2 Weeks In Thailand: Essential 2-Week Thailand Itineraries

There’s something in the air in Thailand. Promising paradise around every corner, the “Land of Smiles” is home to 1,430 islands, more than 35,000 temples and 10% of species in the world. Whether you’re diving into the backstreets of Bangkok or Chiang Mai temples, mountains in the north or island-hopping down south… Thailand is a melting pot of one-of-a-kind travel moments.

Anywhere from 2 weeks in Thailand to 18 days is an absolute must in order to experience everything this destination has to offer. Your dream adventure is just waiting to be found, but when there’s so much variety, where do you start? Here are our top choices for planning the perfect Thailand 2-week itinerary. Let’s tuk-tuk into it! 🛺

Getting to and Around Thailand

Because Thailand is so big and diverse, getting around may take some planning. Great news - there’s an option for everybody, regardless of budget and how much time you’d like to spend on the rails or the road. Internal flights can take you all over the country, not to mention the huge variety of sleeper trains, overnight buses and ferry services for those looking to save while they travel. When the best way to travel Thailand in 2 weeks is purely preferential, there’s a reason why this country counts as one of the best solo travel destinations in the world.

For Thailand first timers, nothing beats the convenience of a group tour. With all your transport included, you’ll be following a tried-and-tested route created by experts who know Thailand inside-out. That way, you’ll be familiar with all the best spots for when you revisit… (with those prices and views? It’s inevitable that you’ll come back for more).

Flying into Thailand is straightforward, with nine different international airports to choose from - the main ones being Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket, Krabi and Koh Samui. Yet to make the most out of your experience here, all of our Thailand 2-week itineraries begin in Bangkok: the country’s capital city.

Itinerary 1: Explore Bangkok and Beyond 🌆

9 or 12 days

Days 1-3: Bangkok

Bangkok is one of those places that everyone needs to experience at least once. Starring grand temples carved from gold, mesmerising sunsets by the skyscraper waterfront, and some of the wildest nightlife you will ever experience, Thailand’s capital is a feast for the senses. Once you’ve stepped inside the neon-soaked laneways of Khao San Road, or taken a bite out of Bangkok’s world-famous street food, something changes within you. Needless to say, you’ll be hooked for life.

Day 4: Khao Sok National Park

After three days in Bangkok, your journey continues via an overnight train to the limestone cliffs of Khao Sok National Park. Said to have the same level of biodiversity as the Amazon Rainforest, Khao Sok is a haven for wildlife. While sailing along the jade waters and past the famous floating bungalows, keep an eye out for any sun bears, elephants or even jaguars at the lake’s edges.

Days 5-9: Koh Phangan

On day five, take a bus from Khao Sok to Surat Thani city and hop onto a ferry to Koh Phangan: your first taste of Thai island life. Koh Phangan is renowned for its legendary Full Moon Party held every month, yet you’ll still be able to find secluded, sandy bays - making it perfect for travellers looking to experience the best of both worlds.

And Beyond

For nine days in Thailand, Koh Phangan is a dreamy setting to finish your trip in. But if there’s one thing better than one Thai island… it's two. So if you’re looking to spend a few extra days in Thailand, Koh Phi Phi is the place for you.

Picture yourself snorkelling in crystal-clear waters, ticking the stunning Maya Bay off your bucket list and dancing the night away on the soft shoreline… this iconic island is calling out to you!

Interested in this trip?

If we’ve just described your dream adventure in Thailand, we’ve got the perfect trip for you - and it’s called Thai Intro! Set over 9, 12, or 18 days (if you fancy adding Chiang Mai to your trip), this incredible taster trip really lives up to its name.

Itinerary 2: Experience North Thailand 🐘

14 days

Days 1-3: Bangkok & Kanchanaburi

Even if it’s the enchanted north that has captured your heart, Bangkok is still the best place to start. From floating markets to dazzling nightlife and iconic nightlife, the activities are unforgettable here. After your first day and a half in Thailand, board a mini bus to Kanchanaburi.

More than a stunning riverside town, Kanchanaburi is right by seven different national parks. Nature is never far away here - not when you’re surrounded by breathtaking jungles, dark green waters, and traditional thatched lodges. Our top suggestions here are taking a sunset cruise down the River Kwai upon arrival, and planning a day trip to Erawan Falls on your third day.

Day 4: Ayutthaya Day Trip

Before heading north, a day trip to Ayutthaya is simply unmissable. These amber-coloured ruins once belonged to an ancient kingdom called Siam, and to this day, the atmosphere is pretty incredible. After soaking up some history, kick back on an overnight sleeper train. Chiang Mai is right around the corner. 👀

Days 5-8: Chiang Mai and Countryside

Thailand’s second-largest city, Chiang Mai, makes an extraordinary first impression. Picture ethereal temples woven into the hilltops, bustling markets bursting with colour, and misty mountains with cascading rice terraces. From temple runs to vibrant nightlife and live music, Chiang Mai’s magic lasts all day and night.

This city is also an incredible base to explore more of the north and tick unforgettable activities off your Thai bucket list. Visiting an elephant sanctuary and seeing these gentle animals in the wild is a real pinch-me moment, and so is taking a guided hill tribe trek through the jungle.

Days 9-11: Pai

Enjoy a chilled morning in Chiang Mai before travelling onto Pai on your ninth day. Surrounded by rugged canyons, sweeping stretches of forestland, and towering waterfalls, Pai is a nature lover’s dream come true. With something for every traveller, Pai’s town centre is vibrant and adventurous - with some incredible nightlife, neon-lit markets, and boho-chic cafes waiting to be explored.

During your trip to Pai, you can hop between hot springs, go trekking inside the secluded outskirts, or discover some of the largest caves in Thailand. Pai is one of those places that can match any pace; so whether you’re craving a few rest days or something more action-packed, it’s easy to arrange.

Days 12-14: Finish in Chiang Mai

It’s a welcome return to Chiang Mai, a city that now feels like a second home. Even more adventure awaits here. Maybe you feel like practicing your Pad Thai chef skills with a traditional cooking class - especially since the north is where some of Thailand’s most famous dishes originate from!

Or if you’re hoping to sneak in one more day trip, did you know that Thailand has its own Grand Canyon? End your trip on a high with a huge variety of activities inside this outdoor playground, from adrenaline sports to kicking back and floating along the lagoon.

Interested in this trip?

On our 14-day North Thailand Experience, you can see this stunning region in all its glory. Plus, it’s packed with moments of a lifetime, like ziplining through the Chiang Mai jungle, and a village homestay in the heart of the countryside. It’s a side of Thailand that many travellers never see, but wish they did.

Itinerary 3: Discover the Best of Thailand 🏝️

12 or 18 days

This itinerary is inspired by our exclusive Thai Adventure trip, which is 18 or 25 days (and trust us, it’s worth the extra time here!). But if you’re planning on independently exploring Thailand in two weeks, we’ve also provided a 12-day guide for you to follow below.👇

Days 1-2: Bangkok

Start your trip to Thailand with a *bang* in Bangkok. Dive into the capital’s rich cultural heritage, extraordinary nightlife, and flavourful culinary palette for your first two days - it’s an introduction that you’ll always remember. On your second night, take a sleeper train to Chiang Mai, Thailand’s “second city” where ancient meets urban.

Days 3-5: Chiang Mai and Countryside

Nothing can prepare you for the spellbinding beauty of Chiang Mai. Epic temples where you can feel a sense of living history. Mist-shrouded mountains that kiss the sky. Endless markets for a taste of tradition. It’s all getting ready to sweep you off your feet. Just when you think Chiang Mai couldn’t get more magical, its vibrant nightlife calls.

And if you’re craving a wildlife retreat, the outskirts of Chiang Mai know how to deliver. No trip to Thailand’s north is ever really complete without visiting an ethical elephant sanctuary, where you can spot these stunning animals roaming freely in their natural habitat. Speaking of bucket list moments, a hill trek is an incredible way to visit hidden waterfalls and rural villages while exploring the unbeaten path. Why not try bamboo rafting while you’re here?

Day 6: Phuket

Take an internal flight today to Phuket, Thailand’s biggest island and one of the most popular backpacker destinations for a reason. More than a base for all your island-hopping adventures, Phuket is famed for its electrifying Old Town and next-level partying. You’re here for one night only, so make the most out of it!

Days 7-9: Koh Phi Phi

For the next few nights, you’ll be calling the sunkissed shores of Koh Phi Phi home. Whether you feel like dancing the night away under the stars, hiking to the iconic viewpoint or snorkelling in the crystal-clear ocean, this island has it all. One thing’s for sure: a day trip to the legendary Maya Bay is simply unmissable.

Days 9-12: Krabi

Take a ferry over to Krabi on your tenth day, nestled along the mainland’s west coast. From emerald jungle to towering limestone cliffs and bright turquoise waters, Krabi is what you think of when you picture Thailand’s heavenly beaches. A day trip to Railay Beach’s famous sandy stretches should be at the top of your list. As for hidden gems, kayaking through the Bor Thor Mangrove Forest is an incredible opportunity to lose yourself in nature and spot wildlife.

With easy access to an international airport, Krabi is an idyllic setting to finish your independent trip to Thailand in. But if you’re looking to make the most out of your time here… 👀

And Beyond

Now you could finish your trip of a lifetime in Krabi… but the thing about Thailand is that the more time you spend here, the better. If you can extend your stay, then our top recommendation is escaping to Khao Sok National Park for days 13-14. Then it’s time to experience the other side to Thai island paradise and head off the east coast for Koh Samui. With palm-fringed shores and crystal-clear waters, we cannot think of a more perfect end to your trip of a lifetime. Koh Samui even has its own international airport, so there’s no excuse…

Extending your 2-week trip to Thailand into a spectacular 18-day trip may just be the secret to happiness.

Interested in this trip?

It could only be our Thai Adventure - exclusive to Gap 360! Choose between 18 or 25 days as you discover the best of Thailand from north to south. Epic cities, beautiful wildlife, island-hopping bliss, bucket list moments, local-led experiences, and the best beach parties of your life… name it, and this trip has it!

Now that you know the best Thailand travel routes in 2 weeks, it’s time to make your trip of a lifetime happen. Our friendly travel advisors are here to help you with any questions you may have about one of our Thailand tours: especially if you’d like to match up any dates to the Thailand Full Moon Party Dates.

Whether you’re dreaming of mountain hiking trails, island paradise or a little bit of everything, there’s no question about it…Thailand is calling your name!