Whether you’re a family craving relaxation, a backpacker thirsty for adventure, or a couple yearning for romance, Thailand has it all. After six incredible weeks exploring this incredible country, we’ve crafted the ultimate Thailand itinerary for 2 to 4 weeks, covering both the scenic north and the magical south. Join us as we delve into each destination, offering detailed insights so you can tailor your journey to your preferences.
Good to know
Before we get going, we want to share something important. When we traveled, we visited 15 different places in just 40 days. It sounds exciting, but at times it was really tough. After a month of traveling from one place to another, we really needed a break. Moving every 2-3 days left us with no time to chill. So, here’s a tip: don’t rush to see everything. Trust us, we learned the hard way! Besides, after following our itineraries, you’ll be back to Thailand in no time. 😉
Thailand in 4 weeks
The itinerary below is designed for a 4-week adventure in Thailand. It covers all the must-see places, from popular stops to hidden gems. We highly suggest spending (at least) a month in Thailand if you want to explore both the north and the south. You definitely want to get a taste of everything! Before we delve deeper into each destination, here’s an overview of all the destinations you’ll visit with this itinerary:
Bangkok – Kanchanaburi – Chiang Mai – Pai – Chiang Rai – Krabi – Phi Phi Islands – Khao Lak – Khao Sok – Koh Tao
If this 4-week itinerary feels too packed, you can skip the Phi Phi Islands or explore them on a day trip from Krabi. Likewise, you can skip Khao Lak if snorkeling isn’t your cup of tea, since there’s not much else to see or do in the town.
Day 1 to 3: Bangkok
Bangkok, Thailand’s vibrant capital, is an essential stop on any Thai adventure. With its mix of ancient temples, bustling markets, and modern marvels like rooftop bars and shopping malls, there’s something to captivate every traveler. And when you need a break from the city’s energy, a day trip to the historic sites of Ayutthaya offers a refreshing change of pace. Chances are high that you’ll arrive in Bangkok anyway, and we suggest making the most of it!
Where we stayed: Khao San Social Capsule Hostel
▶️ Discover 9 best things to do in Bangkok.
Day 4 to 6: Kanchanaburi
On day 4, you have the option to hop on a bus or train from Bangkok to Kanchanaburi, which takes around 3 hours. While many people just do a day trip to Kanchanaburi, we suggest staying for 2 nights! There’s loads to see and do, and it’s a nice break from the hustle and bustle of places like Bangkok and Phuket. To truly maximize your experience in Kanchanaburi, make sure you include an overnight stay at The Three Bubble Houses in your itinerary!
Where we stayed: Por poshtel Kanchanaburi, The Three Bubble Houses
▶️ Read all about the best things to do in Kanchanaburi.
Day 7 to 9: Chiang Mai
Our favorite way to go from Kanchanaburi to Chiang Mai is by taking a night bus, which lasts about 11 hours. Don’t worry, it’s not as scary as it sounds! We actually had a great sleep on this comfy bus, you can even recline your seat all the way, on top of that you get a cozy blanket. They also provide snacks and drinks, so you’re all set! Plus, you save on one night’s accommodation.
Chiang Mai is fantastic, with its mix of ancient temples, bustling street food scenes, and stunning views. There’s so much to do in Chiang Mai, but if we could suggest three absolute must-dos, it’d be: taking a Thai cooking class at Mama Noi, enjoying cocktails at Nophaburi Bar, and visiting Wat Pha Lat, our favorite temple because of its stunning location.
Where we stayed: The Common Hostel
▶️ Discover the top 5 (night) markets in Chiang Mai.
Day 10 to 12: Pai
On day 10, you’ll hop on a minivan from Chiang Mai to Pai, which takes about 4 hours. A helpful tip: make sure to grab breakfast and take a motion sickness pill before the journey! The road is full of twists and turns, so it’s best not to travel on an empty stomach. Been there, done that… we do NOT recommend it! Pai is famous for its mix of adventure and relaxation. Whether you’re up for exploring caves and temples or simply chilling in one of its many cafes, Pai offers something for everyone.
Where we stayed: Pai Smilehouse
▶️ Check out the 8 best things to do in Pai.
Day 13 to 14: Chiang Rai
It’s time for the final stop in the north: Chiang Rai. On day 13, you’ll catch a minivan back to Chiang Mai, then hop on another minivan to Chiang Rai. Yes, we know, it’s a bit of a hassle, but unfortunately, it’s the only option. Many travelers skip Chiang Rai because of this, but we assure you, it’s worth the journey. In Chiang Rai, you’ll discover some of the most unique temples, like the White Temple and the Blue Temple. It’s also less crowded than Chiang Mai and Pai, which makes it even more appealing. Two nights are definitely enough to explore the highlights of Chiang Rai.
Where we stayed: Mercy Hostel
Day 15 to 17: Krabi
On day 15, you’ll catch a flight from Chiang Rai to Krabi. This flight includes a layover in Bangkok, so plan to spend at least half a day traveling. Krabi is the perfect destination for those seeking a slice of paradise. It is also an important and convenient hub for day trips, so spending at least a couple days here is a great idea. Don’t forget to visit the Hong Islands and Railay while you’re in Krabi!
Where we stayed: Glur Hostel
▶️ Read all about the best things to do in Krabi.
Day 18 to 19: Phi Phi Islands
On day 18, catch the ferry from Krabi to Phi Phi Don. While Phi Phi Don may not be the most scenic island and can get crowded with tourists, it’s the perfect starting point to explore the Phi Phi Islands. Upon arrival, book a private boat tour for the following day at any of the hundreds of local agencies. We cannot urge this enough, try leaving at 6 AM to avoid the crowds for an unforgettable experience. Yes, it might cost a bit more, but trust us, it’s worth every penny! After your day trip, spend another night on Phi Phi Don before heading to your next destination the next day.
Where we stayed: Panmanee Hotel
Our ultimate guide to Phi Phi Islands covers all the essentials, including the best places to visit, tours, accommodation, and dining options.
Day 20 to 21: Khao Lak
On day 20, you’ll travel from Phi Phi Don to Khao Lak, which takes about 5 hours. There aren’t many transport options, so we suggest booking in advance through 12go.asia. The usual departure is around 9 AM, arriving in Khao Lak at 2 PM. You’ll spend 2 nights here to enjoy a day trip to either the Similan Islands or Surin Islands. This was one of the highlights of our 6 weeks in Thailand, so it’s a must in this itinerary! Khao Lak itself isn’t the most bustling of places, but it does give you a better insight into what local Thai life looks like. It’s also a great place to relax by the pool of your hotel!
Can’t decide between Similan Islands or Surin Islands? The Similan Islands are often described as Thailand’s Seychelles, known for their pristine beaches and opportunities to snorkel and swim with turtles. If snorkeling is your main focus, we recommend Surin Islands.
Where we stayed: Surfer’s Village
Day 22 to 24: Khao Sok
On day 22, you’ll take a minivan from Khao Lak to Khao Sok, which is about an hour’s journey. You’ll be dropped off at Khao Sok village, the starting point for exploring Khao Sok National Park. We suggest spending 2 nights in the village and 1 night on Cheow Lan Lake! Khao Sok was the highlight of our trip, and we reminisce about it every day. It’s an incredibly stunning destination, we’ve never seen anything quite like it! Plus, we made lifelong friendships during our overnight stay, which we highly recommend.
We stayed at two different places in the village: Our Jungle Camp and Tanoshi Glamping. Both offer unique accommodations. At Our Jungle Camp, you’ll sleep in a treehouse, while at Tanoshi Glamping, you’ll sleep in a tent surrounded by nature, with all the necessary comforts. No matter what you’re planning in Thailand, be sure to include Khao Sok in your itinerary!
Where we stayed: Our Jungle Camp, overnight stay on Cheow Lan Lake, Tanoshi Glamping
▶️ Read all about Khao Sok National Park in this guide.
Day 25 to 28: Koh Tao
Your last destination is Koh Tao. There isn’t just one set route from Khao Sok to Koh Tao, there are various transport options available. We suggest checking out the choices on 12go.asia and booking the shortest route. Your journey will most likely include multiple minivans, as well as a ferry ride from Surat Thani.
Koh Tao is our top pick among Thailand’s islands. Despite visiting several others like Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, and Koh Lipe, Koh Tao captured our hearts in every way possible. Koh Tao serves as the perfect conclusion to your 4 weeks in Thailand, offering stunning beaches for relaxation, breathtaking viewpoints, and magical sunsets. For an unforgettable end to your journey, consider booking a stay at The Plantation!
Where we stayed: The Plantation
Our ultimate travel guide to Koh Tao covers the best things to do, the top places to eat, and the perfect place to stay.
Thailand in 3 weeks
If you’ve got 3 weeks in Thailand, we recommend skipping Kanchanaburi, Khao Lak, and Phi Phi Islands. Wondering why? Well, if you’re keen on visiting Kanchanaburi, you can still do it as a day trip from Bangkok. Khao Lak works great as a home base for day trips, but there’s not too much else going on there. Phi Phi Islands boast turquoise waters and stunning limestone cliffs, but you can also experience these at the Hong Islands in Krabi. On top of that, Krabi will probably be less crowded and feel less touristy. Here’s what your 3-week itinerary for Thailand would look like:
Bangkok – Chiang Mai – Pai – Chiang Rai – Krabi – Khao Sok – Koh Tao
Thailand in 2 weeks
2-week itinerary Bangkok + northern Thailand
If you’ve got 2 weeks in Thailand, we recommend picking either the North or the South. There’s so much to see and do in both parts, that less than 2 weeks in each of them would not be doing them justice. Here’s an example of a 2-week itinerary for exploring northern Thailand.
Bangkok – Kanchanaburi – Chiang Mai – Pai – Chiang Rai
2-week itinerary Bangkok + southern Thailand
If you prefer the south of Thailand, you can follow this 2-week itinerary.
Bangkok – Krabi – Phi Phi Islands – Khao Sok – Koh Tao
2-week itinerary Thailand
If you’re determined to see both the North and the South, here’s a suggested itinerary. But remember, moving between places takes up a lot of time, so it’s quite a packed schedule.
Bangkok – Chiang Mai – Pai – Krabi – Khao Sok – Koh Tao
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