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2 weeks in Thailand: Your ultimate plan for Bangkok – Chiang Mai – Krabi
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Joanna Horanin
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Last updated at 03/02/2025, 19:00
Hi, I'm Joanna, the author of The Blond Travels. In the worlds of Thailand and Portugal, I feel like a fish in water - and it's no coincidence! I've been exploring Thailand for over a decade, and I've settled in Portugal for 6 years now. My mission is to support Dreamers - just like you - in discovering these fascinating countries and helping those in love with them find their own place on Earth, preferably for good! Let's uncover these unique corners of the world together.
Your dream two week holiday in Thailand starts here! Some time ago I took this very route, and now I want to show you how you can lay out these two weeks for yourself to include the most important and beautiful points on the Thailand map. In this post you will find the proven information you need for your trip to the Land of Smiles.
I like to spend my time actively. Exploring, visiting new places, taking pictures, trying new things – these all my favourite things. I always mix this time with relaxation and lazing around. I think the following plan will be perfect for anyone who, like me, wants to have a balance in life. This two-week Thailand itinerary will allow you to enjoy your vacation, visit the most important places and see a few things not found in guidebooks.
Using my example, I’ll show you how you can spend two weeks in Thailand.
Two weeks in Thailand – At a glance
Below you will find this plan with more details:
- Day 1 – Getting to Bangkok and relax
- Day 2 – The most important attractions
- Day 3 – Floating market
- Day 4 – Getting to Chiang Mai
- Day 5 – A trip to Doi Suthep
- Day 6 – A trip to Chiang Rai
- Day 7 – Relax in the city
- Day 8 – Day 13 – Staying in Krabi Province
- Day 14 – Going back to Bangkok
- Day 15 – Leaving Thailand
Day 1 – Getting to Bangkok
How to get to Bangkok from other countries?
I live in Portugal and normally I buy my tickets way in advance, around June, July. I often go in January. The flight is with a layover in Dubai or Frankfurt.
You can get to Bangkok from many countries around the world. Bangkok is an international hub and I’m sure you can easily find a good connection.
Use Skyscanner to find the best deals.
Flights to Bangkok operate from all over Europe. You can fly there from Warsaw, Vienna, Berlin, Barcelona and other cities. I often use Skyscanner. I recommend checking on your cell phone in their app, but also on your computer.
Where to stay in Bangkok?
One of my favourite hotels to stay in Bangkok i Chillax. It has a great location and the hotel itself is really nice.
If you are looking for something in other areas of the city, check out my post about the best places to stay in Bangkok.
How to move around the city?
Bangkok has a very wide range of public transportation:
- Cabs – it is best to use the GRAB app. It works just like Uber. Cabs are then cheaper, plus you don’t have to worry about being ripped off. Catching a cab off the street always involves negotiating the price.
- Motor cabs – you will see groups of drivers of these cabs on the main streets. They wear orange vests. Prices with them are inflated and you can negotiate. You can also order a motor cab through the GRAB app.
- Boats – in Bangkok you have 2 types of boats – those floating on the mainstream of the Chao Phraya River and the so-called klong boats, which are those floating on small canals. The cost of the ride is very small and you can take them to many places. You will see the stops of these boats on a Google map. You will buy your ticket from the attendant inside when the boat starts. You have to say where you want to go and you will receive a receipt.
- Subway – Bangkok’s subway has two lines – blue and purple. It runs east-west.
- BTS – has two lines – green and blue, which cross at the height of Siam. They run on the north-south section.
- Buses – are only for the patient and for those who have time to get lost. Buses in Bangkok go as they please and often you don’t really know where they will take you, as everything is in Thai.
Sometimes you have to combine all these forms of transportation and be patient. In order to get somewhere, you might have to take a moto taxi, then change to a boat and then take a metro. Bangkok is huge, so remember that getting somewhere takes time.
Where to eat in Bangkok?
- Chinatown – go there after dark and enjoy all sorts of street food.
- Boat noodles – little portions of soups with noodles.
- Krua Pa and Ma Restaurant – a small place with local food.
- Aunt Lek Restaurant – a street food stall near Khao San Road.
Nightlife in Bangkok
You can really go wild in Bangkok.
Young people, backpackers, will find bars for themselves on Khao San Road. It’s certainly cheap there. Buy yourself a so-called bucket, which is a bucket filled with alcohol and a soft drink.
If such things don’t interest you, go to a rooftop. There are as many as 70 of them in Bangkok now, and one of the more popular ones is Octave Rooftop Bar. I also recommend Above 11.
Want to see how Thais party? Head to Ekkamai. This is the neighborhood when the bars open after dark. I recommend the Allso Bar area to you.
If you are looking for a personalized Thailand tour plan, contact me. I will prepare you a plan tailored to your interests and requirements. Check out the details here.
Once you arrive in Bangkok, I advise you to relax. A lot of sightseeing awaits you. So it’s worth taking a nap and going to the hotel pool.
What to do after you arrive in the capital?
However, if you are too excited and absolutely want to get out of the hotel, then head out to eat. Keep in mind, however, that most places in Bangkok open in the afternoons and only in touristy places like Khao San Road can you eat something during the day.
In the evening, Rambuttri and Khao San Road will be the best places to hang out and see the nightlife.
To kill time, you can also take a boat ride on the Chao Phraya River. Night cruises are particularly popular.
Day 2 – Visiting Bangkok
In the morning, head to the Royal Palace, a complex of temples that sparkle beautifully in the sunlight. It is the most important place on the map of Bangkok and the residence of the King of Thailand since 1782.
The whole thing measures more than 200,000 square meters and is surrounded by a wall. Of course, not everything can be visited, but the segments open to visitors are colossally impressive.
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Find out more here.Not far away is Wat Pho, where you’ll find a reclining Buddha. His statue measures 46 meters in length. Note the feet, made of mother-of-pearl.
The same complex also houses a natural medicine center, where you can go for a real Thai massage. I recommend it as a break from sightseeing and the heat.
Just across the river is the famous Wat Arun, a symbol of Bangkok. The structure dates back to the 19th century and consists of beautiful tiles and finishes. You can climb the main stupa and view the river from above.
In the evening, head to Talad Noi, Bangkok’s oldest district, and for dinner go to Chinatown, where you’ll find countless stalls and dishes to choose from.
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Book your tour with TakeMeTour.Day 3 – A floating market
There are quite a few floating markets around Bangkok, where you float on a boat among stalls, houses and street vendors. The most popular market is Damnoen Saduak.
The guided tour lasts all day. On your return, have dinner at Rongros, a restaurant on the banks of the Chao Phraya River. Just remember to book in advance.
Day 4 – A flight to Chiang Mai
I always choose the morning flight to Chiang Mai. Then I still have some time to relax and do things for myself.
AirAsia has flights to Chiang Mai from Don Mueang Airport. You can fly out around 11 am.
You will get to the airport by transfer from your hotel or by Grab cab. The trip takes an hour. The flight also takes the same amount of time.
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At Chiang Mai airport, exit the baggage claim lobby and head to the left side of the hall. There you will see a cab stand. Say where you want to go. You will be given a paper with a number and a driver will be assigned to you.
Where to stay in Chiang Mai?
The most convenient location is certainly the center of the city, in the so-called square. If you look at the city from above, you will see that the strict center forms a square. This is the city walls, and the moat. Everything around it and in close proximity is the center, and that’s where it’s best to stay.
My favorite place is the Terracotta Por Liang Hotel. Not only is it a beautiful place, but it is in a very convenient location and has an overly friendly staff. However, the price of this hotel is a bit high. So if you are looking for something different, on a lower budget, I recommend Parasol Inn.
See other recommended hotels and hostels in Chiang Mai.
Where and what to eat?
It’s worth spending a little more time eating out in Chiang Mai. Here you will find great restaurants, serving excellent food.
From myself, I recommend Cherng Doi, and Khao Soi Mae Sai, where they serve the best khao soi.
For more good places, see my other article on where and what to eat in Chiang Mai.
Once you arrive, head to Khao Soi Mae Sai for lunch – where you’ll get the best khao soi soup in town.
Don’t forget to try the delicious coffee. The north is the best place to try Thai coffee. Head to Akha Ama coffee shop. The owner not only puts a lot of heart into making the best coffee, but also helps local tribes grow it and pays them accordingly to the quality.
Fruit in Chiang Mai is similar to what you’ll find anywhere in Thailand. In the north, however, strawberries rule, especially from January to March. You can find them everywhere. There are also special strawberry festivals in the mountains.
Nightlife
Chiang Mai doesn’t have as developed a nightlife as, say, Bangkok, but you can have a good time here, too.
For those who like to dance, I recommend Zoe in Yellow. Around 8 o’clock the parties start there. There is also live music in some of the bars. In the back is the night market, where it’s a bit quieter. Here you can eat something and have a drink. Throughout the evening, local bands play on the stage.
If you’re looking for something quieter, head to Nimmeheamida Road, where there are also bars and restaurants and there are certainly fewer backpackers.
What to do after you arrive?
Spend the day exploring the temples – Wat Phra Singh and Wat Chang Luang, stroll the streets of the old town and take a photo at Tha Pae gate.
In the evening head to one of the markets. Depending on when you’re staying in the city, you can go to the Night Bazaar, Saturday Market, or Sunday Market.
If you like to party, Zoe in Yellow is the place to be – it’s one of the nightlife spots, where you can have a drink and dance.
Day 5 – A trip to Doi Suthep
In the morning, head to Doi Suthep, the most important mountain in the area where temples were built. Wat Phra That Doi Suthep can be seen from every corner of the city.
Along the way, you can stop at Wat Phalad and the Huay Keaw waterfall.
After visiting the temple, drive on to see a coffee plantation and a village on top of Doi Pui Mountain.
You can have lunch along the way. You can find the best khao soi at Khao Soi Loong Surin.
Day 6 – A trip to Chiang Rai
Hire a guide and head to Chiang Rai. There are many things to see in and around Chiang Rai city. You will definitely see the White Temple, the Black House, and the Blue Temple in one day.
If you have enough time, your guide can also take you to the surrounding mountains and a tea plantation.
Day 7 – You’re half way through, so relax
Relax in the city.
Start your day with a good cup of coffee at any of the beautiful cafes. My favorite is Akha Ama, but newer and newer ones have been popping up on the Chiang Mai map lately, and you’re sure to find other places with aromatic coffee.
Next, go for a massage. It can be something less expensive. I always go to Women’s Prison Massage Center. Massage there costs from 250/300 THB per hour.
If you’re in the mood for something more exclusive, Tai Fah Lanna Massage is an amazing place. During high season, in winter, you need to book early.
For lunch and dinner, go for the traditional dishes of the north. Check out my post on what and where to eat in Chiang Mai.
Day 8 – Day 14 – Your stay in Krabi Province
AirAsia offers flights from Chiang Mai to Krabi.
At Krabi airport, you can immediately buy a transfer to Ao Nang.
For your stay in Krabi, I suggest two options, depending on your taste.
Option 1 – Ao Nang as your base
In my opinion, Ao Nang is noisy and very crowded. Personally, I am not fond of it, but it is a good base, with boats transporting tourists to various places. It’s easy to get to attractions around Krabi from here.
Where to stay in Ao Nang?
Personally, I’ve never stayed in Ao Nang. I normally stay in Krabi Town, but I found some good recommendations for you.
The Ao Nang Beach is the main area here. It’s not that nice, in my opinion. There are boats constantly sailing in and out making a lot of noise nad leaving clouds of fumes. The beach has nice views, but it’s not a good place to relax.
Stay outside the main area:
Near the main beach:
Find more accommodation options on Booking.com.
Where to eat?
Ao Nang is very touristy and the restaurants around the main beach cater to crowds. The food is not the best and it’s often overpriced.
Here are my recommendations for food in Ao Nang:
- Ao Nang Night Market
- Masjid Mosque – the south of Thailand is inhabited by Muslim communities. Outside of this mosque you will find good street food. The building is also nicely lit during the night.
- Boat Noodle Ao Nang – a small place serving tiny portions of noodle soups. Remember to order a couple of them.
Nightlife
There are plenty of bars and restaurants in the area. I recommend:
- The Last Fisherman Bar – great place for a sunset.
- La Luna –good place for a sunset with some pool tables and music.
- Chang Bar – it’s one of the biggest places in the area and probably the most lively.
What to do after you arrive?
On your first day, get to Ao Nang in the afternoon. Spend the rest of the day walking, eating and exploring the area on foot.
Day 9 – A trip to Railay Beach
Railay Beach is the most beautiful beach in the Krabi area, located on land that can only be reached by boat from Ao Nang.
The main beach is very small and there are lot of people on it. It’s good to come here first thing in the morning, around 8, when there’s still no one there.
Right next door, walking along the shoreline, through the rocks, you will come to the smaller beach next door. This one is also beautiful and not so crowded.
Make an appointment with the boat driver to pick you up after sunset.
Day 10 – Hong Islands
Your two-week Thailand itinerary should definitely include a tour of the surrounding islands.
Take a day tour that will take you to the most beautiful spots in the area. You’ll have lunch on a small beach surrounded by rocks and beautiful blue water, and see the sunset in the middle of the sea, on an island where the water looks like it’s from the movie Blue Lagoon.
You will return to Ao Nang just after sunset.
Day 11 – Go to Phi Phi
It wouldn’t be a Thailand vacation without visiting Maya Bay and the Phi Phi islands. Here you’ll be treated to another road trip and a visit to the country’s most famous bay.
Day 12 – Relax
I don’t know if it is possible to have a good rest in Ao Nang. The beach there is nice, but it’s probably not the quietest. Therefore, for some relaxation, I recommend going to Klong Mueang Beach, where it is certainly quieter.
Also think about a hotel with a pool. Then you don’t have to lie on a noisy, populated beach at all.
Day 13 – Go back to Bangkok
Return to Bangkok by morning transport. You will be on site in the late afternoon If you still have the strength, head to one of the rooftops for dinner.
Option 2 – Island and Beach Hopping
Day 8 and 9 – Stay in Railay Beach
Right from the airport, head to Railay beach. Be careful with transportation, as the only access to the island is by boat, which you must walk to, carrying your own luggage. Sometimes it’s high tide and the water stands high. Boat drivers often help.
On Railay, situate yourself a little further from the beach so you won’t be woken up by boats in the morning.
Spend one full day on the beach, enjoy the beautiful views and tranquility.
Where to stay on Railay Beach?
Day 10 – Transfer to Phi Phi
Book transportation to Phi Phi Islands and stay there for 3 days. It won’t take you long to get there, so head there first thing in the morning to still have a day to beach and relax.
Day 11 – A trip to Maya Bay
When planning a trip to Thailand and this side of the country, don’t skip Maya Bay. It’s admittedly a very popular place, but if you’re in the area it’s worth a look here to see the famous Maya Bay at least once in your lifetime.
Day 12 – Relax
Before returning to Bangkok, it’s time to relax. Go for a swim, go snorkeling, have a bite to eat and get a good night’s sleep before your long journey.
Day 13 – Go back to Bangkok
It will take you a full day to return to Bangkok. Leave early in the morning. Upon your return, head to one of the rooftops.
Day 14 – Going back home
It’s time to return home. Your two weeks in Thailand have just come to an end.
You’ll get to Bangkok airport by transportation purchased from your hotel, booked online, or you can also order a Grab cab. Another option is to take the so-called Airport Link, a train that connects the city center to the airport. This is the cheapest option.
When going to Thailand on vacation, keep in mind that it is a large country and often we simply can’t see and do everything. A lot of time is always taken up by commuting. Buses, boats and planes are often late, and distances that look small turn out to be a challenge for free transportation.
In my opinion, it’s always a good idea to set aside time to relax and to experience a place thoroughly. Your plan for two weeks in Thailand should never force you to run from one attraction to another. Chill out, slow down and have the best vacation in Thailand.