12 Days in Thailand: An Island, Nature, Waterfall, and Massage Adventure

  • Day 1: Bangkok
    Starting Point

    Bangkok is Thailand's capital city, filled with beautiful temples and palaces. Enjoy a tuk-tuk ride around the city and visit the renowned Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew, also known as the Temple of the Emerald Buddha.

  • Day 2: Chiang Mai
    1 hour flight from Bangkok to Chiang Mai

    Chiang Mai is a mountainous city in northern Thailand with a beautiful old city area surrounded by temples and ancient walls. Visit the famous Wat Chedi Luang, shop at the Night Bazaar, and indulge in traditional Thai massage.

  • Day 3: Pai
    3-hour drive from Chiang Mai to Pai

    Pai is a charming town in northern Thailand known for its stunning natural scenery of mountains, waterfalls, and hot springs. Visit the Pai Canyon, Pam Bok Waterfall, and soak in the hot springs.

  • Day 4: Chiang Rai
    4-hour drive from Pai to Chiang Rai

    Chiang Rai is a small city in northern Thailand known for the stunning White Temple, also known as Wat Rong Khun. Visit the nearby Blue Temple and Black House, then enjoy a cup of coffee at the famous Cat 'n' A Cup Cat Café.

  • Day 5: Khao Yai National Park
    6-hour drive from Chiang Rai to Khao Yai National Park

    Khao Yai National Park is a beautiful wilderness area with diverse wildlife like elephants, gibbons, and hornbills. Take a hike to Haew Narok Waterfall, visit the Primo Piazza Italian Village, and try some locally grown produce.

  • Day 6: Koh Samet
    5-hour drive from Khao Yai National Park to Ban Phe Pier, then a 30-minute ferry to Koh Samet

    Koh Samet is a small island known for its stunning beaches and crystal clear waters. Relax on the beach, try some snorkeling, and enjoy a sunset view from the stunning Sunset Viewpoint.

  • Day 7-8: Koh Chang
    2-hour ferry from Koh Samet to Koh Chang (with a stopover at Trat)

    Koh Chang is a larger island than Koh Samet with a breathtaking jungle interior and beautiful beaches. Explore the Khlong Phlu Waterfall, hike through the jungle, and ride an elephant. Or, soak in the views and relax on the beach.

  • Day 9-10: Krabi
    1-hour flight from Trat to Krabi

    Krabi is a province in southern Thailand known for its pristine beaches and limestone cliffs. Visit the Railay Beach, Phi Phi Islands, and indulge in a Thai massage at the Aonang Haven Massage.

  • Day 11: Phuket
    3-hour drive from Krabi to Phuket

    Phuket is an island known for its beautiful beaches and vibrant nightlife. Visit the Big Buddha, watch a traditional Thai dance performance, and enjoy the dinner at one of the renowned restaurants in Patong Beach.

  • Day 12: Bangkok
    1-hour flight from Phuket to Bangkok

    Shop for souvenirs at the famous Chatuchak Weekend Market, visit Wat Arun, also known as the Temple of Dawn, and indulge in a delicious Thai meal before departing.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Bangkok Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew (3 hours, ฿500)
  • Chiang Mai Night Bazaar (2 hours, ฿300)
  • Pai Pam Bok Waterfall (2 hours, ฿200)
  • Chiang Rai White Temple (2 hours, ฿50)
  • Khao Yai National Park Haew Narok Waterfall (4 hours, ฿200)
  • Koh Samet snorkeling (2 hours, ฿500)
  • Koh Chang Khlong Phlu Waterfall (3 hours, ฿300)
  • Krabi Aonang Haven Massage (2 hours, ฿700)
  • Phuket Big Buddha (1 hour, ฿100)
  • Total Estimated Costs: ฿2,850 ($84 USD)

Transportation

Thailand offers a range of transportation options like car, tuk-tuk, bus, and ferry. Consider renting a car for exploring northern Thailand, while using buses and ferries to travel from island to island in the south. Flight options are also available for quicker travels between major cities.

Estimated Travel Costs: Buses and ferries from ฿100 - ฿600 ($3 - $18 USD), Car rentals from ฿900 - ฿1,500 ($26 - $44 USD) per day, and flights from ฿1,500 - ฿5,000 ($44 - $147 USD) per one-way trip.

Useful Tips

If you have less time, consider skipping one or two islands and spending more time in Bangkok or Chiang Mai. For those with more time, consider adding additional islands like Phuket or Koh Tao or visit the historic city of Ayutthaya. Always check the weather forecast before planning outdoor activities.

Airports

Thailand's main international airport is Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) in Bangkok, which is 16 miles (25 km) from the city center. Other airports include Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX), 3 miles (5 km) from the city center, and Phuket International Airport (HKT), 20 miles (32 km) from the city center.

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