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This Thailand itinerary has a lot going for her. Turquoise waters, lustful mountains, she’s chill up north, all party down south. She’s the kinda of country everyone wants to visit: the gap yahs, the honeymooners, and increasingly, holidaymakers with kids.
You could easily spend one month scooting around the north and nursing your hangover in the south, but since life gets in the way and restricts us from a life in Paradise, here is an outstanding 2 weeks in Thailand route, which covers the best of what this Asian country has to offer. Ps. Yes, there will be elephants.
Where is Thailand?
Partly smothered (never mind sandwiched) between Cambodia, Laos, and Myanmar, Thailand keeps good company.
The ease of travel around Southeast Asia makes it a very attractive option for backpackers on gap years or holidaymakers who dare to cross borders on their annual leave.
How Expensive is Thailand?
Out of the four Southeast Asian countries on our itinerary, Thailand was the second most expensive country to visit.
Singapore was the most expensive, Vietnam was the cheapest, and Cambodia was in the middle. However, don’t let this put you off a trip to Thailand.
There is something for every budget, from purse-pinching bed dorms to luxury Thailand vacation accommodations.
Although you can book attractive hotels with swimming pools for less than £40 per night, food and drink are more expensive than Cambodia or Vietnam.
To put it bluntly, some areas of Thailand are really popular, and tourists pay the price because they are happy to pay it.
For a budget trip to Thailand, avoid the clifftop sea-view restaurants and stick to the trusty street food.
Weather in Thailand
Like Scotland, Thailand’s weather is temperamental, although you can expect a lot more sunshine than in the U.K. or the Pacific Northwest.
The best times to visit Thailand depend on where you plan to stay.
Planning a trip to Thailand can be dictated by the weather, but as always, you cannot guarantee forecasts are accurate, so always pack a decent raincoat.
The good news is that you can be strategic with your island choice depending on the time of year you wish to visit.
The west coast islands (Phuket and Krabi) face rain from May until late September/early October.
The east coast islands (Koh Samui and Koh Phangan) get their turn from September to December.
Many roads become mud pools, and boats are cancelled during Thailand’s rainy/monsoon season.
We visited Koh Samui (southeast) in July and had one day of a downpour (and a power outage).
The north can be much cooler at times.
The drier season for the north (Chaing Mai and Pai) is typically November to May.
I recall a very unpleasant three-hour drenched scooter ride from Pai; we could not feel our faces or hands by the end!
Currency in Thailand
The Thai currency is the Thai Baht, available in note and coin form.
For the best rates, see here.
Tipping is not mandatory in Thailand like in the USA but is appreciated.
Although tipping street food vendors is not common practice, it is becoming more expected in ‘fancier’ restaurants.
Like most experiences, add 10% to the bill if you find it exceptional.
Always negotiate taxi and tuk-tuk prices before you set off.
Getting Around Thailand
Today, internal flights from Air Asia and Nok Air make transport in Thailand more economical and efficient than ever.
We wasted a whole morning bickering over trains and ferry options from Chiang Mai to the south, finally agreeing to fly to save time.
However, if you have ample time and are on a tight budget, a bus, train and ferry service operates throughout the country.
Towns and cities also offer options for taxis, Über, and tuk-tuks.
Tuk-tuks are bikes with a seat and makeshift (ish) roof, and it is very common to hop on for a short ride.
As mentioned above, always agree on a price before leaving; tipping 10% is up to you.
1- 2 Week Thailand Itinerary
Bangkok
All roads lead to Bangkok, and I say this with affection.
Bangkok is crazy!
It is loud, busy and a bit of a car crash on first impressions, but after a few days in the city and moving away from the party street, Khoa San Road, you will realise that the city is more than just drinking out of buckets and eating bugs.
The city has several temples worth your time, such as the Temple of the Reclining Buddha (probably the most photographed) and the Wat Po temple area.
Beaches Near Bangkok
If your Thailand trip planner cuts your time short but you need to get out of the city, you don’t have to go south to swim in the sea.
A couple of hours outside Bangkok, there are a few beach options, such as Hua Hin, Hat Sai Kaew Ao Thian (Koh Samet) and the up-and-coming Pranburi resort.
- Getting to Bangkok: flights from most big cities around the world
- Days: 2-4, depending on priorities (some use it as a stop-over only)
Read more: 24 hours in Bangkok
Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai is in the north of Thailand and what I would refer to as the ‘gateway to adventure’.
Many visitors to Chiang Mai stay for a few days but rarely see much of the city.
They day trip away to waterfalls (Mae Sa) and lakes (Huay Tung Tao) and to see the elephants at the Elephant Nature Park.
A day out to this nature reserve is one of the most exciting things to do in Thailand, but you must book fast, as bathing the adopted elephants is popular.
ENP is also educational; it teaches you why you should not ride elephants.
Elephants (and tigers) in Southeast Asia are abused and beaten into submission until they comply to entertain us, westerners.
Other cool things to do in Chiang Mai include taking a cooking class (except around seven courses, mmm, sticky rice and mango), shopping at the Night Bazaar, and getting a massage from a former prisoner.
Chiang Mai is fast becoming a business hub for digital nomads; it offers co-working spaces at reasonable rates for those who work online.
- Getting to Chiang Mai: Train or fly.
- Days: 2-4 (if using as a base to head to Pai or Chiang Rai)
Read next: Don’t leave Chiang Mai without trying and the best day trips
Pai
Pai was one of the best places in Thailand for us.
There are bus trips to Pai, the hippy town in the mountains, from Chiang Mai.
However, we hired a scooter so that we could stay overnight and chill at the hot springs and waterfalls on our own time.
The town itself is a bit overrun with expats in Thai pants (the baggy harem type), but the stop-offs on the way must be part of your Thailand travel itinerary.
- Getting to Pai: Bus or scooter from Chiang Mai
- Days: 1-2
Read more: Hot springs and waterfalls, the perfect road trip
Chiang Rai
Once a lesser-known area of northern Thailand, Chaing Rai is being put on the map.
This slow-paced city is about as chill as it gets, with long-tail boat rides along the river and visits to the Jekyll and Hyde architecture of The White Temple (below) and The Black House.
It might be one to miss on a restricted Thailand itinerary for two weeks.
- Getting to Chiang Rai: by flight (airport) or bus (station)
- Days: 1-2
Thailand Travel Itinerary: Island Hopping
So now that you are templed out, it’s time to feel the sand between your toes and head south to Thailand’s islands.
There are various options for island hopping and accommodation to suit every budget, from those looking for a hammock to the other half who want to push the boat out.
As mentioned, the weather will dictate which side of the country to visit.
The number of days you plan to spend on a Thai island will depend entirely on whether you want a base with day island hopping or a longer trip where you carry your bags from the beach to the boat.
West Thai Islands
Krabi
Expect piercing turquoise waters, white-sand beaches, and longboats covered in colourful flowers.
You have made it, and you are in Krabi’s postcard! If you are tired of lazing by the beach, check out the day trip to Thung Teao Forest Natural Park and Krabi Emerald Pool.
Check out this guide on places to go in Thailand for more information on Railey, which is close to Krabi.
- Get there: by flight
Phuket
Thailand’s biggest island, Phuket, is still one of its most popular.
Many tourists relax here for two weeks, using the island as a springboard to visit the smaller sister islands.
Others stay and explore the island’s 30 beaches.
- Get there: fly or bus (train to Surat Thani is 3-4 hours away)
Koh Phi Phi
Dive, cliff-jump or snorkel in the crystal clear waters of the Koh Phi Phi. This is where you will find the younger backpackers partying by night and chilling by day.
Maya Bay has been one of the top attractions of Phi Phi since the 90s film The Beach was filmed there.
- Get there: 45 min ferry from Phuket
Koh Lanta
More chill, less action and less than two hours away from Krabi, this selection of islands is less touristy than the big dogs of Phuket and Krabi.
- Get there: Ferries with car/minibus capacity from Krabi (1.5 hours) and Phuket (4 hours)
East Thai Islands
Ko Pha-Ngan
The first thing that springs to mind? Yes, Full Moon Party.
Hat Rin Beach is the culprit for these notorious all-nighters, which result in backpackers with bonfire burns and travellers losing friends.
Whisky buckets and magic milkshakes may be on the menu for full moons, but when the day draws in and the boats full of spew pull out, the resort that remains still has a lot to offer visitors.
Koh Samui
Chewang is the most popular area for holidaymakers in Koh Samui, and if you like Pizza Hut in your paradise, then it may be the spot for you.
Along the coast, you can enjoy quieter areas such as Lamai.
The nightlife is pretty non-existent, but there are a few restaurants to dine out. As you fly into Koh Samui, you will see the Big Buddha and Guan Yin on the skyline.
Na Muang Waterfalls are also located on the island but are nothing compared to Mok-fa-waterfall in Pai.
- Get there: Fly or train (to Surat Thani) and ferry
Read more: the quieter side of Koh Samui
Koh Tao
We had planned to stay in Koh Tao, but our two-week Thailand itinerary saw us dock at Koh Samui, reducing our travel time and giving us some R&R before returning home.
- Get there: two-hour ferry ride from Koh Samui
Final Words
I know what you are thinking: This Thailand itinerary offers a year’s worth of activities, and you’re right; that’s why many backpackers return to live and work remotely. Will you? Tell us in the comments.
Save to your Thailand board
What have we missed? Tell us in the comments below
How unbearable is it in July?
Our July route was Bangkok – Chiang Mai – Pai – Koh Samui and found the weather no issue. Pai is cooler as in the mountains. Weather patterns are wild everywhere now though so check local reports before making a decision. Scotland is sunny enough to sunbathe in just now. In March. Madness!
Gemma and Craig! I like reading your holiday experience. Besides that your article inspires. Thank you for sharing your experience and knowledge here.
Thank you 🙂 Happy travels.
I liked the tips.. I am currently planning to meet Thailand next month. And I want to know everything about the region before I take my first trip to that location. Thank you for sharing your experience with us:)
Awesome! What’s your potential route?
Beaches near Bangkok – not have hahaha ))) Nearly only Pattaya or Huahin. Few our from BKK center.
Sure, here’s more information – here.
I’m currently in the early phases of planning time in Thailand in a couple months, and I can’t imagine a perfect starting point than this guide. Thanks much!
Aw cheers James! My brother and his girlfriend are are going for the for the first time next year, I wrote it with them in mind since our content was quite thin. It’s hard to choose an island isn’t it?