15 Days in Thailand - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas

Itinerary #1: Highlights of Thailand: From Chiang Rai to Phuket

Enjoy the perfect mix of historical highlights, stunning landscapes, and beautiful beaches on this well-rounded itinerary ideal for first-time visitors to Thailand. You'll spend multiple nights in Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and Phuket while embarking on day trips to Erawan National Park, a family-run elephant sanctuary, and the famous Phi Phi Islands. 

Welcome to Thailand! Your adventure begins in Bangkok, where you'll dust off any jet lag with two days of exploring the capital city's highlights, including the temples of the Grand Palace and the sacred Emerald Buddha statue. Next, take a historic bus to Kanchanaburi, stopping to wander the ancient palaces of Ayutthaya, then spend a day admiring waterfalls in Erawan National Park. The following morning you'll have a chance to visit the World War II Museum and Gallery and check out the infamous River Khwae Bridge until it's time to transfer back to Bangkok to catch your flight to Northern Thailand.

After arriving in Chiang Rai, enjoy an afternoon stroll to the famous Wat Rong Khun (The White Temple), then settle in for a day trip to the Golden Triangle. Week two of your trip brings you to Chiang Mai, where in two days, you'll soak in the mineral baths of San Kamphaeng Hot Springs, interact with gentle giants at Elephant Discovery Chang Mai, and hike to the sacred temple of Wat Phra That Doi Suthep. Finish your trip with four nights in Phuket, splitting your time between the Phi Phi Islands, the Similan Islands, and Phuket's white sandy beaches before catching your flight home. Learn more

Itinerary #2: Thailand Cultural Journey

Crafted for those looking to discover Thailand's many cultural highlights, this comprehensive 15-day tour keeps you moving as you journey from Bangkok to Northern Thailand. Travel by bamboo raft, tuk-tuk, and historic bus to experience the countryside like a local and indulge in natural mineral baths and waterfall-surrounded hot springs. Then, top off your trip by wandering the intricate temples of Chaing Mai.

Begin your Thailand adventure in Bangkok with two packed days sampling street food in Chinatown, wandering Chatuchak Market, and touring the Grand Palace. Settled in, you'll start your journey north, stopping at Kanchanaburi, famous for its Saiyok Waterfall, and the UNESCO World Heritage-listed city of Ayutthaya to explore its ruins of palaces and temples. Next, you'll find yourself in Lopburi, known as the city of monkeys, before stopping for an overnight in Sukhothai. After a morning touring Sukhothai Historical Park, you're back on the road to Lampang, your home for a night.

With over one week already in the rearview mirror, you'll continue to Chiang Rai and enjoy a peaceful day wandering Chiang Rai's Royal Flora Garden and taking in sweeping views of the Golden Triangle. Then, sink deeper into relaxation with a boat trip along the Kok River, stopping at the Pong Duern Hot Springs on your way to Pai. Over your final four days, you'll pack in an exploration of Lod Cave, immerse yourself in the unique culture of tiny villages in Mae Hong Song province, and spend two nights checking out the highlights of Chiang Mai before transferring to the airport to catch your flight home. Learn more

Itinerary #3: Thai Temples, Beaches & Nature: From Bangkok to Phuket

Delight in Thailand's impressive scenery and historical wonders on this 15-day trip exploring Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and Phuket. Ideal for those looking to learn about the country's food, culture, and history, you'll fill your days with temple tours, visits to tiny villages, and an up-close experience with elephants. Then, after finishing your trip with four days in Phuket, you'll leave Thailand feeling refreshed and sun-kissed.

After arriving in Bangkok, your Thailand adventure starts with an evening exploring Chinatown and Warehouse 30 on your own, followed by a full-day train, boat, and bus tour of the capital city's sites and temples. Next, take in the famous Damnoen Saduak Floating Market, then hop on a long-tail boat to reach your hotel in Kanchanaburi, where you'll don your hiking shoes for a day exploring Erawan National Park. Spend a night in Ayutthaya and join a guided tour of the historic city's temples and palaces before continuing north to Sukhothai and Chiang Mai.

With four nights between Chaing Mai and Mae Rim, you'll have plenty of time to soak up Northern Thailand's many highlights. Begin with a visit to the Elephant Discovery Camp and walk with these fantastic animals down the Wang River, then explore the Doi Suthep Mountain's many temples before spending a night in a Hmong village in the Mae Rim District. The final four days of your trip bring you to Phuket. Get your fill of sunshine as you cruise along the Andaman Sea, and beach hop between Kata, Nai Harn, and Freedom Beaches until it's time to say farewell to Thailand at Phuket Airport. Learn more

Itinerary #4: Active Thailand & Vietnam

Perfect for those looking to get deep into Thailand's and Vietnam's lush forests, expansive caves, and picturesque bays, this adventure-packed itinerary ticks off the bucket list landscapes of Thailand and Vietnam. Lose track of time as you explore Sri Lanna National Park, Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, and Pu Luong Nature Reserve, then finish your trip with a memorable overnight cruise on Ha Long Bay.

Begin your adventure-filled itinerary dining 40 floors above Bangkok at the Zoom Sky Bar and Restaurant; then, over the following two days, you'll discover the city's highlights via the Skytrain, a tuk-tuk, a boat, and a kayak. Next, transfer north to Chiang Mai, and unpack your bags for four days of adrenaline-pumping fun, starting with a hike along the Monk's Trail on Doi Suthep Mountain. After another grand adventure hiking, biking, and kayaking in Sri Lanna National Park and Mae Ngat Lake Reservoir, you'll spend a relaxing morning with locals in Mae Kampong village.

On Day 7 of your adventure, say goodbye to Thailand and transfer to Vietnam, where you'll spend three days in Phong Nga trekking to and through the Tu Lan Cave Complex. Afterward, transfer to Pu Luong Nature Reserve and embark on an epic hike through rice terraces to Kho Muong and the forest village of Uoi. With three nights left on your trip, trade forest for city and roam Hanoi's bustling markets, impressive temples, and food stall-lined Nha Chung Street. Then, before catching your flight home, spend your last full day sailing through Ha Long Bay's stunning limestone karsts. Learn more

Itinerary #5: Southeast Asia Heritage Tour: Thailand, Cambodia & Vietnam

Discover the similarities and differences in the vibrant countries of Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam on this Southeast Asia tour. Perfect for those who want to see as much as possible and enjoy exploring landscapes from a local's perspective. You'll have a chance to attend a cooking class, wander the markets of Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and Hanoi, and spend a night on the stunning waters of Ha Long Bay.

Begin your Southeast Asia trip with four nights in Bangkok. After spending your first day visiting the city's famous landmarks, you'll take a deep dive into Thailand's unique culture with a visit to the famed railroad-lined Maeklong Railway Market and the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market. Next, roam the Buddhist temples of Ayutthaya and learn new skills at the Sompong Thai Cooking School before flying north to Chiang Mai. With three days in Northern Thailand, you'll pack in a boat trip along the Mae Ping River, spend a day at the Elephant Discovery Camp, and visit the sacred temples on Doi Suthep Mountain.

The second half of your trip begins with a flight to Siem Reap in Cambodia, where you'll fill your days exploring Angkor Archeological Park, cruising around Angkor Thom's moat, and touring iconic Angkor Wat. After another short flight, you'll arrive in Vietnam's capital of Hanoi and settle in for three days roaming the maze of streets in the Old Quarter, stepping back in time at the UNESCO-listed Thang Long Imperial Citadel, and indulging yourself on a street food tour. Then finish your trip with memorable days each in Ninh Binh and Ha Long Bay before saying your goodbyes at the Hanoi Airport. Learn more

More Great Thailand Itineraries

Looking for more inspiration for your trip to Thailand? Check out these other Thailand itineraries, with outdoor adventures, cultural trips, and best-of tours to hit the highlights.