These routes are starting points—not rigid schedules. We built them the way many of our friends visit: anchor cities, one domestic flight or night bus, and room for food you did not plan. Adjust for season, holidays, and your budget (cost of travel).
5 days — Bangkok focus
Ideal first visit if you want temples, markets, and food without rushing the country.
- Day 1: Grand Palace & Wat Pho area (dress modestly); evening Chao Phraya river walk. Base: Bangkok.
- Day 2: Chatuchak Weekend Market (Sat–Sun) or JJ Green/other markets on weekdays; BTS Sukhumvit dinner crawl.
- Day 3: Jim Thompson House or Museum Siam; Chinatown (Yaowarat) street food dinner.
- Day 4: Day trip option—Ayutthaya by train or organized tour; or Thonburi canals (klong) tour.
- Day 5: Lumpini morning walk; last-minute shopping at ICONSIAM or Siam; airport buffer 3+ hours.
Getting around: traveling in Bangkok. Arrival basics: checklist, SIM card.
7 days — North (Chiang Mai hub)
- Day 1–2: Fly or train to Chiang Mai—old city temples, Sunday Walking Street (if timing fits). Chiang Mai.
- Day 3: Doi Suthep morning; afternoon cooking class or Nimman cafés.
- Day 4: Ethical elephant sanctuary (research operators) or Chiang Dao day trip.
- Day 5: Travel to Pai or Chiang Rai (choose one—do not rush both). White Temple (Wat Rong Khun) if Chiang Rai.
- Day 6: Nature day—waterfall or hot springs depending on base.
- Day 7: Return to Chiang Mai or fly back to Bangkok for international connection.
Cool season (Nov–Feb) is most comfortable. Check burn-season air quality in March–April before long outdoor hikes.
10 days — Classic (Bangkok + north OR south)
Option A — City + north: Bangkok (3) → fly Chiang Mai (4) → Bangkok or home (1 buffer).
Option B — City + Andaman: Bangkok (2) → fly Phuket or Krabi (6) → Bangkok (1).
- Limit long transfers—Thailand looks small on a map but island + airport time adds up.
- Book one domestic flight mid-trip; use night trains only if you sleep well on trains.
- Keep one “rain day” museum or spa block in rainy season.
14 days — Fuller loop
Example rhythm many repeat visitors like:
- Bangkok (3 nights)
- Ayutthaya or Kanchanaburi day trip from Bangkok (1 day, can stay overnight Kanchanaburi)
- Chiang Mai (4 nights) + optional Pai or Chiang Rai (2)
- Fly south to Phuket/Krabi/Samui (4 nights)—pick one coast cluster
- Final Bangkok or direct international from Phuket (1 night buffer recommended)
Beach choice: Andaman (Phuket, Krabi) vs Gulf (Pattaya, Samui)—see southern region weather notes.
Tips for planning
- Enter on visa exemption or visa that matches your total days—extensions are possible but not guaranteed.
- Align with monthly guide and avoid moving every single night if you want to relax.
- Book Songkran, New Year, and Loy Krathong windows early—travel during public holidays.
- Domestic transport: flights, trains, buses.
- Stay connected: tourist SIM or eSIM.
Sources & references
Content reviewed against the sources below on 24 May 2026. Rules, fees, and phone numbers can change—confirm critical details with official agencies before you travel.