Begin your trip with a Bangkok City Tour. Visit the Grand Palace, which includes Wat Phra Kaew - the Temple of the Emerald Buddha. Next, stop at the Wat Pho - the Temple of the Reclining Buddha. Lastly, explore the Chinatown, which is a popular area for street food and souvenir shopping.
Enjoy a relaxing day at Pattaya Beach. Soak up the sun, swim in the clear waters, and indulge in some delicious seafood at one of the many beachside restaurants. In the evening, head over to the Walking Street, where you can experience the vibrant nightlife of Pattaya.
Take a day trip to the historic city of Ayutthaya, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The city was once the capital of Thailand and boasts numerous beautiful temples and ruins. Don't miss Wat Chaiwatthanaram, Wat Phra Mahathat, and the Ayutthaya Historical Park.
Fly to Chiang Mai and embark on a city tour. Start with the Wat Phra Singh Temple, which is home to a 14th-century statue of Buddha. Next, visit the Wat Chedi Luang, which features ancient ruins of a large stupa. Lastly, explore the Chiang Mai Night Bazaar, where you can shop for local handicrafts and souvenirs.
Visit the Elephant Nature Park, an elephant rescue and rehabilitation center. Spend the day feeding, bathing, and playing with the gentle giants. Note: Always choose an ethical elephant sanctuary that offers no rides or shows, and allows the animals to roam free.
Book flights or trains in advance to save costs. Taxis and tuk-tuks are the easiest way to get around in Thailand. Negotiate prices beforehand, or use ride-hailing apps for a more reliable fare. Consider renting a motorbike if you’re comfortable with driving in heavy traffic. However, note that driving rules may differ from your home country. Estimated travel costs: taxis- 500 THB ($16 USD), tuk-tuk – 300 THB ($10 USD), motorbike- 200 THB ($6 USD).
If you have more time, add a day trip to the Tiger Cave Temple in Krabi or Phi Phi Islands. For shopaholics, the MBK Shopping Mall in Bangkok is a must-visit. If you have less time, skip Ayutthaya and fly direct to Chiang Mai. Keep a power bank with you, as charging points may not always be available. Carry a mosquito repellent to avoid bug bites. Thailand is a cash-based society, so withdraw cash before you go.
Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) is the main international airport in Bangkok. It's located about 30 km (19 miles) east of the city center. Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX) is about 4 km (2.5 miles) southwest of the city center. Krabi International Airport (KBV) serves Krabi and the surrounding areas. It's about 15 km (9 miles) east of the city center.