We’ve been to the country a few times, and it’s never left us disappointed! There’s always something new to discover, making this a place you could easily explore for many weeks.
Looking for a shorter itinerary? Check out our complete 7-day Thailand itinerary instead!
Day 1 + 2: Arrival in Bangkok
Start your 2-week Thailand itinerary in the bustling capital city of Bangkok (the usual starting point). Spend a few days exploring the city — a great way to kickstart your adventure!
Read our complete guide to things to do in Bangkok.
Discover the small back alleys, lively markets, Chinatown, and many incredible temples. Some of our favorites are:
Bangkok also has a vast network of canals that crisscross throughout the city. Alongside these you’ll spot many traditional wooden houses, with the main area being the picturesque neighborhood of Thonburi. We found this one of the best spots to hop on a long-tail boat tour through the canals (a must-do)!
Tip: Make sure to take advantage of Bangkok’s incredible street food scene. This food tour is absolutely amazing! We loved trying the chicken satay, zingy pad thai, and sweet and sticky mango rice — yum!
Where to Stay in Bangkok
If you are looking for a party scene, stay around Khao San Road. Otherwise, look at the area of Sukhumvit.
Tip: The BTS (skytrain) is an excellent transport system and can get you around the city from most places.
Day 3: Bangkok to Chiang Mai
On day 3, make your way to the vibrant Chiang Mai, the ancient capital of Northern Thailand. Tucked between the lush landscapes and filled with hidden gems, the city’s a must to add to your 2-week Thailand itinerary if you can.
Thinking of just traveling the North of Thailand? Make sure to have a look at our 2-week Northern Thailand itinerary.
How to Get from Bangkok to Chiang Mai
You can fly to Chiang Mai from Bangkok, but for a more sustainable, slow travel option, take an overnight bus (10 hours) or the popular overnight train (11-15 hours).
Where to Stay in Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai has many accommodation options for every budget, from backpacker hostels and mid-range guesthouses to luxury apartments.
If it’s your first time in Thailand, the best place to stay is in the Old Town, where most hotels and hostels are located.
Day 4: Chiang Mai (A Must on Any 2-Week Thailand Itinerary)
After a big travel day, get up early to visit one of the most stunning temples in the area, Wat Phra That Doi Suthep (this is a great tour!), which sits high atop Doi Suthep mountain. Then, explore the old center and city walls of Chiang Mai (the city is believed to date back all the way to 1296 A.D.!).
Continue reading: best things to do in Chiang Mai
The Old Town is the beating heart of Chiang Mai, home to charming streets, sacred temples, and many hidden coffee shops. By night, delve into the delicious Thai cuisine by visiting the incredible street markets or joining a fun cooking class.
Day 5 + 6: Pai
On day 5 of your 2 weeks in Thailand, it’s time to head up even further north into the luscious mountains towards the beautiful village of Pai. Known for its incredible landscapes and relaxed vibe, this is a popular backpacking destination, with many arriving on the famed Mae Hong Son Loop.
From Chiang Mai, wind past brightly-colored rice paddies and take in some of Thailand’s most breathtaking views. From bamboo bridges tucked between the lush fields to the forested mountains and bright blue sky – everything here looks as if it comes straight off a painting. Hannah and I love driving around this region and could return here in a heartbeat!
Once you get to Pai, spend your day(s) exploring the green surroundings, like the Pai Canyon, the majestic Big Buddha (Wat Phra That Mae Yen), and the Pai hot springs. You can see the highlights of Pai in this private tour. After dark, visit the bustling hub of the Pai Night Market. Here, stalls line the streets, and live music drifts out of the bars.
How to Get from Chiang Mai to Pai
Pai lies about 3-4 hours from Chiang Mai and makes a great destination to add to your 2-week Thailand itinerary. You can get to the mountain village in a few different ways.
By Car
The easiest way to get to Pai is by renting a car. The roads in Thailand are becoming more and more developed, making it easier to drive between destinations. Having your own transportation also gives you more freedom on your trip.
We recommend to rent a car in Thailand through Sunny Cars with free cancellation and insurance included. Book your rental car here.
By Shared Van
The cheapest way to get to Pai is to book a shared van from Chiang Mai (about 280 THB/8 USD per person). However, this is a very popular option, so we recommend booking a few days in advance during the high season.
By Motorbike
Another, more exhilarating, way to travel to Pai is by motorcycle. This is a great way to see the incredible nature of Northern Thailand as you zigzag your way up into the hills. However, only do this if you feel confident driving, as this is a busy route with many (762!) corners and usually takes a bit longer than Google Maps tells you.
Tip: Don’t want to carry your luggage? There are companies in Chiang Mai who’ll take your bags to your next destination for you.
Where to Stay in Pai
Depending on your budget, there are plenty of accommodation options in Pai, from backpacker hostels (search all hostels in Pai here) to pool-side villas and traditional wooden bungalows.
Day 7 + 8: Gulf of Thailand Islands (2-Week Thailand Itinerary Must-See)
After soaking up the tranquil jungles of the North, it’s time to head south, replacing the dense mountains with impressive limestone karsts and the rivers with turquoise shores. Discover another sliver of paradise as you continue your 2 weeks in Thailand, starting off on one of the beautiful islands in the Gulf of Thailand.
Koh Samui
As Thailand’s second largest island, Koh Samui is full of beautiful things to see. From its beaches to powerful waterfalls, traditional villages, and colorful temples, it’s easy to see why it’s a visitor favorite.
If you choose Koh Samui, simply rent a scooter and head out to explore by yourself. Alternatively, you can also join this organized day trip around the island.
Koh Tao
The tiny island of Koh Tao (just 7.5 kilometers long!) has spectacular beaches, bays, and incredible viewpoints. Additionally, it’s one of the best places in the world to get your PADI diving license. Though we still have diving on our bucket list, the sea here are crystal clear, making it perfect to spend your time out in the water.
Koh Phangan
Koh Phangan is perhaps our favorite spot in Thailand! This diverse island has something for everyone: party people can dance the night away at the world-famous Full Moon Party, spiritualists will enjoy hiking to jungle-covered temples, and beachgoers have plenty of incredible options to choose from.
Although you can easily spend two full weeks here soaking up the many incredible sights (what we did on our last visit to Thailand), two days allow you to cross plenty off the list. Hike to epic viewpoints, snorkel in colorful reefs or find moments of peace in hidden Buddhist temples.
How to Get to the Gulf Islands of Thailand
The fastest way to get to the Gulf islands is to fly to Koh Samui (the only island of the three with an airport). Alternatively, you can fly or travel to Surat Thani on the mainland and hop on a ferry from there to the island of your choice.
Koh Samui has an airport like we’ve never seen before! It’s essentially a small open-air wooden building that houses cute cafes, souvenir shops, and even a massage salon. Best of all, there’s a wooden swing where you can watch the airplanes take off right in front of you!
Depending on the weather conditions and boat type, the journey from Koh Samui to Koh Tao takes about two hours, with a stop in Koh Phangan (a 45-minute ferry ride).
Day 9 + 10: Khao Sok National Park (Highlight of 2 Weeks in Thailand)
Discover one of the world’s oldest rainforests in the magical Khao Sok National Park! This stunning tropical jungle sits against a backdrop of enormous limestone mountains and is teeming with incredible wildlife.
You can trek in the rainforests, kayak on the bright emerald Cheow Lan Lake, or even try caving! After a full day of activity in nature, take a dip in the cool pools fed by gushing waterfalls.
As you only have a few days here, we recommend taking an organized park tour. There are many options, whether elephant spotting in the wild, dinner at small floating villages, or cooking classes on the lake’s edge. Whatever you choose, Khao Sok National Park is a must-see on your 2-week itinerary in Thailand.
Book an unforgettable tour via the guys at khaosoklake.com
Where to Stay in Khao Sok National Park
We loved our unique stay in the middle of the jungle on a floating raft house! Wake up with the sun rising above the limestone formations and the sound of gibbons and monkeys around your accommodation.
If you prefer more of a town/jungle feel, stay at Khao Sok Riverside instead. Here you can stay in a hotel or a jungle bungalow!
Krabi is one of the most beautiful places in Thailand! It’s a perfect mix of vacation vibes and culture, home to stunning temples, delicious food, and many other natural treasures. Its beaches are especially famous, with crystal clear shores bordering white sandy beaches and thick green forests.
Phuket, on the other hand, feels more like its own country, with a completely different vibe from that of the mainland. It’s home to a melting pot of colorful Chinese, European, and Thai architecture, bustling markets, and opulent temples, making it the perfect place to end your 2-week Thailand itinerary.
How to Get to Krabi from Khao Sok
There is a regular bus service from Khao Sok to Krabi Bus Terminal, and it takes approximately 4.5 hours.
Additionally, there are plenty of minivan options, which is a comfortable way to travel. Although this is a bit more expensive than the bus. Alternatively, for a higher rate, you can hire a taxi which will take you directly.
Where to Stay in Krabi
Krabi has three main areas: Ao Nang, Krabi Town, and Railay. The majority of good restaurants and hotels are situated in Ao Nang (a developed coastal area with the best beaches). However, Krabi Town has more of a backpacker feel with cheaper accommodation.
If you choose Railay, you’ll be close to the most stunning beaches in the area. However, please bear in mind that the prices are higher here.
How to Get to Phuket from Khao Sok National Park
To get to Phuket from Khao Sok, hop on the local bus that departs every hour from the main town. This is the cheapest option and takes about 4,5 hours. Alternatively, if you want a faster and more comfortable option, choose a taxi that takes about 2,5 hours (~ 80 USD).
Where to Stay in Phuket
There are plenty of accommodation options in Phuket, from cheap and cheerful hostels to upmarket hotels. Phuket Old Town is a good option as it’s the cultural and historical heart of the island.
However, if you want more of a beach vibe, then we recommend you head to Patong Beach. Here you’ll find many backpacking hostels and a great party scene.
Tip: Looking for something a little quieter? There are three other beaches you can stay on, which have stunning natural scenery: Kata, Karon, or Bang Tao Beaches.
Day 12: Explore Krabi or Phuket
Explore the popular Krabi Town and the stunning white temple of Wat Kaew Korawaram, located in the center. Soak up all the beautiful details, from the ornate cravings to the gold dragons, which are even more beautiful at sunset. Or, if you’d rather relax on day 12 of your 2-week Thailand itinerary, head straight to Ao Nang and soak up the sun on one of the powdery beaches.
If you chose Phuket, begin your experience here with a trip to the Old Town, home to colorful streets full of cute shops, trendy cafes, exciting museums, and lots of street art. You’ll want to pack your camera for this!
Then, visit some of Phuket’s most sacred sites, like the Wat Chalong Temple, a complex home to five unique temples crafted from pink marble and the most stunning gold details. If you have time, you can even visit the enormous Big Buddha statue slightly further out of the city, which stands at an impressive 45 meters high!
Read more: best things to do in Phuket, Thailand
Day 13: Go Island-hopping
Whether you choose Krabi or Phuket as the last destination on your 2-week Thailand itinerary, both lie close to some of the most incredible islands. Numerous daily island tours in traditional long-tail boats allow you to visit stunning lagoons, limestone cliffs, and glorious beaches. Enjoy dinner on the beach and experience bioluminescent plankton while night snorkeling on a Hong Islands Tour from Krabi, for example.
Alternatively, Phuket is the perfect jumping-off point for island hopping. Because of its location in the stunning blue Andaman Sea, there’s easy access to hundreds of incredible islands with white sandy beaches and dramatic green cliffs. Spend your last full day of 2 weeks in Thailand exploring pristine beaches, snorkeling in colorful reefs, and visiting floating villages.
Phi Phi
One of the most famous places in Thailand, Phi Phi is, in fact, a group of six islands, all with beautiful beaches and crystal clear water. Come here for out-of-this-world snorkeling and diving spots, stunning scenery that you may recognize from movies like ‘The Beach’, and vibrant nightlife.
Day 14: Departure
Well, it’s that inevitable time — the trip has come to an end. After an amazing 2 weeks in Thailand, it’s time to say goodbye to this beautiful country. Use this last day to fly back to Bangkok and fly out from there. Alternatively, there are good international flights from Phuket, too, making it worth checking departure flights from there instead.
Our Favorite Accommodations
There are many fantastic options for accommodation on your 2-week Thailand itinerary, whether it’s a lively hostel in the old town of Phuket or a relaxed beach resort on the island of Koh Phangan. Below are our favorites for each destination on this route.
- Bangkok: The Fig Lobby, Tints of Blue, Hide and Seek
- Chiang Mai: Four Seasons, Ban Chang Ton, Kittawan Home
- Pai: Kanlaya’s Pai, Cave Lodge Pai, Pencave Homestay
- Koh Tao: Big Tree, Lücke Hotel, Cape Shark Villas
- Koh Phangan: The Cabin Beach Resort, Mythai Guesthouse, Siam Cookies Resort
- Khao Sok: Good View Resort, Monkey Mansion, Bliss Boutique Lodge
- Krabi: Anana Eco Resort, Rayavadee Resort, Krabi Forest Homestay
- Phuket: WOO Hotel, Dinso Resort, Baan Sutra, Nap Patong
How to Visit Thailand
Thailand’s biggest airport is Bangkok, where you will most likely fly into to start your 2-week Thailand itinerary. Either stay here for a few days or change onto a domestic flight and fly directly to Chiang Mai.
By Car
An easy way to get around on your route through Thailand is by renting a car. The roads in Thailand are becoming more and more developed, making it easier to drive between destinations.
We recommend to rent a car in Thailand through Sunny Cars with free cancellation and insurance included. Book your rental car here.
Flying
There is also the option to fly between major destinations in Thailand, such as a direct flight from Bangkok to Phuket or Chiang Mai. Unfortunately, destinations in southern Thailand aren’t as well served. For example, if you want to fly from Phuket to Krabi, you’ll have to change flights (with the trip ultimately taking longer than it would by bus).
How Much Do 2 Weeks in Thailand Cost?
Overall, Thailand is very affordable, particularly if you stay in hostels and eat out at local restaurants or street vendors. Your most considerable expense is transport, such as for the tuk-tuks downtown, car rental, or scooter hire.
Best Time to Visit Thailand
Thailand is generally hot and humid, however, the weather depends on the region and time of year you visit. Southern Thailand has a tropical climate, and temperatures remain relatively constant throughout the year. The cooler and drier season in the South of Thailand is between November and early April.
The country sees three seasons, with the cool season being the most pleasant time to visit. This period runs from October to February in Northern Thailand, bringing cool air up into the mountains. Due to its elevated position, Pai sees the coolest temperatures in the north.
Read more: best time to visit Thailand
Do I need a Visa for Thailand?
Most passport holders do not require a visa to enter Thailand. However, you will need a valid passport and an onward plane ticket to prove you will exit the country within 30 days. You can check the national Thai embassy to see if your country is exempt from needing a visa and how to apply for a Visa on Arrival instead.
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