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Thailand Travel Guide: perfect 2-Week Itinerary

Thailand has always been a dream destination for travelers seeking a perfect blend of vibrant culture, stunning landscapes, and unforgettable experiences. From the bustling streets of Bangkok to the serene beaches of the south, my two-week journey through this Southeast Asian paradise was nothing short of magical. In this blog post, I’ll take you along as I dive into the flavors, sights, and sounds that make Thailand an extraordinary place to visit. Whether you're looking for adventure, relaxation, or a little bit of both, get ready to explore the best of what this beautiful country has to offer!

Day 1: Bangkok

Welcome to Bangkok! Our first day was packed with visits to some of the city’s most iconic landmarks. Here’s what we explored:


  • Wat Pho, home to the famous Reclining Buddha. This massive golden statue stretches 46 meters long and is breathtaking to see in person.



  • Grand Palace, once the royal residence and is filled with beautiful architecture and intricate details. A place where you can really feel the history and grandeur of Thailand.

    Inside the Grand Palace complex, you’ll find Wat Phra Kaew, the Temple of the Emerald Buddha. This is one of the most sacred temples in Thailand, and the tiny Emerald Buddha statue is a sight to behold. The details in the temple are amazing.



  • Wat Arun, also known as the Temple of Dawn. It’s located right on the Chao Phraya River and has a unique design with colorful porcelain pieces. Climbing the steep to the top offers stunning views of the city.



  • Then we explored Bangkok’s bustling Chinatown. The streets here are alive with neon lights, street food stalls, and an incredible energy. Here you can also find the Chinese temple called Wat Mangkon Kalamawat (or Wat Leng Nowi Yi) where chinese and thai culture perfectly mix together.



We took a break at Wallflowers Cafe. This hidden gem is a cozy and stylish spot with a charming atmosphere. We enjoyed a cup of aromatic coffee and a slice of delicious cake, recharging for the rest of the day.


To wrap up the day, we had dinner at NAAM 1608. This riverside restaurant offers a perfect mix of traditional and modern Thai cuisine. The dishes were flavorful, and the view of the river made the experience even more special.




Day 2: Bangkok

For our second day, we ventured out of Bangkok to explore some amazing sights just a short drive away. We hired a Grab for 8 hours, which made it easy and convenient to visit multiple spots. Here’s what our day looked like:


  • We headed to the Mae Klong Railway Market, a famous market for its train track that runs right through the stalls. Watching the vendors swiftly move their goods as the train approaches was an incredible experience. It’s a mix of chaos and charm that you have to see to believe. Please note: remember to check out the time shift of the train before getting there.


  • The Damnoen Saduak Floating Market is just a short drive from the railway market. It's one of Thailand’s most famous floating markets. The market is vibrant and full of life, with vendors selling everything from fresh produce to handmade goods from their boats. We didn't take a boat ride, but was nice to see the market and eat some street food there.


  • Our final stop of the day was the Big Snake Dragon Temple, also known as Wat Samphran. Located about an hour from the railway market, this temple is known for its towering pink building wrapped in a dragon sculpture. The architecture is stunning, and the temple grounds are peaceful and inspiring. Climbing to the top of the dragon’s tail offers a great view of the surrounding area.



After returning to Bangkok, we ended the day with an amazing dinner at Fikeaw Yaowarat in Chinatown. Here, you get to choose your lobster, and they cook it live in front of you. It’s a truly street-style experience, but the flavors are absolutely incredible. The freshness and simplicity of the preparation make it a meal to remember.


Day 3: Chiang Rai

On our third day, we left the bustling city of Bangkok and took a flight to Chiang Rai, located in the northern part of Thailand. This charming city is surrounded by mountains and filled with cultural and historical gems.


  • Our first stop was Wat Phra Singh (The Red Temple), which was conveniently located near our hotel. This temple is one of Chiang Rai's most famous landmarks, known for its striking Lanna-style architecture and intricate carvings. Walking around the peaceful temple grounds was a great way to start our exploration.


  • Next, we visited Wat Rong Suea Ten (The Blue Temple). Its vibrant blue and gold design makes it stand out, and the artwork inside is absolutely stunning. The modern take on traditional Thai temple design was fascinating and a photographer’s dream.



  • In the evening, we explored Chiang Rai’s famous night markets. The atmosphere was lively, with countless stalls offering delicious street food, handcrafted souvenirs, and local art. We indulged in some tasty snacks and enjoyed the vibrant energy of the city after dark.


After exploring the night bazaar, we had dinner at Khao Sri Restaurant, which is conveniently located nearby. This cozy spot is known for its authentic Thai dishes, and we highly recommend trying their Khao Soi. 


Khao Soi is a traditional northern Thai dish featuring rich and creamy coconut curry soup served with egg noodles, crispy fried noodles on top, and tender chicken or beef.


Day 4: Chiang Rai

On our fourth day, we continued exploring the incredible sights of Chiang Rai before heading to Chiang Mai.


  • Our first stop was the breathtaking Wat Rong Khun (The White Temple). This modern, all-white structure is an artistic masterpiece, filled with intricate details and symbolic designs. The shimmering exterior and serene atmosphere make it a must-visit destination in Chiang Rai.

    Please note: try to be there at opening time, because it gets very crowded during the day.



  • Next, we visited Wat Huay Pla Kang, a magnificent temple complex known for its massive statue of Guan Yin, the Goddess of Mercy. The striking white statue dominates the skyline, and climbing up to its viewpoint offers stunning views of the surrounding area.



  • Our final stop in Chiang Rai was Wat Phra That, a historic and revered temple renowned for its association with Sihuhata, the "tiger deity.". The temple is also known for its serene atmosphere and panoramic views of the surrounding area


For lunch, we stopped at MANA, a delightful Japanese restaurant and cafe. The modern decor and relaxed ambiance made it a perfect midday break.


After completing our visits, we took a bus to Chiang Mai. The journey took about 3.5 hours.


Day 5: Chiang Mai

The fifth day of the trip was truly special and filled with moments I will never forget, spent at the Pon Elephant Rescue Center in Chiang Mai. It was a unique experience to connect with these magnificent creatures and learn about their incredible journey to safety.


The activities included in the tour were:

  • Feeding the elephants. It was touching to stand face-to-face with these gentle giants and offer them food, especially when the baby elephants approached, curiously extending their trunks.

  • Bathing with the elephants. Getting into the river with them, felt like we were part of their daily routine.

  • Waterfall trekking.

  • Bamboo rafting. Floating down the river surrounded by lush greenery was the perfect way to unwind after spending time with the elephants.



To cap off the day in style, we treated ourselves to dinner at The House by Ginger, a Michelin Guide-recognized restaurant in Chiang Mai. The ambiance was perfect for a relaxing evening, and the food was simply exceptional.


Day 6: Chiang Mai

The day started with a delicious breakfast at Brew Fact, a cozy café that serves some of the best coffee in Chiang Mai. It was the perfect way to fuel up for a day full of exploration.



  • Our first stop was Wat Chedi Luang, a beautiful historic temple known for its impressive ruined stupa.


  • From there, we headed to Wat Chiang Man, the oldest temple in Chiang Mai. The intricate designs and ancient Buddha statues were awe-inspiring.


  • Next, we visited Wat Phra Singh, one of the most important temples in Chiang Mai. The ornate Lanna-style architecture and the serene vibe made it a must-see.


  • After that, we made our way to Wat Lot Moli, a less crowded but equally charming temple, known for its lovely mural paintings.



For lunch, we stopped by Fern Forest Cafe, a hidden gem known for its delicious Thai food and relaxing garden setting. It was the perfect spot to recharge before our next adventure.


In the evening, we caught a flight to Krabi, ready for the next chapter of our journey.


Day 7: Krabi

We decided to stay in Ao Nang. It wasn’t my favorite due to its touristy vibe, but it’s a strategic location for visiting Railey Beach and catching the ferry to Phi Phi Island—so it served its purpose.


  • We began our adventure by heading to Railey Beach via a 15-minute long-tail boat ride from Ao Nang Beach. This beach is one of the most famous in Krabi, known for its stunning limestone cliffs that rise dramatically from the turquoise waters, making it a top spot for rock climbing, swimming, and simply soaking in the beauty of the surrounding nature. Its serene vibe and picturesque views make it a must-see destination.



  • From Railey Beach, we took a short walk to Phra Nang Beach, a hidden gem located at the southern tip of Railey. Phra Nang is famous for its crystal-clear waters, white sand, and the iconic Phra Nang Cave, which houses offerings to the spirit of the sea. The beach is peaceful, making it a great place to relax and swim, with the stunning limestone formations in the background providing the perfect backdrop.



At the end of the day, we made our way back to Ao Nang with another long-tail boat ride, as the last boat leaves around 5 p.m. It was the perfect way to end an unforgettable day of beach hopping and breathtaking views.


To wrap up the evening, we had an aperitivo at sunset at C2 Beach Club, followed by a delicious dinner at Ra Beug Lay, where we enjoyed some incredible seafood.


Day 8: Koh Phi Phi

In the morning, we took a 1-hour ferry to the famous Koh Phi Phi. The island immediately impressed us with its stunning landscapes and crystal-clear waters.


  • Our first stop was the main beach, Loh Dalum Beach, known for its beautiful, calm waters and scenic surroundings.


  • From there, we took a long-tail boat to Monkey Beach, a small cove tucked away from the hustle and bustle of the main island. The beach is known for its playful monkeys that roam around, so we enjoyed watching them interact with the environment while soaking up the sun.


As the sun set, we made our way back to Loh Dalum Beach to ring in the new year. Being New Year’s Eve, the atmosphere was electric! We enjoyed incredible fire shows on the beach, followed by an impressive display of fireworkslighting up the sky. We had a BBQ dinner at Earthtone Restaurant, where we indulged in delicious food while taking in the festive vibe around us.



After dinner, the celebration continued with more fireworks, music, and a lively party atmosphere. It was an unforgettable way to end the year, surrounded by stunning views, great food, and even better company.


Day 9: Koh Phi Phi

January 1st started early as we woke up before sunrise to embark on a private tour to Koh Phi Phi Leh. The reason for the early wake-up call? During the day, the island gets incredibly crowded, and this was the only way to truly enjoy the stunning beauty of the area in peace.



  • Our first stop was Pileh Lagoon, a breathtaking spot surrounded by towering limestone cliffs and crystal-clear waters. The calm lagoon was a perfect place to take in the natural beauty.

  • Next, we visited Maya Bay, the iconic bay made famous by the movie The Beach. The beach itself is pristine, with white sand and turquoise water, but it’s even more incredible to experience it without the usual crowds.

    Please note: it's not possible to swim here.

  • We also visited Monkey Bay, where we got to see some playful monkeys interacting with the environment. Afterward, we did some snorkeling in the clear waters, where we swam with colorful fish and explored the vibrant marine life.



We returned to the main island around 11 a.m., and the rest of the day was all about relaxation. For lunch, we stopped by PP Shine Talay. We spent the afternoon lounging on the beach, enjoying the warm weather and the beautiful surroundings.


We made our way to Koh Phi Phi Viewpoint to catch the sunset. The view from the top was absolutely breathtaking, offering a panoramic view of the island and its surrounding waters—a perfect way to end our peaceful day.


Day 10: Phuket

In the morning, we took a 1-hour ferry to Phuket, ready to explore some of the island’s best beaches.


  • Our first stop was Surin Beach, a beautiful spot known for its clear water and laid-back vibe. The area is surrounded by food stalls, the perfect place to have a light lunch near by the beach.


  • After Surin, we headed to Banana Beach, which turned out to be another hidden gem. The beach is quieter and less crowded, making it an ideal spot to relax, and it’s also perfect for watching the sunset. The view of the sun dipping below the horizon, with the ocean in the background, was simply stunning.



For dinner, we went to The Bua, a traditional Thai restaurant that quickly became a favorite. The food was fantastic, and they served one of the best mango sticky rice I’ve ever had.


Day 11: Phuket

Our last day in Thailand began with breakfast at Bella Vista in Kamala Beach. The café’s beachfront location and delicious offerings made for a serene and enjoyable start to the day.


  • After breakfast, we made our way to Freedom Beach, and all I can say is: wow. This hidden gem turned out to be the most beautiful beach we had seen on our trip. With its pristine white sand, crystal-clear waters, and peaceful atmosphere, it was the perfect spot to soak up the last bit of tropical paradise.

    Please note: you'll have to walk around 15min in the forest to get to the beach.


  • Back in Kamala, we stopped at Sync Coffee for a quick break before heading to the airport. It was bittersweet to leave Phuket, but the adventure wasn’t over just yet.



Once we arrived in Bangkok, we decided to spend our last few hours in Thailand on Khao San Road. The lively street was buzzing with energy as we indulged in some of the city’s best street food, savoring the vibrant flavors of Thailand one last time. The crowd, the music, and the atmosphere were the perfect way to end an incredible journey.


At 3 a.m., it was time to catch our flight, bringing an unforgettable trip to a close. Thailand had given us countless memories, from stunning beaches and cultural landmarks to amazing food and warm hospitality.

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