Start your trip in the bustling city of Bangkok. Visit the Grand Palace and the Wat Phra Kaew to admire the intricate Thai architecture and historical significance. Take a tuk-tuk ride to Khao San Road to experience the vibrant nightlife and try some local street food.
Head to the peaceful city of Chiang Mai and explore the Wat Phra That Doi Suthep temple which offers stunning views of the city. Visit the Warorot Market and try the delicious local street food. Take a day trip to the Chiang Mai Elephant Nature Park to interact with elephants in their natural habitat.
Escape the city and head to the scenic town of Pai. Visit the Pai Canyon for a picturesque hike, rent a scooter and explore the nearby waterfalls, and watch the sunset at the Pai Night Market.
Visit the ancient city of Sukhothai and explore the Sukhothai Historical Park, which contains impressive ruins of royal palaces, Buddhist temples, and city walls.
Relax on the stunning beaches of Krabi and explore the nearby islands on a longtail boat. Visit the Railay Beach viewpoint, go rock climbing at Tonsai Beach, and snorkel at the Phi Phi Islands.
Continue your beach relaxation and island hopping to Koh Samui. Visit the Big Buddha temple and take a dip in the Namuang Waterfall. End the day at the Chaweng Beach night market.
Return to Bangkok for some last-minute shopping at the Pratunam Market and the MBK Center. Visit the Wat Arun temple for a stunning view of the sunset over the Chao Phraya River. End your trip at the Sky Bar for a breathtaking night view of Bangkok.
Travelers can easily navigate around Bangkok using taxis and tuk-tuks, but be prepared to haggle for a fair price. Flights are the most efficient way to travel between cities, but buses are also available at a lower cost. Renting scooters in Pai and Krabi is a popular way to explore those areas, but be cautious and wear a helmet. Overall, transportation costs are affordable and can easily fit into a shoestring budget.
If you have more time, consider adding a day trip to the Ayutthaya historical park from Bangkok or a visit to the ancient city of Chiang Rai from Chiang Mai. For travelers with shorter timeframes, consider cutting out Pai from the itinerary or spending only a day or two in Bangkok instead of returning for the last two days.
The main airport in Thailand is the Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) in Bangkok, located approximately 30 km from the city center. Another option is the Don Mueang International Airport (DMK), which serves low-cost airlines and is located approximately 24 km from the city center. Koh Samui has its own airport, Samui International Airport (USM), located approximately 2 km from the city center.