Start your trip by visiting the stunning Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew temples, both of which are must-visit destinations in Bangkok. The vibrant colours and intricate designs of the architecture will leave you mesmerized. Dress conservatively and remember to respect the customs of the temple.
On the weekend, spend your morning at the Chatuchak Weekend Market, one of the largest markets in the world with over 8,000 stalls. After that, head over to Wat Arun, also known as the Temple of Dawn to catch an unforgettable sunset view of the Chao Phraya River.
Take a morning flight to Chiang Mai and explore the famous Chiang Mai Night Market, where you can find local handicrafts, souvenirs and street food. Continue the night with a visit to Wat Phra Singh, one of the city's most important and historic temples.
Start the day by visiting Elephant Nature Park, a sanctuary that rescues and cares for elephants. After a day spent with these gentle giants, head up to Doi Suthep, a mountain located 15 km away from the city, to explore Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, a stunning golden temple, and take in the panoramic views of Chiang Mai city.
Take a flight to Krabi and then a boat ride to Railay Beach to relax on the beach, swim and enjoy the stunning limestone cliffs surrounding it. After that, take a short walk to the nearby Phra Nang Cave, a unique cave beach where you can swim and explore sea caves.
Visit the famous Maya Bay on Koh Phi Phi for a morning swim and snorkel. After that, take a hike up to the Koh Phi Phi viewpoint for a stunning panoramic view of the island.
End your trip by exploring the charming Old Phuket Town, where you can find Sino-Portuguese architecture and street art. After that, drive up to Karon View Point to enjoy a stunning sunset view of the beach.
Thailand has a well-established and extensive transportation system that includes buses, trains, and planes. Local transportation options include tuk-tuks, taxis or renting a motorbike. Flights are frequent between Bangkok and Chiang Mai, and domestic airlines such as AirAsia and Thai Lion air offer affordable airfares. While travelling by bus and train is slower, it is a more affordable option to explore the country, and it's a great way to get a better sense of the local culture. A tuk-tuk ride or a short taxi ride in Bangkok can cost between 50 to 200 Baht, depending on the distance, while renting a motorbike typically costs 200 to 300 Baht per day.
If you have more time, consider adding a visit to the scenic Pai town or Ayutthaya for its historical ruins. For fewer days, consider cutting your itinerary short by choosing either the northern or southern part of Thailand. Given Thailand's hot weather, a traveller should wear light clothing, sunscreen and carry an umbrella for shade. It's also advised to pack insect repellent and a good pair of walking shoes for visiting temples.
The primary airports for tourists are Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi International Airport (BKK) and Phuket International Airport (HKT). Suvarnabhumi International Airport is Thailand's main airport, located in Samut Prakan Province, about 30 km east of Bangkok. Phuket International Airport is situated on the northern part of Phuket Island, 32 km from Phuket's city centre. Don Mueang International Airport (DMK), a busy hub for domestic flights, is also located in Bangkok.