See the best that Thailand has to offer in two unforgettable weeks, from the mountains of Chiang Mai to the tropical south
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Two weeks in Thailand is just enough time to understand why people return again and again to this powerhouse of a country in Southeast Asia. This two week Thailand itinerary takes you from the iconic capital of Bangkok to the cultural heart of the north, before easing you into island life in the idyllic waters of the south. Temples and street food, white sand beaches and forested mountains, they can all be found here. And of course, plenty of room to wander, rest and follow your curiosity.
Days 1–3: Bangkok
Day 1
Arrive in Bangkok and settle into your first day. After checking in, head out on foot to get a feel for your neighbourhood. Wander around and soak up the atmosphere in one of the most alive and electric cities in the world. In the late afternoon, catch a long-tail boat from Tha Tien Pier to the breathtaking Wat Arun, which sits on the banks of this legendary waterway. The temple is covered in thousands of porcelain tiles, which glow golden in the setting sun. One of the best ways to experience Bangkok by night is to make your way to one of the city’s many rooftop bars. Vertigo & Moon Baris one of the best, with a food and cocktail menu that’s just as impressive as the panoramic views. For more sky-high sips, read our Guide to the Best Rooftop Bars in Bangkok here.
Day 2
Wake up early to beat the heat and the crowds, and spend the morning exploring Bangkok’s historic heart. Start with the Grand Palace complex and Wat Phra Kaew, then continuing to Wat Pho to see the reclining Buddha. These are some of the most impressive and iconic sights in the city. The reclining Buddha is especially beautiful, covered in gold leaf and with mother of pearl inlays along the feet.
After lunch, make your way to the Jim Thompson house.This traditional teak mansion once belonged to a famous silk merchant who mysteriously disappeared in Malaysia in the late 1960s. His picturesque house is a glorious homage to Thai design and architecture, featuring a collection of Asian art and rare artefacts.
End the day with a dinner and sunset cruise along the Chao Phraya river, experiencing the city from the water. It’s especially beautiful at night when the high rises and skyscrapers twinkle like stars. For the night owls, Nana Plaza is where the party never ends and Bangkok’s infamous nightlife scene is at its wildest.
Day 3: Markets, Modern Bangkok and Nightfall
Spend the morning experiencing one of Bangkok’s world famous markets. On weekends, Chatuchak is an overwhelming but fascinating sprawl; 15,000 stalls can be found over 35 acres. It’s one of the most famous in the country and an iconic fixture in Bangkok. On weekdays, smaller markets like Or Tor Kor are a calmer introduction to Thai food culture, with mountains of fresh herbs piled next to simmering pots of fresh curry and noodles in a spacious hall. The food at this market in particular is some of the best in any of Bangkok’s markets.
For the late afternoon and evening, make your way to Chinatown – otherwise known as Yaowarat – for a sensory overload. The neon lights and smoking woks of this part of the city are home to some of the best street food stalls in Bangkok. It’s an old, historic neighbourhood that’s one of the largest Chinatowns in the world, and arguably the heart and soul of the city. Take a food tour here to sample everything from grilled seafood and oyster omelettes to toasted custard buns and Michelin recommended guay jub – peppery and rich rolled noodle soup.
Days 4–6: Chiang Mai
Day 4
Today, fly one hour north to Chiang Mai, the spiritual heart of Thailand. Framed by forested mountains, it’s an entirely different vibe from Bangkok. Settle into your accommodation before heading out to explore the walled Old City on foot. Wat Chedi Luang and Wat Phra Singh are two of the most famous temples here, while cafes and boutique craft shops line the leafy lanes and alleyways. Take your time to wander and see where the day takes you.
Day 5
Make your way to the magnificent Doi Suthep temple early in the morning, before the crowds arrive. This grand temple lies just outside the city. Climb the 306 steps, flanked by naga serpent statues, to reach the temple complex. Explore the halls and courtyards, where you can see monks go about their daily life and get a blessing if you’d like. It’s busy and bustling here, as many working temples are!
In the afternoon, take part in a Thai cooking class. Chiang Mai is particularly famous for having some of the best Thai cooking schools in the country. We love the Thai Farm Cooking School, where you can learn how to make your favourite dishes on their organic farm overlooking a beautiful lotus pond.
Day 6
Today it’s time to head into the mountains surrounding the city and visit a local hill tribe. These ethnic minority groups have preserved unique traditions, ways of life and languages for generations. It’s important to find a tour operator who has deep ties to the communities here, giving back to them rather than exploiting them for mass tourism. We love Thailand Hill Tribe Holidays, who use local hill tribe guides to give you an authentic and culturally rich experience.
In the evening, head to one of the night markets here. The Chiang Mai Night Bazaar is an electric market spanning 2km that’s pumping every single day. If you’re here on a Sunday, the Sunday Walking Marketis one of the most famous in the country, taking over the old town with stalls selling classic Thai street food, clothing and crafts, often spilling over into the temple grounds.
Days 7–10: Koh Samui
Day 7
Fly two hours south to reach the tropical shores of Koh Samui. Palm trees replace temple spires and turquoise seas surround you instead of mountains. Yep, this is the Thailand of your postcard dreams. Spend the afternoon on the beach, rotating between the ocean and the sunbed, snorkelling in the clear waters and sipping coconuts beneath the palm trees. Take some time to relax after a busy start to your Thailand trip. This is, after all, what island life is all about.
Day 8
Spend today exploring Samui beyond its beaches. Take a drive inland to the wonderful Magic Buddha Garden. Started by a local fruit farmer, this is a wonderland of whimsical statues scattered throughout the forest. The drive here, along winding roads and through the interior of the island is worth the trip alone. Afterwards, make your way to Na Muang Waterfalls, two cascades that tumble out of the lush rainforest, made for swimming and cooling off in the sticky Thai heat. In the evening, head to the boho Fisherman’s Villagefor some street food, live music and gently buzzing nightlife vibes.
Day 9
Take a trip out today to the breathtaking Ang Thong National Marine Park, an archipelago of 42 islands only accessible by boat. From a distance, the islands look like something from an Avatar film – steep, jungle covered cliffs punctuating the open water. The islands are largely uninhabited, their interiors dense with forest, mangroves and sheer limestone faces shaped by erosion. Kayak on emerald lagoons, play Robinson Crusoe on deserted beaches and snorkel in the coral reefs here. It’s a full day out, the kind that leaves you sun-tired and salt soaked.
Day 10
Use your final full day in Samui as a pause before moving on. Sleep in, enjoy a long breakfast, and spend the day exactly as you wish. We love hanging out at Lamai Beach, with low-key restaurants, cafes and bars behind the beach to wander to when you’re feeling hungry and enough space to never feel crowded or packed in. While you’re here, see if you can find the famous Hin Ta & Hin Yai rocks, with the fun folklore attached too! In the late afternoon, make your way over to the other side of the island, to Lipa Noi beach. End your trip to Samui on a high, as you have front row seats to the best sunset spot on the island.
Days 11–13: Koh Tao
Day 11
It’s a two hour ferry to Koh Tao, a smaller, more intimate island that’s closely tied to the sea. This is the diving mecca of Thailand, with pristine coral reefs, world famous dive spots and some of the best snorkelling in the country. Even if you don’t want to dive, the laid back vibe of the island is something you might be craving towards the end of your two weeks here. It gives you that remote Thai island feel without the long travel days some of them require. After settling into your accommodation, head out on a hike to the John-Suwan viewpoint – a short but steep hike that has one of the best and most famous views on the island.
Day 12
Spend today in or near the water. Snorkelling trips circle the island, stopping at reefs and shallow bays, while divers can explore some of Thailand’s most accessible dive sites. Rent a kayak and paddle along the coast, past mangrove forests, isolated beaches and pristine reefs. Tonight, head to the buzzing Barracuda Rooftop Restaurant & Bar for sunset cocktails and some of the best, freshest seafood on the island.
Day 13
Spend the morning with a lazy brunch at Blue Shark Brunch Cafe, a favourite on the island. Serving up barista coffee, smoothie bowls and scrambled egg with maple-glazed bacon, it’s a great place to soak up the atmosphere of this little island before you leave. In the afternoon, make your way back to Koh Samui for your final evening. End the trip in style with a night at Coco Tam’s, a Bali-esque beach club with fire dancers, DJs and world class food and cocktails.
Day 14
Spend your final morning in Thailand as you wish. You might want to soak up the last of the beach vibes on Lamai, or perhaps have one last inland adventure to find the Overlap Stone, an enormous granite boulder precariously balanced on a rock with breaktaking views over the island. Stretch your body and soothe your muscles with a yoga session at Vikasa Yoga Retreat, who have classes for all abilities overlooking the ocean, finished with a Thai massage before your onward flight home.
