2 Weeks in Thailand - 4 Unique Itinerary Ideas

Itinerary #1: Highlights & Hidden Gems of Thailand: Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Pai, Khanom & Ko Samui

Delve into Thailand's many must-sees on this comprehensive two-week tour, from exotic street food to cascading waterfalls. Ideal for first-time travelers eager to see and do a bit of everything, this itinerary features a perfect mix of city experiences, tropical beaches, nature tours, and off-the-beaten-path excursions to ethnic villages and natural wonders. Sampling Bangkok's street food, visiting a jungle sanctuary in Chiang Mai, and spotting pink dolphins off the coast of Khanom are just a few of the renowned highlights you'll tick off.

Welcome to Thailand! Upon landing in Bangkok, enjoy a fast-tracked introduction to the bustling city during a long-tail boat cruise and an evening tuk-tuk food tour. Then, it's off to Chiang Mai, Thailand's mountainous cultural capital. Over three days, experience the iconic Doi Suthep temple at sunset, visit an elephant sanctuary, and explore Doi Inthanon National Park. Continuing north, the laid-back hill town of Pai is next on your agenda, and while here, take a guided tour of the countryside and hop on a bamboo raft to float down a river, eventually passing beneath the stalactites of Tham Lod Cave.

Halfway through your trip and ready for the beach, you'll land in Khanom, a quaint fishing village on the Gulf of Thailand. Here, seek out the region's elusive pink dolphins, explore the charming island of Ko Nui Nork, and allocate a day for independent exploration and beach hopping. Then, transfer by ferry to Ko Samui, Thailand's second largest island, where you'll tick off a snorkeling and kayaking excursion in Angthong Marine Park and delight in a free day to beach hop between Laem Yai and Mae Nam. Lastly, catch a flight to Bangkok and give a heartfelt goodbye to Thailand. Learn more

Itinerary #2: Flavors of Thailand Tour: Bangkok, Chiang Rai, Chiang Mai & Phuket

Thailand is renowned for its mastery of street food and fine dining, and this two-week itinerary ensures you'll indulge in the best of both. Perfect for foodies, you'll experience the exotic allure of Bangkok's street food, embark on a flavorful tuk-tuk journey in Chiang Mai, relish gourmet experiences in Phuket, and immerse in enriching cooking classes. In between, embark on city tours, exhilarating cycling excursions, and memorable snorkeling trips.

Your flavor-infused Thailand trip begins in its culinary heart, Bangkok, where you'll sample street food in Chinatown, visit the colorful Damnoen Saduak floating market, and delight in a dinner cruise along the Chao Phraya River. On Day 4, fly to Chiang Rai and indulge in the Night Bazaar's flavors before heading out to explore the mountainous wonders of Doi Mae Salong. A three-hour transfer to Chiang Mai is next on the agenda. During your stay, you'll experience the city's flavors on a tuk-tuk tour, bathe with elephants at the Kanta Elephant Sanctuary, and take in the city's highlights during a cycling tour. 

Just over the midway point of your trip, head south to the island of Phuket and immerse yourself in six sun-soaked days and culinary delights. Kick off your stay dining at the sophisticated Baan Rim Pa Royal Thai Restaurant, then wake early for an incredible day swimming and snorkeling at the Phi Phi Islands. Other highlights of your stay in Phuket include a leisurely cruise around Phang Nga Bay, a half-day culinary workshop, and a free day to beach hop. Spend your final evening savoring a sunset dinner cruise before catching your onward flight from Phuket airport. Learn more

Itinerary #3: Nature & Beaches in Thailand

Delight in uninterrupted time exploring lush jungle trails and relaxing on pristine sandy beaches on this Thailand adventure. Crafted for travelers seeking a well-rounded introduction to the country's culture and picturesque landscapes, you'll tick off the highlights of Chiang Mai, Krabi, and Phuket, as well as the lesser-known gems of Pai and Ko Yao Noi. There's plenty of time to experience unique activities, like bathing with elephants, rock climbing up karst mountains, exploring remote villages, and snorkeling tropical fish-filled waters.

Kick off your Thailand trip with two idyllic days in Pai, a traditional town nestled 3.5 hours northwest of Chiang Mai, soaking up the views of lush green rice terraces and visiting remote highland villages. Rejuvenated, return to Chiang Mai and get to know the city's highlights, including Wat Phra Singh and Wat Chedi Luang, on a self-guided tour before hitting the trails in the nearby Mae Win district. Following a joyful day at the Elephant Nature Park, a short flight brings you to Krabi, where you'll have no problem lazing on white-sand beaches and swimming in crystalline waters. 

On your last day in Krabi, get the adrenaline pumping during a rock climbing adventure up karst mountains, which sets the stage for an exciting speedboat trip to Ko Yao Noi—touted an island paradise—the following morning. Spend the next days discovering the highlights of Phang Nga Bay, firstly by kayak and then by long-tail boat, before transferring to Phuket. Here, the option is yours to relax on Patong Beach, meander along the colorful Thalang Road in Phuket Old Town, or hike up to the Black Rock Viewpoint. Lastly, celebrate the end of your grand adventure while savoring a sunset cruise from Promthep Cape. Learn more

Itinerary #4: Off-the-Beaten-Path Thailand

Stray off the trodden path and discover rural Thailand's charm and deep history on this quick-paced itinerary. Ideal for travelers who prefer keeping on the move, you'll overnight in nine different places, from the chaotic Bangkok and bustling Chiang Rai to the tucked-away village of Mae Sariang and the idyllic island of Ko Samui. In between, visit the UNESCO-listed Sukhothai Historical Park, tour the decadent Doi Tung Palace, and speedboat through Angthong Marine Park.

Your off-the-beaten-path tour begins in Bangkok, where you'll experience the bustling city from unique vantage points, first by a long-tail boat trip down the Chao Phraya River and second by a thrilling bicycle tour. After a morning visit to the vibrant Damnoen Saduak floating markets, catch a flight to Sukhothai to see the ruins of an ancient kingdom. Another one-night stopover is next on the itinerary, this time in Lampang, to admire sites dating back to the Lanna monarchy (13th to 18th centuries). Then, break for two nights in Chiang Rai to visit the Doi Tung Palace and ponder sweeping views over the Golden Triangle. 

Following a cruise to Pai and a rejuvenating soak at Pong Duet, you'll discover the tiny town of Mae Hong Son. Delight in an overnight at a guesthouse, learn about time-tested handicrafts at the remote Padong Karen village and embark on a hike to Doi Inthanon National Park on your way to Chiang Mai. Here, you'll want to rest up, as the following day, it's time to trade the mountains and fly south for the pristine beaches of Ko Samui. Over your final days, soak up the sun as you speedboat around Angthong Marine Park, laze on the beach, and meander through the colorful Fisherman's Village. Learn more

Itinerary #5: Thailand Adventure

Embark on an active adventure through Thailand, uncovering natural marvels and hidden villages. Enjoy extensive stays in Bangkok, Kanchanaburi, and Hua Hin, allowing for deeper exploration into each region's distinct landscapes. From the thundering Haew Narok waterfall and karst mountains of Tham Than Lot National Park to the crystalline waters surrounding Talu Island and the soft sands of Hua Hin Beach, each destination promises new experiences and numerous photo-worthy moments.

Kickstart your journey with three days in Bangkok, shaking off jet lag as you explore the city on your own and with a guide, visiting distinctive temples like Wat Khun Chan and Wat Paknam, and embarking on a day trip to witness wild elephants in Khao Yai National Park. Next, transfer to Kanchanaburi, a province renowned for its history and natural beauty. Discover the best of both over the following days, starting with a hike in Erawan National Park and a visit to the Hellfire Pass Memorial. You'll also trek in Tham Than Lot National Park and cycle through remote villages before transferring to Ayutthaya. 

After dedicating a day to discovering Ayutthaya's ancient temples and statues, it's time to set your sights on the coast. Hua Hin, located in the Gulf of Thailand, will be your home for the last six days of your trip, giving you plenty of time to discover its splendors. Spend the first evening relaxing on the soft sands of Khao Takiap, then wake ready for a dazzling hike to the Phraya Nakhon Pavilion. Other highlights during your stay include a snorkeling excursion to Talu Island, shadowing volunteers at the Wildlife Friends Foundation as they feed rescued animals like monkeys, elephants, and even bears, and hopping between the area's finest beaches. Learn more

More Great 2-Week Thailand Itineraries

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