Thailand is a diverse country with seemingly endless activities and landscapes to experience. From the rolling hills and mountains of the north, to the tropical beaches of the south, there is something for every kind of traveller in Thailand. Overwhelmed? Here’s a 12 day itinerary for a first time trip which will give you chance to sample the entire country, from north to south.
Bangkok – 1 night
If you’re arriving in Thailand from outside of Asia, you will most likely land in Bangkok. As one of the world’s greatest megacities, Bangkok would take weeks to explore fully, so this itinerary allows for just a taste of Thailand’s capital. Hopefully this will whet your appetite for a second visit!
Bangkok is loud, busy and frenetic. But if you can overcome the jet lag for a few hours, a whirlwind night spent exploring the city is the perfect way to kickstart your trip. Khao San Road is an ever-popular nightlife destination with travellers from around the world. Or if you’re looking for something quieter, take the opportunity to witness Wat Arun lit up against the skyline.
Chiang Mai – 4 nights
Chiang Mai is easily accessible from Bangkok, either by a short flight or an overnight train journey. The sleeper train is a great way to maximise your second day in Bangkok whilst saving on accommodation costs.
Thailand’s second city, Chiang Mai is a laidback contrast to Bangkok. The pace of life is slower here and the city places a lot of importance on wellness. Vegetarian and vegan restaurants abound, as well as massage centres, green spaces and peaceful temples. Surrounded by mountains and countryside, there are also several hiking trails that begin just outside of the city. 4 nights in Chiang Mai will give you plenty of time to experience the best of the city. It’s certainly my favourite location in Thailand, particularly for it’s food.
Ko Lanta – 3 nights
When you’ve had your fill of Thailand’s major cities, it’s beach time! Ko Lanta is most easily reached by flying to Krabi and taking a taxi to the island. An archipelago consisting of 52 islands, Ko Lanta’s largest island, Ko Lanta Yai, is where you will find the centre of the action. Life here revolves around the beach, where you’ll find sunbathers during the day and beach partygoers at night. However, there are also mangroves, rainforests and small towns to explore, and Koh Phi Phi can be day-tripped by ferry from Saladan Pier.
Phuket – 2 nights
The number 1 tourist hub in the Thai islands, Phuket is often referred to as “Little Thailand”, offering most of the highlights of the wider country, condensed into one island. Because of this, Phuket attracts a range of travellers, from families to couples to backpackers. Similarly to Bangkok, Phuket would need 2-3 weeks to be explored fully. However, 2 nights will be enough time to familiarise yourself with one area of the island and get a taste of what’s on offer. As the island has an international airport offering flights to Europe, Phuket is also an ideal place to end your first time trip to Thailand.
More Time?
If you’re able to enjoy more time in Thailand during your first trip, I’d recommend spending a couple of extra nights in both Bangkok and Phuket as there really is so much to do in both places. Alternatively, you could choose to spend more time exploring a few extra islands. Or if you prefer the northern regions, a couple of nights spent in Chiang Rai would be a good accompaniment to your stop in Chiang Mai.
