Plan your Thailand trip

From the jungle-clad mountains in the north to the beach-lined islands in the south, Thailand is just filled with wonderful places. It’s quite a big country though, so if you want to sample all it has to offer within a few weeks, you’ll want to follow a good route.

Example Itineraries

Part I: Bangkok to northern Thailand

In this example itinerary, I’ll run you through some of the popular destinations in Thailand. It’s a classic Thailand itinerary combining cultural, nature, and beach highlights. This itinerary is ideal for backpackers or anyone traveling independently and looking for a mix of adventure/culture and relaxation. I encourage using it as a starting point and making your own adjustments based on your interests and time available.

1. Bangkok (half or 1 day)

   • Since most visitors fly into Bangkok, it’s the obvious starting point.
   • Just one warning: if you haven’t been to a city quite like Bangkok before, it can be a bit of a shock to the senses!
   • It’s very chaotic with a lot of traffic — and a lot of smells and sounds.
   • Bangkok is not always love at first sight, especially when travelers have just suffered a long international flight.
   • I actually think Bangkok is amazing, but you may find it easier to appreciate on a second visit.
   • That’s why I recommend making a brief initial stop, then exploring it more fully at the end of your Thailand trip.
   • Use your first (half) day to get through your jet lag, acclimatize to the hot weather, and to take your first dive into the incredible Thai cuisine.

2. Bangkok > Sukhothai (1 day)

   • It’s time to see some ancient temples!
   • There are two big complexes of temple ruins in Thailand: Ayutthaya and Sukhothai.
   • Ayutthaya is conveniently only 2 hours from Bangkok.
   • However, it will be busier with day-trippers and it’s also inside a city.
   • I like Sukhothai a bit more as it’s in a more open space.
   • Sukhothai
   • From Bangkok, take a bus or train to Sukhothai (about 8 hours). I quite like taking the train as it’s nice to watch the landscapes through the window and you’ll get a nice preview of rural Thailand.
   • Spend a day exploring the temple ruins of Sukhothai, then stay the night there or head on straight to Chiang Mai.

   

3. Sukhothai > Chiang Mai (3+ days)

   
   • Chiang Mai may be Thailand’s second-biggest city, but it’s way more relaxed than Bangkok.
   • It’s also very cheap, with some of the best-value accommodation around.

   
   

   • You can see how to get to Chiang Mai here.
   • Doi Suthep temple in Chiang Mai
   • You probably won’t struggle to fill your time, as there are plenty of things to do in Chiang Mai.
   • Be sure to stroll the night markets, go on day trips in the area, visit the Elephant Nature Park, go on a Thai cooking course, or go on a hill tribe trek (these are usually 1 or 2 days but can be longer).
   • Chiang Mai is very easygoing and there is so much to do here, which is why I think it’s nice to dedicate at least a few days here.
   • Nearly all travellers I meet in Thailand love Chiang Mai. It’s a perfect springboard for exploring the north of Thailand.