14-Day Shoestring Budget Trip to Thailand

• Day 1: Bangkok
  From Bangkok Airport (BKK), take a taxi to the hotel (30mins, 327 THB)

  Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew: See the opulent architecture of the royal residence and temple.

• Day 2: Bangkok
  From the hotel, take a bus to Wat Arun (40mins, 15 THB)

  Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn): Visit the stunning Buddhist temple and climb up to see the city skyline view.

• Day 3: Ayutthaya
  From the hotel, take a train to Ayutthaya (1hr 15mins, 15 THB)

  Ayutthaya Historical Park: Explore the ancient ruins and learn about the rich history of the former Siamese Kingdom.

• Day 4-5: Chiang Mai
  From Ayutthaya, take a train to Chiang Mai (11 hrs, 527 THB)

  Old City: Walk around the quaint streets of the walled city and try the street food at the night market.

• Day 6-7: Pai
  From Chiang Mai, take a bus to Pai (3.5 hrs, 150 THB)

  Pai Canyon: Go for a hike in the natural labyrinthine rock formations.

• Day 8-9: Chiang Dao
  From Pai, take a bus to Chiang Dao (4 hrs, 140 THB)

  Chiang Dao Cave: Explore the cave temples and local village near the foothills of the sacred mountain.

• Day 10: Khao Yai
  From Chiang Dao, take a train back to Bangkok and then take a bus to Khao Yai (6 hrs, 300 THB)

  Khao Yai National Park: Go on a nature walk and spot elephants, gibbons, and other wildlife.

• Day 11-12: Koh Samet
  From Khao Yai, take a bus to Rayong and then take a ferry to Koh Samet (6 hrs, 500 THB)

  White Sand Beach: Relax on the picturesque sandy beach and snorkel in the clear water.

• Day 13-14: Bangkok
  From Koh Samet, take a ferry to Rayong and then take a bus to Bangkok (4.5 hrs, 250 THB)

  Chatuchak Weekend Market: Shop for souvenirs and experience the bustling weekend market atmosphere.

Time and Costs Estimates

• Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew (2-3 hrs, 500 THB)
• Wat Arun (1-2 hrs, 50 THB)
• Ayutthaya Historical Park (4-5 hrs, 220 THB)
• Pai Canyon (1-2 hrs, free)
• Chiang Dao Cave (2-3 hrs, 40 THB)
• Khao Yai National Park (1-2 days, 400 THB)
• White Sand Beach (1-2 days, free)
• Chatuchak Weekend Market (2-4 hrs, free)
• Total Estimated Costs: 1732 THB or about £40.50

Transportation

Travelers should expect to take taxis, buses or trains during their trip in Thailand. Taxis are affordable and convenient, but travelers should make sure the taxi driver uses the meter or agree on a price before getting in. Sleeper trains are also an option for long journeys. Buses are generally the cheapest but the slowest form of transportation. Prices vary depending on the distance travelled, but it should cost around 2400 THB or £56 for all transportation during this itinerary.

Useful Tips

If travelers have additional time, they could add a trip to the Thailand islands or Khao Sok National Park for additional nature experiences. Alternatively, they could shorten the itinerary by skipping Koh Samet or Chiang Dao. It's also important to note that many cultural sites, such as temples or palaces, require visitors to dress modestly and remove shoes before entry.

Airports

Bangkok is serviced by two airports -- Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) and Don Mueang International Airport (DMK). Suvarnabhumi Airport is the main airport and is located about 30 kilometres east of Bangkok City Centre, while Don Mueang International Airport is located about 24 kilometres north of the city center. Both airports offer a range of services such as ATMs, currency exchange, cafes, and souvenir shops.