Sample Itinerary: 14 Day Thailand Culture & Adventure

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Day Where Time What Details

Bangkok is typically one of the cheapest airports to fly into Thailand. If you travel from the States,
you may arrive late at night. If so, you should just go to your hotel and get some rest. If you DO
arrive earlier in the day / evening, go out for some dinner and take a walk to get acquainted – don’t
take a nap if you arrive in the afternoon!

Day 0 Bangkok Arrive ** Do your best to be tired and fall asleep at a reasonable hour this night. Then be sure to wake up
early in the morning – this will go a long way to helping your body adjust to the time difference
quicker and get over the jet lag!

There are a wide variety of hotels, click here to view various Bangkok Hotel Deals.

14 Day Thailand Culture & Adventure – Sample Itinerary © Peanuts or Pretzels 2019
 If you arrive late at night on Day 0, then you should wake up at a reasonable hour and
start exploring day 1. We find that waking up early on the first day will help you adjust to
local time quickly, and recover from jet lag.


(If you arrive during the day, no matter how tired you are…don’t go to sleep! Stay awake
and explore…try to go to bed at a normal hour, again to help your body adjust to local
time ASAP).


On the first day in Bangkok, a great way to become acquainted with Thailand and the city
is to visit some of the major Wats (temples) around town. Wat Po is one of the most
popular, and is a beautiful way to start your visit.

** Note: When visiting temples in Thailand, you should always have your knees and
Sightseeing shoulders covered! Difficult when it is sweltering outside. So bring something simple, like a
Day 1 Bangkok Morning
Major Wats sarong or big scarf that you can use to cover yourself.

Not far away from Wat Po is the Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew (Temple of the Emerald Buddha).
We highly recommend that you visit this masterpiece, and be sure to give yourself a couple hours to
explore! Check out our Grand Palace video for more inspiration! If you forget to bring appropriate
clothes, don’t worry…they have some for rent (for a small fee).**

Final note: DON’T believe all the locals who tell you the Grand Palace is closed. It is not.
They are lying and will likely grab your map and tell you to go on some crazy wild-goose
chase. Often, this is a scam where they try to put you in a tuk-tuk. Just tell them “thank you”
and move along.

For more about scams, check out our 5 things to avoid in Bangkok post.

In the afternoon, head over to Wat Arun – one of the most famous wats across the river. This wat
isn’t far from the grand palace, and you can access it easily from one of the water ferries.

You can find the ferry at pier 8 Tha Tien – which is also a stop for the water taxis up and down the
river. Be sure you get on the ferry across to Wat Arun and not on the water taxi (since they use the
same pier). The fee is minimal.
Wat Arun +
Late
Day 1 Lunch /
Afternoon There are some shops, markets, and restaurants nearby. Personally, we like the one that overlooks
Dinner
the water and Wat Arun across the way. It’s fairly cheap (although the street food is cheaper nearby)
— but we just love the view!

** If you time your visit near sunset, you can sit and look out at the Wat as they turn on the lights.
Wat Arun is particularly beautiful at night!

14 Day Thailand Culture & Adventure – Sample Itinerary © Peanuts or Pretzels 2019
 Bangkok is bustling with life after dark. But one of our favorite places to go is China Town (along
Yaowarat Road!

There are many markets in this area at night, particularly food markets & restaurants! Our favorite
restaurant is actually on one of the main side roads in China Town. This guy comes out and cooks
China Town & incredible food in the street – and you can plop yourself down in one of his plastic chairs and order
Day 1 Evening
Night Markets some of the best food around (and get a great show watching him cook!).

If you want to stay up late and enjoy the more wild side of Bangkok, then check out the bustling
tourist area of Khao San Road. It’s full of tourists and overpriced, but it’s a lively atmosphere and
there is some interesting entertainment all around!

Located just north of Bangkok, the ruins of Ayutthaya are easily accessible via a day trip from the city.
Ayutthaya was the second capital of the ancient kingdom of Siam (after Sukhothai), and existed
around 1351 to 1767.
Ayutthaya Ancient city of
Day 2 All Day
day trip Ayutthaya For your trip, you can choose to go it alone - taking the train or bus and then walking around the ruins
or riding a bike. If you are short on time or don't want to fuss with sorting out the details to go on your
own, you can easily book a tour with a guide, so you can sit back and relax.

There’s a lot to do in Bangkok. But if you spend the first day getting acquainted with the main sights
and popular markets, then day two can be spent relaxing and doings some of the more unique things
to do in Bangkok.
Morning / Explore More
Day 3 Bangkok
Afternoon of Bangkok
From cooking classes, tours with locals, bike rides, canal tours and floating markets. There are many
other things to do in Bangkok besides the Grand Palace and Wat Po!

Catch the night bus to Sukhothai at the Mo Chit bus station. From the Mo Chit station, there are a
few buses everyday - but typically a night bus around 10 or 11 pm, which takes about 7-8 hours. The
price ranges from 250 to 380 baht depending on the bus and service level (2nd class or VIP).
Night bus to
Day 3 Night
Sukhothai
** Schedules can change, so definitely check before your trip to verify that the buses have not
changed, or go early to purchase your tickets.

You will arrive early in the morning, then head to the hotel to drop off your gear before going
sightseeing.

** NOTE: New Sukhothai and Old Sukhothai are quite a distance a part. Choose your
Early Arrive at
Day 4 Sukhothai accommodation carefully depending on what you want to do (we personally recommend staying in
Morning Sukhothai
the old Sukhothai area for a relaxing visit).

Click HERE to view popular Sukhothai hotels & deals

14 Day Thailand Culture & Adventure – Sample Itinerary © Peanuts or Pretzels 2019
 Sukhothai was the first capital of the ancient Kingdoms in Thailand. The historic park is a UNESCO
World Heritage Site, and many temples are beautifully preserved. Some say it is even more beautiful
(and more peaceful) to visit than the famous Angkor Wat in Cambodia!

Renting a bike is the best way to explore this massive UNESCO World Heritage Site! You can rent
quiet bicycles - peaceful, yet allows you to cover smaller distances. Renting a motorbike gives you
more freedom, and allows you to see more area much faster. Bike rental shops are everywhere - so
Explore
Rest of the take your pick and enjoy the peace and serenity. ** Note: in the morning and in the off season, the
Sukhothai
day area is hardly crowded - you may even have temples all to yourself!
Park
If you are staying in Old Sukhothai near the historic park, you have much easier access to the ruins
and the freedom to return to your hotel to take a rest, or have an afternoon dip in a pool.

** There are national parks and other sites beyond just the Sukhothai historic park. If you have time,
we recommend spending more than a day in this area.

Arrive in Chiang Mai this morning and drop your stuff at the hotel (click here to view Chiang Mai hotel
deals). Then head out to the old center of the city.

Morning / Take a bus to Chiang Mai’s old city center is compact and fairly easy to explore on foot, or with the help of a motor
Day 5 Chiang Mai
Afternoon Chiang Mai bike or tuk-tuk. Enjoy the many wats around this part of town, unique shops, and restaurants!

Read more: Loving Living Life Like a Local in Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai is full of great night life, including lots of restaurants, bars, and night markets. The main
area that’s really hopping at night is actually just east of the old city and on the west side of the river.
Chiang Mai
Day 5 Evening Night Life & If you are interested in seeing a traditional Khantoke show, then visit the Old Chiang Mai Cultural
Markets Center (just south of the old city). For a reasonable price, you can have a complete dinner and great
show, with music, dancing and traditional costumes. A really great experience!

14 Day Thailand Culture & Adventure – Sample Itinerary © Peanuts or Pretzels 2019
 Chiang Mai is all about the beautiful countryside! If you are an independent traveler, take local
transportation or rent a motorbike and venture out to some nearby sights.

Doi Suthep is a popular trip, up the mountain on the northwest side of Chiang Mai. It’s easy to get
there if you follow the main highway out of town, past the University. It offers great views on the way
up, and few places to stop — plus the main temple and villages areas at the top.
Outside Town:
Dat 6 Chiang Mai All day Day trip or If you want to go further out of town, then we recommend venturing out to Muang On Cave and San
Motorbike trip Kamphaeng Hot Springs. This is an all day trip on a motorbike, so be sure to get up early so you
have time to enjoy the journey and take some breaks.

If you would rather sit back and relax, hop on one of the may day trips from Chiang Mai. From hiking,
bamboo rafting, waterfalls, swimming, visiting an elephant sanctuary, and so much more! You can
see and do a lot in one day with a day tour & guide.

Head north through the mountains toward the border of Myanmar and Laos, and the town of Chiang
Rai. Spend the day exploring the sites of the city, which mainly can be explored on foot. Home of
the infamous "White Temple" among many other wats and museums around town.
Explore
Day 7 Chiang Rai All day
Chiang Rai
** If you don’t want to stay in Chiang Rai or make the journey yourself, you can easily book a day tour
from Chiang Mai. See the sights with transportation included, then return to Chiang Mai.

Today, check out some of the local tours / guides to explore the beautiful countryside. From tea
Adventure in
Chiang Rai plantations, to bamboo rafting on the river. You may even want to do some treking around the
Day 8 All day the northern
Countryside mountains, and swimming in waterfalls or hot springs.
countryside
Head out in the morning on a flight from Chiang Mai to Krabi, in the south of Thailand.
This is one of the most beautiful areas in Thailand (and our favorite!), with beaches
jungles, crystal clear water, limestone cliffs, hiking, climbing…and much more!


** Krabi area is much more relaxed and laid back (and cheaper) than the popular Phuket
area — although Phuket is close by (just across the water).


South Arrive early and head to the hotel. Popular areas to stay in Krabi province include:
Fly to Krabi
Day 9 Islands - Morning 

Morning
Krabi Area Krabi Town

Ao Nang

Railay Beach (our favorite) – and we stayed at the beautiful Railay Princess Resort & Spa!

Koh Phi Phi Islands (you will have to plan accordingly to take a ferry out here)

Koh Lanta

It is difficult to decide where to stay, so here is a link to popular & beautiful hotels in the
Krabi area!
14 Day Thailand Culture & Adventure – Sample Itinerary © Peanuts or Pretzels 2019
 Relax by the pool / beach and enjoy the incredible atmosphere.
Relax in Many of the beaches will have equipment for rental, including snorkeling and possibly some kayaks
Day 9 Afternoon
Paradise to rent.

The Krabi area is much more quiet than Phuket. However, if you are in the mood for excitement, you
can find it — especially in the bustling beach resort area of Ao Nang. There are many restaurants,
bars, and places to hear live music!
Enjoy the
Day 9 Evening
Nightlife If you want a more peaceful experience, places like Railay are nice because they are so quiet. But
there are many beachside resorts in Krabi that offer a peaceful experience – even dinners on the
beach! You may even want to get a massage, or if you are lucky, light off a lantern into the night sky.

Take a day trip to see some nearby beaches. Go snorkeling, kayaking, other water sports. The Krabi
area is full of beautiful islands and beaches to explore.

Booking a day trip is the best way to see and do the most in a short time. You can venture out on a
kayak tour of James Bond Island, go rock climbing, or take a boat out to the Phi Phi Islands (if you
aren’t staying out there).

As for us, we took a day trip out that let us see a few islands, including Koh Phi Phi, as well as the
South Enjoy famous “Beach” from the thriller movie (at Maya Bay - although, tourist restrictions are sometimes in
Days
Islands - All Day Paradise & place due to overcrowding). We also did some open water snorkeling. It was a fast trip, but well
10-13
Krabi Area day trips worth it for a short visit.

There are numerous activities in the countryside around Krabi that don’t involve the
beach.

You can visit nearby elephant centers, do some hiking, see some waterfalls, and make you
way up to mountain top temples.


Or if you prefer, relax at the hotel again and enjoy paradise!

Day 14 Return home

* Depending on your interests and time, this itinerary leaves some flexibility. You can spend
less time in Krabi and more time in another location if you prefer.

** If you have less than 14 days, you can cut out some places - such as Chiang Rai, Sukhothai
- or the day trip to Ayutthaya. If you have more days, you can add some free time or
excursions to places mentioned below.

14 Day Thailand Culture & Adventure – Sample Itinerary © Peanuts or Pretzels 2019
 Other Recommended Activities / Destinations to Consider:
Kanchanaburi – beautiful nature area and Erawan Waterfalls! (we loved this place)



If you just do a day trip to Chiang Rai (rather than spending the night), then consider an excursion out to Pai – a peaceful & popular town along a winding road
northwest of Chiang Mai.
Phuket – this famous tourist destination is popular…a bit wild, and can be crowded as well as expensive. Overall, we prefer nearby Krabi (just across the
water), but Phuket is quite large. There are many different areas to stay, and transportation is quite expensive. So if you go there, be sure to check out your
transportation options first, as things are very spread out. Patong Beach is famous for being quite seedy, but it’s an experience. If you have a motorbike, there
are beautiful and more quiet beaches just to the north and south of Patong. Also, Old Phuket Town is quite a lovely and historic place.

If you don’t want to manage transportation on your own but still want to explore the whole Phuket Island, then consider a full day tour that will take you all around
to some of the major sites on the island.

Koh Samui / Koh Tao / Koh Phagnan – Opposite Krabi on the southeast in the Bay of Thailand, these islands are famous for their parties and natural beauty.
Samui is the biggest of the three and has its own airport. Koh Tao is quite small and quiet, while Kho Pagnan is famous for its full moon party on the beach every
month.

14 Day Thailand Culture & Adventure – Sample Itinerary © Peanuts or Pretzels 2019