least 1 blank page.
Check with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.
You will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen.
When returning to the UK, British citizens must carry a valid British passport or certificate of entitlement. See Dual citizenship.
If you’re a dual national, it is best to leave Thailand on the same passport you used to enter – this will avoid problems at immigration.
You can visit Thailand for a period of 60 days for the purpose of tourism, business engagements, and urgent or ad-hoc work. This visa category can be extended for another period not exceeding 30 days.
You can also apply in advance for a multiple-entry visa for up to 60 days.
For work, study or other reasons, you need a visa before you travel.
From 1 May 2025, all foreign nationals entering Thailand, whether by air, land or sea must complete a digital arrival card online before arrival. Travellers can register for an arrival card within 3 days before they arrive.
If you overstay the period of your visa, you will get a fine of 500 Thai baht a day up to a maximum of 20,000 baht. You risk being:
Conditions in detention centres can be harsh.
To enter Thailand, you must have a certificate to prove you’ve had a yellow fever vaccination if you’re coming from a country listed as a transmission risk.
For full details about medical entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, see TravelHealthPro’s Thailand guide.
As a public health measure, Thailand has introduced health screening for travellers arriving from affected regions. Travellers are subject to a mandatory quarantine or self-isolation period of at least 21 days.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has declared this a Public Health Emergency of International Concern.
There are strict rules about goods you can take into or out of Thailand. You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.
It is illegal to take more than 200 cigarettes per person into Thailand. This is enforced at customs on arrival. If you go over the limit, you could be fined 10 times the value. Your cigarettes will likely be confiscated.
Although a handshake is accepted in Thailand, common courtesy – especially when greeting an elder – is that you should favour the wai – a slight bow with palms pressed together.
If you don’t want to receive a disapproving look, then don’t touch a Thai person on the head. The head is regarded as the highest part of the body – literally as well as figuratively – and touching it is considered rude.
When visiting one of the many stunning Thai temples, make sure your shoulders and knees are covered as a mark of respect. You should also remove your shoes in temples, something you also need to do when entering a Thai home.
In Thailand, it is a criminal offence to make critical or defamatory comments about the King or other members of the Royal family. This is known as Lèse Majesté and is punishable by a prison sentence of three to fifteen years, or longer. Foreign nationals have been convicted of Lèse Majesté, so you should strictly observe this law while visiting Thailand.
Public displays of affection with the opposite sex are frowned upon in certain parts of Thailand.
Please note that you are not allowed to bring vaporisers (eg. e-cigarettes) and refills into Thailand. If you are found to have these items, it is likely they will be confiscated and you could be heavily fined or face a prison sentence of up to 10 years. The supply or sale of e-cigarettes or similar is also banned in Thailand, if convicted you could face up to 5 years in prison.
Smoking any form of tobacco is illegal on some beaches in Thailand. The penalty for violating the ban is a large fine or imprisonment. Please check local signs before smoking in public areas.
While Thai attitudes to elephants and other wildlife are slowly changing for the better, elephant riding is still widespread in Thailand and you may be offered the opportunity to ride elephants by other tourism companies in the country. Gap 360 does not support elephant riding and we do not offer any elephant riding as part of our experiences. We encourage our travellers to not take part in any experiences that involve the mistreatment of animals. This includes visiting places that mistreat tigers or other wildlife.
We have selected what we believe to be the key points that you should be aware of when travelling in Thailand.
Gap 360 follows advice from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) and we recommend that you frequently check the FCDO for updated travel advice. You can find the website here: https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/foreign-commonwealth-development-office
Please check our general Travel Advice section for more detailed information and general health and safety advice.
Assaults and robberies have been reported in popular tourist areas of Thailand, including Chiang Mai, Pattaya, Krabi, and Chaweng on Koh Samui. You should take extra care, particularly at night.
Exercise caution when visiting Koh Phangan, especially during Full Moon and Black Moon parties, as these events can attract opportunistic crime.
Avoid accepting drinks from strangers, particularly at clubs and parties in areas like Koh Samui, Pattaya, and during Koh Phangan’s Full and Black Moon events.
Be vigilant against credit card fraud. Always keep your card in sight during transactions and protect your PIN.
We do not recommend hiring motorbikes, scooters, ATV vehicles, quad bikes or other types of motorised vehicles whilst abroad. Safety and quality of vehicles vary considerably and the traffic conditions can be much more dangerous than what UK travellers are used to. Should you wish to go against this advice, you should ensure you are hiring from a reputable company and that your travel insurance covers you for such activities.
Passenger boats are a common way to get between the mainland and the Thai islands. Avoid travelling on overloaded boats or those in poor conditions and take care at all times. Make sure life jackets are available. On Koh Phangan, during the Full Moon parties, speedboats to and from the island are often overloaded.
Bungee jumping can be dangerous and accidents do happen. If you want to bungee jump in Thailand, you should check that the company has the right safety features, is using the most up-to-date equipment and are fully licensed and insured.
Use a licensed and reliable tour guide if you go jungle trekking in Thailand. Take care when swimming in coastal regions, especially in the monsoon season. Strong riptides in areas such as Phuket, Koh Chang, Hua Hin, Cha-am, Rayong and Pattaya and the Koh Samui. Pay attention to warning signs, particularly red flags and only swim from approved beaches. Jellyfish can sometimes come close to the shore, especially during the rainy season, so always exercise caution when swimming.
If you are swimming, diving, kayaking or white water rafting in rivers or close to waterfalls, particularly in the rainy season (May to October) take care as currents can be extremely strong.
When renting jet skiis or water sports equipment, you should be satisfied that adequate safety precautions are in place, and only rent from a reputable, licensed and insured provider. Check for damage before use and make sure they offer training. Do not allow your passport to be held as a guarantee against returning a jet ski.
If diving, check a dive operator’s credentials carefully before using them and make sure you’re covered by your insurance. Inexperienced divers should ask their dive operator to explain what cover they offer before signing up. Make sure safety equipment is available on the boat, particularly oxygen.
There has been an increase in drug smuggling arrests involving British nationals, both abroad and in the UK, with many cases linked to cannabis from Thailand. British nationals caught carrying cannabis could face serious legal consequences. It’s important not to carry anything through customs for someone else and never carry cannabis out of Thailand.
The law in Thailand states you must carry your passport with you at all times, and tourists who are unable to produce their passport on request risk arrest. You should ensure you have completed the next of kin details section in the back of your passport.
The rainy season in Thailand runs from May to October, with the monsoon at its peak in September and October. In Koh Samui and the South East of the Thai peninsula, the rainy season is from November to March.
Check at least 8 weeks before your trip starts that you have all the necessary vaccinations. All hospitals in Thailand will require a guarantee of payment before treating patients, so always make sure you are protected by travel insurance.
Dengue fever is present in Thailand, and you should use measures to avoid mosquito bites.
Keep an eye on your drink at all times to prevent drink spiking, and don’t drink too much. This rule applies everywhere, especially at events such as the Full/Black Moon parties. Take extra care about taking drinks from strangers and don’t leave your drinks unattended.
While you’re enjoying yourself, it’s important to be aware of the risk of drink spiking and methanol poisoning, so it’s worth familiarising yourself with the steps you can take to help you keep safe. To learn more visit the FCDO Travel Aware page on spiking and methanol poisoning and visit FCDO Travel Advice for information specific to Thailand.
If you are visiting Thailand, you may well time your trip to coincide with a legendary Full Moon, Black Moon or Half Moon Party! Known as one of Thailand’s must-do amazing experiences, the famous Full Moon party attracts thousands of visitors a month, who flock to the laid-back paradise island of Koh Phangan to experience this wild and wonderful all-night party first hand! If you miss the Full Moon Party, never fear, the equally fun-filled, buzzing Black Moon Party or Half-moon Party means a party is never far away in Koh Phangan.
The Full Moon party is held at Haad Rin beach and people from all over the world come every month for this unforgettable night; expect to see anywhere from 10,000 – 30,000 people! You will find everything from trance to reggae being played from dusk until the sun rises the next morning. The Black Moon party is held on Baan Tai beach, and you’ll enjoy a magical and memorable night filled with the latest trance music and guest DJs. Whichever party you end up at, it should be one of the best nights of your life and one you’ll be talking about for a long time to come. Please read carefully the health and safety advice below to ensure your Full/Black Moon party night is memorable for all the right reasons.
Thailand’s tropical climate is hot and humid year-round, which means your body loses more fluids than usual – especially if you're exploring temples, hiking, or lounging on the beach. Dehydration can sneak up quickly, leading to fatigue, dizziness, or even heatstroke. So it is important to keep yourself hydrated throughout the day and during the evenings.
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