If you're planning a trip to Thailand and don't know where to start, this article is perfect for you!
We’re here to help you craft a detailed itinerary that will take you from the historical temples and bustling streets of Bangkok to the white sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters of the islands.
We’ll share all our tips, top destinations, and must-do experiences to make your trip to Thailand unforgettable. Are you ready to embark on this adventure with us? Let’s start exploring the wonders of Thailand together!
Disclaimer: In this article you will find some links to different travel's partners. They are all trustworthy and if you use some of them to book an experience or stay, for example, you are helping us maintaining the work we do on this project.
20-Day Itinerary in Thailand
Days 1-3: Bangkok
- Day 1: Arrival in Bangkok. After checking into your hotel and freshening up, take the opportunity to get your first taste of the country. Visit Yaowarat Chinatown and sample the local food.
- Day 2: Dedicate this day to visiting some of Bangkok’s most famous temples. We recommend Wat Pho (Temple of the Reclining Buddha), Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn), and the Grand Palace. In the evening, enjoy the city’s vibrant nightlife; don’t miss the lively Khao San Road.
- Day 3: Visit the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market and the Maeklong Railway Market. In the late afternoon or evening, head to a rooftop bar on Sukhumvit Road. We recommend Tichuca Rooftop Bar (no minimum consumption required and no dress code).
Days 4-6: Chiang Mai
- Day 4: Fly to Chiang Mai or, for a more local experience, take an overnight train (you can book it on 12go.com). On this day, visit Wat Phra That Doi Suthep and explore the old city. Don’t miss Wat Chedi Luang or Wat Phra Singh.
- Day 5: Take a Thai cooking class and learn how to prepare traditional dishes like Pad Thai and Mango Sticky Rice. We did it with Thai Akha Kitchen, and we recommend it. In the evening, explore the Chiang Mai Night Bazaar.
- Day 6: Visit an ethical elephant sanctuary such as Elephant Nature Park or go on a day trip to the surrounding mountains and villages. We recommend Doi Inthanon National Park.
Day 7: Chiang Rai
- Day 7: Take a local bus to Chiang Rai. Visit the White Temple (Wat Rong Khun), the Blue Temple (Wat Rong Suea Ten), and the Goddess of Mercy (Wat Huay Pla Klang). In the evening, don’t miss the Chiang Rai Night Market.
Days 8-9: Phuket
- Day 8: Fly to Phuket, Thailand’s largest island. Visit Phuket Old Town and in the evening, check out the Patong Beach area.
- Day 9: It’s time to enjoy Thailand’s beaches. Visit one of the area’s beaches, such as Freedom Beach or Karon Beach.
Days 10-11: Phi Phi Islands
- Day 10: Head to one of Thailand’s most visited islands, the Phi Phi Islands. Relax on the beaches and watch the sunset from Viewpoint 2 for a stunning view.
- Day 11: Take a boat tour around the nearby islands, stopping at spots like Monkey Beach, Pileh Lagoon, and Maya Bay, made famous by the movie The Beach starring Leonardo DiCaprio.
Days 12-13: Railay
- Day 12: Take a ferry to Krabi and then a local boat to Railay. Explore the area’s beaches, such as Railay Beach and Phra Nang Beach, or try rock climbing.
- Day 13: Take a boat tour to nearby islands, like the 4 Islands Tour or the Hong Islands Tour. We chose the 4 Islands Tour, which takes you to places like Railay Bay, Chicken Island, and Poda Island. We did the tour with Railay Eco Tours and was amazing.
Days 14-17: Koh Tao
- Day 14: Take a van and ferry from Krabi to Koh Tao. Koh Tao’s beaches are stunning; we recommend Shark Bay, which is great for snorkeling and exploring coral reefs and marine life, or Freedom Beach, which also gives you access to John Suwan Viewpoint with its incredible view.
- Days 15-17: Koh Tao is one of the cheapest places in the world to do a diving course and get your PADI certification. The course lasts 3 days, including theory and practical lessons. You’ll do 4 open-water dives where you can observe the region’s diverse marine life. If you’re here, don’t miss this opportunity to take a diving course at one of the world’s top diving spots! If you don’t have enough time, you can just do a one-day experience, which we describe in this article.
Days 18-20: Koh Samui
- Day 18: Take a ferry to Koh Samui, where this trip ends. Relax on one of the island’s beautiful beaches, such as Silver Beach or Chaweng. In the evening, dine at Chaweng Night Market.
- Day 19: On this day, explore the island a bit more and visit some temples like the Big Buddha (Wat Phra Yai) or Wat Plai Laem. You can also check out the Na Muang Waterfalls.
- Day 20: Before heading back home, enjoy your last day at one of the local beaches, like Lamai Beach.
Gulf of Thailand or West Coast Islands?
The islands in the Gulf of Thailand, like Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, and Koh Tao, offer a more relaxed vibe with beautiful beaches and some infrastructure. Koh Samui is known for its resorts and beautiful beaches, while Koh Phangan is famous for the Full Moon Party, and Koh Tao is a popular diving destination.
Alternatively, the west coast, including Phuket, Krabi, and the Phi Phi Islands, offers a diverse experience. Phuket has a lively nightlife and plenty of activities. Krabi is known for its limestone cliffs, and the Phi Phi Islands are famous for their stunning landscapes, crystal-clear waters, and vibrant atmosphere.
Phuket or Krabi?
Choosing between Krabi and Phuket depends on the kind of experience you’re looking for.
Phuket has a well-developed tourist infrastructure, lively nightlife, and many activities, with easy access thanks to its international airport. However, it can be very busy.
Krabi, on the other hand, is renowned for its stunning natural landscapes, like limestone cliffs and white sandy beaches. It offers a more tranquil environment, perfect for outdoor activities like climbing and diving, though it has less tourist infrastructure.
In summary, choose Phuket if you want lots of activities and nightlife, and Krabi if you prefer natural scenery and a more relaxed atmosphere.
To wrap it up, with this itinerary, we aim to provide you with a balanced mix of culture, adventure, and relaxation, allowing you to experience the best Thailand has to offer at each destination.
Don’t forget to book tours and activities in advance, especially during peak season.
Enjoy and have a great trip!
How to stay connected
If you plan to visit Thailand, don't forget that mobile data does not work outside the European Union!
The best solution to stay connected to the Internet is to buy an eSIM or a local SIM. This time we used a Local SIM, but in other travels, we bought an eSIM at Airalo, and it always worked well. Just have a phone compatible with eSIM and buy the card through the Airalo app. It's very easy!
Get Travel Insurance
It is essential to be prepared for any trip you take, especially outside of Europe. Unexpected events happen, and no one wants to come back from vacation with a huge hospital bill to pay. That's where travel insurance comes in, an indispensable ally to ensure tranquility and safety for your holidays.
IATI offers numerous types of travel insurance depending on your type of trip and various coverages. Moreover, by purchasing insurance through our link, you get a special 5% discount.
Don't let unforeseen events ruin your adventure!
Click here to get your discount.
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