After spending more than eight months exploring Thailand, from the far north border with Myanmar to the southern areas just off the Malaysian border, we have gained a great deal of firsthand experience that has helped shape this optimized two-week Thailand itinerary.
We have included lots of information from our personal experiences, and we hope it will make your trip planning a breeze.
In addition, we’re also listing our best tips to minimize the time spent on transport, which can significantly eat into your vacation time (if you choose the wrong mode of transportation).
Our two-week Thailand itinerary includes visits to Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Koh Tao, Koh Phangan, Koh Samui, Khao Sok National Park, Phuket, and Krabi.
As usual, we answered the most Frequently Asked Questions at the end of the article.
However, for this itinerary, we feel it’s essential to address some points right away, before diving into the detailed day-to-day plan. (click to expand below)
Should you stick only to the north or south on a two-week trip to Thailand?
When planning a trip to Thailand, one of the main questions is whether to visit the north, the south, or both. In our opinion, you should strike a nice balance between the two. And in two weeks, it’s more than possible!
Of course, everyone is different, so if you’re just looking to enjoy the tropical beaches of Thailand, the south is your final destination. If, however, you also want to see some of Thailand’s most famous temples and attractions, which allow you to see the true Thailand, then you can’t skip the North.
Coming soon: North Itinerary, South Itinerary
Which islands to visit in two weeks in Thailand?
Most itineraries for a two-week trip in Thailand give the option of choosing only one of two island areas, the Gulf of Thailand (Koh Tao, Koh Phangan, and Koh Samui), and the islands and beaches of the Andaman Coast (Phuket, Krabi, Phi Phi, etc.).
However, after thoroughly enjoying a lot of time in both areas, we can’t in good faith recommend one over the other. Each has something unique to offer and it’s definitely possible to visit both on a two-week trip.
What is the actual difference between the islands?
- Gulf of Thailand: scuba diving, snorkeling, soft white sand beaches, relaxed vibe
- Andaman Coast: famous locations, tons of various beaches, boat trips, limestone cliffs
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Detailed two-week Thailand itinerary
| LOCATION | SEE AND DO |
|---|---|
| Bangkok (3 days) | Historical Area with Temples, Riverside & Canals, Chinatown, Modern Bangkok |
| Chiang Mai (3 days) | Night Market, Fascinating Temples, Waterfalls |
| Chiang Rai (0-1 days) | Temple-hopping |
| Koh Tao – Koh Phangan – Koh Samui (3 days) | Breathtaking Beaches, Snorkeling & Diving, Boat Trips |
| Khao Sok (2 days) | Lake with Floating Bungalows, Night Safari, River Tubing & Bamboo Rafting |
| Phuket – Krabi (3 days) | Famous Locations, Island-hopping, Rock Climbing, Beach Time, Boat Trips |
As you go through the itinerary, we recommend reading our travel guides for specific destinations, where in addition to the must-visit places, we’ve included several alternatives for you to explore.
For easier navigation and understanding of locations within Thailand, refer to the interactive map we created for this itinerary.
Good to know: Exploring both the north and south of Thailand means that you can’t really combine a bit of culture (cities/temples) with beaches and islands, and then culture again. It’s more like cities, temples, cities, beaches, beaches, beaches, islands, islands, beaches.
Bangkok
Bangkok, the massive capital city, is the perfect starting point for your two-week Thailand adventure.
We visited Bangkok countless times during our time in Thailand, and we saw something new every time. Seriously, there are just so many things to do in Bangkok.
In Bangkok, we recommend a nice mix of both old and new. For that, 3 full days is the perfect time, taking into account that on the day of arrival, you might want to simply get something to eat and relax as you deal with the possible jet lag.
Overview of 3 days in Bangkok:
- Day 1: Bangkok’s Highlights and Food
- Day 2: Floating Markets & Railway Market
- Day 3: Unique Activities & Modern Bangkok
Where to stay: Our top recommendation is to stay near the historical area, so you’re close to places like Khao San and Chinatown. We stayed on a budget in U-need Guesthouse 95, while Riva Surya is more mid-range, and right on the Chao Phraya River (ideal location).
Best tours & activities: Highlights of Bangkok (Walking Tour) – Chinatown Food Tour
First day in Bangkok
You should spend the first full day seeing Bangkok’s main attractions, like the fascinating Grand Palace, the Wat Arun temple just across the Chao Phraya River, as well as other temples in the area, like Wat Pho.
Start your day early at Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn), a gorgeous Buddhist temple on the Chao Phraya riverside.
After Wat Arun, your next stop is Wat Pho, one of Bangkok’s most famous and important temples. It is mainly known for the giant Reclining Buddha, which is 46 meters long!
Next, walk over to the Grand Palace, a stunning and historic complex of buildings that served as the official residence of the Kings of Siam from the 18th to the mid-20th century.
You can easily explore this part of Bangkok by yourself and at your own pace.
- Must-read guides: Things To See in Bangkok and Best Bangkok Temples
However, if you want to learn more about the places you’re visiting or don’t want to organize it for yourself, consider joining a city highlights tour.
In the afternoon, after you’re done temple-hopping, visit Bangkok Chinatown and finish the day there by going to the famous nightly Yaowarat Road Night Market for some delicious food, drinks, traditional goods, and of course, souvenirs.
Since you most likely didn’t have too much time to sit down and eat something proper during the day, visiting a night market is the perfect finish to your day – and also a must-do in Bangkok.
We recommend this popular food tour. Since the main thing to do there is eat, the food tour makes total sense. It’s a win-win.
Second day in Bangkok
On the second day in Thailand, we suggest taking the classical Maeklong Railway Market and Damnoen Saduak Floating Market day trip from Bangkok.
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Damnoen Saduak is one of Bangkok’s oldest and busiest floating markets, located about 1.5 hours outside the city. It’s set along Thailand’s longest man-made straight canal, famous for locals conducting business on their wooden boats.
Rom Hup Market (Maeklong Railway Market) is a unique local market situated along an active railway track. It reminded us a bit of the famous Hanoi Train Street in Vietnam, but with an active local market instead of cafes and slower trains.
We visited many of Bangkok’s floating markets (find the best ones in this article), and there are some closer to the city, so you don’t need to go all the way to Damnoen Saduak. But if you also want to see the railway market on the same day, an organized tour makes a lot more sense.
Alternatively, if you want a more private experience, booking a private driver for a day is the best choice. Arijana’s brother and his girlfriend did that on one of their Bangkok visits, and they had a great time.
We did this day trip by renting a scooter in Bangkok for a longer trip, where we also visited parts of Ratchaburi. But it’s not something we recommend doing. It’s just too uncomfortable, and the journey is too long.
The easiest way to get around Thailand?
Rent a car! Thailand is very easy to navigate by car, which allows you to explore at your own pace.
We recommend using DiscoverCars, where you can easily compare prices from top car rental companies and book your dream car with just a few clicks. Say goodbye to long queues and hidden fees and hello to hassle-free car rentals.
Third day in Bangkok
Day 3 of your two weeks in Thailand is all about cool activities and seeing both the old and modern Bangkok.
The most memorable and best thing we did in Bangkok was this bicycle tour. Cycling around Bangkok initially seemed like an impossible task, so we had to give it a try. We loved it, and can highly recommend it as an alternative sightseeing experience!
We explored lesser-known parts of Chinatown, with a few stops where the guide provided more insights into the culture and local way of life. It was a fun way to explore different sides of Bangkok.
If cycling is not your cup of tea, joining a cooking class is another fun way to explore Thailand’s culture.
In the afternoon, if you love a bit of shopping, head to one of Bangkok’s many shopping malls, which are huge and have great food courts, so you might also visit for food. 😁 The best malls in Bangkok are MBK Center, Siam Paragon, Terminal 21, ICONSIAM, and Central World.
Visiting during the weekend? Visit the massive Chatuchak market, the largest market in Thailand, with over 15.000 stalls of everything you could imagine.
Optimize your time: Read our Bangkok 3 Day Itinerary – full of practical tips to make the most of your days there.
At the end of the day, we suggest visiting King Power MahaNakhon Skywalk, Thailand’s highest observation deck, at 314 meters high. It offers the best views of Bangkok, where you can also walk on a glass floor and see busy Bangkok streets directly below you (this will test your fear of heights).
Looking for something not everyone does in Bangkok?
We really enjoyed a visit to the Dragon Temple. It’s a bit of a challenge to get there, but it’s worth it. You can read all about it in our article: How to visit Wat Sam Phran Dragon Temple in Bangkok.
Chiang Mai and North Thailand
It’s time to head to the North of Thailand, where you will spend the next three to four days of your two weeks in Thailand.
The first destination and a base to explore the north is Chiang Mai, a historic city founded in 1296 as the new capital of the Lanna Kingdom. It’s now Thailand’s second-largest city, known for its more relaxed vibe.
Often referred to as the “Rose of the North,” Chiang Mai is home to more than 300 ancient Buddhist temples (called Wat) and numerous sacred statues, with many stunning temples located within its famous Old City, surrounded by a moat.
Overview of 3 days in Chiang Mai:
- Day 1: Old City, Temples & Night Market
- Day 2: Countryside, Mountains & Waterfalls
- Day 3: Activities or Chiang Rai Day Trip
Where to stay: Centrally located in the Old City area, Phor Liang Meun Terracotta Arts (mid-range), and Hostel One Art and Gallery for dorms and private rooms.
Best tours & activities: Doi Inthanon Day Tour (National Park) – Nature Tour (Caves & Jungle Kayaking) – Street Food Tour
Temples of Chiang Mai
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In addition, Chiang Mai is also home to tasty, authentic dishes like the famous Khao Soi (one of our favorites!), lots of great night markets, and is close to mountains and national parks with lush forests and waterfalls.
Thinking of bathing/riding/feeding elephants? Please reconsider.
If they allow you to ride them, bathe them, or at times feed them, it is not an ethical elephant experience or sanctuary.
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First day in Chiang Mai
Start your first day in Chiang Mai by visiting the highlights inside the ancient walls of the Old City. Don’t skip the temples like the massive Wat Chedi Luang, the oldest temple, Wat Chiang Man, and Wat Phra Singh with its golden chedi.
Are you an early riser? Catch a sunrise at Doi Suthep Mountain’s summit, and visit Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, one of Chiang Mai’s most beautiful temples.
We recommend aligning your arrival in Chiang Mai on a Sunday when the fantastic Chiang Mai Sunday Night Market takes place (also known as Tha Phae Walking Street).
We’ve visited many night markets across Thailand, and Chiang Mai remains one of our favorites. There’s just so much to see, eat, and buy. Plus, we loved that parts of it take place inside actual temple grounds, which really adds to the experience.
There’s a stall for everything, from jewelry to handmade crafts, unique clothing to designer knockoffs, and much more.
However, the best thing about it is the food! There are loads of food and drink options, from typical Thai dishes to Western food and lots of different desserts.
- Check out this street food tour that takes you to 2 different local markets where you’ll learn more about Thai cuisine and try lots of dishes.
Not visiting on a sunday? Don’t worry! There are lots of other great options, like the Chiang Mai Night Bazaar, which is open every day from 5 pm until midnight.
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Second day in Chiang Mai
Having visited the main attractions in the Old City, it’s time to venture outside of Chiang Mai.
There’s plenty on offer, but the most worthy day trips you can do are to Doi Inthanon National Park, hike some of the nature trails, and visit waterfalls like the Sticky Waterfall (Bua Tong).
You can organize all of this yourself (check our Chiang Mai Travel Guide for all info and tips), but the easiest and time-effective way to do these trips is on organized tours.
We recommend the Doi Inthanon Day Tour to visit the twin pagodas, a nature trail, and Wachirathan Waterfall. For visiting the Sticky Waterfall, we recommend the Organized Sticky Waterfall Tour.
With its diverse landscapes and lush greenery, Chiang Mai is also perfect for hiking and trekking, with diverse hiking tours you can join.
Chiang Mai has countless high-quality spas and massage parlors with traditional massages, soothing oil massages, and pampering spa packages, so the best way to finish your day is by getting the famous Thai massage. Book your Spa experience here.
For something more active, one of the best tours that combines hiking and mountain biking is the Doi Suthep Hike & Bike at Doi Suthep Mountain National Park.
You first hike up to the old Hmong Hill Tribe Village at the summit of Doi Pui National Park. On top, you get your well-deserved lunch, and then you go on a downhill bike ride to Lake Huay Tung Tha while enjoying the lush forests.
For exploring the countryside, choose one of the cycling tours (note: you cover quite a lot of distance).
Third day in Chiang Mai
For your last day in Chiang Mai, we recommend choosing some activities to do or taking a day trip to Chiang Rai, known for its numerous thematic temples.
Chiang Rai
One of the must-see sights in Chiang Rai is the Wat Rong Khun, also known as White Temple. This stunning masterpiece is decorated with complex details, combining old with modern artwork.
Another popular attraction is Wat Rong Suea Ten, also known as the Blue Temple, featuring beautiful murals and, as its name suggests, blue tones. Lastly, another must-visit is the strange but interesting Black House (Baan Dam Museum).
You can visit Chiang Rai and stay overnight, but if you’re only interested in seeing the temples, a day trip is sufficient.
There are frequent buses to Chiang Rai, with the earliest arrival at 9:30 and the latest departure at 6:00 PM, allowing you to spend a full day there. However, if you want more flexibility, we’d recommend renting a car or motorbike.
We visited parts of Northern Thailand, including the Mae Hong Son loop, on a motorbike, and some further away areas by rental car (Phu Chi Fa, Phu Langka, etc.), and it was perfect for having more flexibility.
If you don’t want to organize a trip to Chiang Rai yourself, you can simply join a day tour, as most people do. The tour takes you to the main Chiang Rai attractions, and it’s super convenient and not expensive at all. We recommend this Chiang Rai Day Tour.
Activities
Chiang Mai is the perfect base for tons of fun activities, including white-water rafting, ATV/Quad tours, paramotor flights, kayaking, and ziplining through lush forests.
Additionally, if you’re interested in trying Muay Thai, the traditional and world-renowned sport, the city offers excellent gyms.
We recommend these activities:
- 🥊 Muay Thai – book a lesson or get a match ticket to watch it at a stadium
- 🛶 Caves & Jungle Kayaking at Chiang Dao – book here
- 🏍 ATV/Quad in the Countryside – book your ride
- 🪂 Paramotor Experience – book your flight
- 🌊 White Water Rafting – book here
What about visiting Pai?
Pai is a popular village in the countryside of Mae Hong Son province, north of Chiang Mai, accessible by a mountain road of 762 curves and hairpin bends.
It offers picturesque natural scenery and a laid-back atmosphere, with attractions such as the Tham Lod Cave, Hot Springs, Pai Canyon, Waterfalls, and the nightly Pai Night Market.
The journey to Pai takes about 4 hours, so we don’t recommend it unless you want to spend more time in the north. We would recommend at least one night there.
To plan your visit more easily, read our Pai Travel Guide.
Koh Tao – Koh Phangan – Koh Samui
With Chiang Mai being the final destination in the north, it’s time to move to the South of Thailand, with the next stop being the Gulf of Thailand islands.
Koh Tao, Koh Phangan, and Koh Samui are the three main islands of the Gulf of Thailand, each with its own unique vibe and characteristics.
Of course, on a limited itinerary, you can’t visit all of them, and honestly, there’s no need to. You just need to choose the ONE that’s going to give you everything you want.
Once you’ve made your choice, we recommend spending at least 3 nights there, so you can properly enjoy the breathtaking beaches, snorkeling, diving, boat trips, fantastic food, and everything in between that these islands offer.
If you choose Koh Phangan or Koh Samui, don’t skip visiting Ang Thong!
It’s a cluster of dreamy tropical islands with some of the best viewpoints in Thailand, reachable on a day trip from both, and it’s an unmissable location while in this part of Thailand.
The beaches are picture-perfect, and if you’re lucky, you can see the dusky leaf monkeys (Dusky Langur).
Let’s compare them!
Koh Tao
Starting with the northernmost, Koh Tao, you can expect a laid-back vibe at smaller, scenic beaches with fantastic snorkeling options and lots of scuba diving opportunities at some of Thailand’s best spots.
Where to stay: Blue Tao Beach Hotel (right on popular Sairee Beach), and Relax Freedom Beach Resort on one of our favorite beaches.
Transport: Rent a scooter to go around. Alternatively, you can book a private car tour (makes a lot of sense since taxis are expensive).
Day 1 – Beaches & Viewpoints
- Visit John Suwan Viewpoint and relax at Freedom Beach.
- Chill at the beach in Shark Bay, and go snorkeling (turtles are here).
- Enjoy a sunset at Sunset View Point above Sairee.
Day 2 – Snorkeling and Scuba Diving
- Go on a snorkeling trip. The boat tour we took visited Koh Nang Yuan and its famous viewpoint, and lots of cool snorkeling spots around the island. Plus, we got a delicious lunch and finished the trip with a sunset on the boat – perfect!
- Go scuba diving. You can try out scuba diving, or if you’re already certified, go on cool fun dives (2-4-6 dives packages).
Day 3 – Free Time
- Take a full day to relax on the beaches.
- Do some more snorkeling.
- Go cliff jumping at Tanote Bay.
Interested in getting a scuba diving certification? Please note that obtaining certification typically takes 3 to 4 days, so keep this in mind. Plus, you’re not supposed to fly (plane) right after the course.
We also got certified in Koh Tao, and highly recommend the diving company we used!
- Also read: Koh Tao Travel Guide (things to do & more)
Koh Phangan
In the middle of the three, about a 1-hour boat ride south of Koh Tao, there’s Koh Phangan, famous for its Full Moon Party that’s been organized on the island since the 1980s.
However, while Koh Phangan is known for its parties (and surprisingly, yoga retreats), it’s also home to some fantastic beaches that we personally really loved. Additionally, the food available in Koh Phangan is truly delicious.
In our opinion, Koh Phangan offers a perfect balance of tranquility and adventure.
Where to stay: The Cabin Beach Resort on Leela Beach, and High Life Bungalow on Haad Yao, and for an ultimate vacation, Bottle Beach Bungalows.
Transport: Rent a scooter to go around or book a private island roadtrip.
Day 1 – Bottle Beach & Viewpoint
- Hike to the stunning, less-visited Bottle Beach (or take a boat there).
- Visit Bottle Beach Viewpoint (the best viewpoint in Koh Phangan).
Day 2 – Boat Trip to Koh Tao
- We recommend the Koh Nang Yuan & Koh Tao Trip (with snorkeling & lunch). It visits similar spots, like the boat tour from Koh Tao.
Day 3 – Ang Thong National Marine Park
- Visit Ang Thong on a boat tour to explore its islands, picture-perfect beaches, viewpoints, and see animals like the dusky leaf monkey (Ang Thong Marine Park Boat Tour).
- Also read: What To See and Do in Koh Phangan
Koh Samui
Finally, just a quick 30-minute ferry ride south of Koh Phangan is Koh Samui, the largest and most developed island, complete with an airport, arriving car ferries, and countless areas to spend your time. Unsurprisingly, it’s one of the islands that people either love or hate.
We genuinely enjoyed our time in Koh Samui, spending almost a month on the island. Much like the other two, it has fantastic beaches, excellent food, friendly people, and above all, it’s extremely accessible.
Where to stay: SALA Samui Beach Resort, right on Chaweng Beach, and Ampha Place on Maenam Beach
Best activities: Muay Thai Class (beginner-friendly) – 2-Dive Trip to Sail Rock (certified divers) – ATV/Quad Tour (off-road)
Transport: Rent a scooter to go around or book a private customized tour.
Day 1 – Island exploration
- Explore the main attractions in Koh Samui, including its temples and scenic viewpoints.
Day 2 – Ang Thong National Marine Park
- Visit Ang Thong on a boat tour to explore its islands, picture-perfect beaches, viewpoints, and see animals like the dusky leaf monkey.
- Instead of a standard boat tour, opt for the full-day sailing trip, which we went on (it was the best choice ever!). It’s on a large, comfortable boat, serving delicious food, with a great crew, and a well-organized day.
Day 3 – Beach Time
- Spend the day lounging on one of the bigger beaches like Chaweng, Lamai, Maenam, or choose a smaller one like Silver Beach and Coral Cove.
- Also read: Best Things To Do in Koh Samui
So which one is our favorite?
While it’s extremely hard to pick just one, Koh Tao holds a special place in our hearts.
Why? Well, because even though it’s popular, it’s still much more relaxed, so it’s easier to find quieter spots. Plus, we loved the scuba diving!
Another thing we loved was that on many days, we simply rented snorkel equipment and went snorkeling by ourselves, without needing to get on a boat to reach further away spots. You can snorkel right off the beach. We saw black-tip reef sharks, an octopus, and a big turtle!
Khao Sok National Park
It’s time for one of our absolute favorite destinations on this two-week Thailand itinerary, and that’s Khao Sok National Park.
While many itineraries skip Khao Sok, we think it’s an unmissable part of any Thailand itinerary, especially on the way to or from the South.
Khao Sok National Park is a stunning expanse of rainforest with rich biodiversity and breathtaking natural landscapes.
When you visit Khao Sok, you can explore its dramatic limestone cliffs and beautiful Cheow Lan Lake with its iconic floating bungalows, go for hikes to caves or waterfalls, enjoy river activities, and observe a wide variety of wildlife, including gibbons and elephants, if you’re lucky.
Day 1 – Bamboo Rafting, Night Safari
- Explore the Sok River and the jungle on a bamboo raft.
- Go on a Night Safari (we saw lots of animals!).
Day 2 – Cheow Lan Lake Overnight Trip
- Visit the large lake, go trekking, or go kayaking.
- Stay in a floating bungalow – book a floating hotel or go on an organized tour.
- Go on a safari, and potentially see wild elephants, among other animals.
Day 3 – Morning at the lake and departure
- Wake up for sunrise at the lake.
- Join a morning safari or go kayaking.
- Leave for Phuket or Krabi.
Where to stay: Treehouses at Our Jungle House (Sok village), and on the lake, the 500 Rai floating hotel
Best tours & activities: Trekking Tour (Waterfalls and Wildlife) – Bamboo Rafting – Night Safari
Optional: You can head from the islands straight to Phuket/Krabi, and visit Khao Sok from there on an organized trip. We recommend this 2-day tour.
Want to optimize your time in Khao Sok? Make sure to read our Khao Sok Itinerary, packed with practical tips to make the most of your stay (two to four days).
For a complete list of what to do there, read our Khao Sok National Park Travel Guide.
Compared to choosing between Koh Tao, Koh Phangan, and Koh Samui, deciding between Phuket and Krabi is a bit different. It mostly depends on what kind of attractions you want to see and places you want to visit nearby.
Let’s take a look at what each of them is about.
Phuket
Phuket, the largest island in Thailand, is perfect for visiting famous locations like James Bond Island and Phang Nga Bay, as well as Maya Bay and the Phi Phi Islands, along with Surin and Similan, some of Thailand’s best islands.
Where to stay: Alleyhill Phuket, right in Phuket Old Town, and along Surin Beach, Outrigger Beach Resort
Best tours & activities: Zipline Adventure (above the jungle) – Stand-up Paddleboarding (in the mangroves)
Transport: Rent a scooter, rent a car, or join an organized island highlights tour. We traveled by motorbike and by car, which is an excellent idea since it’s a big island.
Day 1 – Island exploration
- Explore the main attractions in Phuket, including the Old Town, Big Buddha, Wat Chalong, and the Night Market.
Day 2 – Phang Nga Bay or Similan Islands
- Join a standard tour, which visits James Bond Island, or opt for something more unique and join the “Hong by Starlight” tour, which explores Phang Nga Bay while also offering a more cultural experience. Plus, you get to kayak through cool spots which other tours don’t do! We loved it!
- Alternatively, visit the Similan Islands, some of Thailand’s best islands, known for their powdery white sand beaches. We highly recommend the Similan tour we did.
Day 3 – Maya Bay and Phi Phi Islands Day Trip
- Do the classic visit to Maya Bay and the Phi Phi Islands on a boat tour. For a better experience, choose the early-bird sunrise tour to visit the spots before the crowds arrive. We did the same, and it was SO worth waking up earlier.
Good to know: Phuket is a great destination by itself, with countless areas where you can stay and be really close to the beach.
So, it’s not only an excellent base for exploring nearby places, but it’s also perfect for a beach vacation. Read our Phuket Areas & Hotel Guide for tips and recommendations.
Krabi
Krabi, the smaller alternative to Phuket on the Andaman Sea, is famous for its Railay Beach peninsula, limestone cliffs, fabulous beaches, boat trips to Hong Island and the Phi Phi Islands, and natural sites like clear-water canals and the Emerald Pool.
Additionally, Krabi is a great place for adventure as it offers thrilling activities like rock climbing on limestone cliffs, kayaking, training Muay Thai with experienced trainers, and hiking through some really cool jungle trails.
However, most importantly, Krabi, like Phuket, serves as a fantastic base for exploring the cool nearby places on island-hopping day trips, such as Maya Bay, the Phi Phi Islands, and others.
Day 1 – Railay Peninsula
- Spend a day at the Railay Peninsula, known as Railay Beach, check out its viewpoints, caves, and don’t skip the Bat Cave for stunning views of Phra Nang Beach and Railay’s main beach.
Day 2 – Island-hopping (Four Islands, Maya Bay, and Phi Phi Islands)
- Hop on a boat trip to explore nearby islands from Krabi, with the obvious choice being Maya Bay and Phi Phi. Like for Phuket, we recommend an early-bird tour.
- Alternatively, you can hop on a longtail boat to visit the four “local” islands from Krabi (Chicken, Poda, Mor, and Tup).
- For a more comfortable experience, we recommend the sunset snorkeling cruise we did. It was a truly enjoyable and relaxing experience on a fantastic boat, with a great crew, and a perfectly organized day (plus nice food!).
Day 3 – Hong Island
- Spend a day at the unmissable Hong Island, known for its fantastic viewpoint from where you can see a lot of other islands, and its dreamy beach. We went on a luxury longtail boat, which included food, and was a lot more comfortable.
Where to stay: Navinda Krabi (within walking distance of Nopparat Thara), and Rayavadee, a resort in Railay Beach for absolute luxury
Best tours & activities: Cooking Class (7 dishes!) – Cycling Tour (in the countryside) – Kayaking in Mangroves
Transport: Rent a scooter for going around and for some further away spots, go on an organized tour (visits Emerald Pool, Tiger Cave Temple, and Hot Springs).
Optional: You can also stay in Phi Phi Islands – on a budget, Viking Nature Resort, and for luxury, SAii Phi Phi Island Village.
Want to optimize your time in Krabi? Make sure to read our Krabi Itinerary, packed with practical tips to make the most of your stay (three to five days).
Our favorite hotels in Thailand
- Bangkok: U-need Guesthouse 95 (budget), Riva Surya (mid-range), and Kimpton Maa-Lai (luxury).
- Chiang Mai: Centrally located in the Old City area, Phor Liang Meun Terracotta Arts (luxury), and Hostel One Art and Gallery for dorms and private rooms
- Chiang Rai: Conveniently close to the city center, Mercy Hostel, and Nak Nakara Hotel
- Koh Tao: Blue Tao Beach Hotel right on popular Sairee Beach, and Relax Freedom Beach Resort on one of our favorite beaches.
- Koh Phangan: The Cabin Beach Resort on Leela Beach, and High Life Bungalow on Haad Yao
- Koh Samui: SALA Samui Beach Resort, right on Chaweng Beach, and Ampha Place on Maenam Beach
- Khao Sok: Treehouses at Our Jungle House, and on the lake, the 500 Rai floating hotel
- Phuket: Alleyhill Phuket, right in Phuket Old Town, and along Surin Beach, Outrigger Beach Resort
- Krabi: Within walking distance of Nopparat Thara, Navinda Krabi, and for absolute luxury, Rayavadee, a resort in Railay Beach
- Phi Phi Islands: Budget-friendly Viking Nature Resort and PP Princess Resort, for luxury SAii Phi Phi Island Village
Transport Travel Tips
To optimize your two weeks in Thailand as best as possible, we have gathered some practical transport tips below, which will help you travel between places more easily, quickly, and comfortably.
To book transport in Asia, we always use this platform, the top transport booking platform in the region for flights, trains, buses, private transfers, and taxis. Their user-friendly platform makes booking a breeze.
Arrival in Thailand
We assume you will fly into Bangkok to begin your trip to Thailand, which is also the most convenient and often the most affordable option.
Flying into a different airport? Spin the itinerary around to go from South to North if starting in Phuket/Krabi, or from North to South with Bangkok in between if beginning in Chiang Mai.
Coming from nearby countries? Check bus and train tickets.
Beyond Bangkok, other international airports in Thailand are also well-connected.
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The likeliest alternative airport to fly into is Phuket, which is incredibly well-connected with direct flights coming from not only Asian (India, Kazakhstan, China, South Korea, Taiwan, Vietnam, Singapore, Indonesia, …), but many European, and Gulf countries (UK, France, Germany, Switzerland, Italy, Finland, Sweden, Norway, Saudi, UAE, Oman), and also Australia.
You can fly directly to Chiang Mai year-round from China, Hanoi, Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Japan. Plus, there are seasonal direct flights from Abu Dhabi, South Korea, and the Philippines.
Bangkok to Chiang Mai
Traveling from Bangkok to Chiang Mai is easiest by a quick 1.5-hour flight. Alternatively, you can also travel by bus or train, with the overnight sleeper train taking 12 to 14 hours and the bus approximately 10 hours.
We highly recommend booking the flight to get there the fastest for not much more money than the bus or train.
- Read more: Sleeper Train From Bangkok To Chiang Mai (review & guide from our experience)
Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai
While both Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai are located in a similar area of northern Thailand, they’re still about 200 km apart, or about a 3.5-hour drive.
We traveled from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai in a comfortable bus, which took just under 4 hours. You can also travel in a van, which is less comfortable, but they do offer the option of a combo transfer (with hotel pick-up).
Chiang Mai to Koh Tao, Koh Phangan, and Koh Samui
Moving from Northern Thailand down to the Gulf of Thailand Islands can mean a really long day, especially if you want to do it on a budget.
If you don’t mind spending a bit more, consider booking a 2-hour direct flight from Chiang Mai to Surat Thani, followed by a speedboat/ferry to the islands.
From the airport, we recommend booking one of the combo transfer options. They will pick you up at the airport, take you to the port, and then by ferry/speedboat to the islands. Check combo transfers here. It’s what we always book to make our travel days easier, and not have to worry about taxis.
Looking for a budget alternative?
It’s going to take A LOT of time to travel down south on a budget, but you can get a bus/train first to Bangkok, then another bus/train to Chumphon for Koh Tao, or to Surat Thani for Koh Phangan and Koh Samui, and lastly a boat.
This way, you can cut the cost in half.
Gulf of Thailand to Phuket and Krabi
The last part is quite simple, so if you want the most hassle-free way to travel from the islands to Phuket or Krabi, then definitely book the combo transfer. It includes the ferry from the islands to the mainland, followed by a bus to your final destination.
Don’t forget to also check for options with a hotel drop-off (Karon, Kata, Patong, and Old Town in Phuket, plus Ao Nang, and Krabi Town in Krabi).
Best time to visit Thailand
To put it simply, the best time for doing this two-week trip in Thailand is from November to the end of February. This takes into account the best weather for beaches and activities, as well as timing to avoid the burning season in Northern Thailand.
We covered the absolute best times to visit Thailand in detail in our Best Time to Visit Thailand article.
Frequently Asked Questions
Traveling for two weeks in Thailand costs between 800 and 1000 USD for budget travelers and 1500 USD and up for a more comfortable vacation, depending on the type of hotels you stay at, the experiences you do, and the transportation you use (flight vs. bus). The most significant expense is accommodation, which accounts for 30 to 40 percent of the trip cost, followed by transportation, which amounts to about 20 percent, and the rest being food, experiences, and activities (tours).
1000 USD is enough for a somewhat budget, but still comfortable two-week trip to Thailand.
Yes, absolutely. Two weeks is perfectly enough time to see Thailand’s highlights in both the north and south (plus Bangkok, of course), from beaches to temples, national parks, waterfalls, night markets, islands, and more.
You can visit both the north and south highlights of Thailand in two weeks without any issues, especially if you follow our itinerary.
In two weeks in Thailand, you should be able to visit: Bangkok (3 nights), Chiang Mai (3 nights), Chiang Rai (0-1 nights), Koh Tao/Koh Phangan/Koh Samui (3 nights), Khao Sok (2 nights), and Phuket/Krabi (3 nights).
Continue planning your trip
Phuket Travel Guides
Krabi Travel Guides
Find a list of over 75 travel guides to Thailand’s South, Central, and North.
Chiang Mai – Chiang Rai – Pai
Phi Phi Islands – Maya Bay – Koh Hong
Koh Samui – Koh Tao – Koh Phangan
Similan Islands – Surin Islands
