14 days in Thailand: Bangkok, Chiang Mai and southern islands

Day by day

1. 1

   Day 1

   Arrival in Bangkok — first night in Sukhumvit

   Land at Suvarnabhumi (BKK), Bangkok's main airport. Airport Rail Link to Phaya Thai (30 min, 45 THB / €1.20) then BTS Skytrain to Sukhumvit — the most convenient area for a first night, between Nana and Asok stations. Drop bags, shower, head out.

   First move: let yourself be pulled into Sukhumvit Soi 38 for a plate of pad thai in front of the woks (60-80 THB / €1.60-2), then walk up to Terminal 21 to feel the crowd and neon signs. Don't aim for a temple tonight: the heat (28-32 °C in the evening) and jet lag call for an easy first Bangkok night.

   Tips

   • · Avoid taxis without a meter at the airport exit — use the official Taxi-Meter counter (organised queue, 250-350 THB depending on traffic).
   • · Best area to stay: Sukhumvit between Asok and Thong Lo — well served by BTS, restaurants open until 2am.
   Bangkok →
2. 2

   Day 2

   Bangkok: Grand Palace, Wat Pho and Wat Arun

   The non-negotiable day. Arrive at the Grand Palace at 8:30am when it opens (500 THB / €13, combined ticket including Wat Phra Kaew) to beat the crushing midday heat and tour groups. Dress code strictly enforced: shoulders and knees covered — sarong rental available at the entrance (50 THB).

   Leave around 10:30am, walk 5 minutes to Wat Pho (200 THB / €5.30) and its 46m golden reclining Buddha. This is where traditional Thai massage was born: the temple school takes walk-in bookings (420 THB / 60 min). Cross the Chao Phraya by river taxi (4 THB) to Wat Arun, the Temple of Dawn — climbing the prangs gives the best view over the river. Lunch at Rachinee Pad Thai or any Thonburi riverside terrace.

   Tips

   • · 8:30am slot is essential — the Grand Palace sees over 5,000 visitors per day in high season; combined heat and crowds after 11am make the visit unpleasant.
   • · The Grand Palace ticket includes entry to Vimanmek Mansion (golden teak palace) in Dusit — usable the same day or the next.
   Bangkok →
3. 3

   Day 3

   Bangkok: markets, Chinatown and MBK

   A day of markets and neighbourhoods. Leave early for Chatuchak Weekend Market (JJ Market, metro Chatuchak Park) — 15,000 stalls across 35 hectares, the largest open-air market in Asia, open weekends only (7am-6pm). Average spend: 500-1,000 THB for textiles, candles, street food, souvenirs. If visiting on a weekday, substitute with Or Tor Kor Market next door, a premium food market with exotic fruits (rambutan, mangosteen, durian) at fair prices.

   Afternoon: take the MRT down to Yaowarat (Chinatown) — the main Yaowarat Road comes alive from 5pm with BBQ stalls, dim sum and duck noodles. Nai Ek Roll Noodles (Yaowarat Soi 11) for roast duck kway teow (80 THB). Optional evening: Khao San Road 5 km away — the backpacker street remains a spectacle even for those not staying there.

   Tips

   • · Chatuchak is closed on weekdays: check your arrival day before planning — landing on a Thursday or Friday lets you align Day 3 with the market.
   • · Tuk-tuk to Chinatown from Sukhumvit: negotiate 200-250 THB maximum; refuse any offer under 100 THB, which usually hides a detour to a gem shop.
   Bangkok →
4. 4

   Day 4

   Bangkok → Chiang Mai flight — check-in and old city

   Domestic flight Bangkok (DMK or BKK) → Chiang Mai (CNX), 1h10, 900-2,500 THB / €24-66 depending on airline and booking lead time — Thai Lion Air, Nok Air and AirAsia serve the route multiple times daily. Book at least 2 weeks ahead for low fares. Arrive at Chiang Mai Airport, official taxi (150 THB fixed fare to the centre).

   Settle into a guesthouse or boutique hotel around the old city moat (Mueang Kao) — the ideal base to explore on foot. Easy afternoon: cycle around the historic square (rental 60-80 THB / day), glimpse Wat Chedi Luang and Wat Phra Singh from outside. Dinner on Nimman Road or at the Sunday Walking Street if it's Sunday — 1 km of craft stalls and street food between Tapae Gate and Wualai Road.

   Tips

   • · Don Mueang (DMK) departures are often cheaper than Suvarnabhumi — check both airports when searching; the difference can reach 800-1,000 THB.
   • · Book accommodation in the old city or on Nimman Road: two neighbourhoods 2 km apart, both lively; anywhere else requires a songthaew (red truck-taxi, 30 THB) to get around.
   Chiang Mai →
5. 5

   Day 5

   Chiang Mai: temples and Thai cooking class

   Chiang Mai has over 300 temples — visiting all is impossible, but three stand out. Wat Phra Singh (old city, 20 THB) opens at 6am and receives saffron-robed monks at dawn. Wat Chedi Luang (free entry or donation) houses a partially collapsed 15th-century chedi, magnificent. Wat Sri Suphan (Silver Temple, 50 THB), outside the moat, is entirely crafted in silver metal by local artisans.

   Afternoon: Thai cooking class — among the best in Asia. Duration: 4-5h including a visit to Ton Lam Yai market, preparing 4-5 dishes (green curry, pad thai, tom kha soup) and eating the results. Budget: 900-1,500 THB / €24-40 depending on the school. Chiang Mai Thai Cookery School, Zabb-E-Lee and Gap's House are reliable. Book 48h ahead.

   Tips

   • · Cooking class: choose a school that includes the market visit — that's where the real knowledge is transferred (identifying kaffir lime leaves, fresh vs dried galangal).
   • · Temple dress code: shoulders and knees covered everywhere, including men — guardians are strict in Chiang Mai, even more so than in Bangkok.
   Chiang Mai →
6. 6

   Day 6

   Chiang Mai: elephant sanctuary

   The highlight of northern Thailand. Elephant Ethical Sanctuary or Elephant Nature Park — always choose an ethical sanctuary (no-ride, no-show, caring for rescued elephants). ENP, founded by Lek Chailert, is the world reference: book 2-3 weeks ahead (2,500-3,200 THB / €66-85 with transport from Chiang Mai and vegetarian lunch included).

   The day runs 7-8h, leaving Chiang Mai at 8am. You observe elephants in their habitat, feed them bananas and sugarcane, and bathe them in the river — no saddle, no hook, no performance. An emotionally powerful experience, guaranteed. Return to Chiang Mai around 5pm. Light dinner in the old city — Huen Phen (khao soi curry, 80 THB) or the night market on Chang Klan Road.

   Tips

   • · Elephant Nature Park sells out 3-4 weeks ahead in high season (Nov-Feb) — book as soon as flights are confirmed.
   • · Absolutely avoid any camp offering elephant riding treks or circus performances: cruel practices still very common in the region.
   Chiang Mai →
7. 7

   Day 7

   Doi Suthep day trip and rural north

   Doi Suthep is Chiang Mai's iconic mountain temple, 15 km from the centre (30 min by songthaew from the zoo, 50 THB one way). Temple entry: 30 THB, then 309 steps or funicular (20 THB) to reach the golden chedi at 1,073m elevation, panoramic view over the city and plain. Arrive before 9am to have it to yourself.

   After Doi Suthep, head down to the royal village of Doi Kham or continue toward Mae Rim district: royal gardens, strawberry farms (in season, Jan-Feb), arabica coffee growers. Northern Thailand is the country's only coffee-growing region — roasters Wawee Coffee or Ristr8to on Nimman are worth a stop. Back in Chiang Mai, evening on Nimman Road for cocktail bars and fusion restaurants (Somtum Der, 150-250 THB per dish).

   Tips

   • · Renting a scooter (250 THB / day, international Class A licence required) for Doi Suthep + Mae Rim gives full flexibility — far better than shared songthaews.
   • · Morning haze is common in cool season (Dec-Feb): the view from Doi Suthep is often clear between 9am and 11am, then cloudy by afternoon.
   Chiang Mai →
8. 8

   Day 8

   Chiang Mai → Krabi flight — arrival and Railay Beach

   Chiang Mai (CNX) → Krabi (KBV) flight, 1h45, 1,200-3,000 THB / €32-80 — AirAsia operates the direct route; otherwise connect via Bangkok (add 3-4h). Arrive at Krabi Airport, shared minibus to Ao Nang (150 THB) or taxi (400-500 THB). Base yourself in Ao Nang — the most practical hub for excursions, packed with mid-range restaurants and accommodation.

   If time allows (last long-tail boat around 6pm): take a long-tail from Ao Nang to Railay Beach (100 THB, 10 min) — a peninsula inaccessible by road, surrounded by 360° of towering limestone cliffs. Even one hour on Railay West Beach at sunset justifies the trip. Dinner in Ao Nang, Lae Lay Grill sea-facing or the night market stalls.

   Tips

   • · Book the Chiang Mai → Krabi flight as soon as you plan the trip — it's the tightest leg of the circuit, with limited availability in high season.
   • · Ao Nang vs Railay for sleeping: Railay is quieter and more spectacular but 30-40% pricier with no ATM — stick to Ao Nang for logistics.
   Krabi →
9. 9

   Day 9

   Krabi: Railay Beach and rock climbing

   Full day on Railay Beach — long-tail from Ao Nang from 8am (100 THB, boats every 30 min). Four beaches accessible from the peninsula: Railay West (sunset, calm waters), Railay East (mangrove, less swimmable), Phra Nang Beach (the most beautiful, sacred caves, turquoise water) and Tonsai Beach (surf, bohemian vibe).

   Krabi is one of the world's top destinations for limestone rock climbing: dozens of routes on the Railay and Tonsai cliffs, from 5b to 7c+. Recommended schools: King Climbers or Hot Rock (half-day beginner session 1,200 THB with guide). Without climbing: kayak between the cliffs (300 THB / 2h) or simply lounge on Phra Nang. Return to Ao Nang in the evening, dinner at Carnivore Steak and Grill or grilled fish by the kilo from main-street stalls.

   Tips

   • · Phra Nang Beach is reachable from Railay in 15 min on foot via the southern trail — don't miss Princess Cave (Tham Phra Nang), a shrine with wooden phallus offerings, disconcerting and fascinating.
   • · Calm waters from mid-November to mid-April on the Andaman coast — outside this window, boats can be cancelled and waves make swimming difficult.
   Krabi →
10. 10

    Day 10

    Krabi: 4 Islands Tour

    The unmissable organised excursion: the 4 Islands Tour from Ao Nang visits Koh Mor (coral snorkelling), Koh Tub and Koh Chicken (a sandbar connecting both at low tide), and Koh Poda (crystal-clear water, immaculate white sand, postcard-perfect palm trees). Duration: 7-8h, long-tail boat or speedboat depending on option. Budget: 600-800 THB shared long-tail / 1,200-1,800 THB speedboat with mask, snorkel, lunch and water included. Book via hotel or Ao Nang agencies the evening before.

    The sandbar between Koh Tub and Koh Chicken disappears at high tide — the tour is timed to pass through at low tide (generally 10am-12:30pm). Guaranteed photo opportunity, snorkelling at Koh Mor at 9am before other groups arrive. Back in Ao Nang by 4-5pm. Free evening — last dinner in Krabi, Tew Lay Bar on stilts or Ruen Mai for seafood.

    Tips

    • · Choose the speedboat if timing is tight — it visits the same islands in 5h instead of 8h, leaving the afternoon free for extra kayaking.
    • · Reef-safe sunscreen is mandatory at the site — rangers have enforced the ban since 2022; regular sunscreen can result in a 1,000 THB fine.
    Krabi →
11. 11

    Day 11

    Krabi → Phuket ferry via Ko Yao Yai

    Ferry transfer from Ao Nang or Klong Jilad pier to Phuket — two options. Direct: express speedboat Krabi → Phuket (Rassada Pier), 2h, 650-850 THB, departures at 9am or 11am. Scenic: slow ferry via Ko Yao Yai (1h15 from Krabi, 300 THB), 2-3h stopover on the island — peaceful, non-touristy, deserted beaches, fishing villages — then a second boat to Phuket (1h, 300 THB). Ko Yao Yai is worth the detour if you're not in a rush.

    Settle into Phuket on the east side (Chalong or Rawai to avoid crowds) or west side (Kata Beach or Karon Beach for beaches without Patong's density). Easy arrival evening: sunset from Promthep Cape (island's southern tip, 270° view) then fresh seafood dinner at Rawai Seafood Market (buy by weight, grill on the spot, 400-600 THB for two).

    Tips

    • · Book the ferry in advance in high season — Krabi → Phuket boats sell out 3 days ahead in December-January.
    • · Rawai and Chalong are 30-40 min by scooter or white songthaew from Patong — a strategic base to escape the crowds while still easily reaching the west coast beaches.
    Phuket →
12. 12

    Day 12

    Phuket: Phi Phi Islands day trip

    The flagship day trip from Phuket. Phi Phi Islands by speedboat, depart 8am, return 5pm, 1,200-1,800 THB depending on operator, including mask and snorkel, buffet lunch and park fee (400 THB since 2024). The standard circuit includes Maya Bay (The Beach's beach with DiCaprio — reopened in 2022 after 4 years of ecological closure, access limited to 300 people at a time), Pileh Lagoon (snorkelling in translucent green water), Viking Cave and a stop on Phi Phi Don for lunch.

    Choose an operator that reaches Maya Bay early (before 10am) to avoid peak crowds. Snorkelling at Hin Klang (reef between Phi Phi and Bamboo Island) is often exceptional: turtles, barracuda, schools of tropical fish. Back in Phuket around 5:30pm, relaxed dinner — Soul Kitchen in Rawai or rooftop La Gritta sea-facing.

    Tips

    • · Maya Bay is accessible only by swimming from the boat since 2022 — boats can no longer approach the beach; good fins or strong arms needed for the 100m swim.
    • · The 400 THB park fee is collected at sea by rangers — have cash ready, cards are not accepted.
    Phuket →
13. 13

    Day 13

    Phuket: Phang Nga Bay and James Bond Island

    The second major day trip from Phuket: Phang Nga Bay, a national marine park. The typical excursion runs 7-8h from Phuket (depart 8am, 1,500-2,200 THB depending on option), with inflatable kayak included to navigate the hongs (sea caves that you paddle through, accessible only at low tide). Highlights: Ko Tapu (James Bond Island), the vertical rock pillar made famous by The Man with the Golden Gun (1974), Ko Panyi, a floating fishing village built entirely on stilts with a school, mosque and waterfront restaurants.

    Kayaking through the hongs is the central experience — some passages require lying flat in the kayak to pass under rock arches. Otherworldly cave light inside. Back in Phuket around 4:30-5pm. Last Thai evening: 2h massage (Baan Dalah Spa or Let's Relax, 600-900 THB) then farewell dinner at Raya restaurant in Phuket Town (traditional Sino-Thai cuisine, dishes 150-280 THB).

    Tips

    • · Ko Tapu (James Bond Island) is incredibly crowded between 10am and 2pm — operators departing at 7-7:30am arrive before the masses and earn 30 min of crowd-free photos.
    • · Phuket Town deserves 2h of evening strolling on J13 — its Sino-Portuguese streets (Thalang Road, Dibuk Road) and coffee shops in former shophouses are among the city's most beautiful.
    Phuket →
14. 14

    Day 14

    Phuket → Bangkok → international departure

    Last Thai morning: wake at 6:30am, head to Rawai morning market or Naka Market depending on flight time — khao tom (rice soup, 50 THB), freshly pressed fruit juice. Last-day rule: allow at least 2h30 between hotel and boarding gate at Phuket Airport (HKT), and factor in the Bangkok connection if your international flight departs from Suvarnabhumi or Don Mueang.

    Phuket (HKT) → Bangkok (BKK or DMK) flight, 1h20, 800-1,800 THB. If flying direct internationally from Phuket, skip the connection. Bangkok stopover if needed: allow at least 3h between landing and international departure (checks, different terminal, possible shuttle between BKK and DMK if changing airlines — taxi 400 THB or AE-4 bus 150 THB). Return to Europe on 11-12h flights (Paris CDG, 7-9 times weekly from BKK in high season).

    Tips

    • · Avoid leaving Phuket on a Monday or Friday morning — check-in queues at HKT can exceed 1h on these peak days in high season.
    • · Last-minute purchases: Phuket Town pharmacies sell Tiger Balm, papaya cream and Thai products at one-third of airport shop prices.
    Phuket →

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