Bangkok is a bustling capital city of Thailand that perfectly represents the country's mix of modern and ancient cultures. Start the trip by visiting the most prominent landmark, the Grand Palace, with intricate Thai architecture and royal history. Marvel at the enormous reclining Buddha statue in Wat Pho and take a peaceful stroll in the Lumpini Park.
Siem Reap is an ancient and charming city, often visited for the renowned clusters of 12th-century temples and monuments of the Angkor Wat archaeological park. Two days should suffice to roam around the major temples such as Bayon Temple and Ta Prohm and learn about the historical, cultural and political significance of each site.
The small and peaceful town of Hoi An has rich and multi-layered architecture, beautiful beaches, and intricate handicrafts. Take a leisurely walk around the ancient city and admire the charmingly preserved buildings of the Old Town, colorfully decorated by hanging lanterns which create an enchanting ambiance at night. Reward yourself with a beach day on An Bang Beach and visit nearby traditional Vietnamese villages.
The ancient city of Luang Prabang is known for its well-preserved and harmonious blend of architecture and natural beauty. Take a deep breath and witness stunning views from atop Mount Phou Si. Get an up-close look at the traditional folkways of Laos at the Royal Palace Museum and learn about the history of this land entrenched in French influence. Take a dip in the Kuang Si Waterfall and have some fun.
Chiang Mai, known as the "Rose of the North," a city that is full of historical traditions, is an excellent way to ease into the end of the trip. Have a peaceful day looking for reflections in serene temples like Wat Phra Singh, relish in the local flavor of northern Thai specialties like Khao Soi and go on a serene walking tour around the city with a local guide. Visit an Elephant camp and relieve some stress.
The island of Phuket is a haven of relaxation and prime tourist paradise islands in Thailand. Soak up the sun and explore the beaches on a sunny day trip around the islands. Venture into the Phi Phi Islands to experience crystal clear waters, limestone cliffs, and the natural beauty of the national park. Take a memorable Thai massage in Salon de Royal Orchid. End the day enjoying delicious traditional Thai cuisine on the Patong Beach.
*This total estimate is just for the activities and entrance fees. It does not include flights, accommodations, or transportation between the cities.
A traveler needs to consider the local transport options in each city they visit. The transport options are varied and include tuk-tuks and songtheaws (small shared minibusses) for short distances and public buses, trains, and domestic flights for longer distances. Walking tours and bicycle rentals are popular in some of the locations mentioned here. The cost and duration of transportation vary depending upon the distances covered and the choice of mode of transport.
If you have more time, you can consider visiting other places like, Koh Samui, or Ayutthaya in Thailand or visit Vientiane in Laos, travel by train or bus instead of flying to save costs, arrange for a multi-city flight booking in advance, pack moderately as traveling from one place to another can be tiring. If you have less time, you can consider skipping Vietnam or Laos.
The two main airports in Thailand are Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) and Don Mueang International Airport (DMK), located around 30 kilometers from downtown Bangkok. Phuket International Airport (HKT), located around 32 kilometers from Patong Beach is the main airport in Phuket. Siem Reap International Airport (REP) is the closest airport to Angkor Wat, located around 7 kilometers from Siem Reap. The nearest airport to Hoi An is Da Nang International Airport (DAD), located around 30 kilometers from Hoi An. Finally, the closest airport to Luang Prabang is Luang Prabang International Airport (LPQ), which is around 4 kilometers from the city center.