Thailand is one of the most popular destinations in Southeast Asia for touring, and we understand why. It is a beautiful travel destination where impressive landscapes alternate with paradisiacal beaches and bustling cities. Not to mention the authentic Thai culture and cuisine. But where does your itinerary through Thailand start and what are the best places to explore during your trip? We have mapped out for you the ultimate 2 to 3 week itinerary through Thailand combining city, jungle and beach. This is the ideal tour through Thailand!
1. Bangkok
Your tour of Thailand almost always begins in the metropolis Bangkok. This vibrant city is one of extremes and therefore a fun first stop on your itinerary through Thailand. As one of the busiest cities in the world, Bangkok welcomes more than 25 million tourists every year. But don't let that stop you, because Bangkok is so much more than a big, chaotic city! From beautiful temple complexes and lively night markets to ultra-luxury shopping malls and rooftop bars, you'll find it all.
Bangkok is actually divided into two parts: old Bangkok and new Bangkok. Old Bangkok is the area around the popular backpacker street Khao San Road and Rambuttri Village, Chinatown and the Dusit District. The new Bangkok is the modern center around the business district. The old part of Bangkok is particularly popular with tourists and the modern center is mostly visited by business travelers.
Old Bangkok
In old Bangkok, there are some highlights you don't want to miss during your trip. You've probably heard of the street Khao San Road. It is the place where people eat fried insects and where life actually goes on 24/7. Authentic Bangkok? No, you won't find that here. But you really must have had a look during your tour of Thailand. Be sure to stroll from here to Rambuttri Village, one of the liveliest streets in this area with many nice restaurants, bars, souvenir shops and other hotspots of Bangkok.
The old city center is also where you can find two of the most beautiful sights: Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew. Grand Palace is the former home of the Thai Royal Family and within the palace walls you will find Wat Phra Kaew: Thailand's holiest temple.
The new Bangkok
Bangkok's modern center is characterized by huge skyscrapers, state-of-the-art shopping malls and trendy nightlife venues. Head to the Siam district if you want to store in Bangkok. It is characterized by impressive shopping malls such as CentralWorld, Siam Discovery, Siam Paragon and SME.
Besides Siam, Silom is also a popular district in modern Bangkok. This is where the famous Patpong night market is held. The Patpong Night Market is a cozy market where you can buy all kinds of souvenirs and visit terraces until late hours. In addition, in Silom you will find the popular street Sala Daeng, Lumphini Park and the King Power Mahanakhon SkyWalk.
The best things to do in Bangkok
There are a number of things to put on your list when visiting Bangkok. One, of course, is to take a tour in a TukTuk, Thailand's mode of transportation. Another to do in Bangkok is, of course, viewing the city from the air. Bangkok is known for its many rooftop bars with insane views of the city. Some great sky bars are Sirocco & Sky Bar at Lebua At State (known from The Hangover II), Tichuca Rooftop Bar, Above Eleven, Octave Rooftop Bar and Bangkok Heightz. Want to be surprised by different highlights of the city? Then take a bicycle tour through Bangkok with Co van Kessel.
2. Chiang Mai
From Bangkok, we recommend traveling on to Chiang Mai, an incredibly fun place to add to your itinerary through Thailand. In the mountainous north of Thailand you will find this second largest city in Thailand. And while you might expect this city to be somewhat similar to Bangkok, it is the complete opposite. The city of Chiang Mai has its own culture and traditions, making it a very unique city to visit. Especially the convivial atmosphere and beautiful surroundings often make you linger longer in Chiang Mai than you planned in advance.
In and around Chiang Mai you will find an incredible number of temples, as many as 300. A particularly beautiful temple in the middle of the jungle is the Doi Suthep Temple where you have to brave 309 steps to get to the temple. This is one of the fun things you can do in Chiang Mai, but of course there is much more to do. How about visiting the Sunday Market or having a drink at the Night Bazaar? Want to know more? These are great tips for visiting Chiang Mai.
How do you travel from Bangkok to Chiang Mai?
There are several ways to travel from metropolis Bangkok to northern Chiang Mai. By far the most popular way to travel is by night train. Often this is also the most economical option. And also a lot more comfortable and efficient. You will travel hundreds of kilometers during the night, while you sleep. That way you can just do fun things during the day!
Traveling by bus is also an option, but keep in mind that the trip takes about 10 hours. In addition, there are different classes of buses. The fastest option to get to Chiang Mai is by plane. The most advantageous tickets can be found mainly on the website of AirAsia, but you can also compare offerings at SkyScanner.
3. Pai
The once small and dreamy mountain village of Pai has become one of the most popular laid-back destinations on travel itineraries through Thailand. A stay in Pai is relaxed and is all about blending in with nature. On one hand, you can immerse yourself in the atmosphere of the hippies, while on the other hand, you can discover traditional Thai rural life. One thing is for sure, everyone experiences Pai in their own way. But there are definitely some sights you must have seen.
You will find a beautiful gorge, the Pai Canyon, which, with its steep cliffs and views of the surrounding hills, is a famous spot during sunset. But the various hot springs around Pai are also an absolute must-visit, as is the Pai Bamboo Bridge. An 850-meter long burg of bamboo that runs right through the rice fields. But there is much more to explore in and around the mountain village of Pai!
Want to see more of northern Thailand and visit places where you won't encounter many tourists? Then check out the trip 'Thailand Off the Beaten Path' of Travel Legends. With this tour company, you will get to know the local Thai people in a unique way and experience Thailand completely differently!
From Chiang Mai to Pai: a road through the mountains with 762 turns
To get from Chiang Mai to the green valley of Pai awaits a nice trip. Not in the sense of taking several days to reach the destination, but in the sense of having to brave the infamous winding road through the mountains with 762 turns.
The 130 kilometer route through the mountains from Chiang Mai to Pai is a route that will never get boring. The route is part of Mae Hong Son Loop that takes you past beautiful waterfalls, steep mountains, lush jungle and cute villages.
You can travel the route by minibus, cab, rental car or motorbike/ scooter. One valuable tip we want to give you is to take your time getting to Pai. Although you can cover the route in 4 hours, you may want to stop once along the way to get something to eat or visit a waterfall. In addition, the route requires a lot of concentration, especially if you are driving yourself. And one last tip, be prepared for any rain. Nothing is as changeable as mountain weather!
4. Khao Sok
From Pai, we recommend Khao Sok as the next stop in the itinerary. At least, not directly from Pai, because to get here, you will have to travel back to Chiang Mai first. From Chiang Mai you can then fly to two different airports: Surat Thani and Phuket. Find the most economical tickets at AirAsia. Then travel by bus to Khao Sok, which takes about 2-4 hours from either place. See here bus options from Surat Thani and The options from Phuket.
Khao Sok National Park in Thailand is a stunning destination in Thailand because of its diverse nature and rich biodiversity. The park is home to one of the oldest rainforests in the world and offers breathtaking landscapes with limestone mountains, rivers and waterfalls. The beautiful Cheow Lan Lake, surrounded by steep cliffs, is especially great for kayaking and boating. Want to make your visit to Khao Sok extra special? Then stay in one of the unique accommodations such as floating bungalows, jungle camps and tree houses. Accommodations we recommend are: eco-resort Our Jungle Camp, Khao Sok Riverside Cottages and The Bliss Khao Sok Boutique Lodge.
A tour of Thailand is not complete until you have seen all aspects of the country. In this case we are talking about the combination of city, jungle and beach. Something you will find in the organized roundtrip 'Complete Thailand' from Travel Legends. A trip where you will discover the impressive North and the beautiful South.
5. On to Thailand's paradise islands
After all that sightseeing in Thailand, there is no finer way to relax than on a sunny island. And there are more than enough of those in Thailand! In both the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand, you'll find paradise beaches with snow-white beaches, clear blue sea and a tropical climate.
But which is the best one to add to your itinerary through Thailand? Our tip: consider carefully what time of year you are going to Thailand. The weather can be quite different on the islands. Other than that, you can't really make a wrong choice. Over the years we have visited Phuket, Koh Samui, Koh Tao, Koh Phangan, Railay, Krabi, Koh Phi Phi and Koh Samet and had a great time on all of them. But of course there are some differences to consider.
Some islands can only be reached by ferry. Still prefer to fly? Phuket, Krabi and Koh Samui have airports.
Phuket
Phuket is Thailand's largest and most touristic island, located in the Andaman Sea. Partly because it is so large, there is no one way to describe the island. You'll find busy resorts like Patong Beach and Kata Beach, as well as quieter resorts like Nai Yang Beach. It's a surprising destination to add to your itinerary through Thailand.
Koh Phi Phi
Koh Phi Phi, like Phuket, is among the most beautiful as well as popular islands in the Andaman Sea. The Koh Phi Phi archipelago consists of the islands of Koh Phi Phi Leh and Koh Phi Phi Don. You can visit the most beautiful bays and beaches here by longtail boat and snorkel in crystal clear water. Just keep in mind that this island is very crowded!
Krabi
Krabi is known for its breathtaking limestone cliffs, crystal clear waters and beautiful beaches such as Ao Nang and Railay. You can snorkel, dive and rock climb there. Its lively night markets and serene surroundings make it a popular destination for adventurers and relaxation seekers alike. Krabi combines beautiful nature with cultural attractions, such as the Wat Tham Sua (Tiger Cave Temple). Want to go to Railay? A longtailboat will take you to this beautiful peninsula.
Koh Samui
On the other side of Thailand you will find the islands of Koh Samui, Koh Tao and Koh Phangan. Want to island hop? These islands are easy to combine with each other. The first island, Koh Samui, is a somewhat more luxurious destination. It offers beautiful beaches such as Chaweng and Lamai, lush coconut plantations and luxury resorts. The island is ideal for relaxation and wellness, with numerous spas and yoga retreats. Sights such as the Wat Phra Yai (Big Buddha Temple) and the Namuang Waterfalls are well worth a visit. There is a great nightlife in Koh Samui with many restaurants and fun bars. Also a day trip to Ang Thong Marine Park is definitely worth it.
Koh Phangan
Koh Phangan is known as a party island and is famous for the Full Moon Party. As such, it is mainly a popular destination among young people. Yet there is more to see and explore in Koh Pangan, such as the pristine white beaches of Haad Rin and Bottle Beach and the lush jungle.
Koh Tao
Koh Tao, an idyllic island in Thailand and is especially popular among divers and backpackers. You have crystal clear waters and vibrant coral reefs with beautiful fish, whale sharks, rays, green turtles and hawksbill turtles. It is a hotspot for both novice and experienced divers. In addition to diving, the island offers beautiful beaches like Sairee Beach, lush jungle trails and a relaxed atmosphere. Think diving is too exciting? Koh Tao is also popular for snorkeling and relaxing on its beaches.
Take a tour of Thailand
We can say without a doubt that Thailand is a wonderful destination in Asia For making a round trip. Why. As you've read, Thailand has an incredible amount to offer. From lush jungle to paradise islands, and from tasting authentic Thai cuisine to experiencing ancient traditions. This itinerary through Thailand is incredibly diverse, making it a destination for everyone.
Are you considering booking an organized tour of Thailand? Then Travel Legends is a very reliable and interesting party to take a look at. Their tours bring you to the most beautiful places, both known and unknown. Curious? This is the offer of crazy tours of Thailand.
