Amazing Thailand! This is how Thailand Tourism sums up what their country has to offer, and I couldn't agree more.

Explore how amazing Thailand can be through flying in and gallivanting on its cities and islands. Whether you’re a nature and mountain lover, an adventure seeker, a beach bum, a diver, or a little bit of everything, you will surely have a memorable trip in the land that was once called Siam.

travel itinerary Thailand

There are so many places that Thailand has to offer and you’ll certainly have a challenge when coming up with the best way to plan your trip to Thailand, so save yourself tedious weeks of planning and just refer to this awesome Thailand itinerary.

I’ve planned only the best places and experiences that will make you say, Amazing Thailand, in no time!

How Long To Spend In Thailand To See It All?

With proper time management and efficient travel itinerary, you can see the best attractions across Thailand in a matter of 2 weeks.

If you have more than 2 weeks, great, I added a few more attractions to see along the way.

ultimate itinerary through Thailand
ultimate Thailand itinerary
full itinerary through Thailand

Is Travelling Thailand Expensive?

Not at all. You can make your trip to Thailand as cheap or as expensive if you want to.

Depending on season and where you travel from, it makes sense to book your plane tickets in advance to get the cheapest deals. Accommodation-wise, you’ll find something within your budget because many places in Thailand have a variety of backpacker hostels, as well as luxury hotels to choose from.

As for food, the cheapest finds are always found at markets or street vendors along busy parts of town. Restaurant and hotel meals are obviously more expensive.

For transport, I found flying around Thailand inexpensive even if you book on short notice. A good tip for booking trains is to book in advance online to save money.

Taking taxis around the country entails good haggling skills and make sure you always, always set the price before hopping in. An alternative would be booking private cars. There’s also the choice of tuk tuks but in many cases, hiring a taxi is cheaper and more comfortable.

Your Thailand trip cost can vary greatly, all depending on your liking, so you can go as cheap or as expensive as you want really.

Bangkok (Day 1-2)

Day 1 – Things To Do In Bangkok

The best way to explore and travel through Thailand in 2 weeks is of course starting in its capital city Bangkok. Though Bangkok is very touristy, there’s a reason why so many travellers flock to the iconic landmarks and historical temples of Bangkok.

Bangkok Highlights

For your first day, go temple hopping which includes the Grand Palace, Wat Pho, and Wat Arun. In the afternoon, board a small teak boat called a khlong and tour around Thonburi river.

full travel itinerary Thailand
where to stay in Bagkok

Bangkok Culture & Entertainment

You could also cover also the Jim Thompson House and the National Gallery on your first day, if you're longing for more cultural activities.

It might be a long day but don’t go to bed just yet. Bangkok has one of the liveliest and entertaining nights in all of Thailand.

Ladyboy cabaret shows are a hit, if you choose to go, make sure to choose one that isn't sleazy, such as the Calypso Cabaret Bangkok at Asiatique The Riverfront, a large open-air mall.

what to see in Bangkok Thailand

Day 2 – Go Off The Beaten Path In Bangkok

For day two, let’s tread on the road less taken and get away from the crowds you swam in on your first day in Bangkok.

Go off-the-beaten path and visit my furry friends at Caturday Cat Cafe or Neverland Dog Cafe, all depending if you're a cat or dog person.

Spend the rest of the day shopping in the very best malls of the country, then laze at one of Bangkok’s amazing rooftop hotel pools or bars until after sunset.

Thailand travel itinerary

Where To Stay In Bangkok

Bangkok has a myriad of accommodations of different prices. For a luxurious stay, head over to the Mandarin Oriental Hotel. Check current rates on Booking.com | Agoda

A mid-range option which I personally loved staying at is the Siam @ Siam Design Hotel. Check current rates on Booking.com | Agoda

For a bed on a budget in a dormitory-style room, choose the clean and comfortable Oneday Hostel, located right in the heart of Bangkok in the famous Sukhumvit area. Check current rates on Booking.com | Agoda

Chiang Mai (Day 3-5)

Time To Explore Northern Thailand

Fly from Bangkok directly to Chiang Mai for just over 1 hour or take an overnight train, an experience that you shouldn't miss if you have time and feel a little more adventurous.

Where To Stay In Chiang Mai

For accommodation in Chiang Mai, hostel dorm rooms in the Old City of Chiang Mai are very affordable. I love staying at the cozy Sherloft Home & Hostel. Check current rates on Booking.com | Agoda

If you want something different and more private, book a twin room in the popular Nimman Area, a great place to stay in Chiang Mai for nightlight and a younger crowd. Check out the elegant but well-priced Cherlock Hotel with its nice garden and terrace. Check current rates on Booking.com | Agoda

And finally, if you are looking to indulge, I highly recommend treating you to a luxurious stay at 99 Heritage Hotel in the Old City just a stone's throw from all the popular temples such as Wat Phra Singh. Check current rates on Booking.com | Agoda

Day 3 – Highlights Of Visiting Chiang Mai

Next up is three eventful days in the second largest city of Thailand, Chiang Mai.

Spend your first day in Chiang Mai's Old Town with temple hopping, one of the most popular things to do in Chiang Mai.

The most popular temples in Chiang Mai are Wat Chedi Luang, Wat Phra Singh, and Wat Chiang Man.

Another thing to do is to visit the Terracota Garden that will transport you back in time. There's a small café here too called Clay Studio Coffee In The Garden, take your time to offer a hot or cold beverage and take it all in.

Night Markets In Chiang Mai

After sun down, visit the Chiang Mai Night Bazaar or if you are here on the weekend, there are plenty of awesome night markets boasting an assortment of souvenirs and handicrafts.

Chiang Mai night markets are my most favourite out of all other places in Thailand as they have the best Thai food, friendliest locals and most unique souvenirs.

things to do in Thailand

Day 4 – Things To Do In Chiang Mai

Get creative on your second day in Chiang Mai. A Thai cooking class is one of the things I recommend doing most while in Chiang Mai.

Another option would be a photography trek around the stunning landscapes of Chiang Mai. You can also join a jewellery-making class or art workshop. Chiang Mai is all about unleashing your creativity.

Alternatively, book in a yoga class, there are plenty of studios to choose from.

A sunset trip to Wat Phra That Doi Suthep temple on the hill gives you a perfect viewpoint as well as a unique ceremony experience with the monks chanting there. End your day with a soothing Thai massage back in town.

Day 5 – Day Trips Out Of Chiang Mai

Just a short road trip outside of Chiang Mai lie many other incredible experiences, such as various mountain trips on a scooter, if you fancy hiring one, or adrenaline-packed activities like river rafting, zip lining, and rock climbing.

You can also visit Chiang Dao Cave outside Chiang Mai. Additionally, Chiang Mai offers some of the best hiking experiences in Thailand, with its lush greenery, diverse wildlife, and stunning mountain views. From short nature walks to multi-day treks, there's something for everyone in this beautiful region.

Or visit the Elephant Nature Park, where you'll get to hang with those beautiful, gentle creatures and even bath them in the river. Talk about a one-of-a-kind experience!

Phuket (Day 6-7)

Thailand Islands & Beaches

Time to head down south to the islands of Thailand. Fly from Chiang Mai directly to Phuket, which takes just about 2 hours.

Where To Stay In Phuket

Live in the past as you stay at the 99 Old Town Boutique Guest House. It features Sino-Portuguese architecture set in a historical building right in Phuket Town. The best place to stay if you don't fancy to stay around the beaches of Phuket but rather you want to catch the ferry out to the Phi Phi or the Similan Islands the next morning anyways. Check current rates on Booking.com | Agoda

Otherwise, if you want to stay close to the beach, a good, clean place is the Deevana Plaza Hotel at Patong Beach is a good choice. Check current rates on Booking.com | Agoda

For an indulgent stay in Phuket, the luxurious Vijitt Resort Phuket is a good choice if you don't fancy the craziness of Patong and rather want to stay on the other side of the Phuket peninsular. Check current rates on Booking.com | Agoda

Day 6 – Things To Do In Phuket

Start your trip and marvel at the million mirror reflections at Wat Chalong temple. Then, cool down in Patong Beach or any of the beaches nearby, if you fancy a quieter, less touristy experience.

Tons of restaurants are around here and this is also the place to be for party goers at night. If you fancy something else than beach, take a stroll around the quaint and picture-perfect Old Phuket Town with its mix of colonial and Chinese-style buildings, Sino-Portuguese houses, and charming restaurants and shops.

Your time in Phuket is incomplete without witnessing the grandiose Phuket Fantasea, a colourful cultural show featuring dances, songs, animal shows, and acrobats in a carnival atmosphere. A buffet meal is included.

Day 7 – Things To Do Around Phuket

Day 2 in Phuket starts with a visit to the 45-metre tall Buddha statue located atop a flight of stairs on Nakkerd Hills. This aptly named Big Buddha can even be seen from Karon Beach and Phuket Town.

Aside from seeing this incredible Buddha statue, the place also offers an unrivalled 360-degree panoramic view of the town and beaches below. After visiting the Big Buddha, soak up the sun and then prepare to hit the night market in Patong.

Phi Phi Islands (Day 8-9)

Day 8 – Thailand Island Hopping

Today you'll leave Phuket to go island hopping. Phi Phi Island is a famous spot to visit. Ferries take around two hours to get to the island from Phuket.

Spend your first day on the island by hitting the beach, it's definitely beautiful. Get a tan and grab a snack at the many bay-front restaurants or little shops.

Or go enjoy the surrounding islands and bays in a unique way by boat. I loved visiting Maya Bay where you'll discover the Viking Caves, snorkel and swim at Phi Leh Bay, however the bay is now closed to recover from heavy tourism. There are other boat tours to James Bond Island or many many others though, so don't worry!

diverse Thailand itinerary

Day 9 – Phi Phi Island Hopping

Phi Phi is not just beautiful for its seashores but also its underwater world, so how about going on a diving trip? Perhaps one of the most magical experience you’ll get to have in Thailand is swimming with the bioluminescent plankton at night if you opt for a night dive or overnight boat trip.

Explore the deep blue in world-class dive sites such as King Cruiser Wreck, Shark Point, and Anemone Reef.

If you'd rather get up high instead of below into the water, take a walk to Phi Phi viewpoint for some panoramic views.

what to do in Thailand
Thailand itinerary

Krabi & Ao Nang (Day 10)

Time to depart back to the mainland.

Krabi Town offers a lot of places to stay. For budget travellers, opt for Pak-Up Hostel which is in a good spot and very affordable. A mid-range option is the Sleep Whale Hotel.

But if you're planning to explore the area and not just want to crash and move on, I highly recommend you stay in Ao Nang Beach. A perfect choice right by the beach is Panan Krabi Resort.

Ao Nang is the best starting point to go on a longtail boat and visit some more of Thailand’s pristine islands. Many of the standard island hopping trips will take you to Poda Island, Tup Island, Chicken Island, and Phra Nang Cave which are in the Ao Nang Bay area.

The islands feature uniquely shaped white shores and limestone cliffs that are oh so picture perfect so don’t forget to snap some shots while you’re at it.

Back in Ao Nang, take a stroll around Ao Nang Night Market, a night market to satisfy any foodie’s raging appetite after so many hours in the water and sun.

After that, you can get a cold one at one of the many bars and just chill with reggae beats in the background.

Koh Lanta (Day 11)

Head to the quiet island that is Koh Lanta, known for its coral-fringed beaches, extensive mangroves an rainforest and limestone backdrops.

For travellers on a budget, book your stay at Kaw Kwang Beach Resort, at the northern tip of the island.

You could also consider staying beachfront at the Lanta Sand Resort & Spa if you are looking for a bit more comfort, staying in large, clean and extremely tranquil villas.

where to travel in Thailand

Hop on another boat tour. This will bring you to Koh Chuerk for snorkelling, Emerald Cave for a unique time, Koh Kradan for lunch and sunbathing, and Koh Mah for snorkelling. If you rather stay on solid ground, rent a scooter and have a ride around Koh Lanta, there are many hidden spots to discover, such as the ancient old town with it's wooden houses.

Head back to your accommodation and indulge in a relaxing beachfront massage. End the day with a refreshing drink as you watch the sun set.

Koh Samui, Koh Phangan or Koh Tao (Day 12-14)

Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, and Koh Tao are three of the largest gulf islands of Thailand. All three are magnificent places to enjoy the island life but they have unique features that make one stand out from the rest.

Related Article: Koh Samui, Koh Phangan or Koh Tao – Which Thai Island Should You Choose?

Koh Phangan is infamous for its Full Moon Party. Enjoy its booze, beats, and beach. It tends to attract a younger crowd in general.

Koh Samui is the most developed one. It has luxurious hotel resorts as well as waterparks and fun activities that are family-friendly.

Koh Tao is the island for snorkeling and diving enthusiasts. The marine life around the island will leave you in awe. This is also a great place to get an affordable PADI scuba diving certificate. Weigh your options and visit one of these stunning islands.

Thailand travel itinerary

Extra Places To Visit On Your 2 Week Thailand Itinerary

Pai

If you're in Northern Thailand and you want to explore some more places within the mountains, then I recommend you enjoy a laidback few days at the hippy town of Pai. A few of its major attractions are the Tha Pai Hot Springs, Mo Paeng waterfalls, Pam Bok waterfalls, The Land Split, and Pai Canyon.

In the evening, visit Klang Temple, Wat Phrathat Mae Yen, and Pai Walking Street, which comes alive at night with so many dazzling lights.

You’ll never go wrong with Pai Vimaan Resort as the place to stay. It has a pool, mountain views, and in-house massage.

Related Article: The Best Itinerary To Explore Northern Thailand In 14 Days

Ayutthaya

If you are on your way from Bangkok to Chiang Mai, you could easily make a stop in Ayutthaya for a night.

Many would swear by the beauty of exploring Ayutthaya by bicycle. Go by your own pace and you can stop wherever and whenever you want. Some of the places not to miss are Wat Phra Si Sanphet, Wat Mahathat, and Chan Kasem Museum.

Delight your sweet tooth with Ayutthaya’s delicacy called Roti Sai Mai, which you can buy at the local market. I recommend Baan Tye Wang Hotel as your accommodation. Its local inspired designs in a green surrounding is just what you need to escape to after a long day.

Khao Sok National Park

By far one of the most beautiful Southern Thailand destinations is the Khao Sok National Park where nature lovers and adventure seekers find their fill. You can get here from Surat Thani airport or alternatively from Phuket.

The national park consists of evergreen rainforests, limestone mountains, deep valleys, lakes, and caves. Varied activities are offered like an up close experience with elephants, jungle trekking, canoeing, kayaking, bamboo rafting, boat tours and bird watching.

As I was walking, riding, and sailing my way through these Thai attractions, I couldn’t help but feel the itch to leave right now.

Each place gets through your traveller’s heart and Thailand certainly is one for the books. I hope you’ll have as remarkable an experience as I had as you check off this Thailand travel guide on your own. Enjoy amazing Thailand!

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