Longtail boats between limestone islands, night markets thick with the smell of grilled skewers, gold-spired temples at sunrise… Thailand doesn’t lack for highlights. The only challenge is fitting them into one trip without spending half of it in transit!
Having travelled in Thailand for over three months combined across multiple trips, I’ve realized there actually isn’t just ‘one’ Thailand trip, it’s several. The mountains up north, the ruins and markets around Bangkok, and the islands down south are so far apart that you’ll need to consider carefully how to fit them together… and which to include.
That’s why I’ve structured this itinerary guide like Lego bricks that you can click together. Just want to focus on the famous islands and beaches? Then jump to Part III and Part IV. Only have a week and you’re here mainly for the culture — then Part I is where it’s at! Got time for an ultimate 4-week tour? Then you can include all four pieces.
Each sub-itinerary here takes about a week, so you can mix and match depending on your trip length, the season, and your priorities.
Many tourists in Thailand simply fly directly to, say, Phuket or Koh Samui and spend most of their holiday in one resort. I can’t really advise on that type of trip as that’s not my typical style. But if you want to travel around and discover Thailand, I can show you how. Along the way, I’ll be linking to our in-depth guides for many of the key stops.
Making sense of the Thailand map
First, a bit of context that can help avoid some planning headaches.
While Thailand can seem fairly compact when viewed on a globe, in reality it’s deceptively big. Measuring north-to-south the distance is similar to Berlin to Sicily, or New York to Miami.
If you want to explore a variety of locations, it pays to get the logistics right.
Thailand’s three tourism clusters
What’s a bit unusual about Thailand is that most of its popular destinations are clustered in three different ‘zones’ — at least, that’s how I like to break it down. They’re actually very far apart from each other, so this can really impact your travel logistics.
They are:
- 1. Bangkok and around. Places like Ayutthaya (for ancient temples) and Kanchanaburi (a chill riverside city) are within about 90 minutes of the capital. Either stay overnight in these different places, or you can do a lot of day-tripping from Bangkok.
- 2. The city of Chiang Mai which sits at the heart of its own collection of destinations in the mountainous north, including Chiang Rai, Pai, and other highlights.
- 3. The southern beaches and island destinations around Surat Thani and Krabi (the ‘foot’ of the long leg at the bottom of Thailand). This includes famous places like Koh Phi Phi, Krabi, and Koh Phangan. You can think of this as one big cluster, though the west and east coast each have distinct climates and tourist seasons.
If you have one week, I recommend focusing on one area only. It may be counterintuitive, but if your schedule is tight, including fewer places can help you experience more on your trip overall.
I’ve noticed few tourists visit sights that are not in these three hubs. There are plenty of other areas to explore, but I’m focusing on the places most first-timers will probably want to consider.
Mind you, there are loads of internal flights between these three regions, as well as bus and (overnight) train connections. Thailand has excellent infrastructure overall, so you don’t have to worry too much about the A-to-B.
However, moving between these areas will break up your journey, so I think it’s a useful framework for planning your route.
Transport Tip: It’s around 90 minutes flying from Bangkok to Chiang Mai for the north, or from Bangkok to Krabi in the south. In either direction is typically 12+ hours by train – a slower but also more immersive, scenic adventure. You can check all the local transport options at 12Go. It’s the Asian booking site that has every possible connection.
Thailand’s weather isn’t just one season
The other big thing to be aware of is the local climate.
Thailand overall is most-visited during the Nov-Feb period, but the three clusters do each have their own rhythms in terms of their tourist seasons.
The north around Chiang Mai is absolutely brilliant and perhaps my favorite area — but it’s definitely to be avoided between February and April due to the burning season when agricultural burning makes air pollution intolerable. If you still want culture and not just beaches, I recommend diverting to central Thailand (see Part II) during this time.
The rainy season is also different depending on the region. The popular beaches and islands can be further split into the east coast (Gulf of Thailand side) and west coast (Andaman sea side). You can bask in perfect weather on, say, Koh Phangan in August, while it’ll be raining cats and dogs on the other side in Koh Phi Phi.
Now, travelling during the monsoon can still have advantages. You can read our guide on what it’s like being on the islands during monsoon. Rains are usually intense but short-lived. However, if this is your first shot at travelling in Thailand, you’ll probably want to target the dry season just to have one less thing to worry about. So be sure to target the right ‘clusters’ based on when you’ll visit.
Alright, let’s get into some specific routes.
Part I: Northern Thailand
Cultural Adventures (7 to 10 Days)
Great for: Culture, hiking, relaxed mountain vibes, motorbike trips
| Day | Activity | Overnight (suggestions) |
| Day 1 | Bicycle + canal boat tour of Bangkok | Volve Hotel, Bangkok |
| Day 2 | Exploring the temples | Tharaburi Resort, Sukhothai |
| Day 3 | Historic Old City Bike Tour Visit Doi Suthep Temple |
Rachamankha Boutique Hotel, Chiang Mai |
| Day 4 | Ethical elephant sanctuary | Rachamankha Boutique Hotel |
| Day 5 | Thai cooking class | Rachamankha Boutique Hotel |
| Day 6 | Tham Lod cave trip | Pai Homey Bungalows, Pai |
| Day 7 | Relaxing | Pai Homey Bungalows |
1. Kick-off in Bangkok (1 day)
Bangkok is the obvious starting point in Thailand as it’s where most international flights arrive. Just one warning: if you haven’t been to a city quite like Bangkok before, it can be a bit of a shock to the senses!
It’s very chaotic with a lot of traffic — and a lot of smells and sounds. Bangkok is not always love at first sight, especially when travelers have just suffered a long international flight.
On my very first Thailand trip I actually didn’t very much click with Bangkok, so I spontaneously jumped on a train to Chiang Mai the next day. I now actually think Bangkok is amazing, but my views shifted only after I’d done quite a bit of travelling elsewhere in Thailand. By the time I got back to Bangkok, it felt much less overwhelming.
But since you’re probably starting here, let’s have a first (half) day in Bangkok. You can get through your jet lag, get used to tropical heat, and take your first dive into the incredible Thai cuisine.
One advantage of jet lag is that you might wake up very early. If so, there’s nothing like getting up at first light to see Wat Arun (literally the “Temple of Dawn”) when there’s still barely any people there. Morning markets can also give you a thrilling and immersive first encounter with the city.
On my first ever Bangkok visit I went on a fantastic bicycle and boat tour. This was a very relaxed way to see the local and unique side of Bangkok. I’m Dutch and we love riding bicycles, so this was absolutely my jam. But if you’re not into biking, I suggest doing a walking tour that includes a longtail boat ride through the canals of Thonburi. It’s a chill, soulful bit of Bangkok that contrasts nicely against the overall chaos.
If you prefer to see Bangkok turned up to 11, go to Chinatown. It’s a hugely vibrant place and amazing for street photography and random exploration. Or keep it for later if you prefer to ease into things a little.
These are just my quick suggestions. Our resident Bangkok expert Olivia has this incredible 1 to 4 day Bangkok itinerary with much more.
My fave hotel is the comfortable mid-size Volve Hotel. Backpacking or on a budget? Then check out the cosy Suneta Hostel in Khao San. Our in-depth guides have more…
2. Sukhothai (1 day)
It’s time to see some ancient temples! There are two big complexes of temple ruins in Thailand: Ayutthaya and Sukhothai.
Ayutthaya is conveniently only 90 minutes from Bangkok. However, it will be busier with day-trippers and it’s also scattered around several locations inside a city. Sukhothai is one big site that’s in an open space, so arguably it’s the more immersive one and it can worth hitting up along the journey north.
From Bangkok, take a bus to Sukhothai (about 8 hours) or take a train and do the last bit by bus. I really like taking the train as it’s nice to watch the landscapes through the window and you’ll get nice views of rural Thailand.
Spend a day exploring the temple ruins of Sukhothai, then stay the night there or head on straight to Chiang Mai.
Alternatively, you can visit Ayutthaya instead, then take the ~12 hour night train from Bangkok to Chiang Mai and skip Sukhothai. Sure, you can also fly straight there, but the train makes for a cool travel experience. When I did this trip I found that the swaying of the carriage even cradled me to sleep, and the next morning I woke up in my bunk bed seeing jungles through the window.
If you have 7 days or less for this northern Thailand segment, I would probably leave out Sukhothai. But if you can stretch it beyond a week, it’s a great stop to add.
Wondering about the logistics between Bangkok and Chiang Mai? This guide covers all the transport options, from a direct flight, to slow-travelling overland.
3. Chiang Mai (3+ days)
Chiang Mai may be Thailand’s second-biggest city, but it’s way more relaxed than Bangkok. Many of its neighborhoods feel more like a town or village. There are almost no highrises and there’s a lot of greenery.
It’s also very inexpensive with some of the best-value accommodation around. Chiang Mai became a well-known digital nomad hub precisely because of its perfect balance between affordability and liveability. But even if you’re here for a few days, it serves as an ideal base for northern Thailand.
You probably won’t struggle to fill your time, as there are numerous things to do in Chiang Mai. Be sure to stroll the night markets, go on day trips in the area, visit the Elephant Nature Park, go on a Thai cooking course, or go on a hill tribe trek (these are usually 1 or 2 days but can be longer).
Chiang Mai is very easygoing and there is so much to do here, so if possible it’s nice to not be in a rush and have at least several days to spend.
Nearly all travellers I meet in Thailand love Chiang Mai. It’s a perfect springboard for exploring the north of Thailand.
My fave hotel is the Rachamankha Boutique Hotel. Backpacking or on a budget? Then check out the unbeatable Yard Hostel Chiang Mai.
4. Pai or Chiang Dao (3+ days)
Where to go next from Chiang Mai? Well, there are several options.
If you are a backpacker looking to have some fun, consider spending a few days in the small mountain town of Pai. It’s a funky little town among the rice fields and forest hills, and it’s filled with cozy hipster cafés and restaurants.
Pai is a touristy place, so it’s maybe not the best if you’re determined to ‘see the real Thailand’. Tacos and falafel are as easy to find here as a pad thai. I’ve sometimes heard travellers scoffing at Pai, usually wanting to be seen as a more ‘serious traveler’. However, Pai is an undeniably fun and easy place to be, and it’s amazingly beginner-friendly.
The hostel, cafe/restaurant, and bar scenes in Pai are fantastic. If you’re more into nature and relaxed vibes, then you’ll surely take a liking to its many riverside bungalows and boutique guesthouses. Pai has hot springs, waterfalls, and a small canyon nearby, making it really nice for some low-stress sightseeing.
The best day trip I’ve done from Pai is to the epic Tham Lod Cave, which you enter on a longtail boat and can then explore deeper on foot, with the only light often coming from the gas lamp of your local guide. (I actually did this not from Pai but by staying a couple of nights at the nearby Cave Lodge, where spelunkers can show you many other caves hidden in the area.)
Pai tilts a bit more towards younger backpackers and has a mild-to-moderate party scene with some lively bars if you’re interested. If you’re looking for somewhere more secluded and less on the travel map, then the town of Chiang Dao makes for a good alternative. It has a much quieter atmosphere and various small-scale attractions. It’s a lovely place to experience some jungle and mountain scenery.
5. (Optional) Chiang Rai (2 days)
Honestly, this is already quite a whirlwind tour. As a slow traveler I would probably just pick two places for one week (e.g. Chiang Mai plus one of the mountain towns) to explore each thoroughly.
However, if you want to add another node for a more extended northern adventure, or maybe replace Sukhothai with something else, the obvious addition is Chiang Rai.
(Yeah, I know, lots of Changs around here!)
This small city of about 70,000 inhabitants has several unique temples that are different from others in Thailand, including the White Temple — the mad project of a local artist. I also did jungle trekking from Chiang Rai which was fantastic. If you can figure out the logistics, you can visit some phenomenal viewpoints around Chiang Rai where you can see all the way into Laos.
Speaking of Laos, if you plan to visit this country next, Chiang Rai makes for a logistical stop in between Chiang Mai, and Luang Prabang. See my Southeast Asia itineraries if you’re planning a bigger multi-country adventure.
Part II: Central Thailand Culture & Nature From Bangkok (1 Week)
Great for: Nature, history, ancient ruins, floating markets
The central region around the capital has a lot of places of interest in relative close proximity. Some of these are very popular day trips from Bangkok, others are secondary destinations in Thailand where you can escape the typical tourist crowds.
Central Thailand mostly works two ways in an itinerary: as a connector if you’re seeing it all, or as a stand-in for the north if you’re skipping that part.
| Day | Activity | Overnight (suggestions) |
| Days 1 – 2 | Maeklong Railway Market & floating markets day trip | Volve Hotel, Bangkok |
| Days 3 – 6 | Railway trip to Hellfire Pass River Kayaking or Bicycle Trip JEATH War Museum Tiger Cave Temple |
Natee Riverfront Hotel, Kanchanaburi |
| Day 7 | Erawan Falls & Erawan National Park day trip |
Natee Riverfront Hotel, Kanchanaburi |
6. Day Trips From Bangkok (2 Days)
Using Bangkok as your base, there are several directions you can go.
The sprawling ancient temple ruins of Ayutthaya are within an hour or so of central Bangkok. While they get much busier than Sukhothai further north, the easy logistics make it much easier to tick off the list.
Next, I recommend going to the Maeklong Railway Market and Damnoen Saduak. These two iconic markets are about 1.5 to 2 hours from Bangkok. One is a floating market where all manner of produce is sold from boats, the other is a market where many of the stalls cover a single-track railway line — and whenever a train passes, the whole market will move out of the way. It’s a unique, chaotic spectacle to witness (but expectedly ‘touristy’ of course).
In between these day trips, you can spend time on further sightseeing in Bangkok. Our 1 to 4 day itinerary for Bangkok offers further ideas on how to explore the capital.
7. Kanchanaburi (3 Days)
Next, head to the riverside city of Kanchanaburi. If you read about this place online the focus is typically on how it’s the infamous site of the ‘death railway’, which was constructed through brutal forced labor during WW2.
This can make it sound like it’s one big dreary memorial, but today’s Kanchanaburi is a lovely green riverside city that feels like a world away from the chaotic capital. Thanks to a new road, it’s now within 90 minutes of Bangkok so you could go there on a day trip, but I recommend staying a few nights to be able to explore the region around it and not just the city center.
Yes, you can learn about the railway (immortalized in the film Bridge Over the River Kwai) and this is genuinely compelling if you’re into the history. But equally you can kayak in the river, go bicycling past lush rice fields, or take a trip out to Erawan National Park, home to a gorgeous waterfall. The railway has a heavy history, but it also happens to be an extremely scenic ride through the mountains, often skirting right by the cliffs beside the river.
Kanchanaburi has always been a bit pigeonholed as a ‘dark tourism’ site, but this hides the reality that it’s a very relaxing and scenic place. While it’s popular with domestic Thai tourists, it gets relatively few international visitors, so you’ll experience a calmer, more local side of Thailand.
A unique feature here is that a lot of accommodation is right beside the river, and in some cases even floating on top of it. Some of the most incredible bamboo raft rooms can be found in particular about an hour north, where you’ll find yourself in the middle of nature (such as River Kwai Jungle Rafts). Checkour full Kanchanaburi guide for more on this.
P.S. Some people mistakingly think the scenic railway journey is from Bangkok to Kanchanaburi, but this is a mostly unremarkable journey. Get to Kanchanaburi whichever way you want (you can see all transport options here), then from the city there do a day trip by train to Nam Tok – this is the famous ride past the river and mountain cliffs.
If you’re not including northern Thailand in your trip for any reason, then I think a trip to Kanchanaburi can give you some similar vibes (jungle, temples, waterfalls, mountains).
When I was putting together a return trip to Thailand, this time with my family, I realized going up to Chiang Mai would be a bad idea in March due to the burning season. Kanchanaburi became the obvious alternative for adding more culture and nature, before heading south for the beaches.
8. Erawan National Park (1 Day)
Just an hour outside of Kanchanaburi town sits Erawan National Park. The absolute star of the show here is a gorgeous, seven-tiered waterfall that cascades down into turquoise limestone pools.
Getting there is highly flexible. While you can navigate independently via the local public bus or by renting a scooter, you can also book an organized tour to keep the logistics simple.
The waterfall is a bit notorious for getting very busy, being within day trip range of Bangkok. But by starting out from Kanchanaburi instead of Bangkok, you can get there before the midday rush and experience it at its best — especially if you aim for a weekday, not a weekend.
It opens at 8AM and food isn’t allowed at the second tier and beyond. It’s worth hiking straight up to the upper sections, as most Thai visitors will stick to the initial picnic area at the bottom.
The two coasts in the south have different climate patterns. The rainy season on the Andaman coast runs from May to October. The Gulf coast experiences monsoon from September to December. Depending on the timing of your trip, you can hit up one or both.
Part III: Island Hopping & Beach Fun – Andaman Coast Version (1 Week)
Great for: Beaches, islands, snorkeling, kayaking, viewing points, scooter trips
The classic image of Thailand is that of lush green coastlines with steep karst cliffs jutting out of the ocean. If you’ve seen the third season of HBO’s The White Lotus and thought “I want that!” or you’ve seen glittering images of places like Maya Bay on social media, then south Thailand is definitely where you should go.
Now, with such stunning beauty also comes crowds and commercialism.
For instance, even though the island of Koh Phi Phi is objectively gorgeous with its unique topography and scintillating waters, it’s also widely considered to be overdeveloped and overpriced. If your idea of a perfect tropical island is having a McDonald’s at arm’s length and endless bars serving party buckets, then this is the spot. (No judgment — this can be fun. Just setting expectations around ‘paradise’.)
Meanwhile, Phuket is the most famous resort island around here, but it’s very developed with urban areas, golf courses, malls, spas, and so on. It’s great for an easy fly-and-flop resort holiday, but for more of a Thailand discovery trip it’s very skippable.
If you’re an independent traveller looking to chill on the beach but also explore, the following places I think have the right mix of wow-factor and easy charm.
The map below shows both Part III (west coast) and Part IV (east coast).
| Day | Activity | Overnight (suggestions) |
| Days 1 – 2 | 2 day / 1 night Khao Sok National Park tour | On a bungalow over the lake! (Included in tour.) |
| Days 3 – 5 | Rent a scooter & explore Local ferry to Railay Beach 4 Island hopping tour |
Tup Kaek Sunset Beach Resort, Krabi |
| Days 6 – 8 | Beach time! Day trip to Koh Phi Phi Snorkeling trip to Koh Haa |
Long Beach Chalets, Koh Lanta |
How to get there: To get to the south, either take a train from Bangkok to the city of Surat Thani (approx. 9 hours), or fly direct to Surat Thani or Krabi airport. See transport options.
9. Khao Sok National Park (2 days)
While you can slot this in anywhere, I suggest tackling Khao Sok first so you don’t need to peel yourself away from the beach later.
Khao Sok is a stunning lake reservoir with dramatic karst cliffs that offers some of the best scenery in Thailand. Since it’s inland and not exactly on the coast, it isn’t quite as busy as other places, giving you a true feeling of being in nature.
While most stops in these itineraries can be done independently, an organized tour will be necessary for Khao Sok National Park, because it involves heading onto the lake by boat. You will also go into the jungle accompanied by a guide who can point out the wildlife and other interesting things.
There are 1-day versions of this trip, but if you do the 2-day tour you’ll be able to stay overnight in a raft house on the lake. Waking up to the sight of the misty jungles surrounding the lake is a special experience. See details for the 2-day tour here.
Backpackers usually go here on the cheap with Smiley Tours, which has you share rooms with other travellers inside their lake bungalows. If you go with other providers you can get a smaller-scale or more private experience. Don’t miss our complete guide to Khao Sok which has all the info, including where to stay in the village if you’re not coming here directly from Krabi or Surat Thani.
10. Krabi (3 days)
It may not be an island, but Krabi is a coastal region known for its spectacular karst cliffs that are not to be missed. Several of the beaches here, like Railay Beach and Tonsai Beach, practically feel like islands because they are on their own little peninsula that can only be reached by boat.
It’s been a few years since I went to the most famous beach called Ao Nang. It’s incredibly scenic, almost reminiscent of Phi Phi in terms of its topology (narrow flat land squeezed between two mountains). I’m hearing a lot about how it’s gotten very busy though, so you may want to visit it on a trip, but stay somewhere else. Our contributor Claudia went to Krabi recently and offers in-depth tips on where to stay in Krabi.
Krabi is actually the name of a province and a town, but most tourists will stay on one of about half a dozen beaches that are spread out in the region.
The great thing about Krabi is that you’re not just locked into the beach experience. You can have your lazy beach days, sure, but you can also drive around on a scooter to hop between viewpoints, see golden hilltop temples, kayak through mangrove forests, or go on island-hopping boat trips.
Don’t miss our travel guide to Krabi for all the details – and see our map to get inspired to explore. There is enough here for at least 3 or 4 days of activities.
The Tup Kaek Sunset Beach Resort has the perfect jungley vibes. If you’re backpacking, look no further than the Aonang Guest House in a quiet area on the hills.
11. Koh Lanta (3 days)
Cap off your Andaman Coast route with some pure beach time on an island. There are a bunch of directions you can go with this, but if you want somewhere chill, my go-to suggestion is Koh Lanta.
This island is large enough to have various distinct pockets, each appealing to different audiences. I went there as a solo backpacker and liked the lowkey social vibe on Long Beach, though other areas will be perfectly suited to couples or families. Our guide to the best beaches in Koh Lanta lays it all out so you can find the ideal spot for your budget and vibe. Overall it attracts a more mature, relaxed crowd, with a minor bar/social scene on the side.
Just to set expectations: Koh Lanta lacks the dramatic karst cliffs you can easily see in Krabi or on Koh Phi Phi. It mostly has long sandy beaches that look out onto the open ocean. You’ll have great sunsets and great swimming conditions, but the beaches are not usually backed by some limestone cliffs. It’s less “omg Jurassic Park!” here, and more just “nice, beautiful beach”. But that is exactly what has kept Koh Lanta’s charms intact — and its prices a fair bit lower.
That doesn’t mean you’ll be without grand scenery, mind you. You can hop on a scooter and ride around the island, stopping at some great viewpoints. From the Saladan Pier in Koh Lanta you can also easily hop on a ferry for a day trip to Koh Phi Phi (30 to 60 minutes) or lesser-known islands like Koh Ngai, Koh Kradan, and Koh Muk (60-90 minutes).
From Koh Lanta you can also take a trip for scuba diving or snorkeling at the uninhabited archipelago known as Koh Haa (aka Five Island). The reefs here are absolutely top-grade. When I scuba dived here I saw giant moray eels, banded sea kraits, several painted spiny lobsters, and even my first sighting of an octopus. There’s an underwater canyon you can swim through and seeing the sun shining in through the top and hundreds of fish swirling around was one of those unforgettable moments.
While I haven’t yet done this, another popular trip is to head further south to Koh Ngai and Koh Ma. I’ve heard great things about these islands where you can snorkel and even swim inside a cave.
My overall point is that Koh Lanta makes for a perfect base to put at the end of your route. It’s developed but calm, lively but not overcrowded, and you can get to other places for day trips very easily from here.
Part IV: Island Hopping & Beach Fun – Gulf Coast Version (1 Week)
Great for: Beaches, islands, snorkeling, scuba diving, Full Moon Party
Finally, there is the eastern coast, which I remind you has a different monsoon season from the western coast covered before. This section isn’t quite as detailed, since it’s been the longest since I’ve travelled here and I really need to go back, but let me give you the high level overview.
There are 3 major islands on the Gulf Coast. Koh Samui is a very densely developed island with its own international airport — like Phuket, it’s a more expensive, resort-based place. However, the other two islands are ideal for independent travellers.
| Day | Activity | Overnight (suggestions) |
| Day 1 | Explore an authentic Thai city | Baannokhook Home&Cafe, Surat Thani |
| Days 2 – 4 | Beach time Visit waterfalls Go snorkelling |
Cookies Salad Resort, Krabi |
| Days 5 – 7 | Scooter trip around the island Try scuba diving (or snorkel at Shark Bay) |
Kohtao Heritage Hideaway, Koh Tao |
12. Surat Thani
This city of roughly 130,000 residents is the main hub around here. It’s possible to arrive here by plane or train from Bangkok and immediately head for the islands; in fact, there are many combination tickets that include the connecting ferry in your booking.
It’s honestly also how I experienced Surat Thani – very briefly on a stopover. However, our contributor Fiona lived and worked in Surat for half a year and makes a great case for it as an authentic city with lots of local things to do. Check out her guide to Surat Thani to see if adding an overnight or two might appeal to you.
13. Koh Phangan (3 days)
This island is mainly (in)famous as the place where the Full Moon Party takes place, a cacophany of neon body paint, booze buckets, and fire dancing. However, this is massively pigeon-holing the island as this is just at one beach and, of course, only once a month.
If you want to target this huge beach party you can (just be sure book ahead your accommodation as it fills up!). If you’re not keen you can enjoy a calm island during the other 95% of the month and you wouldn’t have a clue it’s the site of this big monthly festival.
The great thing about Koh Phangan is that it’s big enough to have a number of very distinct bays and beaches, so whether you’re a backpacker, family, or digital nomad, you can find your own vibe here.
14. Koh Tao (3 days)
Finally, my favorite island around here is Koh Tao, a.k.a. Turtle Island. If I had to describe it in one word I would say “cosy”. (In the positive sense.)
It’s relatively small, being only a tenth the size of Koh Samui, with most of the activity concentrated along one strip on its west coast. This makes it feel more like homely community. It’s mountainous and has a lot of beautiful scenery, including several smaller side islands off to the north that are connected to each other by a sand bar.
I loved Koh Tao in my younger backpacking days as there were some fun bars around and fire shows on the beach at night. But it also isn’t too over-the-top, so it felt social and down-to-Earth. If you’re not into the hostel or bar scene, you can of course book yourself a beautiful secluded villa overlooking one of the bays. The resorts here are small-scale and integrated into the jungle surroundings.
The big thing on Koh Tao is scuba diving. It’s actually one of the best known places in the world to get your Open Water certification and, like so many, I did mine here too. The reefs are ideal for beginners and there’s so much cool stuff to see even at shallower depths — you’ll never forget seeing your first sea turtle up close! I loved it so much I extended my stay in Koh Tao to do my advanced certification and I didn’t get remotely bored with the island even after 10 days.
That said, even if you’re not diving, Koh Tao still has a great vibe that can keep you engaged for at least several days. Besides lazy days by the beach or snorkeling, you can rent a scooter and drive around the island for some fantastic views.
Itinerary planning tips
So there you have it, several segments that you can combine into your own itinerary and customize to your heart’s content.
Of course, the 3 tourism clusters I’ve laid out here are a bit of a simplification. There are plenty of destinations outside these that I’ve loved, but for a first-time trip it’s where I’d look first.
To round this out, let me give some last pieces of advice.
Do you need to pre-plan it all?
If you’re travelling in high season and to grab a spot at the best accommodations, I do recommend booking ahead. But if you’re not too picky about your rooms or sticking to a ‘perfect’ plan, it is also highly viable to improvise your trip.
Of the 70+ countries I’ve been, Thailand is probably one of the most suitable for spontaneous travel. Since transportation in Thailand is so easy and accommodation so available, it’s easy to decide to stay longer, take side excursions, or even totally alter your plans.
Still, it’s good to have at least a rough plan, especially if it’s your first time or you’re new to traveling in this part of the world. You can use itineraries like these as a rough template, but then lock in your bookings only a few days ahead if you want to keep some flexibility.
A couples or family holiday may require tighter scripting just to ensure you can stay in the exact hotels and resorts you love. But if you hit up the hostel scene, that is less of a must. Check my guide to backpacking Thailand if this will be your travel style.
What are the best places for first-timers?
Honestly, there are so many places in Thailand that are amazing whether it’s your first visit or your tenth. But Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and Krabi are some perfect places to get started.
Okay, which itinerary combinations work best?
If you have one week, choose one itinerary.
If you have two, the perfect combo is really north Thailand with one of the southern itineraries (west or east, depending on which you like more or where the weather is best).
Have 3 weeks? Then do North + Center + one of the southern coasts for more of a cultural slant. Or do just the North + the 2 southern routes for more of a beach focus.
With 4 weeks, slap them all together for a quadruple whopper of fun.
How can you plan a one-week trip in Thailand?
Hmmm, is one week enough to see Thailand? To be honest, I don’t know!
I get a lot of emails from people attempting to craft a perfect 6-day whirlwind Thailand itinerary, but I honestly haven’t traveled in this way myself.
I’ve spent at least a couple of weeks each time, so I travelled with maybe a different mindset and pace. The logistics of a one-week trip get a lot more precious with less room for mistakes or delays.
If you feel there is a lot of pressure on your one-week Thailand trip to see or do as much as you can, then maybe it can make sense to book an organized tour, such as with an operator like G Adventures. Then you can just sit back and enjoy the ride, with perfectly timed pick-ups waiting for you everywhere.
Otherwise, I generally advise choosing one region and (mostly) sticking to it so you can cover it well, rather than covering several regions poorly. If I had one week, maybe I’d put 1 or 2 days in Bangkok for urban exploration and culture, then 5 days in a specific beach area like Krabi so I could have fun exploring it relatively freeform without having to watch the clock for my next train or flight.
Hopefully you found this post helpful and a bit different from a typical linear itinerary! If you’re ready to research further, don’t miss our other great Thailand content below…
