Sample journey · 14–18 days
Thailand — cities, flavours & islands
Bangkok, northern Thailand & the islands
Photo: Peter Borter / Unsplash
Illustrative journey ideas — not bookable packages. No prices, dates or accommodation are implied.
Thailand is one of the easiest ways into Asia for a first visit, yet it still has plenty to show those who return. In Bangkok you might take a boat along the river to the temples in the morning and eat your way through Chinatown in the evening; in the north, time slows among old-city monasteries, hills and tea plantations.
Then, to finish, an island. The Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand have both quiet places with a handful of bungalows and livelier beaches; which to choose depends on the season and on how you'd like to spend your days. Wherever you go, food will be one of the brightest threads of the journey.
The route
The journey
- Bangkok
- Chiang Mai
- Chiang Rai
- Andaman Sea or Gulf of Thailand
01Days 1–3 · Bangkok
River, temples and Chinatown
Bangkok is easiest to get to know from the water: by river boat to Wat Pho and Wat Arun, then along small canals into Thonburi. In the evenings, with a local guide, you might taste your way along Yaowarat — from noodle soups to skewers grilled over charcoal.
02Days 4–7 · Chiang Mai
Old city and hill temples
A short flight or the overnight train takes you to Chiang Mai. Dozens of monasteries hide within the old city walls, and above the town, on Doi Suthep, stands one of the north's best-known temples. It's worth giving a morning to a cooking class that begins at the market, and half a day to the craft workshops nearby.
03Days 8–9 · Chiang Rai
Tea hills and the White Temple
A few hours' drive north lies Chiang Rai: Wat Rong Khun, often called the White Temple, tea plantations on the hills and the Mekong where Thailand, Laos and Myanmar meet.
04Days 10–15 · Andaman Sea or Gulf of Thailand
Slow days on an island
From the north you fly south, usually via Bangkok. In the Andaman Sea — on Koh Yao Noi, say — there are limestone cliffs, fishing villages and quiet evenings, while Gulf islands such as Koh Samui or Koh Phangan often suit a different time of year. Days might be spent kayaking, snorkelling or simply by the water.
05Days 16–18 · A second island or Bangkok
An unhurried ending
With more time, you might move on to a second island or coastal stay for an even slower finish. Or return to Bangkok for a final evening — dinner by the river and one last market.
Experience highlights
- 01
Evenings in Yaowarat
After dark Chinatown's streets become one long open-air restaurant: fishball noodles, fresh fruit and desserts you don't yet have names for.
- 02
A cooking class in Chiang Mai
A morning market where you learn to recognise the herbs and spices, followed by khao soi or green curry made with your own hands.
- 03
Doi Suthep
A naga-lined stairway climbs to a golden temple, with the whole valley spread below on a clear day.
- 04
Kayaking among limestone cliffs
On the calm water of Phang Nga Bay you can paddle into lagoons and caves that the tides open at different times.
First, we listen. Then, we explore what's possible.
Make it your own
With a family
More island time, shorter transfers, a family cooking class and beaches with calmer water — Thailand often goes down very well with children.
A honeymoon
Fewer places, more time: a few nights in the northern hills and a longer stay on a quieter island.
More active
Cycling through the rice fields around Chiang Mai, walking between hill villages or sea-kayaking the coast.
Extensions
Thailand combines easily with Laos, Cambodia or Vietnam — or with a few more days on a very different island.
Practical considerations
- The Andaman coast and the Gulf islands have different rainy seasons, so the island is chosen to suit when you travel. Weather varies year to year.
- Temples expect covered shoulders and knees, so a light scarf is handy.
- Between the north and the islands you usually fly via Bangkok; direct options depend on the season.
General guidance only. Seasons, weather and wildlife are never guaranteed, and travel requirements are always worth checking before you go.
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