Thailand in 14 Days: From Bangkok to Phuket

Land at Suvarnabhumi (BKK) or Don Mueang (DMK). Take the Airport Rail Link or a taxi to the city center.

The world's most famous backpacker street. International vibe, food stalls and souvenir shops.

Pad thai, mango sticky rice, satay skewers and fresh juices. All for under $5.

Walk toward the Chao Phraya River to see the illuminated Wat Arun across the water.

Thailand's most sacred complex. The Emerald Buddha and golden architecture are dazzling.

The 46-meter Reclining Buddha covered in gold leaf. Also the birthplace of traditional Thai massage.

The Michelin-starred street food legend. Her crab curry and crab omelet are legendary.

Cross the river by ferry (฿4) to climb the stairs of Bangkok's most photogenic temple.

Head to one of Bangkok's rooftop bars for sunset over the skyline. Moon Bar or Vertigo are spectacular.

Vendors on wooden boats through narrow canals. Buy tropical fruit, noodles and souvenirs from the water.

The world's largest weekend market: 15,000 stalls. Clothing, handicrafts, food and antiques.

Small bowls of noodles with pork or beef broth. Order 3-4 bowls at ฿15 each.

Southeast Asia's most authentic Chinatown. At dusk, food stalls take over the street.

Grilled oysters, seafood noodles, dim sum and the famous Thai rolled ice cream.

1h15 flight with AirAsia, Nok Air or Thai Smile. Alternative: overnight train (12h, fantastic experience).

Explore Chiang Mai's walled old city: temples, artisan cafés and handicraft shops.

Chiang Mai's star dish: coconut curry with crispy egg noodles. Khao Soi Khun Yai is legendary.

Partially ruined 14th-century chedi. Impressive for its size and mystical atmosphere.

Chiang Mai's most revered temple with classic Lanna architecture and 19th-century murals.

Ratchadamnoen Road transforms into a huge night market. Handicrafts, food and live music.

Golden temple on Chiang Mai's sacred mountain. 309 steps to the top with panoramic city views.

Learn to make pad thai, green curry, tom yum and mango sticky rice. Includes market visit.

Chiang Mai's trendiest neighborhood: designer cafés, boutiques and street art.

Authentic Northern Thai cuisine: sai oua (Chiang Mai sausage), laab and nam prik ong.

Visit a rescue sanctuary where you can feed, bathe and walk with elephants — no riding or hooks.

Most sanctuaries include a buffet lunch with homemade Thai food.

Waterfall 15 minutes from the old city. Perfect for cooling off after the sanctuary.

After an active day, unwind with a full-body Thai massage (฿300-500/hour).

Chiang Mai's most popular street dish: braised pork over rice with a boiled egg.

VIP bus from Chiang Mai (3h, ฿200) or private car with driver. Leave early to make the most of the day.

Masterpiece by artist Chalermchai Kositpipat. Surreal white temple with pop culture elements.

Entirely blue temple with a stunning white Buddha. Less touristy than the White Temple.

Try the Chiang Rai version of khao soi with free-range chicken at a local restaurant.

The point where Thailand, Laos and Myanmar meet. Opium Museum and Mekong River views.

Bus back (3h) or stay overnight in Chiang Rai for a more relaxed pace.

2h flight with a Bangkok stopover (or direct with AirAsia). Arrive at the Andaman coast by noon.

Ao Nang is the perfect base for exploring Krabi. Hotels, restaurants and longtail boats to nearby beaches.

Grilled fish with lime and chili sauce, garlic prawns and fried rice. Southern Thai cuisine.

Railay is only accessible by boat. Limestone cliffs, white sand beaches and crystal-clear waters.

Railay's most beautiful beach with a shrine cave and spectacular sunset views.

Longtail boat tour to Koh Tub, Chicken Island, Koh Poda and Phra Nang. Snorkeling and lunch included.

Most tours include a buffet lunch on one of the islands. Simple food but the setting is unmatched.

Kayak through the Ao Thalane mangroves. Monkeys, tropical birds and sea caves.

Thai restaurants with sea views. Massaman curry, pad krapao and a cold Chang beer.

Railay is one of the world's top climbing destinations. Routes for all levels on limestone cliffs.

Simple restaurants by the beach with cliff views. Pad thai and fresh smoothies.

Short but intense trail through the jungle to a hidden lagoon and a spectacular viewpoint.

Thailand's most photogenic beach. Cliffs, turquoise waters and fruit vendors on boats.

Many beach restaurants offer fresh seafood barbecue: prawns, squid and whole fish.

1h30 ferry from Krabi Town to Koh Phi Phi Don. Incredible Andaman Sea views.

Koh Phi Phi Don has no cars — everything is on foot. Tonsai is the center with shops and restaurants.

Beachfront restaurants with Thai curry, papaya salad and fresh coconut.

Quiet beach on the east side of the island with coral reefs accessible from shore.

20-30 minute climb to the viewpoint with the island's most iconic views. Essential at sunset.

The bay from Leonardo DiCaprio's 'The Beach'. Reopened with a daily visitor cap to protect the coral.

Turquoise lagoon surrounded by vertical cliffs. The water is so clear you can see the bottom at 10 meters.

Half-day tours include a simple lunch. If you return early, eat in Tonsai.

Beach with wild monkeys (don't feed them) and a snorkeling spot where you can see reef sharks.

Phi Phi is famous for its beach parties with fire shows and music. Or simply enjoy the sunset.

2h ferry to Phuket. Arrival at Rassada Pier and transfer to your chosen beach.

The Sino-Portuguese old town has the best local restaurants. Try oh-tao (oyster omelet) and dim sum.

Streets with Sino-Portuguese colonial architecture, street art murals and charming cafés.

45-meter white marble statue atop Nakkerd Hill. 360° views of the island.

Phuket's most famous sunset spot. Arrive 30 minutes early to find a good spot.

Last Thai breakfast: jok (rice congee), peanut butter toast and iced coffee.

Relaxed morning at one of Phuket's most beautiful beaches. Crystal-clear waters and soft sand.

Say goodbye with a southern cuisine feast: yellow crab curry, kanom jeen and gaeng tai pla.

Central Phuket or local markets for souvenirs: coconut oil, spices, Thai silk.

Phuket Airport (HKT) is 30-45 min from center. Direct flights to Europe and connections via Bangkok.