Make the Most of Your Time in Thailand

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Lay out on Phuket's sun-kissed beaches
How Many Days to Spend in Thailand

In as few as five days, you can experience authentic Thai culture on a trip to the southern bays or trekking around the villages in the country's north. With a week, there's enough time to go on an immersive tour of Chiang Mai or hit the trails on a multi-day hike of the northern mountains and rice paddies. And with 10 or 12 days, you can embark on a grand tour that includes Bangkok, the northern temples, and the sun-kissed southern beaches.

Bangkok's Wat Arun Temple at sunset
Map of 5 Days in Thailand - 4 Unique Itinerary Ideas
5 Days in Thailand - 4 Unique Itinerary Ideas

With five days in Thailand, it's best to tour the highlights of one region. See the highlights of the capital, Bangkok, or discover the temples of northern Thailand and the best of Chiang Mai. You may choose to get off the beaten path in the southern part of the country in Phang Nga Bay or even opt for a more culturally-focused trip by trekking between villages and homestays in the north.

Explore Chiang Rai's Wat Rong Khun or "White Temple" in Northern Thailand
Map of 6 Days in Thailand - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas
6 Days in Thailand - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas

Given Thailand's size, choose just one or two destinations for a six-day trip. First-timers can enjoy city sites and island vibes in Bangkok and Phuket or replace the beaches of Phuket with Northern Thai cuisine and ornate temples in Chiang Rai. History enthusiasts will appreciate a deep dive into Kanchanaburi and see sights like the bridge on the River Kwai. Sunseekers can indulge in island life for five nights on Ko Mak and Ko Kood, while couples can celebrate with romantic experiences on a honeymoon escape to Bangkok and Ko Lanta island.

Meet monks and tour impressively ornate temples to learn about Thai customs on a family holiday
Map of 1 Week in Thailand - 6 Family-Friendly Itinerary Ideas
1 Week in Thailand - 6 Family-Friendly Itinerary Ideas

With a week in Thailand for a family holiday, visit one or two destinations. Hit the highlights of Bangkok and then head to Hua Hin or Phuket for a balance of city and beach. Those traveling with little ones will especially appreciate the kid-friendly activities, including pancake-making in Ko Kret on the Bangkok & the Beach tour, while older kids will enjoy the variety of activities in Khao Yai National Park. Families that enjoy hiking and prefer a slower pace can immerse themselves in the nature and culture of Chiang Mai.

Enjoy a day trip to check out Erawan Falls in Thailand's Kanchanaburi Province
Map of 1 Week in Thailand & Cambodia - 6 Unique Itinerary Ideas
1 Week in Thailand & Cambodia - 6 Unique Itinerary Ideas

With one week to experience Thailand and Cambodia, you can check out the must-sees of Chiang Mai, Bangkok, and Siem Reap on a highlights trip or swap in Phuket for a few days of rejuvenating beach time. Nature enthusiasts should include excursions to Doi Inthanon National Park and Kulen Mountain to their itinerary, while history buffs set aside time to ponder World War II history in Kanchanaburi and foodies hop between floating markets and street vendors.

Trek among rice paddies in Chiang Mai
Map of 1 Week in Thailand - 4 Unique Itinerary Ideas
1 Week in Thailand - 4 Unique Itinerary Ideas

With one week in Thailand, it's best to explore just one of its regions or opt for a tour of the country's many attractive islands. Travelers can discover the highlights of Bangkok and Phuket, island hop near Krabi, have a nature and culture-focused experience, or go trekking in Northern Thailand.

Relax and refresh with an aromatherapy massage on a luxury trip to Thailand
Map of 1 Week in Thailand - 5 Luxury Itinerary Ideas
1 Week in Thailand - 5 Luxury Itinerary Ideas

Given Thailand's large size, you can visit 1-3 regions in luxury in a week. Those keen on urban and culinary experiences will enjoy Bangkok's Michelin-starred meals, private tours of historic sites, and pampering at 5-star spas. Beach lovers should head to Phuket for snorkeling and catamaran cruising. First-timers and honeymooners looking to make the most of their time can choose a faster-paced itinerary that combines high-end shopping in Bangkok with temple visits in Chiang Mai and spa treatments in Krabi.

Ancient tunnel at Wat Umong Suan Puthanatham is a Buddhist temple with green forest nature in Chiang Mai, Thailand
Map of 8 Days in Thailand - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas
8 Days in Thailand - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas

With eight days in Thailand, you can cover two to three destinations depending on your preferred pace. Start in Bangkok, and pair it with a trip to Chiang Mai and its villages in northern Thailand or with the beaches of Phuket to the south. Another option is to start in Chiang Mai and travel off-the-beaten track to the countryside and mountains by tuk-tuk. Consider an active adventure with hiking in Bua Tong National Park or more beach time with a few days in the Phi Phi Islands.

The Wat Rong Suea Ten (Blue Temple) of Chiang Rai
Map of 9 Days in Thailand - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas
9 Days in Thailand - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas

With nine days in Thailand, you can explore Bangkok's temples and relax on Phuket's beaches on a highlights tour, or add a trip to Chiang Mai to discover northern Thailand's villages on a well-rounded itinerary. For those looking to soak up the sun, opt for a trip to Phuket, Railay, and Krabi to spend your days between sandy beaches and turquoise waters. Lastly, a temple and culture-packed tour of Thailand and Cambodia highlights these countries' food, architecture, and markets.

Take a bamboo raft through Lod Cave, Thailand
Map of 10 Days in Thailand & Cambodia - 6 Unique Itinerary Ideas
10 Days in Thailand & Cambodia - 6 Unique Itinerary Ideas

Thanks to the ease of flights, you can visit 3-5 destinations in Thailand and Cambodia in 10 days. First-timers can tour iconic sites, such as Angkor Wat and Bangkok's Grand Palace, while those eager to go farther afield will enjoy a Lod Cave excursion and a Chansar ox-cart tour. History buffs will appreciate visiting Choeung Ek Memorial in Phnom Penh and Kanchanaburi's World War II spots. Food-focused travelers can sample Siem Reap's street food and perfect their skills in a Chiang Mai cooking class.

Relax in stunning settings and embark on tailored excursions to the surrounding area (photo courtesy of Anantara Mai Khao Phuket)
Map of 10 Days in Thailand - 4 Luxury Itinerary Ideas
10 Days in Thailand - 4 Luxury Itinerary Ideas

With 10 days in Thailand on a luxury-focused itinerary, you can experience the country's exquisite cuisine, intriguing history, and pristine beaches on a highlights tour featuring Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and Khao Lak. Or, if speed boating between hidden islands and unwinding at luxurious spas sounds perfect, Ko Samui, Ko Phangan, and Phuket are where you'll want to be. Other excellent options include an activity-filled adventure from north to south and a slower-paced trip where you can settle in for lengthy stays at 5-star hotels.

Enjoy spending quality time with your family visiting stunning locales like Phang Nga Bay
Map of 10 Days in Thailand - 5 Family-Friendly Itinerary Ideas
10 Days in Thailand - 5 Family-Friendly Itinerary Ideas

With 10 days in Thailand, you can tick off the kid-approved highlights around Bangkok, Kanchanaburi, and Chiang Mai on a well-rounded northern Thailand adventure or split your time between bustling cities and fun-filled days at the beach on a family trip that includes time in Phuket. Parents with younger children will appreciate a more laidback trip incorporating exploration and downtime, while food and animal-loving kids should opt for a trip that includes time in Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and Khao Lak.

Iconic rock formations at Railay Beach, Krabi
Map of 10 Days in Thailand - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas
10 Days in Thailand - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas

With 10 days in Thailand, you can discover the highlights of Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and Ko Samui on a well-rounded tour. Or, swap in Phuket and sample the country's flavor-packed cuisine on a culinary adventure. Travelers looking to spend time in both the jungle and on the beach will find a trip featuring elephant encounters and excursions to Erawan National Park and Phi Phi Island hits the mark, while those seeking a serene getaway can island hop between Ko Samui, Ko Tao, and Ko Phangan.

Spend a day with elephants in Krabi, Thailand
Map of 11 Days in Thailand - 4 Unique Itinerary Ideas
11 Days in Thailand - 4 Unique Itinerary Ideas

With 11 days in Thailand, you can split your time between bustling cities and beautiful beaches on a highlights tour. Or, take a deeper look into the country's history and charm on an ultimate Thailand trip exploring Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and Ko Lanta. Nature and animal enthusiasts will love a jungle, island, and city tour, complete with trips to the Phi Phi Islands and elephant sanctuary, while those looking to add on a trip to Cambodia can split their time between Siem Reap, Bangkok, and Phuket.

Checkout the vendors at the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market, Bangkok
Map of 12 Days in Thailand - 6 Unique Itinerary Ideas
12 Days in Thailand - 6 Unique Itinerary Ideas

With 12 days in Thailand, you can tick off the highlights of Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and Phuket on a classic tour or stay on the move and opt for an action-packed itinerary to spend your days between Thailand's underwater world, bustling markets, and beautiful temples. Those looking for the ultimate relaxation should stick to the south on an island-hopping tour, while those ready to get off the beaten path can embark on a nature-packed trip in northern Thailand.

Once in Chiang Mai, check out one of the last remaining wooden temples, Wat Lok Molee
Map of 13 Days in Thailand - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas
13 Days in Thailand - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas

Thirteen days is a great amount of time to cover the classic highlights of Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and Phuket, or pick up the pace and join a food-forward itinerary with overnights in eight locales. Spend half the trip relaxing as you explore Phuket and Krabi provinces' islands, or add Chiang Rai to the mix and follow a classic route in comfort with a private driver. And If you're looking to add another country to your roster, spend six nights in Vietnam's Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City before flying to Bangkok and Ko Samet.

Take the children snorkeling on a family vacation to Thal
Map of 2 Weeks in Thailand - 5 Family-Friendly Itinerary Ideas
2 Weeks in Thailand - 5 Family-Friendly Itinerary Ideas

In two weeks, you and the family can split your time between Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and Phuket on a family-friendly highlights tour, or, if you have adventurous kids, treat them to an activity-packed trip that gets everyone exploring breathtaking jungles and beaches. For those interested in diving into Thailand's culture, enlist the help of local guides and opt for a food, temples, and markets-packed trip, while families who enjoy going with the flow will love a pick-your-own adventure-style trip.

On a classic highlights tour of Thailand and Cambodia, you can ascend the strenuous climb of over 1,200 steps to Wat Tham Suea, Krabi, Thailand
Map of 2 Weeks in Thailand & Cambodia - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas
2 Weeks in Thailand & Cambodia - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas

With two weeks to explore Thailand and Cambodia, you can check out the must-see sites of Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Siem Reap, and Phnom Penh on a grand highlights tour. Or, explore the same regions but opt for nature-focused activities featuring waterfalls, elephants, and unique (floating) villages. If you're eager to get your heart rate up, include a skydive, a rafting excursion, and a jungle ATV tour to your itinerary, or slow things down and spend more time lazing on the beaches of Phuket and Krabi.

Unwind at Phuket's luxury resort The Shore (photo courtesy of The Shore at Katathani)
Map of 2 Weeks in Thailand - 5 Luxury Itinerary Ideas
2 Weeks in Thailand - 5 Luxury Itinerary Ideas

With two weeks to spend in Thailand in luxury, you can devote your time to island-hopping, spa visits, and bespoke speedboat tours during an elevated beach trip or dedicate your time to immersive culinary experiences on a culture and cuisine-focused itinerary. Those looking to delve into exciting activities at a slower pace should narrow their trip to Bangkok and Phuket, and those seeking a well-rounded introduction to Thailand's luxurious getaways can opt for a food, culture, and beaches option.

"James Bond Island" in Phang Nga Bay, Thailand
Map of 2 Weeks in Thailand - 4 Unique Itinerary Ideas
2 Weeks in Thailand - 4 Unique Itinerary Ideas

Two weeks allows for plenty of ways to experience the best of Thailand, whether you opt for a classic tour of Bangkok and Chiang Mai, hop around tropical islands like Ko Samui, Krabi, and Phuket, or opt for a foodie tour. You can also get off the tourist trail with time in hill-tribe villages and visits to remote national parks. Or embark on an active adventure featuring treks to waterfalls, snorkeling excursions, and a countryside bike ride.

Snap an iconic pic of the Buddha head entwined in tree roots at Wat Mahathat, Ayutthaya
Map of 15 Days in Thailand - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas
15 Days in Thailand - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas

With 15 days in Thailand, you can cover much of the country's renowned temples and landscapes on a highlights tour from Chiang Rai to Phuket. Or, stick to Bangkok and Northern Thailand and opt for a cultural journey that brings you from big cities to tiny villages. Adventure seekers will love an active Thailand and Vietnam itinerary, which gets you out exploring numerous national parks, while those looking to add Cambodia and Vietnam to their itinerary can embark on a Southeast Asia tour.

Get off the beaten path in Thailand's mountainous north
Map of 3 Weeks in Thailand & Cambodia - 4 Unique Itinerary Ideas
3 Weeks in Thailand & Cambodia - 4 Unique Itinerary Ideas

Frequent flights make it possible to visit six regions of Thailand and Cambodia in three weeks. First-timers should include Bangkok's Grand Palace and Siem Reap's Angkor Wat on their itinerary. History buffs will appreciate memorial sites in Kanchanaburi and Phnom Penh, and culture seekers can visit Tonlé Sap's floating villages and northern Thailand's hill tribes. Foodies will love the market tours, while outdoorsy travelers can hike in Erawan National Park and snorkel off southern Thailand's islands.