2-Week Thailand Itinerary
Two weeks to see Bangkok, the north, and the best southern beaches
Two Weeks: The Sweet Spot for a First Thailand Trip
Two weeks is the most popular duration for first-time visitors to Thailand — long enough to move beyond the surface of Bangkok and explore both the north and south, short enough that you don't need months of planning. This itinerary connects Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Pai, Krabi, Koh Samui, and Phuket in a logical sequence, minimising backtracking and maximising variety. Adjust the beach leg based on season: use the Andaman coast (Phuket, Krabi) from November to April, or swap to Koh Samui and the Gulf coast from May to October.
Day 1
Bangkok: Arrival & Grand Palace Area
Arrive in Bangkok and check in near the Old City or Sukhumvit depending on your budget. Afternoon: Grand Palace, Wat Phra Kaew, and Wat Pho (book Grand Palace tickets online to skip the queue). Evening: longtail boat to Wat Arun, then dinner in Chinatown on Yaowarat Road — roast duck, dim sum, and the best mango sticky rice you'll eat anywhere.
Hotels & Resorts·Bangkok
See all
Millennium Hilton Bangkok
Upscale riverside hotel on the Chao Phraya with strong service and sweeping river views.
Shangri-La Bangkok
Luxury riverside hotel in Bang Rak with Chao Phraya views, acclaimed service, and full resort facilities.
Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok
A legendary riverside hotel in Bangkok's Bang Rak district, offering elegant rooms, world-class dining, and a celebrated spa.
Temples & Culture·Bangkok
See all
Wat Phra Kaew
Bangkok's most sacred temple sits within the Grand Palace complex, home to the revered Emerald Buddha.
The Grand Palace
A breathtaking 18th-century royal palace complex showcasing centuries of Thai history, gold-adorned architecture, and sacred temples.
Wat Arun Ratchawararam Ratchawaramahawihan
An iconic riverside Buddhist temple adorned with intricate porcelain-tiled spires in Bangkok's old city.
Day 2
Bangkok: Markets, Canals & Rooftops
Morning: Or Tor Kor fresh market, then the weekend Chatuchak Market (Saturday/Sunday) or JJ Green night market. Afternoon: canal tour through Bangkok's klongs by longtail boat. Evening: ride the BTS to Silom for sky bar drinks, then Lumphini Park night walk or Sukhumvit street food.
Markets & Shopping·Bangkok
See all
Chatuchak Weekend Market
A sprawling open-air weekend market with 15,000+ stalls across 35 acres, selling everything imaginable.
ICONSIAM
A landmark riverside mall on the Chao Phraya blending luxury shopping with an indoor floating market.
centralwOrld
One of Bangkok's largest shopping complexes, offering premium retail, dining, and entertainment in the city's heart.
Restaurants & Food·Bangkok
See all
Kodtalay The Riverfront Seafood Buffet
Riverfront seafood buffet in Sathorn with fresh grilled prawns, wide variety, and open-air Chao Phraya views.
Mungkorn Seafood @Sukhumvit
Popular seafood buffet BBQ restaurant in Sukhumvit offering all-you-can-eat dining from afternoon into the evening.
Pier 21
A bustling food court on level 5 of Terminal 21, serving affordable Thai classics daily from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM.
Where to stay in Bangkok
Compare live hotel rates for the Bangkok stops in this guide.
Sponsored links — we may earn a commission, at no extra cost to you.
Day 3
Bangkok to Chiang Mai
Morning flight to Chiang Mai (1 hour, from ฿900 on budget carriers). Check in near the Old City moat. Afternoon: walk the Old City temples — Wat Chedi Luang and Wat Phra Singh are the starting points. Evening: Sunday Walking Street if timing is right, otherwise the Night Bazaar for your first Northern Thai khao soi.
Hotels & Resorts·Chiang Mai
See all
Shangri-La Chiang Mai
Upscale hotel near Chiang Mai's Night Bazaar, offering spacious rooms, a pool, spa, and Szechuan dining.
Anantara Chiang Mai Resort
A luxury riverside resort in the heart of Chiang Mai, blending colonial elegance with Thai heritage.
U Chiang Mai Hotel
Chic boutique hotel on Rachadamnoen Rd offering a fitness centre, European bistro, and open-air bar.
Temples & Culture·Chiang Mai
See all
Doi Suthep Temple
A sacred mountaintop Buddhist temple from 1383, offering a golden chedi and sweeping views over Chiang Mai.
Wat Phra That Doi Kham
A hilltop Buddhist temple southwest of Chiang Mai, free to enter and genuinely peaceful year-round.
Wat Chedi Luang
A towering 14th-century ruined chedi at the heart of Chiang Mai's Old City, open daily until late.
Where to stay in Chiang Mai
Compare live hotel rates for the Chiang Mai stops in this guide.
Sponsored links — we may earn a commission, at no extra cost to you.
Don Mueang → Bangkok hotel (or onward to CNX)
Pre-book your Bangkok–Chiang Mai transfer
Don Mueang handles most budget carriers and has thin late-night transport. If your AirAsia flight lands after 10pm, a pre-booked Kiwitaxi is the difference between a smooth onward connection and a frustrated airport-taxi queue. Code THAILAND5 takes 5% off the quote.
THAILAND5Sponsored link — we may earn a small commission when you book with code THAILAND5, at no extra cost to you. Learn more.
Day 4
Chiang Mai: Doi Suthep & Cooking Class
Morning: songthaew up to Doi Suthep — 309 steps to one of Thailand's most important temples with sweeping valley views. Afternoon: half-day Thai cooking class. Evening: traditional northern Thai massage on Loi Kroh Road (1 hour from ฿300).
Activities & Tours·Chiang Mai
See all
Asia Scenic Thai Cooking School
A hands-on Thai cooking school in Chiang Mai's Old City, combining market visits, farm tours, and guided cooking.
Zabb E Lee Thai Cooking School
A highly regarded Chiang Mai cooking school combining a local market tour, farm kitchen, and hands-on Thai cooking classes.
Passionfood Thai Cooking School Chiang Mai
Hands-on Northern Thai cooking classes in central Chiang Mai, with market visits and authentic regional recipes.
Wellness & Spas·Chiang Mai
See all
Zira Spa
A highly regarded luxury spa in Chiang Mai's old town, offering professional massages and treatments daily until 10pm.
Ziri Massage and Spa
A well-regarded massage and spa on the edge of Chiang Mai's historic old city, ideal for unwinding between sightseeing.
Refresh Thai Massage – Old City Chiang Mai
A highly regarded massage spa on Ratchamanka Road, known for skilled therapists and traditional Thai treatments.
Day 5
Chiang Mai: Elephant Sanctuary Day Trip
Full day at an ethical elephant sanctuary — feed, walk, and observe rescued elephants without riding. Most reputable sanctuaries are 45–90 minutes from Chiang Mai and include return transport, lunch, and a full briefing. Book at least 3–5 days in advance during peak season. Evening: Nimman area for café-hopping and dinner.
Activities & Tours·Chiang Mai
See all
Maerim Elephant Sanctuary
A responsible elephant sanctuary in Mae Rim offering hands-on encounters focused on animal welfare and conservation.
Elephant Jungle Sanctuary (Office)
An ethical elephant sanctuary offering jungle walks, bathing experiences, and overnight stays near Chiang Mai.
Wachirathan Waterfall
A powerful, photogenic waterfall in Doi Inthanon National Park with paved paths, multiple viewpoints, and morning rainbows.
Restaurants & Food·Chiang Mai
See all
Central Chiangmai
Chiang Mai's largest modern mall, with two food halls, designer boutiques, and a grocery store along the superhighway.
Nimmanhaemin Road
Chiang Mai's trendiest street, packed with modern cafes, organic eateries, art galleries, and boutique shops.
Khoei Chiang Mai - Northern Food (Chiang Mai Restaurant)
Authentic northern Thai restaurant in Chang Phueak serving traditional Chiang Mai cuisine at mid-range prices.
Where to stay in Chiang Mai
Compare live hotel rates for the Chiang Mai stops in this guide.
Sponsored links — we may earn a commission, at no extra cost to you.
Day 6
Day Trip to Pai
Minivan to Pai (3 hours, ฿150, 762 curves — take travel sickness tablets if prone). Spend the day in this mountain valley town: rent a scooter, visit the Memorial Bridge, Pai Canyon, hot springs, and a waterfall. Stay overnight in Pai (bamboo bungalow from ฿400) or return to Chiang Mai in the evening.
Hotels & Resorts·Pai
See all
Pai Village Boutique Resort
Charming boutique resort in the heart of Pai, offering rustic huts, lush gardens, and free breakfast.
Reverie Siam Resort
A colonial-style resort in Pai with chic villas, saltwater pools, and refined dining amid mountain surroundings.
The Oia Pai Resort
A well-regarded mountain resort in Pai offering a relaxing base for exploring northern Thailand's scenic Mae Hong Son region.
Activities & Tours·Pai
See all
Elephant Nature Park
A genuine elephant rescue sanctuary near Chiang Mai where rescued elephants roam freely in natural surroundings.
Doi Kiew Lom Viewpoint
A popular Mae Hong Son Loop viewpoint with east-west mountain panoramas, a café, and roadside facilities.
Chiang Dao Wildlife Sanctuary
A protected mountain wilderness near Chiang Dao offering guided hiking through jungle, waterfalls, and rare wildlife.
Where to stay in Pai
Compare live hotel rates for the Pai stops in this guide.
Sponsored links — we may earn a commission, at no extra cost to you.
Day 7
Fly South to Krabi
Return to Chiang Mai and fly south to Krabi (via Bangkok, 3–4 hours, from ฿1,500). Check in to Ao Nang. Afternoon: acclimatise at the beach, take a longtail to Railay for sunset. Ao Nang beachfront dinner.
Hotels & Resorts·Krabi
See all
Sofitel Krabi Phokeethra Golf & Spa Resort
Luxury resort near Krabi combining a championship golf course, full-service spa, and tropical grounds.
The ShellSea Krabi I Luxury Beach Resort & Pool Villas
Luxury beachfront resort in Krabi offering refined rooms, pool villas, two pools, and a spa.
The Tubkaak Krabi Boutique Resort
A beachfront boutique resort in Krabi offering pool villas, bay views, two restaurants, and a spa.
beaches·Krabi
See all
Railay West Beach
A stunning limestone-framed beach on the Railay Peninsula, accessible only by longtail boat from Ao Nang.
Long Beach Koh Phi Phi
A quieter alternative to Phi Phi's main beaches, with turquoise water, soft sand, and dramatic limestone scenery.
Railay Beach
A boat-access peninsula in Krabi framed by dramatic limestone cliffs, offering fine sand beaches and rock climbing.
Day 8
Krabi: Islands & Snorkelling
Full-day Four Islands or Phi Phi Islands boat trip (฿1,400–2,500). Snorkelling at coral reefs, beach stop at one of the Andaman's most iconic locations, lunch on board. Back in Ao Nang by 5pm — evening at Tiger Cave Temple viewpoint for the famous 1,237-step climb and panoramic sunset views.
Activities & Tours·Krabi
See all
DPM Diving Koh Phi Phi
SSI-affiliated scuba diving centre on Koh Phi Phi offering courses and guided dives for all levels.
Ao Phang Nga National Park
A protected marine park of limestone karsts, mangrove forests, and iconic islands rising from emerald waters.
Phi Phi Viewpoint 2
A steep but rewarding climb above Koh Phi Phi Don, offering sweeping panoramic views across twin bays and limestone peaks.
Restaurants & Food·Krabi
See all
Kodam Kitchen branch 1
Beloved budget Thai restaurant in Ao Nang serving consistent classics daily from 11am to 10:30pm.
Tong Talay Seafood Buffet
All-you-can-eat seafood buffet in Ao Nang where diners grill or boil fresh catches at the table.
Tandoori Night's Restaurant
Highly regarded budget Indian and Thai restaurant in Ao Nang, open daily until 1:00 AM.
Where to stay in Krabi
Compare live hotel rates for the Krabi stops in this guide.
Sponsored links — we may earn a commission, at no extra cost to you.
Day 9
Ferry to Koh Samui
Morning ferry from Krabi to Koh Samui via Koh Phangan (3–4 hours). Check in to a beachside hotel. Afternoon: explore Chaweng Beach or the quieter north coast. Evening: Fisherman's Village walking street at Bophut — live music, fresh seafood, and local crafts.
Hotels & Resorts·Koh Samui
See all
Explorar Koh Samui
Stylish beachside resort in Mae Nam with infinity pool, gulf views, and highly rated service.
Baan Haad Ngam Boutique Resort & Villas
Beachfront boutique resort on Koh Samui's quieter north coast, with villa-style rooms and attentive staff.
Buri Rasa Village Samui Adults Only Resort (16+)
Adults-only waterfront resort on Chaweng Beach offering lush tropical grounds, a spa, and refined dining.
beaches·Koh Samui
See all
Lamai Beach
A laid-back stretch of white sand on Koh Samui, ideal for swimming, sunbathing, and beachside dining.
Bo Phut Beach
A relaxed northern Koh Samui beach best known for its charming Fisherman's Village dining and evening atmosphere.
Chaweng Beach
Koh Samui's most popular stretch of sand, buzzing with resorts, restaurants, and beach bars.
Day 10
Koh Samui: Beach & Island Life
Rent a scooter and circle the island: Big Buddha in the morning, Grandfather and Grandmother Rocks, Lamai Beach for lunch, Na Muang Waterfall in the jungle interior, and a hilltop sunset viewpoint. Evening: full Thai massage to recover, then street food dinner near the night market.
Activities & Tours·Koh Samui
See all
Big Blue Diving School Koh Tao
PADI-certified diving school on Sairee Beach offering courses and guided dives for all experience levels.
Hawk Adventure Zipline Park Koh Samui
A jungle zipline course in Koh Samui's tropical interior, praised for outstanding guides and treetop views.
Mu Ko Ang Thong National Marine Park
A stunning island archipelago national park offering snorkelling, kayaking, trekking, and dramatic limestone scenery.
Wellness & Spas·Koh Samui
See all
Dusita Spa 2
A highly regarded spa in Bo Put offering Thai massage, hair spa, and nail services in a calm, cosy setting.
Thai Garden
A highly regarded massage spa in Bo Put offering skilled therapists and a calm, oasis-like retreat from Koh Samui's busier strips.
Nakee Thai Massage ( Bo Phut - Koh Samui )
A well-regarded massage studio in Bo Phut village, known for skilled therapists and consistent, personalised treatments.
Day 11
Koh Samui: Ang Thong Marine Park
Full-day Ang Thong Marine Park tour — one of Thailand's most spectacular natural sites, a chain of 42 islands with emerald lakes, dramatic karsts, snorkelling reefs, and hidden beaches. Tours depart 8am from Na Thon pier and return by 5pm (฿1,400–1,800 including equipment and lunch). Highly recommended.
Activities & Tours·Koh Samui
See all
Hin Ta Hin Yai
Free-entry coastal rock formations on Lamai Beach, famous for their striking natural shapes and scenic ocean views.
Samui Zipline & Adventure
Jungle zipline and off-road adventure park in Koh Samui's Lipanoi area, open daily 9am–5pm.
The Jungle Club
Clifftop restaurant and bar in Koh Samui's hills, offering sweeping coastal views and Thai cuisine.
Restaurants & Food·Koh Samui
See all
THE COCOON - SAMUI VIEWPOINT
Hilltop restaurant and bar in Koh Samui with panoramic jungle and ocean views, iconic hanging nets, and all-day dining.
THAI KITCHEN RESTAURANT
Highly rated Thai kitchen on Bo Put Beach Road, open daily until 2am with home-style cooking and fast, friendly service.
4 SPICES | Samui viewpoint restaurant כשר
Kosher-certified hilltop restaurant in Koh Samui with panoramic island views and evening dining.
Where to stay in Koh Samui
Compare live hotel rates for the Koh Samui stops in this guide.
Sponsored links — we may earn a commission, at no extra cost to you.
Day 12
Ferry or Fly to Phuket
Ferry to Don Sak pier then 2-hour drive to Phuket (or fly via Surat Thani, 1 hour). Check in to Phuket accommodation — Kata or Surin beaches for quieter beach vibes; Patong for nightlife. Afternoon: explore Phuket Old Town's Sino-Portuguese streets, street art, and local coffee shops.
Hotels & Resorts·Phuket
See all
Centara Grand Beach Resort Phuket
Upscale beachfront resort on Karon Beach with a water park, spa, fine dining, and famously warm staff.
Banyan Tree Phuket
Award-winning luxury resort in Phuket's north, known for private pool villas and an exceptional spa.
Phuket Marriott Resort & Spa, Merlin Beach
A sprawling beachside resort in Patong with three pools, a spa, and ten dining options.
Restaurants & Food·Phuket
See all
Three Monkeys Restaurant
A treetop jungle village restaurant and bar in Phuket's Wichit area, open daily until 1:00 AM.
Zuri Restaurant Patong Beach Phuket - Best Cocktails | Turkish | Indian | Thai Food
Three menus — Turkish, Indian, and Thai — plus serious cocktails, open daily until 3 AM in Patong.
Amritsr Old Town
Authentic Punjabi restaurant on Phuket Old Town's Soi Rommanee, open daily from 9am to midnight.
Day 13
Phuket: Phang Nga Bay & Beaches
Morning: Phang Nga Bay day trip by speedboat — James Bond Island, sea caves, and a floating Muslim village. Back by 3pm. Afternoon: Kata Noi or Surin beach. Evening: rooftop bar sundowners, then one of Phuket's excellent rooftop restaurants for a final night dinner.
Activities & Tours·Phuket
See all
Promthep Cape
Iconic southern Phuket headland offering sweeping Andaman Sea panoramas, famous for spectacular sunset views.
Karon Viewpoint Phuket
A scenic hilltop lookout offering sweeping panoramic views of three Phuket beaches in a single frame.
Pi Leh Bay
A sheltered limestone lagoon on Koh Phi Phi Leh, famed for calm emerald waters and dramatic cliff scenery.
beaches·Phuket
See all
Patong Beach
Phuket's most famous 3km beach on the Andaman Sea, buzzing with water sports, dining, and nightlife.
Karon Beach
A 4km stretch of golden sand in Phuket, known for calm, clear water and spectacular sunsets.
Freedom Beach
A secluded white-sand beach near Patong with crystal-clear water, far removed from the crowds.
Day 14
Phuket: Final Morning & Departure
Last morning at your chosen beach — Surin, Kamala, or Bang Tao are calmer and more beautiful than Patong. Allow 90 minutes to reach Phuket International Airport from Kata/Karon area. Grab a final pad thai from a street stall on the way. Safe travels.
beaches·Phuket
See all
Banana Beach (Koh Hey)
A secluded coral-fringed island off Phuket with crystal-clear water, white sand, and a full range of water activities.
Kata Beach
A popular white-sand beach in Phuket, known for golden sunsets, water sports, and a lively beachfront strip.
Kata Noi Beach
A sheltered, peaceful cove in Phuket with clear turquoise water, clean sand, and a relaxed atmosphere.
Wellness & Spas·Phuket
See all
Sansabai Massage 2
Skilled traditional Thai massage spa in Phuket Town, praised for expert therapists and a clean, spacious setting.
SAii Laguna Phuket
A beachfront resort on Bang Tao Beach offering a relaxed lagoon setting within the Laguna Phuket complex.
NARA MASSAGE & SPA PHUKET (Chalong, Patak Rd.)
A highly regarded day spa in Chalong offering Thai massage, facials, and beauty treatments daily until 10:30 PM.
Where to stay in Phuket
Compare live hotel rates for the Phuket stops in this guide.
Sponsored links — we may earn a commission, at no extra cost to you.
Essential Tips for 2 Weeks in Thailand
Pace Yourself — Don't Over-Schedule
Two weeks sounds long but fills up fast. Build in at least two 'free' half-days with no plans — these become your best travel memories. Thailand rewards spontaneity: a conversation at breakfast might lead to a hidden waterfall or a local festival. Over-scheduling leads to exhaustion by day 8. The goal is to arrive home rested, not relieved.
Use Thailand's Cheap Laundry Services
Laundry shops are everywhere in Thailand — ฿40–60 per kilogram, returned folded and fresh within 24 hours. This means you can travel with 5–7 days of clothing and wash midway through. Drop off in the morning, pick up the next day. Hotels charge 3–5x more for the same service. Guesthouses often have laundry partnerships with nearby shops.
Do a Mid-Trip Budget Check
Around day 7, tally your spending against your overall budget. Island activities (boat trips, diving, spa treatments) tend to cost more than city days, so the second week can surprise you. A ฿500 dinner in Phuket buys three meals in Chiang Mai. Adjust your final-week dining and activities if you're running ahead of budget.
Get Travel Insurance Before You Leave
A 14-day multi-destination trip increases your exposure to flight cancellations, lost luggage, ferry delays, and medical issues. Comprehensive travel insurance (with medical evacuation cover) costs $30–60 for two weeks and is worth every cent. Ensure your policy covers motorbike riding if you plan to rent scooters — most basic policies exclude it.
Check Visa Duration and Extensions
Most Western nationalities receive a 60-day visa exemption on arrival — plenty for two weeks. If you're considering extending your trip, visit an Immigration office (found in every major city) before your exemption expires for a 30-day extension (฿1,900). Overstaying carries fines of ฿500 per day and potential blacklisting.
Planning a shorter trip or need destination details? Check these guides:
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about 2-week thailand itinerary.
Where to stay during your trip
Start with Bangkok below — this guide also covers Chiang Mai, Pai, Krabi, Koh Samui, Phuket, all searchable on each booking site.
We may earn a commission from bookings made through these links — at no extra cost to you. Learn more.
Explore More in This Guide
You Might Also Like
10 Days in Thailand Itinerary
Ten days. Five destinations. Thailand at its full range.
7 Days in Thailand
One week. Three cities. Thailand in full.
5 Days in Phuket
Island hopping, limestone cliffs, and sunsets that stop time.
3 Days in Bangkok
Temples, street food, and skyline bars — Bangkok in 72 hours.
Things to Do in Bangkok
Temples, tuk-tuks, and street food at every turn
Ready to build your itinerary?
Use our free itinerary builder to save places, organise days, and share your trip.
Open Itinerary Builder