We visited Thailand more than a dozen times in the previous ten years. Not only because it is one of our favorite countries, but also because it is the most popular destination among our friends and family. We always assist arrange our friends’ Thailand itineraries and serve as tour guides since we’ve been there so many times.
We’ve perfected a Thailand 2-week itinerary that enables guests to visit the best of Thailand — culture, beaches, temples, and a little nightlife – as a result of all of those travels. We’ve also considered travel convenience in our schedule to prevent lengthy, unpleasant bus or rail excursions. All of our locations may be reached by airplane or a short boat journey.
So, if you’re planning a two-week trip to Thailand and need some inspiration, go no further than our ideal two-week Thailand itinerary, which includes everything you’ll need to get started. Also, be sure to check out our Thailand travel guide! Thailand Itinerary,
thailand island hopping luxury thailand itinerary
Table of Contents
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How to Spend 2 Weeks in Thailand Itinerary
1- Bangkok: 2-3 Nights
Bangkok is a massive metropolis with a population of about 9 million people.
There are several temples to see, canals to tour by boat, rooftop pubs with stunning sunset views, plenty of shopping, and the vibrant backpacker district of Khao San Road where you can party all night!
We suggest staying in Bangkok for at least two nights since there is so much to see and do. If you like huge, lively cities, though, you may desire even more. Because traffic is the most difficult aspect of traveling in Bangkok, select a hotel that is strategically placed. Plan on walking, using the Skytrain, or taking the Chao Phraya water bus, which is very cheap.
What to Do in Bangkok
Bangkok is a massive city with stunning golden temples, massive night markets, and some of the world’s greatest street cuisine! The sights and fragrances of this busy city will overwhelm your senses.
A visit to the Grand Palace and the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, a cruise through the river canals, shopping in the night markets, such as the Rot Fai Train Market, sipping a cocktail from one of Bangkok’s many rooftop bars and wandering down Khao San Road after dark are just a few of the city’s must-see attractions. Plus, Wat Arun and Wat Pho, two of our favorite sights in the city, are not to be missed.
You may be shocked to discover that Bangkok is a major participant in the gourmet world, with many Michelin-starred restaurants. There are also a plethora of fancy pubs, adorable coffee shops, and innumerable street food sellers where you can buy your favorite Thai cuisine for a few bucks.
Stay tuned for our selection of the best things to see and do in Bangkok.
Getting to Bangkok
Most tourists to Thailand fly into and out of Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport, which is a significant international airport (BKK). Don Mueang, a minor airport in Bangkok, is theoretically an international airport as well, although it is more usually utilized for local flights (DMK). Because the two cities are so far apart, take particular attention when scheduling connecting flights or flights into and out of Bangkok.
Getting Around Bangkok
Grab, Southeast Asia’s Uber is the cheapest and most convenient mode of transportation in Bangkok. Simply download the app (iPhone | Android) and enter your present location as well as your desired location. To contact drivers, you’ll need internet, but SIM cards are accessible at the airport and any convenience shop in town.
Although Grab is officially banned in Bangkok, there are still lots of enterprising Grab drivers who are willing to risk a police fine. Using the Grab app to summon a cab is one completely legal thing.
This requires the taxi driver to use his or her meter, and you can simply pay with your credit card using the Grab app. If you decide to hail a taxi, keep in mind that many taxi drivers will refuse to put foreigners on the meter, so you’ll have to bargain for a set fee before entering.
Tuk-tuks are the most costly, but also the most enjoyable, mode of transportation in Bangkok. They’re rather expensive, and you’ll have to haggle over the price upfront, so you should only use them for short distances.
Where to Stay in Bangkok
After staying at some hotels in Bangkok, I’ve settled on Casa Vimaya Riverside as my favorite. It’s a short walk to Khao San Road, but it’s in a more tranquil and easygoing part of town. The accommodations are spotless and well designed, and the rooftop pool has breathtaking views!
If you want to stay close to the backpacker area but far enough away to have some quiet, Chillax Resort is another wonderful choice. From the Chillax rooftop pool, you can view the Casa Vimaya pool. This hotel, on the other hand, has a more youthful atmosphere and is often less pricey.
If you don’t want to party in the crowded backpacker district, you could consider Silom’s more upmarket section. And smack in the heart of it all lies The Rose Residence, a small slice of heaven. On a hot summer day, the sparkling pool is the ideal spot to unwind with a refreshing drink.
2- Chiang Mai: 4 Nights
Due to a large number of temples in the fairly confined old town area, Chiang Mai is one of Thailand’s most visited towns. If you’re interested, it’s also an excellent site to visit an elephant sanctuary. It’s also an excellent area to get a taste of Thailand’s natural beauty since there are several parks and waterfalls nearby.
We suggest staying in Chiang Mai for three to four nights to see all of the temples, shop in the night markets, ride elephants, and go out into nature. There are a couple of fantastic day trips or overnight choices nearby that are worth a visit if you have some additional time!
What to do in Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai’s Old Town is densely packed with gorgeous temples nestled between adorable coffee shops, stores loaded with handcrafted gifts, and gourmet eateries. You’ll be surprised at how much you can see and do in such a little space!
If you select a hotel in the Old Town that is strategically positioned, you will have an easier time traveling to the most spectacular temples like Wat Chedi Luang, Wat Phan Tao, and my personal favorite, Wat Rajamontean.
Check out our list of the best things to do in Chiang Mai!
People also enjoy Chiang Mai because of the beautiful scenery that surrounds it.
There are many lovely parks and waterfalls to explore in Northern Thailand, as well as elephant sanctuaries where you may feed and wash rescued elephants. You’ll also want to visit Wat Doi Suthep for breathtaking views of Chiang Mai in the valley below.
Excursions outside of the Old Town may be readily scheduled via getting Your Guide or one of the numerous tour firms in the area.
Getting to Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai is located in northern Thailand, about 430 miles north of Bangkok.
And, depending on your preferences, there are various ways to get there. If you want to go by land, there are two options: a VIP bus that takes around 10 hours or a more picturesque train that takes 12 hours. Book away allows you to compare rates and reserve tickets in advance.
We prefer to travel from Bangkok to Chiang Mai. Thailand has numerous low-cost airlines that fly between Bangkok and Chiang Mai regularly. If you book ahead of time, you can get one-way tickets for less than $50 on Thai Airways, AirAsia, Bangkok Airways, Nok, or Smile.
It is relatively simple to go from Chiang Mai Airport to the Old City — there is a set charge of 150 Baht for each car (a bit more if you need a large vehicle). This fare is less expensive than taking a Grab vehicle from Chiang Mai International Airport, so you’re better off simply jumping in the taxi line.
If you’re staying outside of Chiang Mai’s ancient center, taxis might be expensive, so you’re better off using Grab. Also, many Chiang Mai hotels provide complimentary airport pickup and drop-off, so verify with your hotel before arriving in Chiang Mai.
Getting Around Chiang Mai
As with Bangkok, there are several transportation methods to choose from in Chiang Mai. We always find the cheapest and easiest to be Grab although you may have a bit of a wait for a car. Tuk-tuks and taxis are also readily available, as well as large red trucks called songthaews. You’ll have to share the back with a few other folks, but you can generally get a reasonable price quote from the driver.
Where to Stay in Chiang Mai
Because it is rather pricey, The Inside House is an excellent option if you are not on a budget (especially by Thailand standards). If you want to indulge in your visit to Chiang Mai, book one of the beautiful suites with their private pool at this magnificent hotel and be ready to be blown away!
Pastell Oldtown Chiang Mai is a solid mid-range hotel option in Chiang Mai.
The location is ideal — located in the heart of the old town, near to a plethora of charming taverns, restaurants, and stores. The rooms are bright and clean, with a contemporary design and excellent beds. And the pool is a great location to unwind in the afternoon!
Le Naview @Prasingh is an excellent alternative for the more frugal tourist! The rooms are spacious and pleasant, with simple décor and air conditioning. The hotel also has a restaurant and a huge outdoor pool. It’s a fantastic deal for the low cost!
If you have some additional time, try visiting a few other popular northern Thai cities.
Pai is a popular destination for travelers wishing to explore Northern Thailand’s harsh scenery and ethnic minority groups. It’s just a 3-hour minibus journey from Chiang Mai.
The most popular activity in Pai is hill tribe trekking, but there are also lots of laid-back coffee shops and pleasant hostels overlooking the gorgeous rice farms.
If Chiang Mai doesn’t have enough temples for you, try visiting Chiang Rai, which is around 120 miles north of Chiang Mai. There are various temples here, the most renowned of which being Wat Rong Khun, also known as the White Temple. You may do this as a day trip, but anticipate crowds.
3- Koh Tao Island: 4 Nights
Koh Tao is an island in Thailand’s Gulf of Thailand with some of the country’s most gorgeous beaches. This little island has some of Thailand’s greatest scuba diving and is one of the top sites in the world to acquire your PADI certification. It’s also the ideal location to spend on a luxurious resort and relax on a white sand beach while drinking fruity drinks.
We suggest staying on Koh Tao Island for four nights to give yourself plenty of time to relax and enjoy the white sand beaches. There are other amazing resorts on Koh Tao where you may enjoy a gorgeous pool with a swim-up bar and a semi-private beach.
You’ll probably discover that you don’t want to go!
What to do in Koh Tao
Koh Tao is best known for being a place to unwind in a beach chair with an ice-cold beer in one hand and a nice book in the other. If you’re going to spend on lodgings during your vacation to Thailand, this is the place to do it!
The sea around Koh Tao is warm and tranquil, making it ideal for swimming, snorkeling, and kayaking.Many individuals opt to earn their PADI open-water certification on Koh Tao since the conditions are almost ideal and the rates are inexpensive.
You should also go to Koh Nang Yuan, where two small strips of beautiful white sand join three little islands. It is just a few hundred meters off the coast of Koh Tao and is readily accessible by long-tail boat.
If you have the stamina to get on a motorcycle and travel about the island, you’ll come across magnificent perspectives, excellent snorkeling locations, and a few active bars.
Find out about the best things to see and do on Koh Tao Island right here!
Getting to Koh Tao
Bangkok Airways offers direct flights from Chiang Mai to Koh Samui. Because there is only one direct flight each day, you should book well in advance. Another possibility is to change aircraft in Bangkok.
You should also book your 2.5-hour boat from Koh Samui to Koh Tao ahead of time using Book away. There are other ferry companies to select from, but we choose Lomprayah since the boat is bigger and provides a more pleasant trip when the seas are severe.
We also suggest paying the additional cost to organize transportation from the airport to the dock so you don’t have to worry about finding a taxi.
Getting Around Koh Tao
The island of Koh Tao is highly mountainous, so although riding a motorcycle is the most convenient method to get about, it may not be the simplest depending on your driving ability level. Most hotels situated distant from the main strip provide a free or low-cost shuttle service many times every day. Taxis are available, but they have predetermined prices, so they may be fairly pricey.
Where to Stay in Koh Tao
The stunning Ban’s Diving Resort is located on the tip of a peninsula in southern Koh Tao.
The large bungalows include contemporary design, very comfy mattresses, and breathtaking views of the sea. Every morning, you may enjoy a fantastic buffet breakfast right on the beach!
The Tarna Align Resort is a one-of-a-kind resort situated at the northern end of Sai Ree Beach. These breathtaking treehouses include views of the sea and semi-open-air bathrooms that will make you feel as if you’re bathing in the wide outdoors! The pool and the tranquil private beach are both ideals for a relaxed day.
If you wish to stay closer to town, Sensi Paradise Beach Resort is a terrific choice.
These rustic bungalows overlook Mae Haad Beach and are near to the pier as well as several stores and restaurants. You’ll fall in love with these charming tiny cottages, the lovely pool, and the nice staff!
4- Koh Samui Island: 2-3 Nights
You may spend your last few nights in Thailand on either Koh Samui or Koh Phangan, which are both only a short boat trip away from Koh Tao (and each other). Both provide some exciting activities as well as a lively party environment. If you want to go to a renowned “Full Moon Party” they take place on Koh Phangan Island, and the dates are listed here.
We usually spend these days in Koh Samui because there are so many gorgeous resorts and white sandy beaches to relax on. Furthermore, the airport is nearby, so we won’t have to worry about taking a boat on the morning of our trip. However, both are excellent choices; you can’t go wrong.
We suggest staying in Koh Samui for at least 2-3 nights. Spend more time on Koh Tao since the beaches are more gorgeous and the atmosphere is more easygoing. However, you’ll need a few days to experience all Koh Samui has to offer!
What to do in Koh Samui
Most visitors to Koh Samui spend their time relaxing on the beach or drinking tropical drinks at their hotel’s swim-up bar. And we can all agree that they are two of the finest things to do in this town.
Chaweng Beach is the most popular beach on the island. It offers the longest length of sand and the greatest facilities, but it is also the busiest. Lamai Beach, located farther south, is an equally attractive length of the beach with fewer visitors. To the north, there’s Choeng Mon Beach, a tiny, somewhat undiscovered beach that many locals think is the nicest on Koh Samui.
The Big Buddha (Wat Phra Yai), a mummified monk, and a few waterfalls and gardens are among the most well-known tourist attractions on Koh Samui. Most of them are pretty simple to view on your own if you hire a motorcycle. Alternatively, you may join a group trip that will take you to all of the major attractions in a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle.
On Friday afternoons, travel to the fashionable Coco Tam’s bar on Bophut Beach to enjoy cocktails while watching the sunset. Then stroll through Fisherman’s Village, which transforms into a bustling night market on Fridays. You may get any last-minute Thailand souvenirs for friends back home here.
Getting to Koh Samui
To return from Koh Tao to either Koh Phangan or Koh Samui, use another ferry boat.
Ferries to Koh Phangan are quite popular during peak season, therefore we strongly advise purchasing tickets in advance using Bookaway (especially the day before and after a Full Moon Party).
Again, our favored ferry boat is Lomprayah, although there are a variety of ferry services available at varying times and prices.
Getting Around Koh Samui
Renting a motorcycle from your hotel or one of the smaller businesses around town is the most convenient way to move about Koh Samui. You’ll have no issue riding about on a bike since the island is flat and the roads are nice.
Where to Stay in Koh Samui
We adore Zazen Boutique Resort & Spa since it is a smaller resort, which means you will get more individualized treatment from the excellent employees. Plus, the resort is stunning, the rooms are spacious and comfy, and the location is near to some of the island’s top clubs and restaurants!
Lamai Beach is considered one of the best beaches on Koh Samui Island for relaxing.
And Rocky’s Boutique Resort has moderately priced only a short distance away!
You’ll like the nicely groomed grounds that surround the immaculate pool, as well as the scrumptious morning breakfast buffet!
If you want to indulge in a premium resort during your vacation on Koh Samui Island, consider a couple of nights at SALA Samui Choengmon Beach!
You’ll like having your private balcony surrounded by gorgeous plants, and the open-air baths are unique!
Back to Bangkok and Fly Home
You’ll need to take a trip back to Bangkok to return home from Koh Samui. It’s been a hectic two weeks in Thailand, and you’ll undoubtedly need to catch up on sleep!
We hope this two-week itinerary assists you in planning your Thailand vacation!
