14-Day Thailand Itinerary: A First Timers Complete Guide
If this is your first time in Thailand, this 14-day Thailand itinerary is the perfect guide for your visit. Thailand is one of our all-time favorite travel destinations. We always say it’s the perfect holiday destination because it provides a little of everything for travelers of every type. From white sandy beaches with warm turquoise waters, and tropical jungles to vibrant cities, glittering golden temples, and delicious food, there’s so much to see and do in the Land of Smiles.
In fact, with so many amazing places to visit in Thailand, it can be quite tricky trying to figure out where to start your planning, what places to visit in Thailand, and how long you need.
After recently spending some time in Thailand, we’ve put together the perfect 14-day Thailand itinerary to ensure you have the best time possible. If you have 2 weeks in Thailand, this is sufficient to split your time in the north and south in some of the main cities and islands. You’re never going to see it all in one visit, so we figured this would be a good starting point to cover the islands of Phuket and Krabi and the cities of Bangkok and Chiang Mai.
The north and south of Thailand are quite different. The north has its own distinct culture, a plethora of unique temples, elephant sanctuaries, and beautiful nature trails. While the south of Thailand is filled with some of the most beautiful beaches, tall limestone cliffs, excellent snorkeling, and plenty of island-hopping day trips.
This 14-day Thailand itinerary will give you the perfect balance of beautiful beaches, vibrant nightlife, and temple hopping all while eating your way through the country.
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14-Day Thailand Itinerary: Overview
Here’s a quick overview of your 14-day Thailand itinerary. This itinerary takes the hassle out of planning and will ensure you have the most memorable time in Thailand.
| Day | City/Island | Itinerary |
| Day 1 | Phuket | Visit beaches of Phuket |
| Day 2 | Phuket | Phuket day tour |
| Day 3 | Phuket | Day trip to Phi Phi Islands |
| Day 4 | Phuket | Elephant Sanctuary and Shopping |
| Day 5 | Krabi | Visit the beaches of Phuket |
| Day 6 | Krabi | 4 Islands Tour, Krabi Town, Muay Thai Match |
| Day 7 | Krabi | Emerald Pools and Tiger Cave |
| Day 8 | Bangkok | Lumpini Park, Siam Center/ Siam Paragon, Central World, Rooftop Bar |
| Day 9 | Bangkok | Bangkok: Temple Hopping |
| Day 10 | Bangkok | Chatuchak and Pratunam Markets Chinatown, Street Food & Nightlife |
| Day 11 | Chiang Mai | Explore Old Town and Night Markets |
| Day 12 | Chiang Mai | Cooking Class and Doi Suthep |
| Day 13 | Chiang Mai | Day trip from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai or Doi Inthanon Nation Park |
| Day 14 | Chiang Mai | Depart Thailand |
Book in Advance
We recommend booking your transport, accommodation, and tours in advance so when you get to Thailand you can relax and enjoy your trip. Also if you are traveling during peak season (between Nov and March, you want to make sure you get the best deals ahead of time.
You can use Airbnb or Booking.com for accommodation and hotels, Get Your Guide and Viator for day tours and day trips, and 12 Go Asia to book flights, trains, buses, and ferries in Thailand.
Your 14-day Thailand itinerary starts in Phuket with a day trip to the Phi Phi Islands. From Phuket, you’ll make your way to Krabi and spend a few days exploring the island as well as making day trips to nearby islands.
Following your visit to Krabi, you’ll fly to the North and make your way to the capital city of Bangkok. Here you’ll have a chance to experience some great street food and spend time shopping.
Finally, you’ll head to the far north and visit the beautiful city of Chiang Mai where you’ll spend a few days exploring the Old City, taking a fun cooking class and eating your way through Chiang Mai. Chiang Mai makes a good base for day trips around northern Thailand. So, you’ll have the option to take day trips to places like Chiang Rai.
Hope you are as excited to make your first trip to Thailand as I was many years ago. So, let’s get started and right into your 14-day Thailand itinerary. Remember, nothing here is concrete until you decide on a plan. This is a guide to help you plan the best holiday with places and activities that are highly recommended based on our experience.
14-Day Thailand Itinerary: A First Timers Complete Guide
If you are a first-time visitor to Thailand, then oh boy, you are about to fall in love with this country. Apart from the warm people, great culture, and delicious food, you’ll be blown away by the beautiful pristine white sandy beaches, beautiful golden temples, sticky mango rice, amazing shopping, and of course the incredibly cheap massages.
If you follow this itinerary, you’ll find that you’ll be able to cover quite a bit of ground during your two weeks in Thailand. Of course, feel free to change things around, add, or take off places from this itinerary, but make sure you have created a concrete plan for yourself before you go.
This 14-day Thailand itinerary starts in Phuket and ends in Chiang Mai. However, you can begin at any major city that has a big airport. So, you could begin your 14-day Thailand itinerary in Bangkok or even Chiang Mai. The idea behind this itinerary is that you don’t have to spend a day to double back to the original city you flew into.
This itinerary covers the south and north of Thailand and includes a little bit of everything. You’ll visit places like Phuket, Krabi, Bangkok, and Chiang Mai, which will act as firm bases and from there you can take further day trips. This way you don’t have to move around too much with all your luggage.
This guide worked well for us and even some of our friends, so now we are sharing it with you so you too can have the best holiday in Thailand.
Day 1: Arrive in Phuket
Phuket is the largest island in Thailand and is known to be the pearl of the Andaman Sea. It offers visitors a plethora of things to do from its pristine beaches, natural beauty, diverse attractions, rich culture, and vibrant nightlife. Whether you’re a couple, a family, or a group of friends visiting Phuket, you’ll have plenty of options to keep you busy.
It’s easy to get caught up in all the attractions because there’s so much to do. So remember to put some time aside to enjoy the beautiful beaches in Phuket. Once you’ve had your share of the beaches, there is plenty of culture and history to explore in Phuket. This itinerary covers some of the best places to visit in Phuket including top attractions like the Big Buddha, Wat Chalong and the beautiful beaches of Phuket.
On day 1 you’ll settle into your accommodation and get a feel for the island. We’d recommend staying in Karon or Kata for an enjoyable experience. You can check out our blog post which gives you a little more information about the best areas to start in Phuket.
Spend the rest of your day exploring the neighborhoods of Karon and Kata and spend some time relaxing on the beaches. Get a massage on your very first day, cause God knows you deserve it after that long flight to Thailand! You can visit the Kata night markets for an easy dinner.
We have a detailed blog post on the top places to visit in Phuket including how to get around the island, day trips from the island and so much more. So be sure to check it out.
Day 2: Explore the island of Phuket
Today you’ll start early to make the most of your time exploring the island. We highly recommend booking a private tour or a tour of some sort to help you get around the island. The island is massive so using public transport to see all the attractions is not recommended in this scenario. And taxis can be expensive in Phuket. Alternatively, if you are traveling as a couple, you can hire a scooter for the day and explore on your own.
This Phuket day tour visits a lot of the top attractions on the island. The best part is you can enjoy a hassle-free round-trip transfer from your hotel in an air-conditioned vehicle. The guide will provide an interesting insight into Thai culture and Phuket’s history. The tours usually last between 5 to 6 hours. The important thing is to start early, around 8 am so you beat most of the crowds. Try to get to Big Buddha and Wat Chalong first. These are two of the busiest attractions in Phuket. Here are some of the highlights of the tour:
- Big Buddha
- Wat Chalong
- Phuket Old Town
- Nai Harn Beach
- Promthep Cape
- Banzan Fresh Market
- Mai Khao Beach
- Karon viewpoint
After you get dropped off at your accommodation, make your way to one of the night markets to enjoy some delicious Thai delicacies. If you are feeling up to it, you can head to Bangla Road in Patong to get a feel for the atmosphere of this place at night.
Finish the day with another relaxing massage. Trust us, they are so cheap (as low as $10) that you’ll want to get one every day of your two weeks in Thailand.
Day 3: Day trip to the Phi Phi Islands
Phuket makes a great base for exploring some of the other beautiful islands. To minimise moving hotels you can also see a lot by taking island-hopping day trips from Phuket.
One of the best day trips from Phuket is to the insanely popular Koh Phi Phi islands and Maya Bay. For a more relaxing 14-day Thailand itinerary we recommend taking just one day trip to Koh Phi Phi and Maya Bay. This tour includes all the main spots including Maya Bay, Bamboo Island, Phi Phi Don, Viking Cave, and Pileh Lagoon. You’ll also get a delicious buffet lunch at Phi Phi Don and be able to snorkel in some pretty cool spots along the way.
It’s a long day out on the water. So you’ll want to keep the evening nice and easy and head out for a relaxing dinner and possibly a massage if you feel like one 🙂
Note: If you are prone to seasickness, carry some medication with you. You can find them at the pharmacies in Phuket. Some tours also provide you with a tablet, but check ahead of time.
Other great day trips include James Bond Island and the Similan Islands.
Day 4: Elephant Sanctuary and shopping
Today you have the choice to visit an Elephant Sanctuary. You’ll find several Elephant Sanctuaries across Thailand. But make sure you find one that’s ethical with no riding and provides a safe and natural environment for rescued elephants.
Keep in mind you’ll be visiting Chiang Mai later in the trip, so if you prefer to visit an elephant sanctuary up North and leave the south for beach days, then that’s completely up to you.
Option A: Visit Green Elephant Sanctuary who have an incredible facility for rescued elephants. They currently have a total of 14 elephants and a baby elephant. They have a half-day morning tour from 6.30 am to 12 pm, and it includes the following:
- Pick up/ drop off from accommodation
- Feeding and bathing the elephants
- A presentation about the park, its vision, and of course, the elephants
- Delicious Thai buffet lunch, soft drinks
The great thing about the morning tour is you’re done by midday and have the rest of the day to explore or do whatever you desire. Alternatively, they also have an afternoon tour.
Option B: Spend the morning at Patong Beach followed by a walk down the famous Bangla Road. Then head to Jungceylon for some shopping.
Use the second half of the day to do some shopping. There are plenty of shops in Patong for shopping, walk down the main road and don’t be afraid to bargain, within reason of course.
Option C: Take another day trip to one of the islands: James Bond Island Similan Islands .
We did say this 14-day Thailand itinerary is pretty flexible. It gives you a range of options and the flexibility to swap things out if you choose to.
Day 5: Head to Krabi by road
We found getting to Krabi by road to be the easiest option. The ferry seemed like far too much work with all our luggage and the journey via flight felt like it would be too long including time to the airport and the early arrival at the airport. If you are a solo traveler or a couple, you may opt for the ferry or the flight.
Hire a car or van to get you to Krabi especially if you are traveling as a family. It takes just under 3 hours and it’s money well spent. It costs anywhere between 2800 Baht and 3200 baht for a private transfer in a comfortable air-conditioned vehicle.
Krabi is home to spectacular limestone formations, lush green forests, a beautiful coastline, and heaps of tiny islands not far from its shores. It’s similar to Phuket in many ways but offers a more laid-back experience.
Upon arrival in Krabi, you’ll settle into your accommodation and explore the night markets and Ao Nang beach. Witness an incredible sunset on the beach. They even have a fire show around 8 pm on the beach, so keep an eye out for that.
Walk along the promenade which has many shops and restaurants. Grab a drink at one of the many bars and enjoy the great Krabi nightlife. If you are looking for a place to get a nice foot massage at the end of the night, head to Kaohom Massage just off the main road.
Note: There are two main spots to base yourselves in Krabi; Ao Nang or Krabi Town. We stayed in Ao Nang as its closer to the beach and a good base for day trips. Highly recommend you do the same as Krabi town has no beaches which means you’ll have to make your way to Ao Nang each time you want to take any day trips or visit the beach.
Day 6: Explore Krabi and the nearby islands
Morning – Day trip to the islands
There are plenty of day trips that leave from the famous Ao Nang beach.
One of the popular island-hopping trips to take from Krabi is the 4 Islands Tour. It’s probably one of the best day trips in Thailand along with the Phi Phi Islands. You’ll visit Koh Poda, Chicken Island, Koh Tub (and Koh Mar), and of course Railay Beach. This tour is one of the best things to do in Krabi, so make sure you book it well in advance.
If you are traveling as a family or in a large group, we strongly recommend booking a private longtail boat for one of these trips. You’ll get about 6 to 7 hours for around 3000 baht. This way you can customize your trip and start and finish whenever you like. Alternatively, you can book one of these trips which will also do the trick. If you want an option that includes lunch, you can check out this tour.
We strongly recommend starting early and leaving Ao Nang Beach around 7.30 am. Visit Railay Beach first as it gets incredibly busy during the day. The boats will usually take you to Railay Beach West. From here, you can walk to Phra Nang Beach which is beautiful in itself. Take a walk by Phra Nang Cave. Locals make offerings to Phra Nang herself, the Princess Goddess. This is a sacred place and should be treated with respect by anybody visiting there.
From Railay, you can make your way to the other islands. On a private trip, you usually get about an hour to explore each island. You don’t get off at Chicken Island, however, there is great snorkeling nearby so don’t miss out on that.
The famous Railay Beach is not a place to miss on this trip. Even though it’s located in Krabi, Railay is cut off from the mainland by thick jungle and rugged cliffs. The only way to get there is by boat.
Note: If you want more time on Railay, we suggest taking a longtail boat on another day so you can spend the day there. You may want to pack a picnic as prices on Railay are higher than those on the mainland. Longtails usually charge you about 150 baht to go to Railay from Ao Nang Beach. They wait till the boats are full before they leave Ao Nang beach. Just make note of the last boat from Railay as you don’t want to miss out on getting back to the mainland.
Other day trips from Ao Nang Beach
While this particular Thailand itinerary only has time for you to take a day trip, here are a few more day trips you can consider taking from Ao Nang Beach.
- Hong Island
- Phi Phi Islands + 4 islands This one is a great option because it includes the Phi Phi Islands as well as the 4 islands.
- James Bond Island
Evening – Krabi Town and/or Muay Thai match
The great thing about starting your day early is you are left with the rest of the day after your excursion to do whatever you like.
Once you return from your island-hopping excursion, grab some ice cream or a cool refreshing drink and chill out for a while. You can then make your way to Krabi Town to catch the night markets (check that these are on before you head there). Finish the night off with a Muay Thai match or enjoy the nightlife in Krabi.
Day 7: Emerald Pools and Tiger Cave
On your last day in Krabi, you’ll get to explore the areas outside of Ao Nang. You’ll make your way to the famous Tiger Cave Temple and its viewpoint, the relaxing Krabi hot springs, and the stunning Emerald Pool. This tour that covers all these locations and includes lunch.
You can rent a scooter or a car to get around, but we recommend joining a day trip, to make the most of your time. The best part is you don’t have to worry about transportation or parking.
Note: To get to the top of Tiger Cave, you have to climb 1260 steep steps. So, if you aren’t feeling up to it, you may want to skip this and book this tour instead.
Remember, these places are busy tourist attractions so they do get quite crowded and sometimes make the experience a little unenjoyable when you are trying to navigate through large crowds. While this itinerary gives you an idea of what you can do in each place, you can easily swap things out. If you’d much rather have a relaxing day, head back to Ao Nang Beach or even better take a longtail boat to Railay and relax there for the day.
You can have dinner at the famous Red Chilli Thai Restaurant which serves incredible Thai food.
Finally, end your day at Ao Nang Beach. It is the perfect spot to end your 3-day trip to Krabi. Watching the sunset here is one of the most magical things to do in Krabi.
Day 8: Fly to Bangkok
Fly to Bangkok in the morning so you can check out some of the attractions below in the afternoon.
Bangkok is one of the world’s most cosmopolitan places and offers a plethora of things to do. You’ll have to keep in mind that Thailand’s capital is a very large city, so the traffic and crowds can be crazy. Just embrace the chaos while exploring all the sights and attractions.
You’ll find beautiful temples, delicious food, and lots of rooftop bars in the city. If you are a shopper, then brace yourself and your wallet as you’ll go crazy with all the shopping the city has to offer. You’ll find everything from high-end luxury stores to cheap little markets.
On day one in Bangkok, you’ll take it easy and visit a few attractions followed by some shopping.
Lumpini Park
While this park makes it on a lot of Bangkok guides, it’s not an absolute must. We’ve seen better parks and while it was nice to take a stroll through the park, if you are short on time and tired from your travels, we’d say skip it. You’ll see plenty of monitor lizards handing around the ponds of the park.
Siam Center/ Siam Paragon
Shop till you drop and that’s exactly what you’ll do here. You’ll find the more affordable stuff at Siam Center and the luxury, high-class goods at Siam Paragon. Check both places as they offer a vast range of things for all budgets. Don’t forget to bargain when you are buying things from the street.
Central World
Located a few minutes away from Siam Center/Paragon, this huge mall has many shops, a huge food court, and massage parlors. It’s worth a visit if you aren’t feeling too shattered on your first day in the city.
Rooftop Bar
Finish day 1 in Bangkok at a rooftop bar. No better way to unwind than with a cocktail in your hand and a beautiful view of the city. Here are some well-known rooftop bars in Bangkok.
- Abar Rooftop
- Above Eleven
- Brewski
- Cru Champagne Bar
- Penthouse Rooftop
- SkyBar (made famous from the movie The Hangover)
Note: You’ll have to be dressed to enter most rooftop bars. Men in long pants and shoes. No slippers/ flip flops are allowed. Check the requirements before you visit a bar.
Day 9: Temple Hopping in Bangkok
The best way to get around Bangkok’s top attractions is via boat. Yes, you read that right! The city is always so crowded and getting from place A to B can take ages. The hop-on hop-off boat is the best way to enjoy the river and see the sights of Bangkok. You can buy a day pass and use it to get to all the attractions listed below. Trust us when we say it’s the most optimized way of getting across the city and covering all the attractions in one day.
Choose the public ferry (orange flag), which will make stops along both sides of the river at various points of interest. The rivers and canals are the heart of Bangkok, and its cross-river ferries are still the main transportation for the locals. You’ll be able to get off at each stop and spend as long as you like exploring the historic monuments and temples. When you’re ready to go, simply walk back to whatever ferry station you got off at, and hop back on the next ferry.
You’ll spend day two in Bangkok covering some of the beautiful temples in the city and other attractions like The Grand Palace and Khao San Road. Follow the order of the attractions below as this will be your best route for the day. (It does pay to map out beforehand what you’d like to see and which ferry stops you need to get to. That way you won’t spend a lot of time on the day trying to figure out the logistics of the ferry)
The Grand Palace and the Temple of the Emerald Buddha
You’ll want to make this your first stop as it gets insanely crowded as the day goes by. The Grand Palace is one of the most popular and top things to do in Bangkok. Aim to be here for the opening, which is around 8.30 am. Once you enter the gates, there is a ticket booth from where you can buy tickets. At 500 baht per person, this will be your most expensive attraction in Bangkok, and probably Thailand.
The grounds are massive with beautiful temples, royal residences, and the famous Temple of the Emerald Buddha (Was Phra Kaew), Thailand’s most important Buddhist temple. This temple is a must-see in Thailand.
Wat Pho (reclining Buddha)
From the Grand Palace, it is about a 10-minute walk to Wat Pho Temple (the Temple of the Reclining Buddha). You can also take the ferry but it’s easier to walk across to this temple.
This 16th-century temple is home to one of the largest reclining Buddhas in the world. The gleaming, gold leaf statue is 46 m long and 15 m high. It’s so large, that it feels like it’s being squeezed into the temple. There are also other small chapels that you can explore on the grounds.
Wang Lang Market (have lunch here)
By this point, you are probably hot and hungry. So make your way to the closest ferry pier and take the ferry to Wang Lang Market. There are plenty of places to eat and drink here, check the reviews before you walk into a place and grab yourself some delicious food. You’ll also find plenty of street vendors should you wish to grab food on the go.
Note: We wanted to try the famous restaurant called “The Sixth” near Wat Pho, but it only has a handful of tables and the wait was very long. So we decided to head to Wang Lang Market to experience that as well as grab some food there. You could, of course, get food at a restaurant near Wat Pho if you wanted to skip Wang Lang Markets.
Wat Arun (Temple of the Dawn)
After lunch, you can jump back on the ferry and head to Wat Arun pier. This magnificent temple will leave you speechless. From its steps, you’ll have spectacular views out over the river and of Bangkok.
Khao San Road
Your second last stop for the day will be Khao San Road. Once you have finished admiring the beautiful Wat Arun, get back on the ferry at the pier and make your way to Khao San Road, which also happens to be the last stop for the ferry.
This world-famous street becomes pedestrian-friendly at night when vendors and street food stalls spill out into the street. You’ll find everything here from deep-fried insects, t-shirts, and other souvenirs. Pull up a chair at one of the many street vendors and enjoy a delicious pad Thai and some spring rolls with an ice-cold Chang beer. Finish off with sticky mango rice of course.
If you’d like to stay longer at Khao San Road and grab a drink at one of the many trendy bars, you could take a Grab or Bolt to Asiatique later.
Asiatique: The Riverfront
If you make the last ferry to go to Asiatique, it’s well worthwhile. As the ferry leaves No. 13 Phra Arthit Pier, you’ll catch an incredible sunset and watch the city come to life. On your way to Asiatique, you’ll see plenty of dinner cruise boats lit up along the Chao Praya River. In our opinion, you don’t really need to do one of these overpriced dinner cruises because you are getting the best on the hop -on hop- on boat anyway.
Asiatique is a great way to end day 2 in Bangkok. This place is a large open-air mall with a giant Ferris wheel, plenty of restaurants and bars, and other entertainment around. Get yourself some ice cream and take a walk through and if you are feeling brave enough you can ride on the Ferris wheel.
Note 1: Make sure you wear appropriate clothing today. Men and women must have their shoulders and knees covered to visit The Grand Palace and Temples
Note 2: On your way to certain temples, you may get stopped and asked if you are headed in that direction and then get told that the temple you’re going to is closed. These people are SCAMMERS, do NOT believe them. Do your own research and always head to the temple or attraction and check things out for yourself.
Day 10: Chatuchak and Pratunam Markets, Chinatown, Street Food & Nightlife
After a full day of temple hopping and exploring some of Bangkok’s top attractions, today you’ll experience some of the other top places to visit in Thailand’s capital city.
You’ll start with the Chatuchak Weekend Market. Contrary to its name, this market opens up selected parts during the week for the general public. So if you aren’t in Bangkok on a weekend, don’t fret, you can still take a walk around the markets. Just note that not all the shops will be open during the week.
Depending on where you are staying in Bangkok, you can take the Skytrain to Mo Chit BTS Station or the underground to Chatuchak MRT station. For an easier option, take a Grab directly to the market.
If you’re in Bangkok on a weekend you will not want to miss this market. Allow a few hours to walk around here as it’s massive. There are over 15,000 stalls and you can find everything from clothes, shoes, souvenirs, food, and many other things.
When you need some reprieve from the hot sun, find some delicious coconut ice cream and a shady spot. YUM!
Pratunam Market
From Chatuchak market jump into a Grab and make your way to Pratunam market for some cheap shopping. You won’t find any luxury stores here, but you’ll get some good bargains along the way.
Tuk Tuk Night Tour
Drop your bags off after all that shopping and freshen up before your Tuk Tuk night tour. You’ll experience the magic of Bangkok at night on this after-dark temples, markets, and food tuk-tuk tour. Your evening adventure will begin with a tuk-tuk ride around Bangkok. You’ll see the temples illuminated which provides a very different perspective to the city.
Along the way, you’ll visit the 24-hour colorful lower market, and palaces, explore the bustling streets of Chinatown, and feast on street food, while learning about the city from your local guide. The evening is the best time to explore the night markets and try the cheap and delicious street food stands. There’s no better way to end your time in Thailand’s capital city.
Note: If you aren’t interested in shopping, then you can use this day trip to take a day trip to Ayutthaya to visit the ancient temples.
Day 11: Fly to Chiang Mai
Your last stop on this 14-day Thailand Itinerary is in Chiang Mai, the northernmost destination on this itinerary. Pick an early morning flight out of Bangkok so you have most of the day to explore Chiang Mai.
Chiang Mai was our favorite city in Thailand. What it lacks in beaches, it more than makes up for in lush green forests, beautiful temples, and mouth-watering food.
You’ll spend the final 3 days of your 14-day Thailand itinerary in Chiang Mai. Below is an overview of how you’ll spend your time in this amazing city. For a detailed breakdown, you can refer to this 3-day Chiang Mai itinerary we have put together.
Once you’ve settled into your accommodation, you’ll spend the afternoon exploring Chiang Mai Old Town and some of the beautiful temples in this area. You’ll end the day with dinner at one of the night markets.
Day 12: Take a cooking class and visit Wat Phra That Doi Suthep
One of the most popular activities to do in Chiang Mai is to attend a Thai cooking class. Most tours will pick you up and drop you off from your accommodation. In this particular cooking class we took with Thai Akha Kitchen, we learned to cook 11 delicious dishes. They have morning and evening classes, but we highly recommend the morning class as it includes a market tour. The company was incredibly organized and we had the most pleasant experience.
After your cooking class, you’ll have some downtime before you make your way to Wat Phra That Doi Suthep to watch the sunset. This place is incredible so be sure to take it all in. It does get quite busy at sunset so just keep that in mind.
Enjoy dinner at one of the many night markets in Chiang Mai.
Day 13: Day trip from Chiang Mai
On the last day of your 14-day Thailand itinerary, you have two options; take a day trip further north to Chiang Rai or visit Doi Inthanon National Park which includes a trip to an elephant sanctuary.
Check out our 3-day Chiang Mai itinerary for more detailed information and some of the best things to do in Chiang Mai during your 3 days during your 3 days in the city.
Day 14: Farewell Thailand
And that’s it, folks. It’s time to bid farewell to the Land of Smiles as you conclude your 14-day Thailand itinerary. Depart from Chiang Mai with great memories and a deep appreciation for the diverse experiences that Thailand has offered throughout this captivating journey.
After traveling to Thailand 4 times, this itinerary is put together with a lot of thought and includes a bit of everything, including temples, beaches, nature, and cities. It covers some of the best places to visit in Thailand. The idea is to give you sufficient time in each place while also providing you with the flexibility to customize parts of the trip.
If you follow this itinerary, be sure to let us know. We’d love to hear how you enjoyed Thailand.
Happy Travels!
Note: The information provided here is updated to the best of our knowledge at the time of writing this article. Please check attractions, activities, and transport before your trip, as things tend to change from time to time.
Thailand Travel Guide – Know Before You Go
Where to Stay in Thailand
PHUKET
- Mandarava Resort and Spa
- Sawasdee Village
- The Nai Harn
- Novotel Phuket Kata Avista Resort and Spa (great for families)
KRABI
- Dusit Thani Krabi Beach Resort
- Phulay Bay, A Ritz-Carlton Reserve
- Rayavadee
- Sand Sea Resort
- Aonang Cliff Beach Resort
BANGKOK
- Sheraton Grande Sukhumvit
- Siam Kempinski Hotel Bangkok
- Avani+ Riverside Bangkok Hotel
- W Bangkok Hotel
CHIANG MAI
Best Time to Visit Thailand
Thailand has three seasons: the dry or cool season (November to February), the hot season (March to May), and the wet season (May to October). Choosing the best month to visit Thailand can have a profound impact on your trip.
Depending on which islands you visit in Thailand, you’ll need to pay attention to the weather schedule. In the south, the climate differs between the eastern and western coasts. The west coast is more favorable during the dry and cooler months when diving and snorkeling will be at their best. The weather on the east coast of Thailand is good for most of the year. Rainfall there is lowest in January and February and highest in November.
The best time to visit Thailand is from November to February when most of the country is in its cooler season. If you are planning on visiting the east side of the peninsula, also known as the Gulf of Thailand, including Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, and Koh Tao, these are best visited from the end of January until mid-March.
The islands included on this 14-day Thailand itinerary (Phuket, Krabi, Phi Phi) are best to visit between December and February.
One thing to keep in mind is that while the dry season is known to be dry, as with any tropical destination, you may encounter torrential bursts of rain every now and then.
Minimizing the effects of the heat and rain on your holiday will ensure you have a great time during your travels. Regardless of when you visit Thailand, how much you enjoy it depends on several factors. Timing is essential, but you can still make the most out of any trip under any circumstances.
How To Get Around Thailand
Thailand is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world and is very well catered to the never-ending number of tourists the country receives each year.
There are numerous ways to get around Thailand. Your preferred mode of transport will usually change depending on how far you have to travel. As a first point of call, download apps such as Grab, Bolt, Indrive, and 12GoAsia as these are popularly used around the country. On the 12GoAsia website, you can find everything when it comes to transportation in Thailand.
You can, of course, also use tuk-tuks and taxis, but these tend to be the more expensive option of getting around any place.
Currency
The currency in Thailand is the Thai Baht (THB). At the time of writing this post, 1 USD is roughly around 36 Thai Baht.
Things to eat in Thailand
Thailand is famous for its mouth-watering cuisine and rich Thai food culture. Whether you choose to eat at market stalls, local restaurants, or fine-dining establishments, don’t miss these must-try dishes to experience authentic Thai cuisine. Your taste buds will thank you!
🍜 Pad Thai
🍛 Green Curry
🍜 Pad See Ew (wide flat noodles cooked with vegetables and meat)
🍚 Pineapple Fried Rice
🍖 Meat or seafood on skewers
🍛 Massam Curry
🍲 Tom Yum Goong (hot and sour shrimp soup)
🍛 Panang Thai Curry
🍚 Pad Kra Pao Moo (Pork mince served over rice and a fried egg)
🥓 Chiang Mai Saussage
🍜 Khao Soi (creamy coconut curry soup)
🐟 Thai Fish Cake
🥭 Mango Sticky Rice
🥗 Papaya Salad
🍦 Coconut Icecream
🥥 Coconut Water and Fresh Fruit Juices
🍉 Fresh Fruit
Apps you should download before you get to Thailand
There’s no better way to plan your trip to Thailand than to be prepared with everything you need to know including the top 5 apps that will come in handy during your travels.
- 🚗 BOLT AND GRAB: The Thai equivalents of Uber and the best mode of public transport.
- 🗺 GOOGLE MAPS: We used this every single day. It will be your best friend during your trip especially to find the quickest possible routes to get to places.
- ⛴️ 12GOASIA: A great platform that provides online booking options for travel through Southeast Asia. You can use this to book flights, buses, trains, and ferries.
- 🗣 GOOGLE TRANSLATE: Handy for everyday translation, especially in smaller remote areas where English isn’t widely spoken.
- 🏨 AGODA: Used to find great deals on flights and accommodation for all budget types.
Essentials for your 14-day Thailand itinerary
You’ll want to travel light because, let’s face it, you are bound to go crazy with shopping in Thailand. So here are some essentials you’ll need during your time there:
- Dry Bag
- Fast-drying towel
- Beachwear: Swimsuit, goggles, hat, and a pair of slippers/sandals/flip-flops
- Waterproof jacket
- 1 pair of sneakers (which you will ideally wear while traveling)
- Mosquito Repellent
- Sunscreen and sunglasses
- 3 pairs of shorts
- 4 t-shirts
- 3 dresses
- Undergarments
- Any necessary medication
- A good backpack
- Electronics: Phone charger, travel adapter, camera, headphones
- Toiletries
*Carry light, airy clothing to help with the hot, sticky climate.
Useful tips for your Thailand trip
- Check that you are up to date with your vaccinations
- Download apps such as Grab, Bolt, Google Translate
- Carry cash, Thai Baht
- Always drink bottled water
- Be respectful of the locals
- Use mosquito repellent, even during the day. They are everywhere!
- Cover your knees and shoulders when visiting temples
- Avoid scams! Don’t trust randomly helpful strangers.
Other Thailand posts you may like to help you plan the perfect holiday
- 3 Day Chiang Mai Travel Itinerary
- Best Places To Visit In Phuket
- 5 Day Bangkok Itinerary
- Krabi Travel Itinerary
