Sawadee ka! Do you want to plan a dream vacation in Thailand, but don’t know where to start? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! In this article, I share my ultimate Thailand itinerary for 7, 10 or 14 days and my best tips on how to plan your trip.
How many days should you plan for your Thailand itinerary?
How many days should you spend in Thailand? There is no right or wrong answer to this question, but I dare say: the longer the better because there is just so much to do and see.
If you are coming all the way from the US, you want to spend at least 10 days to make the most of the long flight. Even better if you have 2 weeks. For those combining a Thailand trip with neighboring countries like Vietnam or Cambodia, you can see some highlights in 7 days, especially if you focus on one region.
Read more: The best time to travel to Thailand and when to go where.
Entry requirements for Thailand.
Do US citizens need a visa to travel to Thailand? No, you don’t need a visa as such and can use the visa-exempt entry upon arrival. This means you will get an immigration stamp that permits a 60-day stay for tourist purposes.
You can either extend this visa once you are in Thailand or apply for different visa beforehand online, ie, if you are planning on staying longer or visiting for reasons other than tourism.
All travelers to Thailand have to fill out the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) online within three days of their arrival. This is free but mandatory.
How to get around in Thailand.
Thailand offers a great touristic infrastructure in most places. There are plenty of ways to get around, with options from backpacker budgets to those who want it fast and fancy.
Domestic flights in Thailand
If you are short on time, one of the fastest ways to cover long distances is a domestic flight in Thailand. Six Thai carriers will take you around, and while most airports are small, they are well-appointed and most importantly well-connected.
Thailand has four low-cost carriers, Thai AirAsia, Nok Air, Thai Lion Air and Thai Vietjet, as well as the full-service carriers Thai Airways and Bangkok Airways.
Keep in mind that Bangkok has two international airports: Suvarnabhumi Airport and Don Mueang. The former is probably going to be your arrival airport if you are coming from overseas, while many low-cost carriers operate from Don Mueang.
Trains
Thailand has an extensive rail network, and taking a train can be a great way to see more of the country. That said, I would recommend making sure to catch an overnight train for longer distances. This way, you don’t lose a whole vacation day in transit.
My tip: Overnight trains, for example, from Bangkok to Chiang Mai are very popular – make sure to book far in advance!
Boats
With so many Thai islands, you will need to take a boat sooner or later when traveling around Thailand. Boat types range from traditional longtail boats and small speedboats to high-speed catamarans and car ferries.
The boat you will take depends on your route and the season. In general, speedboats are faster but bumpier (not great if you are prone to seasickness), while the catamarans and ferries take longer but offer a smoother ride.
Some operators like Lomprayah offer combination tickets with buses & ferries for routes like Bangkok to Koh Tao. While these are great if you are on a budget, the bus trip can be grueling, especially for tall people.
Buses, minivans & cars
You can get to most places in Thailand by bus, minivan or a private car transfer. Personally, I don’t like taking buses for safety reasons, and minivans can get uncomfortable on longer distances.
Getting a private car is quite affordable in Thailand, especially if you aren’t traveling alone. Alternatively, you can rent a car, a great option if you want to explore lesser-known regions of Thailand.
Just keep in mind that you will need an IDP in addition to your regular license. And you will need to get used to driving on the left side of the road!
The best Thailand itineraries for 7, 10 & 14 days
Your Thailand travel itinerary will depend on how much time you have and when you are traveling to catch the best weather. I share my favorite Thailand itineraries below – whether you have two weeks, ten days or only one week.
Thailand 2-week itinerary – Thai highlights.
You want it all – beaches, history, culture, great Thai food – and have at least two weeks to spare? This two-week Thailand itinerary will take you to some of the country’s highlights.
Day 1–3: Bangkok & Ayutthayah
Welcome to my favorite city in the world – Bangkok! The Thai capital is as exciting as it gets. Wander through Phra Nakhon, the old part of Bangkok, to explore temples and the Grand Palace before taking a tuk-tuk to Chinatown. This is one of the best areas for food in town, but to be honest, it is hard to find a bad meal in Bangkok.
For those interested in history, plan a day trip to Ayutthaya. The city was the second capital of Siam and is now a fascinating archaeological park.
How to get from Bangkok to Chiang Mai: There are two ways to get from Bangkok to Chiang Mai – if you are short on cash, take the overnight train, and if you are short on time, take a quick flight. While the train will save you some money, round-trip flights from Bangkok to Chiang Mai only cost an average of $62 to $106 (depending on your travel month), and one-way tickets are even cheaper.
Day 4–6: Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai, nicknamed Rose of the North, is Thailand’s second biggest city and an absolute gem. With a historic city center, some of the best food you will find (can you tell, I travel to eat?!) and unspoiled nature all around, it is worth a few days on your Thailand itinerary.
Visit the Elephant Nature Park, go hiking in the mountains and definitely plan a trip to the incredible White Temple of neighboring Chiang Rai.
How to get from Chiang Mai to Phuket: The distance from Chiang Mai to Phuket is about 1 000 miles – reason enough to hop on a quick flight. If you plan on visiting Chiang Rai, you can also catch a connection from there, as the town has its own airport.
Day 7–9: Phuket
You will be spoiled for choice when it comes to beaches in Phuket. Small & secluded, action around the clock or perfect for families with small children – there is a beach for everyone.
For a bit of culture, head to Phuket Old Town. It used to be the center of the tin mining boom in Phuket and has an interesting trading history dating back to the 16th century. Today you will find Sino-Portuguese architecture and an almost literal melting pot when it comes to the city’s food.
How to get from Phuket to Koh Phi Phi: From Phuket, you can simply jump on one of many speedboat to get to Koh Phi Phi.
Day 10 & 11: Koh Phi Phi
Koh Phi Phi is actually two islands: Phi Phi Don and Phi Phi Leh. The latter is home to Maya Bay, which was the location of the famous beach in the movie The Beach.
Phi Phi Leh is uninhabited today, but you can visit May Bay on a day trip. Phi Phi Don itself is known great for backpackers, fire shows on the beach and some decent scuba diving.
How to get from Koh Phi Phi to Koh Lipe: The easiest and, yes, fastest way to get to Koh Lipe is by taking a speedboat from Koh Phi Phi. The transfer takes approximately four hours.
Day 12–14: Koh Lipe
Koh Lipe is Thailand’s most southern island and often compared to the Maldives for its powdery white beaches. It is a beauty both above and below the surface – if you want to snorkel or scuba dive anywhere, this is the place to take the plunge.
Otherwise, work on your tan, visit a beach bar for sunset and learn the sweet art of doing nothing.
If you are heading home after Koh Lipe, your best option is to take a boat to the mainland and catch a domestic flight from Hat Yai to Bangkok or Phuket. Looking to extend your vacation? Koh Lipe has its own immigration office and many boat transfers to Langkawi in Malaysia.
Thailand itinerary 10 days – the Andaman coast & Phang Nga Bay.
For those looking for a beach-themed Thailand itinerary during November to April, this is it. If possible, choose a flight that arrives at Phuket International. Alternatively, you can spend a night in Bangkok and take a domestic flight from Bangkok to Phuket.
Day 1-3: Phuket
Without a doubt, Phuket is Thailand’s most famous island. While it can get a bit crowded and rowdy on beaches like Patong, there are still many wonderful spots to explore.
If you arrive late, I recommend you stay at the Slate on Naiyang Beach, which is beautiful and not far. After, you can move to other parts like Kata or Surin Beach, or my favorite, charming Phuket Old Town.
How to get from Phuket to Khao Lak: From Phuket, you can book a shared minivan transfer to get to Khao Lak, which is fast and inexpensive.
Day 4 & 5: Khao Lak & the Similan Islands
Khao Lak is the gateway to the famous Similan Islands. This national park is only open from mid-October to mid-May and is the spot for scuba diving and snorkeling in Thailand. If you get lucky, you will even see manta rays!
Your best bet is to get a hotel in Khao Lak and take day trips to the Similan Islands. If you are a scuba enthusiast, book a liveaboard for a few days of non-stop diving.
How to get from Khao Lak to Khao Sok: There are plenty of buses and minivans that take you to Khao Sok. The drive will take between one and two hours.
Day 6 & 7: Khao Sok National Park
Khao Sok National Park offers a proper jungle adventure. Trekking and boat trips on the Cheow Lan Lake are the best ways to spot wildlife.
You can also kayak and swim, do a night safari or take an ATV through the jungle. Definitely book a night in an overwater bungalow on the lake – it’s like staying in the Maldives but in the jungle!
How to get from Khao Sok to Krabi: A minibus transfer will take you to Krabi in about three hours.
Day 8–10: Krabi
Krabi is a Thai province located by the Phang Nga Bay and known for its stunning karst rocks. Ao Nang beach, Koh Phi Phi and Koh Lanta are all part of Krabi.
A favorite for most travelers is Railay Beach with some excellent rock climbing spots above the water. You will need to take a longtail boat to get there, but once you’ve arrived, there are a few lovely resorts, restaurants and small shops – all you need for a relaxing beach vacation.
Tip: Once your Thailand vacation is over, you can catch a domestic flight directly from Krabi to get to Bangkok or Phuket.
Thailand itinerary 7 days – summer in the Gulf.
If you only have a week in Thailand and are coming over the summer months, head to the Gulf islands Koh Samui, Koh Phangan or Koh Tao. All three islands are perfect for a beach getaway.
Day 1: Bangkok
While I usually say one day is never enough for Bangkok, the rain starts to arrive in July. My recommendation if you have only 24 hours: do a food tour in Chinatown, take the Chao Phraya boat to Wat Pho and get a massage while you are there before ending the day on a fabulous rooftop bar.
How to get from Bangkok to Koh Samui: Flights from Bangkok to Koh Samui are always operated by Bangkok Airways and thus quite expensive. You can expect to pay an average of $ 266 for a round-trip ticket in July. Still, this way you make the most of your one-week Thailand itinerary.
Day 2–4: Koh Samui
Koh Samui is known for its fantastic beaches and beautiful nature. You can be as active or as lazy as you want to be. For the life of the party, head to Chaweng Beach, and for more authentic island vibes, to the Fisherman’s Village.
Sights to behold are the Big Buddha as well as the inhabitants of the Samui Elephant Haven, one of the truly ethical elephant sanctuaries in Thailand.
How to get from Koh Samui to Koh Phangan/ Koh Tao: There are plenty of speedboats and high-speed ferries that take you from Samui to Phangan and Koh Tao. Most stop in Koh Phangan before traveling on to Koh Tao.
Day 5–7: Koh Phangan or Koh Tao
Koh Phangan is great if you want to party or do yoga; interestingly enough, the island is equally known for both. My heart, however, beats for Koh Tao, also known as Turtle Island.
The island is one of the best spots to learn scuba diving in Thailand – I recommend Big Blue Diving. There are also some great restaurants and bars, secluded bays to snorkel, yoga studios, Muay Thai gyms and fantastic viewpoints.
Flight prices are based on flight searches made on KAYAK & associated brands in the period between 13.08.2023 and 13.08.2025 for flights with departure between 01.01.2024 and 31.12.2025 from any US airport. All prices are average prices for economy, return tickets. Prices may vary and savings cannot be guaranteed. Percentages for changes in searches are approximate.
Domestic flight prices are based on flight searches made on KAYAK & associated brands in the period between 13.08.2023 and 13.08.2025 for domestic flights within Thailand with departure between 01.01.2024 and 31.12.2025. All prices are average prices for economy, return tickets. Prices may vary and savings cannot be guaranteed. Percentages for changes in searches are approximate.
