2-Week Thailand Itinerary

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.

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.

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.

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).

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.