Bangkok’s temples, the mountains of the North and island beaches: Thailand is perfect for a first big trip to Asia. This two to three-week itinerary combines culture and relaxation.
Itinerary: from the North to the islands
- Days 1 to 3: Bangkok: the Grand Palace, Wat Pho, Wat Arun and the markets
- Day 4: Ayutthaya, the former capital, as a day trip
- Days 5 to 8: Chiang Mai: the old town, the temples and the surrounding mountains
- Days 9 and 10: Chiang Rai and the Golden Triangle
- Days 11 to 18: The islands: the Andaman Sea (Krabi, Koh Lanta) or the Gulf of Thailand (Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, Koh Tao) depending on the season
When to go
The dry season, from November to March, is the most pleasant in most of the country. Rains come next, at different times on each coast: the Andaman Sea gets more rain in summer, the Gulf of Thailand rather at the end of the year. Choose your islands according to your dates.
Getting around
Domestic flights are quick and cheap between Bangkok, the North and the islands. The Bangkok – Chiang Mai night train is a great experience. On the spot, buses, ferries and taxis do the rest.
Our tips
- Cover shoulders and knees to visit temples
- Check entry requirements for your nationality before leaving
- Book ferries and island accommodation in advance in high season
- Keep a spare day before your flight home
Plan this trip with Voyage : mon guide
Add each stop with its number of nights: the app creates the days and puts the whole route on an Apple Maps map. Keep temples, markets and beaches in the ideas box, log flights, trains and rentals on the right day, then prepare the trip for offline use before leaving. Once there, Guide mode shows the current day and tonight’s hotel.
Frequently asked questions
Are two weeks enough?
Yes for Bangkok, the North and one island. With three weeks, you can visit two islands or add Sukhothai.
Should I book in advance?
Domestic flights and island accommodation in high season, yes. The rest can often be booked along the way.
Plan this itinerary with Voyage : mon guide.
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