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2 weeks in Thailand: Your ultimate plan for Bangkok – Chiang Mai – Krabi
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Joanna Horanin
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Last updated at 01/07/2024, 02:00
Hi, I'm Joanna, the author of The Blond Travels. In the worlds of Thailand and Portugal, I feel like a fish in water - and it's no coincidence! I've been exploring Thailand for over a decade, and I've settled in Portugal for 6 years now. My mission is to support Dreamers - just like you - in discovering these fascinating countries and helping those in love with them find their own place on Earth, preferably for good! Let's uncover these unique corners of the world together.
Your dream two week holiday in Thailand starts here! Some time ago I took this very route, and now I want to show you how you can lay out these two weeks for yourself to include the most important and beautiful points on the Thailand map. In this post you will find the proven information you need for your trip to the Land of Smiles.
I like to spend my time actively. Exploring, visiting new places, taking pictures, trying new things – these all my favourite things. I always mix this time with relaxation and lazing around. I think the following plan will be perfect for anyone who, like me, wants to have a balance in life. This two-week Thailand itinerary will allow you to enjoy your vacation, visit the most important places and see a few things not found in guidebooks.
Using my example, I’ll show you how you can spend two weeks in Thailand.
Day 1 – Getting to Bangkok
Flights to Bangkok operate from all over Europe. You can fly there from Warsaw, Vienna, Berlin, Barcelona and other cities. I often use Skyscanner. I recommend checking on your cell phone in their app, but also on your computer.
Once you arrive in Bangkok, I advise you to relax. A lot of sightseeing awaits you. So it’s worth taking a nap and going to the hotel pool.
However, if you are too excited and absolutely want to get out of the hotel, then head out to eat. Keep in mind, however, that most places in Bangkok open in the afternoons and only in touristy places like Khao San Road can you eat something during the day.
In the evening, Rambuttri and Khao San Road will be the best places to hang out and see the nightlife.
To kill time, you can also take a boat ride on the Chao Phraya River. Night cruises are particularly popular.
Day 2 – Visiting Bangkok
In the morning, head to the Royal Palace, a complex of temples that sparkle beautifully in the sunlight. It is the most important place on the map of Bangkok and the residence of the King of Thailand since 1782.
The whole thing measures more than 200,000 square meters and is surrounded by a wall. Of course, not everything can be visited, but the segments open to visitors are colossally impressive.
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Find out more here.Not far away is Wat Pho, where you’ll find a reclining Buddha. His statue measures 46 meters in length. Note the feet, made of mother-of-pearl.
The same complex also houses a natural medicine center, where you can go for a real Thai massage. I recommend it as a break from sightseeing and the heat.
Just across the river is the famous Wat Arun, a symbol of Bangkok. The structure dates back to the 19th century and consists of beautiful tiles and finishes. You can climb the main stupa and view the river from above.
In the evening, head to Talad Noi, Bangkok’s oldest district, and for dinner go to Chinatown, where you’ll find countless stalls and dishes to choose from.
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There are quite a few floating markets around Bangkok, where you float on a boat among stalls, houses and street vendors. The most popular market is Damnoen Saduak.
The guided tour lasts all day. On your return, have dinner at Rongros, a restaurant on the banks of the Chao Phraya River. Just remember to book in advance.
Day 4 – A flight to Chiang Mai
I always choose the morning flight to Chiang Mai. Then I still have some time to relax and do things for myself.
AirAsia has flights to Chiang Mai from Don Mueang Airport. You can fly out around 11 am.
You will get to the airport by transfer from your hotel or by Grab cab. The trip takes an hour. The flight also takes the same amount of time.
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At Chiang Mai airport, exit the baggage claim lobby and head to the left side of the hall. There you will see a cab stand. Say where you want to go. You will be given a paper with a number and a driver will be assigned to you.
Once you arrive, head to Khao Soi Mae Sai for lunch – where you’ll get the best khao soi soup in town.
Spend the day exploring the temples – Wat Phra Singh and Wat Chang Luang, stroll the streets of the old town and take a photo at Tha Pae gate.
In the evening head to one of the markets. Depending on when you’re staying in the city, you can go to the Night Bazaar, Saturday Market, or Sunday Market.
If you like to party, Zoe in Yellow is the place to be – it’s one of the nightlife spots, where you can have a drink and dance.
Day 5 – A trip to Doi Suthep
In the morning, head to Doi Suthep, the most important mountain in the area where temples were built. Wat Phra That Doi Suthep can be seen from every corner of the city.
Along the way, you can stop at Wat Phalad and the Huay Keaw waterfall.
After visiting the temple, drive on to see a coffee plantation and a village on top of Doi Pui Mountain.
You can have lunch along the way. You can find the best khao soi at Khao Soi Loong Surin.
Day 6 – A trip to Chiang Rai
Hire a guide and head to Chiang Rai. There are many things to see in and around Chiang Rai city. You will definitely see the White Temple, the Black House, and the Blue Temple in one day.
If you have enough time, your guide can also take you to the surrounding mountains and a tea plantation.
Day 7 – You’re half way through, so relax
Relax in the city.
Start your day with a good cup of coffee at any of the beautiful cafes. My favorite is Akha Ama, but newer and newer ones have been popping up on the Chiang Mai map lately, and you’re sure to find other places with aromatic coffee.
Next, go for a massage. It can be something less expensive. I always go to Women’s Prison Massage Center. Massage there costs from 250/300 THB per hour.
If you’re in the mood for something more exclusive, Tai Fah Lanna Massage is an amazing place. During high season, in winter, you need to book early.
For lunch and dinner, go for the traditional dishes of the north. Check out my post on what and where to eat in Chiang Mai.
Day 8 – Day 14 – Your stay in Krabi Province
AirAsia offers flights from Chiang Mai to Krabi.
At Krabi airport, you can immediately buy a transfer to Ao Nang.
For your stay in Krabi, I suggest two options, depending on your taste.
Option 1 – Ao Nang as your base
In my opinion, Ao Nang is noisy and very crowded. Personally, I am not fond of it, but it is a good base, with boats transporting tourists to various places. It’s easy to get to attractions around Krabi from here.
On your first day, get to Ao Nang in the afternoon. Spend the rest of the day walking, eating and exploring the area on foot.
Day 9 – A trip to Railay Beach
Railay Beach is the most beautiful beach in the Krabi area, located on land that can only be reached by boat from Ao Nang.
The main beach is very small and there are lot of people on it. It’s good to come here first thing in the morning, around 8, when there’s still no one there.
Right next door, walking along the shoreline, through the rocks, you will come to the smaller beach next door. This one is also beautiful and not so crowded.
Make an appointment with the boat driver to pick you up after sunset.
Day 10 – Hong Islands
Your two-week Thailand itinerary should definitely include a tour of the surrounding islands.
Take a day tour that will take you to the most beautiful spots in the area. You’ll have lunch on a small beach surrounded by rocks and beautiful blue water, and see the sunset in the middle of the sea, on an island where the water looks like it’s from the movie Blue Lagoon.
You will return to Ao Nang just after sunset.
Day 11 – Go to Phi Phi
It wouldn’t be a Thailand vacation without visiting Maya Bay and the Phi Phi islands. Here you’ll be treated to another road trip and a visit to the country’s most famous bay.
Day 12 – Relax
I don’t know if it is possible to have a good rest in Ao Nang. The beach there is nice, but it’s probably not the quietest. Therefore, for some relaxation, I recommend going to Klong Mueang Beach, where it is certainly quieter.
Also think about a hotel with a pool. Then you don’t have to lie on a noisy, populated beach at all.
Day 13 – Go back to Bangkok
Return to Bangkok by morning transport. You will be on site in the late afternoon If you still have the strength, head to one of the rooftops for dinner.
Option 2 – Island and Beach Hopping
Day 8 and 9 – Stay in Railay Beach
Right from the airport, head to Railay beach. Be careful with transportation, as the only access to the island is by boat, which you must walk to, carrying your own luggage. Sometimes it’s high tide and the water stands high. Boat drivers often help.
On Railay, situate yourself a little further from the beach so you won’t be woken up by boats in the morning.
Spend one full day on the beach, enjoy the beautiful views and tranquility.
Day 10 – Transfer to Phi Phi
Book transportation to Phi Phi Islands and stay there for 3 days. It won’t take you long to get there, so head there first thing in the morning to still have a day to beach and relax.
Day 11 – A trip to Maya Bay
When planning a trip to Thailand and this side of the country, don’t skip Maya Bay. It’s admittedly a very popular place, but if you’re in the area it’s worth a look here to see the famous Maya Bay at least once in your lifetime.
Day 12 – Relax
Before returning to Bangkok, it’s time to relax. Go for a swim, go snorkeling, have a bite to eat and get a good night’s sleep before your long journey.
Day 13 – Go back to Bangkok
It will take you a full day to return to Bangkok. Leave early in the morning. Upon your return, head to one of the rooftops.
Day 14 – Going back home
It’s time to return home. Your two weeks in Thailand have just come to an end.
You’ll get to Bangkok airport by transportation purchased from your hotel, booked online, or you can also order a Grab cab. Another option is to take the so-called Airport Link, a train that connects the city center to the airport. This is the cheapest option.
When going to Thailand on vacation, keep in mind that it is a large country and often we simply can’t see and do everything. A lot of time is always taken up by commuting. Buses, boats and planes are often late, and distances that look small turn out to be a challenge for free transportation.
In my opinion, it’s always a good idea to set aside time to relax and to experience a place thoroughly. Your plan for two weeks in Thailand should never force you to run from one attraction to another. Chill out, slow down and have the best vacation in Thailand.
