12-day Thailand itinerary: Islands, Beaches, and Nature

  • Day 1: Bangkok
    From Suvarnabhumi Airport to Bangkok (20 km): 40 minutes by taxi

    Start your trip exploring the bustling city of Bangkok. Visit the Grand Palace, which was the official residence of the kings of Siam. Then head to Wat Phra Kaew, a beautiful temple where you can see the famous Emerald Buddha statue. End the day with a boat ride along the Chao Phraya River, where you can see Wat Arun and Wat Pho.

  • Day 2-3: Chiang Mai
    From Bangkok to Chiang Mai (700 km): 1 hour flight

    Take a flight to Chiang Mai, a city located in the northern part of Thailand. Visit the old town and explore the beautiful temples such as Wat Phra Singh and Wat Chedi Luang. You can also spend a whole day visiting an elephant sanctuary, where you can see these beautiful animals up close and even feed them.

  • Day 4-5: Pai
    From Chiang Mai to Pai (130 km): 3 hours by car

    Pai is a beautiful town surrounded by mountains and waterfalls. Spend your time exploring the town's night market and trying out the local food. Rent a scooter and discover the waterfalls such as Pam Bok, Mo Paeng or Mae Yen.

  • Day 6-7: Koh Samui
    From Chiang Mai to Koh Samui (900 km): 2-hour flight

    Visit one of the most popular islands in Thailand, Koh Samui, known for its beautiful beaches and relaxing atmosphere. Enjoy swimming, snorkeling, and sunbathing on the beaches. Take a cooking class and learn how to make traditional Thai dishes or take a boat tour to see the nearby islands such as Koh Phangan, Koh Tao or Wat Ratchathammaram.

  • Day 8-9: Koh Phangan
    From Koh Samui to Koh Phangan (30 km): 30 minutes by ferry

    Koh Phangan is famous for its Full Moon Party, a monthly beach party with international DJs. Spend your day exploring the beaches or visiting the nearby waterfalls. Take some time to relax and enjoy a yoga class in the beautiful and peaceful atmosphere of the island.

  • Day 10-11: Krabi
    From Koh Phangan to Krabi (400 km): 5-hour ferry and car ride

    Known for its limestone cliffs and crystal-clear waters, Krabi is the perfect destination for anyone looking for relaxation and adventure. Visit the famous Railay Beach, Ton Sai Beach or take a boat tour to Phi Phi Island. Take a rock climbing course or go kayaking in the mangrove forest.

  • Day 12: Bangkok
    From Krabi to Bangkok (800 km): 1-hour flight

    Spend your last day exploring Bangkok. Visit the floating market in Damnoen Saduak or the Chatuchak Weekend Market. Enjoy some of the traditional Thai massages or relax on a rooftop bar and watch the sunset.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Grand Palace (2 hours, 500 baht)
  • Elephant Sanctuary (full day, 3,000 baht)
  • Pai night market (1-2 hours, free entry)
  • Koh Samui cooking class (4 hours, 1,200 baht)
  • Full Moon Party (1 evening, 1,000 baht)
  • Krabi rock climbing course (half day, 1,500 baht)
  • Chatuchak Weekend Market (2-3 hours, free entry)
  • Total Estimated Costs: 6,200 baht

Transportation

Transportation in Thailand is affordable and accessible. You can take a taxi, tuk-tuk or the local transportation such as the Skytrain, Metro or local buses. For traveling between cities, it's suggested to take flights for long distances or buses for short distances. Always confirm your transportation and prices with your hotel or travel agent.

Useful Tips

If you have more time, consider visiting the nearby cities such as Ayutthaya, Sukhothai or Kanchanaburi. If you have less time, consider skipping Pai and spending more time in Bangkok or Krabi. Always check the weather before planning your trip, as some islands and destinations can be affected by the weather during certain times of the year.

Airports

Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) is the main international airport in Bangkok, located 30 km east of the city center. Krabi International Airport (KBV) is located around 15 km from the city center of Krabi, and Samui International Airport (USM) is located in Koh Samui, around 5 km from Chaweng, the main tourist area of the island.

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