The only thing better than visiting the incredible countries of Thailand and Cambodia is seeing them both in one trip. With incredible history, culture, and food, both countries are hot spots for travel in Southeast Asia. While it may seem like a lot to visit both countries in one trip, I show you how in this amazing Thailand and Cambodia itinerary.

If you can travel for fifteen days, this itinerary will make sure you hit the can’t-miss spots in both countries. You will get to explore the incredible temples in Chiang Mai and Siem Reap. Not only that, but you will get to marvel at the amazing coastline in beautiful Phuket. Finally, you will spend some time touring the amazing markets in Bangkok.

Planning a trip this big can come with a lot of stress, but it doesn’t have to be a stressful planning process. I have been planning travel for years and have personally visited both of these countries. This Thailand and Cambodia itinerary is the product of that experience. Not only will this itinerary guide help make sure you see the can’t-miss spots in both countries, but it will help you prepare as well.

I cover the critical entrance requirements for both countries, share my recommendations on what to pack, and even link to my detailed visitor guides for each of the cities that you will visit. With this information in hand, you can be confident that you will plan the trip of a lifetime to see two of Southeast Asia’s most stunning destinations. And best of all, you won’t stress out doing it.

Thailand and Cambodia Itinerary Overview

Please use the menus that I have provided to help navigate between the different sections of this Thailand and Cambodia itinerary. I have provided sections on when to visit and where to start your trip to make your travel easier.

I also cover what you should and shouldn’t pack and how to make sure you meet all of Thailand and Cambodia’s entrance requirements. Finally, I have provided you with a fun-packed 15-day itinerary that hits on the most popular attractions in these incredible Southeast Asian countries.

Best Times to Visit Thailand and Cambodia

Like most places in the world, there are more enjoyable times of year to visit Thailand and Cambodia than others. For this reason, one of the most important decisions you will need to make is when to plan your trip. The time of year you choose, as well as the days of the week you are in each city, will impact what you can see and do.

Essentially, there are three separate seasons in Southeast Asia. These include the hot season, the wet season, and the cool season. While there is some overlap in the seasons between Thailand and Cambodia, the seasons are not exactly the same in each country. So, finding the perfect time to visit each in one trip will be your challenge.

In addition to the time of year you visit, you will also want to pay attention to which days of the week you visit each location. For instance, Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and Phuket all have big weekend markets to enjoy, but some are more can’t-miss than others. In particular, the Chatuchak Weekend Market in Bangkok and the Sunday Night Market in Chiang Mai are incredible.

The Best Times to Visit Thailand

In most of Thailand, the hot season typically lasts from March until May. During these months, the temperatures can be quite hot and humid. In fact, it isn’t unusual to see daytime temperatures of over 100 degrees Fahrenheit (38 degrees Celcius) with high humidity.

Starting near the end of May, the wet season begins in Thailand. During this time, warm humid air from the Indian Ocean is swept over the country by the southwest monsoon. The result is a lot of daily rainstorms that make outdoor activities less enjoyable. By the end of October, the rains have typically subsided but can last into November.

The most popular time to visit Thailand is during the cool season, which runs from November until February. During this time of the year, temperatures are typically much milder and the weather is much drier. However, because of the favorable weather, this is also the busiest and most expensive time of year to visit Thailand.

The Best Times to Visit Cambodia

Like Thailand, Cambodia also has several seasons that center on the annual monsoon season. In much of Cambodia, the wet season typically runs from May until October. However, unlike in other parts of Southeast Asia, the monsoon doesn’t bring endless rains to Cambodia. Instead, there are typically afternoon showers and heavy overnight downpours. However, you can usually still get out and do stuff on most days.

The dry season in Cambodia typically lasts from November until the beginning of April. During this period, the country gets much less rain and the temperatures are usually much cooler. This is especially true for December through February.

This is the peak tourism season in Cambodia because the weather is dry and the temperatures are much milder. However, this is also the busiest and most expensive time of year to visit.

The Best Months to Plan Your Trip

Without a doubt, the best time to plan your Thailand and Cambodia trip is between December and February. During this time, you will find the ideal weather and temperatures to make your trip the most enjoyable. The seasonal rains will have passed and you won’t have the repressive humidity and high daytime temperatures to deal with.

However, this is also the peak tourism season for Thailand and Cambodia. As such, you will also have to contend with the largest crowds and the highest prices for accommodations during this time of year. Because of this, I would suggest targeting the shoulder months of November and March. You should still have nice weather, but you won’t have the large crowds to deal with.

Where to Start Your Itinerary

While you can really start this Thailand and Cambodia itinerary from any of the large cities you will be visiting, I recommend starting in Bangkok. I suggest starting your itinerary in Bangkok because it has the most international flight options for you to choose from.

For the purposes of this itinerary, I have you flying home from Siem Reap, Cambodia. If you would prefer to book a round-trip ticket to Bangkok instead of flying into Bangkok and home from Siem Reap, you can certainly do so. In that case, I would recommend adding a day to your itinerary to allow you to fly back to Bangkok after touring Siem Reap.

Planning Your Travel Between Cities

In addition to coordinating your flights to and from Southeast Asia, you will also need to coordinate flights between the different cities you will be visiting during your trip. For this Thailand and Cambodia itinerary, you will need to book three different flights (Bangkok to Chiang Mai, Chiang Mai to Phuket, and Phuket to Siem Reap). For your reference, I have listed the different airports you will be traveling out of for you to review below.

• Bangkok Suvarnabhumi International Airport
• Bangkok Don Mueang International Airport
• Phuket International Airport
• Chiang Mai International Airport
• Siem Reap–Angkor International Airport

Be Careful with Booking Flights Too Early

PRO TIP: While I wouldn’t wait until the last minute to book your flights between cities for this trip, I would caution against booking too early. I have seen more flights get canceled and changed based on sales in Southeast Asia than anywhere else. If the flights are still available a month or two out from your trip, it is less likely they will be canceled.

If you do happen to book your flights earlier than a month or two in advance, make sure you build some flexibility into your itinerary as you may have to adjust to new flight schedules if your flight(s) get canceled or rescheduled.

Be Careful with Connecting Flights in Bangkok

When booking your flights into and out of Bangkok, please pay special attention to the airports when booking connecting flights. There are two airports in Bangkok and they are on opposite sides of the city. It takes roughly 35 to 45 minutes to get from one airport to the other via a taxi.

So, if you are booking a flight into Bangkok and another flight out of Bangkok on the same day, you will need to keep this travel time in mind. Failure to do so could result in missing a flight.

Be Aware of the Airport Change in Siem Reap

The other thing that you will need to keep in mind when booking your flights for this trip is the airport situation in Siem Reap. The Siem Reap International Airport (REP) was permanently closed near the end of 2023 and the new Siem Reap-Angkor International Airport (SAI) was opened. This is consequential because the new airport is located roughly an hour outside of the city. You will need to account for this when you arrange your transportation from the airport in Siem Reap.

What to Pack for Your Thailand and Cambodia Trip

If there is one thing that tends to give travelers stress as they prepare for a trip it is deciding what to pack. Like with most destinations, packing for a trip to Thailand and Cambodia requires some forethought to ensure you bring the right clothing and gear. If you aren’t prepared for the heat, the weather, and the insects, it can ruin your trip really fast.

To make sure you pack everything you need for your trip, I have included a link to my ultimate Southeast Asia Packing guide for you to review in my Thailand and Cambodia itinerary below. I cover all of the clothing and gear that both men and women should pack for a trip to Southeast Asia.

Understanding the Entrance Requirements

When preparing for your trip to Thailand and Cambodia, there is no task more important than making sure you meet all of the entrance requirements for both countries. If you fail to meet the passport, visa, and immunization requirements for entry, you may not be allowed to enter either country. To help make sure you are prepared, I have linked my guides for the Thailand and Cambodia entrance requirements below.

Thailand and Cambodia Itinerary Outline

Thailand and Cambodia are incredible countries to visit with a wealth of amazing things to see and do. In fact, there is so much to consider when planning a trip to Thailand and Cambodia that it can be a little overwhelming. That is why I put together this perfect 15-day Thailand and Cambodia itinerary. Below, you will find a map overview of this itinerary, followed by detailed sections for each day of the trip.

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Day 1: Arrive in Bangkok

The first stop on your Thailand and Cambodia itinerary will be the amazing city of Bangkok. Renowned for its incredible cultural and historical sites, as well as its vibrant nightlife, it is a can’t-miss spot when visiting Thailand. For more information on how to prepare for your visit, be sure to check out my ultimate guide to Bangkok, Thailand linked below.

Hotel Recommendations

One of the biggest decisions you will need to make about your visit to Bangkok is the accommodations you book. There are many different options to choose from, including hotels, hostels, and rentals through services such as Airbnb and VRBO. If you are starting to put your travel plans together and would like some recommendations on hotels and hostels at different price points, I included a list and map for you to review below.

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Day 2: Explore Bangkok’s Temples and Markets

On your full day in Bangkok, I would recommend seeing the top cultural and historical sights. This includes the Grand Temple, as well as the Wat Pho and Wat Arun temples. I would also make sure to check out one of the city’s incredible floating markets. They are an incredible cultural experience that I think every traveler should have!

Day 3: Arrive in Chiang Mai

On the third day of your trip, you will be taking a short flight to the city of Chiang Mai in Northern Thailand. Known as the “Temple Capitol of Thailand”, the city of Chiang Mai is renowned for its incredible number of Buddhist temples. On your first day in the city, I would recommend checking out the local markets and some of the temples that are right in town.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Chiang Mai has one of my favorite weekend night markets in all of Thailand, so I would try and coordinate your trip to be in Chiang Mai over the weekend. For more information on the night market and other Chiang Mai attractions, please see my visitor guide linked below.

Hotel Recommendations

As was the case when you were in Bangkok, one of the most important decisions you will need to complete before visiting Chiang Mai is booking accommodations. There are a lot of options from hotels and hostels to rentals through services such as Airbnb and VRBO. To help you out, I have put together a list and map of hotels and hostels at different price points for you to review in my Thailand travel itinerary below.

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Day 4: Chiang Mai Temples

On your first full day in Chiang May, I recommend spending most of the day exploring the many temples that are in the Chiang Mai area. Renowned temples like Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, Wat Chedi Liam, Wat Chedi Luang, and Wat Phra Singh should not be missed.

If you would like some ideas on additional things to see in the area, please reference my Chiang Mai, Thailand guide linked above. In it, I outline several other sights and activities that you may enjoy in the Chiang Mai area.

Day 5: Doi Inthanon National Park and Elephant Sanctuary

On your second full day in Chiang Mai, you will be venturing a bit outside of the city. On this day, you will be exploring two of my favorite things in Thailand. First, you will get to see the amazing Doi Inthanon National Park. This beautiful, mountainous park includes the highest point in Thailand. You will get to see some absolutely stunning views.

The park includes waterfalls and the gorgeous twin pagodas. If you have the time, I also recommend making a stop to visit one of the Karen hill tribes in the area. You will get a chance to see how they live and purchase some incredible coffee, tea, and hand-crafted souvenirs.

Day 6: Chiang Rai and the Golden Triangle

On your last full day in Chiang Mai, you are going to see some special stuff. On this day, I recommend booking a tour that will take you to the northern city of Chiang Rai to see one of the most amazing temples in Southeast Asia. Here, you will get to see the spectacular Wat Rong Kuhn temple, which is otherwise known as the “White Temple”.

Made entirely of shiny plaster and glass, it is an incredible sight to behold in person. After touring the temple, I recommend heading to the Golden Triangle border area. Here, you can take a boat ride on the mighty Mekong River to see the border area between Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar.

The area is famous for its history of illegal opium production. While Thailand has since cracked down on opium production in its territory in the Golden Triangle, you can tour the “House of Opium” museum to learn about the notorious history of the area. It is very interesting and informative.

Day 7: Arrive in Phuket

After your four incredible days exploring Chiang Mai, you will next head South to the amazing island of Phuket. Located off the southern coast, this stunning island is one of Southeast Asia’s top travel destinations. Here, you will spend four days exploring the incredible Phi Phi Islands and the renowned Phang Nga Bay National Park.

In addition to the amazing beach and island excursions you book, I also recommend checking out the incredible old town area of Phuket. Here, you will be treated to some wonderful cultural treasures and some fantastic food. For more information on what to see and do while in Phuket, make sure you check out my Phuket, Thailand travel guide linked below.

Hotel Recommendations

The next city that you will need to find accommodations for with this Thailand and Cambodia itinerary is Phuket. There are plenty of options you can choose from, whether a hotel, hostel, or rental through services such as Airbnb and VRBO. If you are starting to put your travel plans together, I have included a list and map of some recommended hotels and hostels at different price points for you to review below.

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Day 8: Phuket Old Town and Big Buddha

TEYou will spend your first full day in breathtaking Phuket exploring the amazing cultural attractions in the old town. One of the highlights of the day will be stopping at the gigantic Buddha statue, which is affectionately known as the “Big Buddha” locally. In my guide to Phuket, Thailand, which I linked to above, I outline some additional sights to see.

Two things that I wouldn’t miss out on are the amazing night market at Patong and the incredible Samet Nangshe viewpoint. Like most markets in Thailand, you definitely won’t be disappointed by Phuket’s night market. There is a lot of great food and handmade crafts to purchase. As for the Samet Nangshe viewpoint, it is one of the most incredible coastal viewpoints I have ever seen.

Day 9: Phang Nga National Park

After exploring Phuket’s incredible old town, you will get out on the water on your second day in the Phuket area. On this day you will get to explore one of the world’s prettiest stretches of coastline. The spectacular Phang Nga Bay National Park is renowned for its incredible sea stacks, including the infamous “James Bond Island”. The James Bond movie, “The Man With the Golden Gun” made this stunning island famous.

PRO TIP: I strongly suggest booking a sunset tour. After spending the day snorkeling at a few amazing spots within the park, and then visiting James Bond Island, you will get to enjoy a brilliant sunset on your way back. It’s the perfect way to enjoy one of Southeast Asia’s most beautiful places.

Day 10: The Phi Phi Islands

On your last full day in Phuket, you will spend the day exploring one of the area’s most famous attractions. This is the day that you will book a tour to explore the incredible Phi Phi Islands. One of the top attractions on the islands is the infamous Maya Bay Beach, which the Leonardo DiCaprio film, “The Beach” made famous.

In addition to enjoying the spectacular views above the water, I strongly recommend doing some snorkeling around the islands as well. The amount of beautiful sea life in the reefs around the islands is amazing. For more information on tours to book and what to see in the Phi Phi Islands, make sure you check out my guide to Phuket, Thailand linked above.

Day 11: Arrive in Siem Reap

After ten incredible days exploring the most incredible sights in Thailand, today you will say goodbye to the “Land of Smiles” and head to the breathtaking country of Cambodia. Here, you will get to explore one of the new Wonders of the World and see one of Southeast Asia’s most beautiful national parks.

If you arrive in Siem Reap early enough, I would suggest spending your first day exploring one of the area’s many amazing floating villages. It is really cool to see how the people live on and off the water, including farming crocodiles. Please see my Siem Reap, Cambodia guide linked below for more suggestions on things to see and do in Siem Reap.

Hotel Recommendations

The final city that you will need to arrange accommodations for on this trip is the city of Siem Reap in Cambodia. There are plenty of options you can choose from, whether a hotel, hostel, or rental through services such as Airbnb and VRBO. If you are starting to put your travel plans together, I have included a list and map of some recommended hotels and hostels at different price points for you to review below.

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Day 12: Explore Angkor Wat

On your first full day in Siem Reap, you will have the privilege of exploring one of the most incredible temples in the world. Not only is it one of the new “Wonders of the World”, but it is also the largest religious site on the planet. Believe me, pictures do not do the amazing temple complex of Angkor Wat justice. It is beyond words how amazing it is to explore first-hand.

In fact, the temple complex is so large that you will spend your entire first day just exploring Angkor Wat and the adjacent temples. You will learn about the amazing history of the temple and marvel at the intricate stonework and carvings. And if you are adventurous, there is even a hot air balloon that rises into the sky to give you an ariel view of this spectacular place.

IMPORTANT NOTE: It can get incredibly hot during the day and you will be doing a lot of walking when touring Angkor Wat. Make sure you bring enough water with you to keep you hydrated during your tour. Also, make sure you are dressed appropriately as this is a religious site. You are expected to have your knees and shoulders covered while touring the temple.

Day 13: Explore the Surrounding Temples

As amazing as Angkor Wat is, it is only one of many incredible temples in the Siem Reap area. On your second full day in the area, I strongly recommend spending some time exploring some of the other temples. Many of these spectacular temples are unique and amazing in their own way and you would regret not checking them out.

This includes the incredible Bayon Temple and its many large stone faces that are carved into the sides of the temple. It also includes Ta Prohm, which is nicknamed the “Tomb Raider Temple”. It gets this nickname because of the many scenes in the Angelina Jolie movie, “Tomb Raider” that were filmed at the temple. You may remember it as the temple with the tree roots enveloping the temple structure.

In addition to these popular temples, I would also suggest checking out the likes of Banteay Srei, Banteay Kdei, and the amazing Angkor Thom. You will be continually amazed at the beauty of these incredible temples as you move from one site to the next. Soak it all in because there are few things in the world like it.

Day 14: Visit the Phnom Kulen National Park

On your last full day in the Siem Reap area, I strongly suggest checking out the amazing Phnom Kulen National Park. In my opinion, it is one of the most beautiful national parklands in Southeast Asia. Renowned for its breathtaking mountain viewpoints, a spectacular waterfall, and beautiful temple sites, it is a can’t-miss spot when visiting Siem Reap.

Pro Tip: You can find very affordable tour packages that will take you to the national park, which is located roughly an hour’s drive North of the city. This will save you from having to book two taxi rides to and from the park. If you plan it right, you can also check out the Banteay Srei temple and the Preah Ang Thom Pagoda on your way to or from the national park. Both of these places are located very close to the parkland.

Day 15: Fly Home

Unfortunately, all good things must come to an end. This Thailand and Cambodia itinerary is no different, and on this last day, you will make preparations to travel home. For this itinerary, I have you flying home from Siem Reap, Cambodia.

If you can make the flights work, it will save you some travel time heading home. However, if you would prefer to book a round-trip ticket to Bangkok for this trip, you can return to Bangkok from Siem Reap and then head home. This is completely up to you.

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