Start your Thailand journey with a visit to the Bangkok Grand Palace, a complex of enchanting buildings and the official residence of the King of Thailand. After that, explore the Wat Phra Kaew, known as the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, and the Wat Arun, also known as the Temple of Dawn, which is located across the Chao Phraya River. Don't forget to dress appropriately as these are holy places.
On your second day in Bangkok, visit the Chatuchak Weekend Market, the largest market in Thailand that has over 15,000 stalls. Then go to Wat Pho, the oldest and largest temple complex in Bangkok that houses the famous reclining Buddha statue. In the evening, experience the lively atmosphere of Khao San Road, a popular destination for backpackers that is lined with restaurants, bars, and street vendors.
Take a day trip to the Ayutthaya Historical Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that was once the capital of Thailand. Explore the ruins of the ancient city and learn about its rich history and culture.
Travel north to Chiang Mai and spend the day exploring the Old City, which is surrounded by ancient walls and gates. Visit the Wat Chedi Luang and the Wat Phra Singh temples, which are some of the most impressive religious sites in the city. In the evening, head to the Doi Suthep Temple, located on a hill that provides a breathtaking view of the city.
Experience the natural beauty of Thailand with a visit to the Elephant Nature Park, a sanctuary for rescued elephants where you can interact with these gentle giants in a responsible and ethical way. At night, go to the Night Bazaar, a bustling market that offers a variety of goods such as handicrafts, souvenirs, and street food.
Head south to Krabi and spend the day island hopping. Visit the Phi Phi Islands, James Bond Island, and Railay Beach, where you can enjoy the white sand beaches, clear blue waters, and stunning scenery. Take a swim, go snorkeling, or simply relax and take in the beauty of the islands.
End your trip with a visit to the Tiger Cave Temple, a Buddhist temple that is famous for its tiger paw prints and offers a panoramic view of Krabi. Then, explore Krabi Town, a charming town that offers a blend of modern and traditional Thai culture, with its markets, shops, and restaurants.
Thailand offers various options for transportation, such as tuk-tuks, taxis, buses, and trains. It is recommended to negotiate prices with tuk-tuk and taxi drivers before getting in. Public transportation is affordable and efficient. A one-way ticket on the Skytrain in Bangkok costs around ฿20-40. Domestic flights are also available between major cities, with prices starting from ฿1500.
Travel time between destinations varies, so plan your itinerary accordingly. Overnight trains or buses are available for longer journeys, such as Bangkok to Chiang Mai or Krabi.
Estimated transportation costs: ฿1500-2000
If you have more time, consider visiting the beaches in Phuket or Koh Samui. If you have less time, shorten your stay in Bangkok or skip Ayutthaya. Don't forget to try the local food, such as pad thai, green curry, and mango sticky rice. Remember to dress modestly and respectfully in religious sites.
The main international airport in Thailand is Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK), located in Bangkok. Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX) and Krabi International Airport (KBV) are also major airports that offer domestic and international flights. BKK is about 25 minutes (9.2km) from the Bangkok Grand Palace, CNX is about 1 hour 15 minutes (10.9km) from Chiang Mai Old City, and KBV is about 30 minutes (14.5km) from Krabi Town.