2 Weeks In Thailand
Get ready for an extended adventure through the Land of Smiles! In this 2-week journey through Thailand, we'll guide you through it’s diverse landscapes, rich culture, and unforgettable experiences. From the vibrant streets of Bangkok to the tranquil charm of Pai, and the tropical paradises of Phuket and Phi Phi Island, this itinerary is designed to give you a taste of Thailand's best. If you're seeking more information about Thailand, remember to check out our blog post, "Everything You Need to Know About Thailand."
Day 1- Arrive in Bangkok
How to get there: Upon arrival at Suvarnabhumi Airport, hop on the Airport Rail Link to the city center. Taxis and ride-sharing apps are also convenient options to get into the heart of the city. Your arrival time will dictate what you are able to do on the first day. If arriving in the morning, we recommend you get a running start even if you’re jet lagged. This will help you get accustomed to the time change.
Where to stay: Sukhumvit - Sukhumvit Road is a vibrant area with great access to the BTS Skytrain and MRT subway systems. It offers a variety of accommodation options, including budget-friendly hotels and guesthouses. We stayed at DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel for FREE by using points from this credit card. We also recommend Lub D Bangkok Siam if you’re on a budget and don’t mind staying in a hostel.
What to do: Start your adventure at the Grand Palace, exploring its opulent architecture and the sacred Wat Phra Kaew. At night, if you’re feeling adventerous, take a stroll through the loud streets of Khao San Road and sample street food and cheap beer.
Must-Try Food: Don't miss out on Pad Thai, Tom Yum Goong, and Mango Sticky Rice.
Day 2-3: Discovering Bangkok's Hidden Gems
What to do: If you’re visiting on a weekend start your day exploring the Chatuchak Weekend Market. Take a boat ride along the Chao Phraya River to visit Wat Arun. Immerse yourself in the bustling atmosphere of Chinatown, best visited at night for the full experience. Duck into one of Bangkok’s famous malls to cool off in the AC and grab some lunch on a budget at the food court. Explore the Jodd Fairs night market and indulge in some street food. Another option is to do a day tour- this tour to the railway market and floating market was a highlight of our trip! Visit the Unicorn Cafe for a quirky and sweet experience. Stop into one of Bangkoks many rooftop bars for a couple cocktails and enjoy stunning views of the city!
Must-try food: Dive into local dishes like Som Tum (green papaya salad) and Khao Pad (fried rice). Pa Tong Go are famous Thai donuts and are often served with sweetened condensed milk or pandan coconut custard and are a must try!
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Day 4-6: Charming Chiang Mai
How to Get There: Fly from Bangkok to Chiang Mai, a short and convenient flight.
Where to Stay: The Old City - Staying within the Old City walls provides easy access to temples and markets. You'll find budget-friendly guesthouses and hostels here. We have stayed in this building twice (at multiple apartments), and had many friends stay here as well, and can confirm it’s one of the best places to stay if you’re on a midrange budget. We also had the MOST incredible host, May, at this airbnb, we paid her to be our tour guide and she took us to have one of the best meals of our lives (Khao Soi).
What to Do: Chiang Mai is literally FILLED with temples but the most notable are Wat Phra Singh and Wat Phra That Doi Suthep. Chiang Mai is filled with charming Cafes, like Akha Ama, stop in to cool off and indulge in a delicious coffee. Be sure to explore the endless night markets and stop into our FAVORITE place in Chiang Mai, The North GateJazz Co-op. Be sure to get there right when they open to get the best seat because, as the night goes on, the crowd spills into the street. Visit a waterfall and an ETHICAL elephant sanctuary on this tour. **DO NOT under any circumstance ride an elephant in Thailand**
Must-Try Food: One of the best things we’ve ever eaten in our lives is Khao Soi (curry noodle soup). You can find it everywhere in Chiang Mai. You will also find tons of street food at the night markets.
Day 7-8: Pai's Rustic Retreat
How to get there: Rent a motorbike and enjoy the endless hairpin turns on your way up to Pai. We opted to take the minibus which was SUPER affordable but not for the faint of heart as they drive pretty fast and pack them full with tourists. If you get carsick we would recommend you hire a private driver/taxi to get up to Pai. You can usually book this through your hotel or book here.
Where to Stay: Pai Town. We really enjoyed our stay at The Countryside Resort which was just outside of town so it was nice and quiet. If you want to have a more secluded and peaceful stay, check out the Art Farm Studio. This cafe also has a few rooms for rent and they are very unique and clean!
What to do: Rent a motorbike and get lost in the beautiful Thai Scenery. Explore Pai Canyon at sunset- be sure to get there early to secure a good spot. relax in hot springs, and soak in the town's laid-back ambiance. Visit the night market for dinner and THIS PLACE for cocktails in a relaxed atmosphere. Go tipsy tubing. Visit the Art Farm Studio for a coffee or tea, bring a book and relax at this serene cafe.
Must-try food: Savor Northern Thai dishes and fresh fruit shakes. The night market in Pai is filled with delicious Thai street food as well as western favorites. There was a young woman serving up the most delicious falafel so be sure to try it when you’re there! Mango sticky rice, samosas and grilled corn were also worth mentioning.
Day 9-10: Beach Bliss in Phuket
How to get there: Take a minibus from Pai to Chiang Mai and fly from Chiang Mai to Phuket.
Where to stay: Kata Beach offers a relaxed environment with a stunning beach and night market. We thoroughly enjoyed this hotel, it offers luxury at a midrange price. Patong beach is often recommended however this was our LEAST favorite area in all of Thailand. We only recommend it if you want to see the crazy nightlife, party all night and streets packed with tourists. If you want a break from the beach area, stay in Phuket Town at the Memory at On On and let the colorful streets charm your heart.
What to Do: Relax on the stunning beaches of Karon and Kata. Take in the sceneic views at Laem Sai Cup Cafe and enjoy a Thai Tea and locally made treat. Take a taxi to Chalong Bay for a rum tasting. If nightlife is your thing, visit Patong. Indulge in a cockatil at sunset at Nikitas before heading to the Rawai Seafood Market.
Must-try food: Savor fresh seafood dishes in Rawai. At the night markets, enjoy Khanom Buang AKA Thai crepes, and Mango Sticky rice. Enjoy a fresh coconut or fruit juice on the beach!
Day 12-13: Phi Phi Island
How to get there: Take a ferry from Phuket to Phi Phi Island. You can usually book this through your hotel with transportation included or you can book ahead here.
Where to stay: We stayed at the Phi Phi Villa Resort and LOVED the location as it is close enough to the pier but far enough away from the fire shows for an easy nights rest. There are a ton of decent hotels on the island but make sure to check google maps to see the location. If you’re right next to a bar then it might be hard to sleep at night as this is known as a party island.
What to do: Island hopping tour is the TOP thing to do in Phi Phi Island. Meet with Susan Wan to plan your island hopping tour, her office is near the pier and she is incredibly friendly and helpful. You can also book this one through GetYourGuide. This tour is an all day tour and takes you to multiple locations including the famous Maya Bay. This tour is a MUST DO on this island, in fact, it’s the reason most people travel to Phi Phi Island. Hike to Phi Phi Viewpoint and enjoy the 360 views. Watch a fire show on the beach, also a must do on the island.
Must-Try Food: Taste local Thai seafood dishes, pad thai and tropical cocktails.
Day 14: Depart from Phuket or Bangkok
How to get there: Take a boat from Phi Phi Island back to Phuket where you can catch a flight home. Alternatively, you could fly from Phuket to Bangkok and then to your home airport.
