Thailand is full of contrasting landscapes. The sprawling capital of Bangkok is marked with soaring skyscrapers, the Northern Thai countryside is lush with rolling hills and the southern coastline is peppered with islands.
Creating an all-encompassing 2 Weeks in Thailand Itinerary can be challenging, but certainly possible, and we’ll show you how!
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About Our 2 Weeks in Thailand Itinerary
We created this Thailand in 2 Weeks Itinerary based on our personal experiences visiting the country multiple times.
It is organized day-by-day and outlines specific sights and activities. We include top Thailand attractions, tips for what to eat, and our recommendations for where to stay.
Our Thailand travel route includes overnight stays in the following four destinations. Each is unique and will offer you a true taste of the country!
Bangkok (4 Nights)
For many people, Bangkok is a love-it-or-leave-it city. While the massive, concrete-laden metropolis can be formidable; we find it fascinating, but admit it’s not for everyone.
However, vibrant markets, lavish temples, intriguing neighborhoods, fabulous Thai food and buzzing bars can entertain visitors for days!
Railay Beach (3 Nights)
Located in the Krabi Province, Railay sits on the tip of peninsula that is surrounded by towering cliffs. The scenic terrain features gigantic karst monoliths that appear other-worldly.
Koh Lanta (4 Nights)
This elongated island is characterized by a rugged topography and a long stretch of west-facing beaches. Our favorite is Klong Khong.
It exudes a laid-back vibe with ramshackle beachfront bars and a handful of family-run restaurants nestled between larger resorts.
Chiang Mai (3 Nights)
This ancient city has long held a firm position on popular Thai itineraries. Situated in the far reaches of Northern Thailand, Chiang Mai’s top sights are the numerous temples and night markets.
Planning a Trip to Thailand
There is a lot more to do than simply deciding your route. Additionally, you need to consider time of year, budget and where to stay. Our advice includes all of that – and more!
Pro Tip: Consider using our Travel Planning Printables to keep your vacation to Thailand organized!
Our Thailand 2-Week Itinerary
Now we’re providing ideas for how to spend each day and include links to more information where we think it is helpful. Ready? Great, let’s go!
DAY 1 – Essential Bangkok Sightseeing
After getting settled into your hotel (we found the Parvena to be a good value) , it’s time to head out to see Bangkok’s top sights!
Pay a visit to the Royal Grand Palace and the treasured Emerald Buddha Temple, gaze at the famous Reclining Buddha at Wat Pho and hop across the Chao Phraya River to the Temple of Dawn.
For dinner, feast on Pad Thai at the popular Thip Samai. Then, skip over to legendary Khao San Road and end your first evening in Bangkok with cold drinks in the eclectic atmosphere.
DAY 2 – Experience Bangkok Culture
Start off at a buzzing Thai marketplace. We recommend the Chatuchak Market, especially if it’s a Saturday or Sunday.
Peruse the vendor stalls selling exotic produce and unfamiliar products – and get your first taste of Bangkok street food.
In the afternoon, take a longtail boat ride on one of the narrow canals that meander through the Bangkok city center.
Then, beat the heat in a Bangkok museum (like the Jim Thompson House) or cool off in one of the malls (which are fabulous for people watching as much as shopping).
For an entertaining evening, follow Sukhumvit Road to the east side of the city. Immerse yourself in the (in)famous nightlife at the clubs at Nana Plaza or the bars on Soi Cowboy.
Not into Red Light Bangkok? That’s okay, neither are we. Instead, consider checking out the craft beer bars in Mid-Sukhumvit and Bangkok On Nut or head for the Weekend Train Night Market.
DAY 3 – Local Bangkok and Rooftop Beverages
Today, break away from the tourist trail and delve into some authentic neighborhoods. Enjoy quiet tranquility at Lumphini Park and then wind your way to a truly local market, Khlong Toei.
Switch gears in the afternoon and summon sublime relaxation with an inexpensive spa treatment. I personally like traditional Thai massages – but they can sometimes feel more rigorous than relaxing!
Rejoin the party in the early evening and soar to the top of a skyscraper for sunset at a Bangkok rooftop bar. Later, navigate your way to the Suan Plu district for dinner and drinks.
DAY 4 – Unique Bangkok Sights
Start off today in an often-over-looked oasis, Bang Kachao. The rural enclave is crisscrossed with biking paths, and exploring the ‘Green Lung of Bangkok’ offers a vastly different perspective of the area.
Cool off in the afternoon with a swim in your Bangkok hotel pool (or find one that allows outside guests for a fee or minimum spend).
Early evening, set off on a mission to discover Bangkok street art in the Talad Noi District.
Afterwards, wander into the neon-glow of Chinatown. Create your own Bangkok Street Food Walk (or join a tour) and sample an array of delicious cuisine!
Read our Bangkok Itinerary for additional information and alternate ideas!
DAY 5 – Arrive in Railay
Catch a morning flight from Bangkok to Krabi, then get a taxi to Ao Nam Mao Pier. From here you can ride a longtail boat to Railay Beach.
Check into your accommodations (recommended: Avatar Railay), then cool off with a refreshing swim in the pool. Don’t linger too long, because you will want to be on Railay Beach West for sunset!
To avoid paying the up-charge for drinks from beachside bars, grab your own provisions from this convenience store. Then, eat dinner at one of the restaurants clustered along the east-west pedestrian street.
Truthfully, we found the food in Railay (and most Thai Beach Destinations) to be underwhelming and over-priced. Chalk it up to the secluded location, captive audience and limited resources.
DAY 6 – Railay Sights and Activities
After breakfast, investigate the many caves that are carved into the rising karsts. Be sure not to miss the phallic shrine at Phra Nang Beach and the impressive Diamond Cave (where you may encounter cheeky monkeys).
Feeling intrepid? Put on your hiking shoes and make the strenuous uphill climb to the stunning Railay East View Point. If you really want to test your skills, join this Rock Wall Climbing Expedition!
In the afternoon, rent a kayak and spend a few of hours paddling around the monoliths. If you go at low tide, check out this semi-secret, uninhabited beach. (Map)
For sunset drinks, follow the coastline path north along Railay East to Tew Lay Bar. Stay for dinner or pop into one of the mangrove-facing restaurants lining the boardwalk.
DAY 7 – Relax at Railay Beach West
Spend the day soaking in the rays and splashing in the sea. If you need a change of scenery mid-day, join this tour includes snorkeling, drinks, a sunset dinner and a bioluminescent swim after dark!
DAY 8 – Transfer to Koh Lanta
Travel from Railay to Koh Lanta via the Princess Ferry (and then continue by minivan to Klong Khong Beach). Once you get checked in at your Koh Lanta Hotel, head straight for the seaside!
Known as a ‘hippie beach,’ the shore is lined with Bob Marley-inspired bars that offer good happy hour deals and a front row seat for dazzling sunsets.
Sip a cold beverage (but steer clear of the Bhang Lassi) with your feet in the sand, then pick one of the beachfront restaurants for dinner.
DAY 9 – Koh Lanta 4 Island Tour
Spend today out to sea on an incredible 4-Island Snorkeling Tour. Traditional Thai longtail boats are used to take participants on a seafaring adventure in the Andaman Sea.
This full-day trip includes four snorkeling spots and the famed Emerald Cave, which you can swim through to a hidden tropical oasis.
Of all the Thailand tourist attractions we have experienced over the years, the 4-Island Boat Tour still ranks as one of our favorites!
DAY 10 – Beach Day on Koh Lanta
After your morning meal, walk the complete 2-mile stretch of crescent sand from end-to-end, dipping into the sea when it gets too warm.
For a different vibe, hail a tuk tuk and ride north to Phra Ae (aka Long Beach). The powder-white sand beach is fronted by chic resorts and feels slightly more upscale than Klong Khong.
DAY 11 – Koh Lanta Discovery
Today, rent a scooter or hire a driver to explore the sights on the south end of Koh Lanta. The top things to see are the lesser-visited beaches, the Khlong Chak Waterfall and the Mu Ko Lanta National Park.
Alternatively, book a second boat tour! The most famous beach in Thailand, Koh Phi Phi (find out more) and Koh Rok for more snorkeling (read reviews) are two top choices.
DAY 12 – Travel to Chiang Mai
It’s time to say goodbye to the sand and travel north to the city of Chiang Mai. Unfortunately, you will need most of the day to make the trip.
From Klong Khong, take the minivan and ferry service to the Krabi Airport (or book a convenient, private transfer), then fly from Krabi to Chiang Mai.
Upon arrival, take a flat-rate taxi or pre-arranged private transfer to your hotel (recommended: Chada Mantra Boutique). Drop off your luggage and set off to visit one of the best Chiang Mai Night Markets!
After perusing the goods (and maybe picking up a few handmade souvenirs), head to the Chang Phueak Food Night Market near the north gate of the Chiang Mai Old Town.
Find the famous Cowboy Hat Lady stall and indulge in a rich meal of stewed Pork Leg Rice with egg! (Map)
DAY 13 – Essential Chiang Mai Sightseeing
Begin today by touring the ancient and opulent temples of Chiang Mai (but get moving early, before it gets too hot). Use our Chiang Mai Temples Walk or hire a tour guide to lead the way.
For lunch, feast on a signature Northern Thailand dish – Khao Soi – from our favorite local vendor, Khao Soi Khun Yai. (Map)
In the afternoon, treat yourself to one of the Best Chiang Mai Massages or join a session of Monk Chat at Wat Chedi Luang. Either way, take a refreshing dip in your hotel pool afterwards.
For dinner, eat classic Thai Food – like Pad Thai, Papaya Salad or Phanaeng Curry – from one of the local restaurants. Lucky Too, Aroy Dee and Baan Landai are all good choices!
DAY 14 – Chiang Mai Day Tour
Wrap up your 2 weeks in Thailand on a fun excursion. Travel into the mountains for a trekking tour, go north to Chiang Rai to see the famous White Temple or spend the day providing care for elephants.
Choosing an ethical Thai Elephant tour company isn’t easy. We booked one through an agency that – in hindsight – we wished we hadn’t.
Read more about our day trip from Chiang Mai (and which tour we would have booked instead) in our Chiang Mai Trekking Trip review.
Thailand Travel Tips
Planning your route is only part of the process. We have more tricks and advice to help you make your best getaway to Thailand!
Thailand Weather
While not a huge country, the weather in Thailand is significantly influenced by the diverse topography.
High heat and heavy rain can put a damper on outdoor activities – or cause cancellations altogether.
If traveling to multiple destinations in Thailand, it is likely that you will encounter various conditions. For example, the weather in the north differs drastically from the coast.
That said, Thailand has a tropical climate with warm temperatures year-round, It’s almost always hot and humid with average temperatures in the mid-80s. However, there are two clearly definable seasons..
The Wet Season – or Monsoon Season – lasts from May until October. And, when it rains…it pours! While rainstorms can be quite heavy, they are often short lived.
The Dry Season lasts from November through April. Cooler temps can be expected from November until February (especially in the north), with it getting increasingly warmer toward April (which is the hottest month).
Rainy Season Visits to Thailand
Our visits to Thailand have typically coincided with the Rainy Season. It has been our first-hand experience that the weather is usually nice – even on the days it rains.
Only on rare occurrences did we encounter consecutive days of non-stop rain. Typically, we experienced warm mornings, hot afternoons, late-day storms and pleasant evenings.
Getting to Thailand
Bangkok has two airports (BKK and DMK) and Chiang Mai, Krabi and Phuket also have some international flights.
If you happen to be coming from Luang Prabang Laos, you can take a Slow Boat on the Mekong. We did this and can vouch for it being an absolutely fabulous way to see the countryside over 2 days!
Getting Around Thailand
Transport here is as diverse as the country itself! There are planes, trains, buses, cars, tuk tuks and motorbikes.
To get between the destinations outlined in our Thailand 2 Week Itinerary, we recommend flying. Flights are fairly inexpensive (especially if you use our tips) and book in advance.
Where To Stay in Thailand
We spent hours – days – researching this. We pored over maps, viewed hundreds of photos and read thousands of reviews.
As budget-conscious travelers, we were not interested in posh resorts, but were still looking for a few creature comforts.
Our essentials included: central location, a clean, private room with ensuite bathroom, air conditioning and reliable Wi-Fi. A swimming pool and an included breakfast were bonuses.
Bangkok: On Nut or Suan Plu
In addition to our above requirements for choosing a hotel, in Bangkok we were determined to find a place near a BTS or MRT station.
For a longer stay, we found an Airbnb apartment in the On Nut District. For a more central location, Suan Plu is an excellent area.
Railay: Resort Avatar
Accommodations in Railay Beach range from budget dorms to high-end hotels. We found Avatar Resort Hotel, which fell squarely in the middle. It was affordable (in the off season) and included a few touches of luxury.
Located on East Railay, the boutique property features manicured grounds, an on-site restaurant (that included a generous, hot buffet breakfast) and a fabulous pool.
Koh Lanta: Klong Khong Beach Hotel
We chose to stay at the Phutara Lanta Resort, which we enjoyed at the time. However, the property has since been expanded and possibly changed ownership.
Based on several of the most recent reviews, we find it difficult to recommend and would likely not stay there again ourselves.
Instead, we would choose the Lanta Lapaya Resort – where they offer affordable rooms and an included breakfast – just a short walk to the beach.
Chiang Mai: Chada Mantra Boutique Hotel
Ideally located in the northeast corner of Old Chiang Mai, Chada Mantra is a gem! The air-conditioned rooms are spacious, bright and clean and the staff was excellent.
Perhaps best of all, they have a swimming pool, which was perfect for the hot and humid afternoons!
2 Weeks in Thailand Trip Cost
Thailand is a well-known budget destination, but costs can add up quickly if you don’t keep an eye on your spending.
The biggest cost to travel to Thailand is likely your flight (assuming you are coming from somewhere other than Southeast Asia).
Expensive day tours, eating ‘Western’ food and hiring private drivers for transport can also increase your Thailand vacation expenditures exponentially.
We kept our budget in check by securing affordable accommodations, eating local food and limiting our tours. We – as a couple – about $100 per day in Thailand.
What You Will Need For Thailand
When packing for your SE Asia trip, don’t forget these must-have items. Also, grab our FREE Checklist!
Proper Attire
Pack clothing that is lightweight and breathable. Keep in mind that Thai people tend to dress modestly – and covering shoulders and knees is required for visiting temples.
I carry this wrap with me so I can enter any religious places we stumble upon along the way.
Bug Spray and Sun Protection
Don’t let pesky mosquitoes or a dreadful sunburn hinder your amazing Thailand trip! Remember to pack insect repellent and protective sunscreen.
We also suggest having a wide-brimmed travel hat and an umbrella. Both are useful for combating the intense rays and rainfall.
Travel Camera
Rather than relying on your phone, we recommend upgrading to a real camera. We use a Canon Rebel with a 18-135mm lens.
Thailand Travel Insurance
This may cover expenses for injuries, illnesses and even flight delays, lost luggage or cancellations. Find rates and a full list of coverages at World Nomads.
Start planning your trip to Thailand! Search for the lowest airfares, the best accommodations and fun things to do…then start packing! Want additional advice? Head over to our Travel Planning Page and for country-specific information, take a look at our Travel Guides Page!
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