The Best Things to Do in Thailand: A 2-Week Itinerary – Part One

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Have you been considering a trip to Thailand? It’s by far the most popular country to visit in South-Est Asia and it’s easy to see why. There are so many incredible things to do in Thailand, from stunning beaches to incredible temples, jungles, wildlife, waterfalls and of course, delicious food, there’s something for everyone. 

It’s an extremely affordable country to travel to, hence why it’s a common backpacking destination. You can find hotel rooms for £10 per night, dinner for £2 and a lot of the most beautiful things to do in Thailand are free to visit. As a result, it’s definitely a waste just to plan a trip to Thailand and only visit one city or one island whilst in the country. It’s super easy to travel between cities and well worth adding a few extra destinations onto your Thailand itinerary.

Because there are just so many things to do in Thailand, I’ve split this itinerary into two parts. Part one will cover the cities and part two will explore the islands. There are many other wonderful destinations that I haven’t mentioned, however, I decided to just cover a few of the best places to visit in Thailand that I felt were well worth a visit. 

It’s also worth bearing in mind that, considering the ease and affordable cost of public transport, it’s super easy to combine a Thailand itinerary with trips to other countries like Cambodia or Vietnam. You could even do what we did and combine Thailand with a European city break (we paired it with Brussels) as there are direct flights from a lot of destinations in Europe. But whichever way you plan your trip to Thailand, you’re sure to have an incredible time!

It’s impossible to cram all of the best places to see in Thailand in two weeks. but if that’s all you have, you need to make the most out of it. And then come back in the following year, of course! So, here’s part one of this Thailand itinerary – the best things to do in Thailand cities.

What should I avoid on a trip to Thailand?

There are a few things you’ll want to steer clear of whilst exploring the best places to visit in Thailand. Whilst there are many great things to do in Thailand, you’ll want to avoid:

• Set taxi rates – agreeing to a set taxi rate is a sure way to end up paying too much! Instead, ask the driver to turn on the meter – it’s illegal for drivers to refuse. So, if they do, you’re probably better off going with another taxi altogether.

• Ping-Pong shows – this type of overrated sex show is well-known in many parts of Bangkok and other cities. We were approached several times by people offering us ping-pong show leaflets and promising a ‘good deal’. The biggest danger with this is being forced into a private lounge and not being allowed to leave until you’ve paid a huge bill. Instead, watch one of Thailand’s cultural shows such as Thai boxing or cabaret. But if you really much see one of these shows, it’s best to use a tour guide to stay safe.

• Fueling elephant mistreatment – one of the worst things to do in Thailand would be to feed more money into the tourism of elephant mistreatment. Whether this is asking tourists to ride elephants or pay money to feed them in the street, this type of tourism is a huge problem in Thailand. Instead, visit a reputable elephant sanctuary like these: 

• Tuk-tuk scams – avoid falling for common tuk-tuk scams in Thailand. The most frequently used is the scam where a driver will tell tourists that some of the best places to visit in Thailand, like the Grand Palace, are closed and offer them a tour instead. The easiest solution is to not believe them, and if you do want a tuk-tuk tour of the city, you can book one here. 

What is the best way to get around Thailand?

A pretty big country, it’s difficult to see all the best things to do in Thailand in just one visit. However, luckily, you can easily make a single trip to Thailand into a multi-destination adventure by travelling between places. There are many ways to get around Thailand. Here are a few of the most popular methods.

the most popular ways to get around thailand:

• Fly – Flying is the easiest but most expensive method – although, even that isn’t particularly pricey. There are many budget airlines that go to all of the best places to visit in Thailand; Thai Airways is the best one, but also the most costly. We also used Thai Smile and AirAsia, which were okay. Flights can cost between £20 and £150 and flights to the islands are usually more expensive than flights between cities.

• Train – This is the second most popular way to get around Thailand. There are two types of train – the day train and night trains. I personally prefer to travel overnight because it leaves the days free for all the things to do in Thailand. Travelling by train is one of the cheapest ways to get around the country, however, it is also the longest as the trains move very slowly. 

• Bus – To get to destinations that the train just don’t you’ll need to use the bus system to travel around Thailand. Buses are also cheap and stop in the smaller towns and cities that the trains just miss. There are also tourist buses that, although are more convenient, are more expensive too. 

• Car – The only advice I have for renting a car in Thailand is this – don’t do it! It’s expensive and the roads are crazy. If you want to rent your own vehicle, you’re better off with a quad bike or moped, though I’d still take that with a pinch of salt.

the Best things to do in Thailand: A 2-week itinerary

For the perfect combination of city and beaches, there are so many great things to do in Thailand. Here are some of the things that you’ll want to add you Thailand itinerary.

The best things to do in Thailand – Day 1: Bangkok 

A lot of people land in Bangkok and make an immediate dash straight to the islands. And whilst relaxing on the beach might be on the minds of a lot of travellers, if you do this, you’re missing out on some of the best places to visit in Thailand to explore Thai culture and history. 

Bangkok is, of course, the capital and, although it is busy, it’s an essential part of a trip to Thailand. It’d be like visiting England and not going to London, or Greece and not going to Athens! For some of the best things do to in Thailand, Bangkok has a lot of hidden beauty and attractions that you wouldn’t want to miss.  

On your first day in Bangkok, you’re probably going to want to take it easy. Depending on where you’re flying from, you’ll most likely be a little jetlagged. So, take your first day on this Thailand itinerary to get acquainted with your surroundings. Then take a wander around Bangkok’s biggest and grandest temple: the Grand Palace.

the Grand Palace

The Grand Palace complex is a collection of temples surrounding the Palace itself, located in the heart of Bangkok. It’s one of the best places to visit in Thailand and the sheer size and detail put into it will blow you away.  

A word of warning – make sure you wear modest clothing: a t-shirt that covers your shoulders and skirt or trousers that come to below the knee. They will not let you in otherwise and you will be made to buy something to cover yourself up from their shop (and they’re not the most fashionable pieces of clothing ever!).

The Grand Palace is a lot more than one building. The cost to enter is 500 TBH, which is roughly £13.

This is the most expensive temple in Thailand (but also one of the most impressive), so you won’t be paying an entrance fee like this again.  

Walking around the Grand Palace, you’ll see Wat Phra Kaew which is also known as the Temple of the Emerald Buddha. The beautiful statue of the Buddha dates back to the 14^th century. 

Then, head round to Wat Pho or the Temple of the reclining Buddha which is right behind Wat Phra Kaew. The Buddha inside is one of the largest Buddha statues in Thailand. At a whopping 50 ft high and 151 ft long – it is HUGE! 

Don’t miss the Vimanmek Palace and Abhisek Dusit Throne Hall either – they are included in your ticket price. 

The Grand Palace is one of the last building’s you’ll come to on the outer side of the complex. You can easily spend a good few hours exploring the Grand Palace and it’s best to do this at a slow pace, and just take it all in.

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wat arun

After leaving the Grand Palace, cross the river and pay a visit to Wat Arun. This is the second most famous temple in Bangkok and is also totally different from the Grand Palace. Whereas the Palace is strikingly gold, Wat Arun is more subtle, with white shades speckled with blues and oranges in a gorgeous intricate design. 

It’s a steep climb to the top but is well worth adding to your Thailand itinerary for the view. If you’re visiting in the middle of the day, however, it can get pretty busy walking around the upper levels of the temple.

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For the evening of your first day, why not take a cruise along the Chao Phraya River. This is the river that gave Bangkok the nickname, ‘Venice of the East’. The perfect chilled out end to the first day on this Thailand itinerary, plus you might even get to see the Grand Palace silhouetted in sunset – a truly beautiful sight. 

For dinner, pay a visit to Bangkok’s Chinatown, which is in fact, the largest Chinatown in the world. The famous Yaowarat Road has countless food stalls and delicious oriental restaurants; you will most definitely be spoiled for choice!

The best things to do in Thailand – Day 2: Bangkok 

For the second day on your Thailand itinerary, once you’ve become a little more aquatinted with Bangkok, is the perfect day to explore Thailand’s famous floating markets. This may involve a little bit of travel outside of the city, depending on how authentic you want your experience to be.  

Visiting a floating market is one of the greatest things to do in Thailand and I recommend one of two. The first is Taling Chan which is the closest market to Bangkok city centre and will take you about 30 minutes to reach. The small and traditional market is full of authentic goods and delicious food, perfect for a floating market first-time visit.  

The second market I’d recommend is called Amphawa Market. It’s about an hour and a half away from Bangkok city centre but is one of the best places to visit in Thailand.

The market is totally authentic and not geared towards tourists at all so it’s perfect for anyone who wants to get a traditional taste of Thailand. You’ll be greeted with a delightful selection of Thai arts and crafts, clothing and wonderful food! 

how to get to the markets

You can reach both of these markets fairly easily by yourself. Either catch a bus from Southern Bus Terminal to Samut Songkram town and then getting a taxi, hire a songthaew or use the Grab app (which is a bit like uber) to get you the rest of the way.

You can also take a taxi the entire way but I suggest settling one a price before you depart. Using Grab the whole way is another option that will give you a fixed price.  

A completely alternate way of getting to the floating markets would be to go on a guided tour. You can book one online via Get Your Guide or opt for booking one in town via a local tour agency. If booking in town, be sure to haggle the price a little. You can usually get a pretty good deal depending on your bargaining skills! 

No matter which way you do it, exploring the floating markets will probably take you most of the day. When you arrive back in Bangkok, head to Khao San Road in search of dinner and a little entertainment! 

khao san road

Another must-see in Bangkok, Khao San Road is bustling, hectic but brilliant. Full of traditional street food stalls, crazy nightlife and shopping opportunities, wandering down this street will be an experience in itself.

When eating the street food, be sure to try an authentic Papaya Salad, the delicious sticks of grilled pork (trust me, you will be coming back for more!), and wash it down with a refreshing coconut shake.  

The best things to do in Thailand – Day 3: Ayutthaya 

For your third day in Bangkok, I strongly recommend taking a day trip to Ayutthaya. This former capital of Thailand holds some seriously impressive temples and palaces and a visit is one of the most fascinating things to do in Thailand.  

A word of warning – there are no taxis in Ayutthaya. If you do plan on taking a day trip, I suggest going with a guided tour group or hiring a songthaew or taxi for the day, or else you’ll find it extremely tricky to get back to Bangkok.

Nevertheless, this is one of the most amazing cities and worth adding to your Thailand itinerary.  

Bang Pa in Palace

You’ll want to get there early before the massive crowds of people arrive. First, stop at the Bang Pa In Palace and wander around the grounds. See the floating temple and the incredible Chinese-style Palace and the super interesting clash of Thai and European architectural styles.

From there, travel 30 minutes to the centre of Ayutthaya to see the temples in the city. A lot of these are within walking distance from one another, which is perfect as then you also get to explore a bit more of the city as opposed to just temple hopping.  

Ayutthaya city

The main temple you will want to feast your eyes on, however, is Wat Phra Si Sanphet. This is the largest temple in Ayutthaya which once contained a gold-encrusted, 52 ft Buddha statue. It was unfortunately looted when the city was overthrown in 1767.

The remains of the Royal Palace are next to Wat Phra Si Sanphet, so be sure to pay a visit whilst you’re there. Also, if you liked the reclining Buddha in the Grand Palace, you’re going to love Ayutthaya. Visit Wat Yai Chai Mongkol, as the temple’s 121 ft long and 26ft high reclining Buddha will be just as impressive. 

Nevertheless, one of the main attractions in Ayutthaya, (and also one of the most famous images) and best places to visit in Thailand, is the Buddha head inside a living tree. The head in question is located inside the temples of Wat Mahathat and has a rather interesting backstory.

The surrounding temples were destroyed by the invading Burmese and this one Buddha head somehow survived. Then, instead of crushing it to little pieces, the tree that it now sits in actually grew around the remains of the statue. 

A few more things to do in Ayutthaya include a visit to Phra Chao Phanan-Choeng, a famous Buddha statue that is actually older than the city itself. It stands at a whopping 62 feet tall. You can also visit Ayutthaya’s Historical Centre and the night markets for some more delicious street food (be sure to sample the boat noodles) before you return to Bangkok. 

travel to Chiang Mai

For day 4 of your Thailand itinerary, make your way further north to Chiang Mai. The easiest ways to do this are either to take a short flight to Chiang Mai from Bangkok, take a night train or take a bus.

The night train is by far the most authentic way to travel around Thailand and the cheapest. Getting a night train is also one of the best things to do in Thailand just for the experience. However, it’s also the most time consuming as the journey will be about 15 hours as opposed to the short 1-hour flight. So, the journey you take depends on your budget and how you’d rather spend your time. 

You can also take the train straight from Ayutthaya which cuts a little off the journey. Train number 9 departs Ayutthaya at 7.44pm and arrives at Chiang Mai at 7.15am. The added bonus of going by sleeper train is you won’t have to buy a hotel for the night either, as sleeping arrangements are included with the transport.

For optimum comfort, first-class cabins are definitely the best. However, they are also the quickest to sell out so be sure to book well in advance. If you do want to buy train tickets, use 12GoAsia.com as they are the cheapest and most efficient.

The best things to do in Thailand – Day 4: Chiang Mai 

Depending on how you decide to travel to Chiang Mai, you will either wake up in your hotel or on a train and then make your way to your accommodation. Either way, your first port of call with be to find yourself some breakfast and then prepare for a day of temple hopping.

Chiang Mai’s Old City is basically a maze of temples, Thai shops and street food. It’s hard to suggest which temples you should visit in which order as that depends on the location of your hotel. However, these are a few which you do not want to miss.

Wat Chedi Luang

The most famous temple in Chiang Mai. It is a large stone temple with elephant statues around the outside. 

Wat Pra Singh

The largest temple in Chiang Mai, it is an elaborate temple with a large gold dome. 

Wat Umong Mahathera

An impressive temple with a stone pillar outside. 

Wat Inthakin

A small black temple. 

Wat Chiang Man

A stunning temple with a gold and stone pillar. 

Wat Sri Suphan

An incredible silver temple, just outside the old city walls.  

Most of these temples are within walking distance of one another but this does depend on which order you chose to see them. If the distances are too far, use tuk-tuks or the app Grab Taxi to get between them. 

If you have time, also visit:  

Wat Suan Dok – This is an incredible white temple to the left of the main city. It’s not the famous White Temple of Chiang Rai, however, it’s still very pretty.  

Wat Umong – Chiang Mai’s famous underground temple it further outside the city on the left, and past the airport 

The Lost City of Wiang Kum Kam – The ruins of Wiang Kum Kam are about an hour’s drive from the Old City, but are worth adding to your Thailand itinerary. Situated along the Ping River, it’s an ancient civilisation that dates back to the 8^th century. It was built by King Mangrai, who chose it to be the capital of his ancient Lanna Kingdom before favouring Chiang Mai in 1296.  

For dinner definitely check out Chiang Mai’s wonderful street markets. Visit the Chiang Mai Night Bazaar and sample some even more incredible Thai street food. 

The best things to do in Thailand – Day 5: Chiang Rai 

For day 2 in Chiang Mai, I recommend travelling even further north to Chiang Rai to see the famous white temple. It’s a pretty lengthy journey at almost 3 hours, but worth it as the temple is an absolute must-see and one of the most wonderful things to do in Thailand.  

how to get to chaing rai

The best way to do this is to go on a guided tour. It will make transport a lot easier and will pick you up and drop you off at your hotel as well. As it’s one of the best places to visit in Thailand, there are plenty of tours available to book online. You can also find tour agencies in the street and ask what prices they’ll do. Sometimes, if your haggling skills are good, you can also get a great discount by doing it this way. 

The other option if you don’t like the sound of a guided tour, is to travel to Chiang Rai by bus. This is certainly the cheapest option as it will cost you about 150 to 300 TBH one way. You can’t buy a return unless you book in advance, however, so check 12GoAsiacom if you’d like to pre-plan. You can also use 12Goasia to check the bus times.

The bus station is on Kaeo Narwat Road and there are 2 other stops; one in the old city and another near the night market. They’re super easy to get to by Grab Taxi, songthaew or tuk-tuk.  

I should also point out that you’ll get a lot more comfort by opting for the bus. The tour will most likely be via minivan and Thai minivan drivers are notorious boy-racers. Plus, the journey is not exactly smooth so if you get travel sick, I recommend taking some tablets.

In comparison, the buses are comfortable, have recliner chairs and toilets. Plus, the drivers don’t treat them like a Formula One car! 

the white temple

Your first stop should be the White Temple. The temple is one of the most impressive, beautiful and Instagramed temples and one of the best places to visit Thailand. Plus, it’s one of the most modern temples as it was only built in 1977! 

the blue temple

Next, visit the Blue Temple. Another incredible temple in Chiang Rai, the Blue Temple really stands out with its vivid colour and huge statues at the entrance. Be sure to walk around the entire temple so you don’t miss the giant white Buddha statue at the back! 

the black museum

Lastly, make sure to visit the Black House. Partly a museum, partly an art gallery, partly a home, the Black House was created by artist Thawan Duchanee and now displays an intricate collection of artefacts. You’ll find snakeskins covered in money, bizarre furniture, animal skulls, funky white igloos, Buddha statues and maybe even live Thai performers when you enter the main building.  

If you opt for the tour, which we did, then that’ll likely conclude the itinerary for the day. It will be a long day but well and truly worth it as these temples are some of the top things to do in Thailand.

When you return to Chiang Mai, you’ll no doubt be feeling a little peckish so head to the South Gate for food. There’s a wonderful collection of restaurants and stalls there and you’ll once again be spoiled for choice. 

The best things to do in Thailand – Day 6: Chiang Mai 

Day six in Thailand is the perfect time to get immersed in some of the nature of Chaing Mai and a visit to Chiang Mai Elephant Sanctuary is an incredible experience. This should without a doubt be on any Thailand itinerary and it’s something that you’ll remember for the rest of your life.

You get to take care of the Elephants for the day, feed them, bathe them and play with then. The sanctuary in Chiang Mai is one of the best ethical elephant sanctuaries and best places to visit in Thailand, so you can rest assured that the animals are under the best of care.

You can do either a half-day here or a full day at the Sancturary. I recommend starting early with a half-day, which will give you some time in the afternoon to explore even more beautiful parts of Chiang Mai. 

doi suthep

After leaving the elephant sanctuary, head further west into the mountains to explore Doi Suthep. This beautiful mountain is an essential part of life in Chiang Mai. You can literally spend hours exploring its beautiful waterfalls, wildlife and temples.  

For your first stop, I recommend paying a visit to Wat Phra That Doi Suthep. The gleaming golden temple sits like a beacon on top of the hilly greenery. It’s one of the most historical and spiritual places in Thailand. It’s also one of the most beautiful and you can see truly spectacular views across Thailand’s mountains.  

Once you’ve soaked in the glorious views, have a walk around the temple itself. You’ll find various statues depicting many religious legends, including Buddhas and white elephants.

The main golden Chedi is a proud centrepiece, standing at 24 meters high. There are also a number of temple bells which are touched by the Buddhists for good luck. 

Doi Inthanon National Park

After the temples, head further into the mountains to Doi Inthanon National Park. This is home to one of the best things to do in Thailand – a climb to the tallest peak in the country. If you have more time in Thailand, I definitely recommend spending a full day here. However, if you’re just here for a couple of weeks, then it’s perfectly feasible as an afternoon.

In fact, you can actually book the park and the Elephant Sanctuary as a join excursion from a lot of Thai tour vendors on the streets. If you’re worried about getting to these incredible sights, then booking one of these tours is something I seriously recommend. 

If you’ve ever thought of Thailand’s beaches as beautiful, a trip to Doi Inthanon will entirely redefine your experience of the word. There are some incredible nature trails up in the mountains and you’ll see plenty of breath-taking skylines.

Don’t miss the Giew Mae Pan Nature Trail where you’ll explore the towering forests in more depth, see waterfalls, bridges and some stunning views. However, this trek does require a fair amount of physical exercise, with some pretty steep steps to climb, so make sure you’re in good health and bring a bottle of water or two! 

the twin pagodas

You also won’t want to miss the Royal Twin Pagodas that reside at the top of the mountain. You’ll be able to see these while hiking the Giew Mae Pan Nature Trail and they are stunning. They cost an additional 40 baht per person to enter, but it’s worth the price.

After exploring the pagodas, head to the Summit which is the highest point in Thailand. There isn’t actually much to do there, but you can’t climb all that way and not see it.

Don’t miss the chance to explore a waterfall in Chiang Mai either. Suriphum Waterfall is a great choice and not too far from The Summit. You can climb to the top of the waterfall but it’s another tricky hike so will depend on how you feel. The views, either way, are well worth seeing during your time in Doi Inthanon.  

back to the city

After that it’ll likely be beginning to get dark, so make your way back to the centre of Chiang Mai. When you get back, you’ll probably be hungry so I definitely recommend stopping off for dinner. The Kalare Night Bazaar is the perfect choice for some chilled-out street food.

Not as manic as some of the other night markets in Thailand, I loved Kalare. There was also some live music playing when we went which added to the experience. Plus, with the usual dirt-cheap prices of street food, you really can’t go wrong. Once you’ve eaten, head back to your hotel before an early start the next morning as you head to Phuket.

Stay tuned as Part Two of this Thailand 2 week itinerary is coming soon!

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