Visit the magnificent Grand Palace and its temple Wat Phra Kaew. Continue to Wat Pho, the oldest temple in Bangkok, and see the iconic Reclining Buddha. End the day with street food in Chinatown.
Immerse in local life and bargaining culture in one of Thailand's famous floating markets. Visit the nearby Maeklong Railway Market, and if time permits, take a train to Amphawa Floating Market for more local delicacies.
Visit the most famous temples in Chiang Mai, including Wat Phra Singh, Wat Chedi Luang, and Wat Chiang Man. Admire the stunning architecture and learn about the history and culture behind each temple.
Embark on a trek with a local guide through the jungle of Chiang Mai. Discover hidden waterfalls and swim in natural pools. End the day with a picnic at the picturesque Huay Tung Tao Lake.
Visit the Elephant Nature Park, an ethical elephant sanctuary. Feed and bathe the elephants, and learn about their history and preservation. Continue to the Doi Suthep Temple, one of the most sacred Buddhist sites, located in a cave atop a mountain.
Relax on the beach, catch up on some reading, and take a dip in the ocean. Rent a scooter or walk around the island's quaint streets and capture the local life.
Explore the crystal-clear water, colorful fish, and diverse marine life of the marine park. Discover hidden lagoons, caves, and beaches. End the day with a sunset view from the highest viewpoint on the island.
Walk along Chaweng Beach and witness the landmark of the Big Buddha statue. Continue to the Hin Ta and Hin Yai rock formations and marvel at their unusual shape. End the day with a visit to the Wat Plai Laem temple with its 18-armed Guanyin statue.
Visit Bangkok's famous food streets, Soi 38 and Chinatown, and savor Thai street food. Then head to the shopping district of Pratunam and explore local and international brands at affordable prices.
Visit the Golden Mount, a hilltop temple with panoramic views of Bangkok. End the day with a visit to the Jim Thompson House, a traditional Thai-style house with an impressive art collection. Transfer to the airport for departure.
Travel between destinations on this itinerary can be done by plane, bus, boat or scooter rental. Traveling by plane is the quickest, yet most expensive option. Buses and boats may take longer but are a more budget-friendly option for long distances. Scooters can be rented for local adventures but require care while on the road. Depending on the traveler's budget and time constraints, a combination of these options can be chosen.
Flights between Bangkok and Chiang Mai or Koh Samui range from ฿1500-3000 one-way, depending on the airline and time of booking. Bus and boat tickets cost around ฿300-800 depending on the distance and quality. Scooter rentals range from ฿150-400 per day. Always research and compare costs before making a decision.
If you have more time, consider adding a visit to northern Thailand's Pai or the historical city of Ayutthaya. If you have less time, combine some activities to fit your schedule but don't forget to rest and recharge.
Always carry cash and be prepared for bargaining, especially at local markets. Wear comfortable clothing and footwear, and carry a reusable water bottle to stay hydrated.
The main airport in Bangkok is Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK), located 25 km east of downtown. The other airport, used mostly for domestic flights, is Don Mueang International Airport (DMK), located 24 km north of downtown. Koh Samui Airport (USM) is a small international airport located on the island, serving mainly flights from Bangkok.