Start your trip with a bang at one of Bangkok's rooftop bars. Sip on cocktails while enjoying the city skyline at Vertigo Rooftop Bar or Octave Rooftop Bar.
Experience an evening of Thai culture and entertainment at the Lumpinee Boxing Stadium. Watch adrenaline-pumping Muay Thai fights while enjoying local food and drinks.
Take a boat tour of the picturesque Phang Nga Bay, also known as James Bond Island. Swim, snorkel, and sunbathe at the secluded beaches of Racha Island and Koh Phi Phi.
Get up close and personal with elephants at the Phuket Elephant Sanctuary. Learn about elephant conservation and spend the day feeding, bathing, and interacting with these gentle giants.
Dance the night away at the famous Full Moon Party on Haad Rin Beach in Koh Phangan. The party takes place during the full moon every month and features music, fire shows, and buckets of local drinks.
Recharge and rejuvenate with a relaxing Thai massage at a local spa. Unwind in natural hot springs at Tarn Tara Spa in Koh Samui or Pai Spa in Chiang Mai.
Shop for souvenirs and try local cuisine at the Chiang Mai Night Bazaar. The market features a wide variety of vendors selling handicrafts, clothing, and street food.
Explore the border area between Thailand, Myanmar, and Laos at the Golden Triangle. Take a boat ride on the Mekong River, visit local villages, and see the impressive Wat Rong Khun temple.
End your trip with a splash at the Songkran Water Festival, also known as Thai New Year. Celebrate with locals by throwing water at each other, listening to music, and eating traditional Thai food.
Getting around Thailand is relatively easy with tuk-tuks, taxis, and motorcycle rentals available in most tourist areas. Plan for travel costs of about $30 per day and consider hiring a private driver if traveling long distances.
If you have more time, consider exploring more of northern Thailand with a visit to the mountains surrounding Chiang Mai or a trek to the hill tribes near Chiang Rai. If you have less time, skip the elephant sanctuary or Golden Triangle tour and spend more time relaxing on the beaches of Phuket or Koh Samui.
The main airports in Thailand are Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) and Don Mueang International Airport (DMK) in Bangkok, Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX) in Chiang Mai, Phuket International Airport (HKT) in Phuket, and Samui International Airport (USM) in Koh Samui. All airports are easily accessible by taxi or public transportation.