There are a lot of incredible travel destinations in Southeast Asia, but Thailand has got to be one of the most popular. And to be honest, it really isn’t hard to see why. There is so much to see and do when visiting Thailand, that planning a trip can be a little daunting. That is why I designed this ultimate 12-day Thailand travel itinerary to make sure you don’t miss a thing.

With this itinerary, you can be confident that you will hit all of the most renowned temples and cultural sites. Believe me, Thailand has a wealth of incredible cultural sites to see. With this Thailand travel itinerary, I also make sure you get to experience the spectacular food that visitors to Thailand rave about. Finally, for all you beach lovers, I make sure you get to experience the best beaches and coastline Thailand has to offer.

Thailand Travel Itinerary Overview

Please use the menus that I have provided to help navigate between the different sections of this Thailand travel itinerary. I have provided sections on when to visit and how to get to Thailand 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’s entrance requirements. Finally, I have provided you with a fun-packed 12-day itinerary that hits three of Thailand’s most popular cities.

Best Times to Visit Thailand

Like most places in the world, visiting Thailand is more enjoyable during certain times of the year. For this reason, one of the most important factors that you will need to consider when planning your trip is when to visit. 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 different seasons in Thailand. These seasons include the hot season (March through May), the wet season (May through October), and the cool season (November through February). In the sections below, I cover what you can expect if you visit during each of these seasons.

In addition to the time of year you visit, you may want to consider planning your travel so that you are in each city during certain times of the week. Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and Phuket all have big weekend markets for visitors to enjoy, but some markets 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 Hot Season (March-May)

Between March and May, it is considered the hot season in Thailand. During these months, Thailand typically sees the highest temperatures of the year. This is especially true in the North of the country in cities like Chiang Mai. In the north, it isn’t uncommon to see temperatures reach over 100 degrees Fahrenheit (38 degrees Celcius).

The temperatures are typically a bit cooler in the South, with high temperatures during the hot season reaching into the lower 90’s Fahrenheit (33 degrees Celcius). However, with high humidity, even the somewhat cooler temperatures in the south of the country can feel unbearably hot.

The Wet Season (May-October)

During the wet season in Thailand, warm humid air from the Indian Ocean is swept over the country by the southwest monsoon. This results in a considerable amount of rain between May and October.

While this isn’t the hottest time of year, high humidity combined with frequent rain can make this time of year uncomfortable for visitors. It can also create some rough sea conditions, which means it will be less enjoyable to explore Phang Nga Bay and the Phi Phi Islands in Phuket. I would avoid booking your trip during these months unless you absolutely have to.

The Cool Season (November-February)

By far, the most popular time to visit Thailand is during the cool season, which stretches from November through February. Beginning in November, the north-to-east monsoon brings cool, dry air and much more comfortable humidity levels to Thailand. Not only are the temperatures cooler but there is far less rainfall during this time of year.

The Best Time to Visit (late November)

If you ask me, the best time to visit Thailand is during the second half of November. By this time, the rainy season has typically ended, the cool temperatures and lower humidity have arrived, but the big crowds and higher prices haven’t arrived yet. This means you will get to enjoy the best weather, smaller crowds, and more reasonable prices.

How to Get to Thailand

For travelers flying to Thailand from outside of Asia, chances are that you will be flying into Bangkok. For that reason, my itinerary is set to start and end in Bangkok. However, if you are traveling to Thailand from elsewhere in Asia, you might be arriving in Phuket or Chiang Mai. If need be, you can adjust this itinerary to start and end at one of those cities.

Visiting Thailand from Within Southeast Asia

If you are flying into Bangkok from a city within Southeast Asia, you may be flying into either Suvarnabhumi International Airport or Bangkok Don Mueang International Airport. To help you with your planning, I have included a map and chart of the flying time and number of direct flights to Bangkok from other destinations in Southeast Asia in my Thailand travel itinerary below.

View Larger Map

City	Direct Flights	Flight Length (HR:MIN)
Vientiane, Laos	6 per day	1:00
Chiang Mai, Thailand	46-52 per day	1:05
Siem Reap, Cambodia	6-7 per day	1:05
Phuket, Thailand	46-51 per day	1:15
Yangon, Myanmar	9-11 per day	1:10
Luang Prabang, Laos	3-4 per day	1:20
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam	12-13 per day	1:25
Da Nang, Vietnam	6-7 per day	1:40
Hanoi, Vietnam	10 per day	1:50
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia	19-22 per day	2:05
Singapore	24-25 per day	2:15
Hong Kong, China	20-23 per day	2:40
Jakarta, Indonesia	8-11 per day	3:25
Manila, Philippines	7-9 per day	3:25

Visiting Thailand From Outside Southeast Asia

If you are planning on flying into Bangkok from outside of Asia, most likely you will be arriving at the Bangkok Suvarnabhumi International Airport. This is the newer of Bangkok’s two international airports. The Bangkok Don Mueang International Airport is on the other side of the city and services mostly domestic and regional flights.

• Bangkok Suvarnabhumi International Airport
• Bangkok Don Mueang International Airport
• Phuket International Airport
• Chiang Mai International Airport

Be mindful that the two airports in Bangkok are roughly a 40-minute drive apart, so keep that in mind when booking flights with layovers. This is especially important as you fly between Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and Phuket during your trip. You don’t want to book two flights with a short layover in Bangkok with the flights being at different airports.

What to Pack for Thailand

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 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 travel itinerary below. I cover all of the clothing and gear that both men and women should pack for a trip to Southeast Asia.

Thailand Entrance Requirements

When preparing for your trip to Thailand, there is no task more important than making sure you meet all of the country’s entrance requirements. If you fail to meet the passport, visa, and immunization requirements for entry, you may not be allowed to enter Thailand. To help make sure you are prepared, I have linked my guide to the Thailand entrance requirements for you to review in this Thailand travel itinerary below.

Thailand Travel Itinerary Outline

Thailand is such an incredible country 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 that it can be a little overwhelming. That is why I put together this ultimate 12-day Thailand travel itinerary. Below, you will find a map overview of this itinerary, followed by detailed sections for each day of the trip.

View Larger Map

Day 1: Arrive in Bangkok

The first stop on this ultimate Thailand travel itinerary is the incredible city of Bangkok. With a wealth of incredible cultural and historical sites to explore, a vibrant nightlife, and some of the best street food in the world, Bangkok is a legendary travel destination. 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.

View Larger Map

Day 2: Bangkok Markets and Food

On your first full day in Bangkok, you will be spending the majority of your time touring the city’s incredible food scene. Not only are there spectacular street markets to enjoy, but the city also has several amazing floating markets that visitors can check out.

Between your time at the markets, I would recommend checking out the renowned Chinatown section of Bangkok and taking a boat tour on the Chao Phraya River as well. For more information on which markets I recommend and other sights and activities you can enjoy in Bangkok, please see my Bangkok visitor guide linked above.

Day 3: Bangkok Temples

The third day of your trip and the last full day in Bangkok will be spent touring the city’s incredible temples and other amazing cultural sites. Among other things, you will get to see the huge reclining Buddha in the Wat Pho temple. You can also spend some time marveling at the beauty of the Wat Arun temple. In my opinion, it is one of Thailand’s prettiest. And make sure you don’t forget to tour the Grand Palace. It is absolutely incredible.

Day 4: Arrive in Chiang Mai

After spending a few days exploring Bangkok, the next step on this Thailand travel itinerary is to fly to the beautiful city of Chiang Mai. Located in Northern Thailand, Chiang Mai is considered the temple capital of Thailand. In addition to the area’s many incredible temples, it is also known for its amazing wildlife experience, beautiful national parks, and incredible markets.

Once you have landed in Chiang Mai, you will have the rest of the day open to explore what you would like. If you time your arrival for a Sunday, you can hit up Chiang Mai’s legendary Sunday night market. Other fun activities include stopping by Tiger Kingdom, taking a Thai cooking class, or just spending the day exploring the city. For more tips on what to see, where to eat, and what to do, check out my guide to Chiang Mai, Thailand linked below.

Hotel Recommendations

Like with Bangkok, one of the most important tasks you will need to complete before visiting Chiang Mai is to reserve 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.

View Larger Map

Day 5: Chiang Mai Temples

On your first full day in Chiang Mai, you will spend most of the day exploring the incredible temples that are in the area. Some of Thailand’s most amazing temples are in the Chiang Mai area, so there is a lot to see. 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 additional information on these temples and other activities, please check out my Chiang Mai, Thailand guide linked above. In it, I also outline several other sights and activities that you might enjoy in the Chiang Mai area.

Day 6: Doi Inthanon National Park and Elephant Sanctuary

Your second full day in Chiang Mai will be spent exploring two of my favorite things in Thailand. First, you will get to see the incredible Doi Inthanon National Park. This mountainous park includes the highest point in Thailand and has some absolutely stunning sights that you can see.

This includes beautiful waterfalls and the gorgeous twin pagodas. If you have time, you can also make a stop to visit one of the Karen hill tribes in the area to see how they live and purchase coffee, tea, and hand-crafted souvenirs.

After you have finished exploring Doi Inthanon National Park, you can make some time to stop by one of the area’s ethical elephant sanctuaries. I list several highly recommended ones in my Chiang Mai, Thailand guide, so make sure you check that you plan your trip to see these gentle giants.

Day 7: Chiang Rai and the Golden Triangle

Your last day in Chiang Mai is going to be a special one. On this day, you will be heading further north to the city of Chiang Rai to see some of the area’s incredible temples. Then, you will be heading to the Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar border to see the legendary Golden Triangle.

In Chiang Rai, you will get to see the spectacular Wat Rong Khun, which is otherwise known as the “White Temple”. Made entirely of shiny plaster and glass, it is one of the most breathtaking temples in Southern Asia. After touring it, you can head to the border of the notorious Golden Triangle area. I suggest taking a boat tour on the mighty Mekong River and then stopping at the House of Opium to learn about the dark history of this area.

Day 8: Arrive in Phuket

Once your four days of exploring Chiang Mai are complete, the next stop on your Thailand travel itinerary is the beautiful city of Phuket. Located in the South of Thailand, this stunning island is one of the top tourist destinations in Southeast Asia. You will spend four days exploring the incredible Phi Phi Islands and the renowned Phang Nga Bay National Park.

In addition to these amazing beach and island excursions, you will also spend some time in Phuket’s old town taking in the culture and trying the incredible food. If you would like more details on where to eat, what to see, and what else to do in Phuket, you are in luck. I have linked to my Phuket, Thailand travel guide below for you to review.

Hotel Recommendations

The last city that you will need to find accommodations for with this Thailand travel itinerary is Phuket. There are plenty of options you can choose from, whether a hotel, hostel or a 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.

View Larger Map

Day 9: Phuket Old Town and Big Buddha

Your first full day in beautiful Phuket will be spent exploring the incredible cultural attractions and the amazing old town. One of the highlights of the day will be getting to see the gigantic Buddha statue in Phuket, which is affectionately known as the “Big Buddha”. In my guide to Phuket, Thailand, which I linked to above, I outline some additional sights to see.

Two things on the mainland that you shouldn’t miss are the night market at Patong and the incredible Samet Nangshe viewpoint. Like most other markets in Thailand, the night market at Patong is incredible. You will find 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. Definitely a must-see!

Day 10: Phang Nga National Park

After spending the previous day exploring Phuket’s old town, the second day will be spent out on the water enjoying some of the world’s prettiest coastline. On this day you will be booking a tour to see the incredibly beautiful Phang Nga Bay National Park. The bay is home to the infamous “James Bond Island”, which was made famous by the James Bond movie “The Man With the Golden Gun”.

I strongly suggest booking a sunset tour. You will get to stop at multiple incredible snorkeling sites before visiting James Bond Island. Then, on the way home you can enjoy a brilliant sunset and reflect on an incredible day in one of Thailand’s most beautiful places.

Day 11: The Phi Phi Islands

Your final full day in Phuket will be spent exploring one of the most famous of the area’s attractions. On this day, you will be booking a tour to explore the amazing Phi Phi Islands. One of the top attractions in the islands is the infamous Maya Bay Beach, which was made famous by the Leonardo DiCaprio film, “The Beach”.

There are several spectacular snorkeling sites to enjoy around the islands, so make sure you book a tour that allows you to get in the water. 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 12: Arrive Back in Bangkok and Head Home

All good things must come to an end, and on this day you will be flying back to Bangkok to make your way home. If you have the time, you can spend the morning doing some last-minute souvenir shopping in Phuket or make a short trip to one of the island’s incredible beaches.

If you are flying back home from Bangkok today, make sure your flight from Phuket arrives at the same Bangkok airport you depart. That, or make sure you have plenty of time to get to the other airport. For those who are leaving the following day, I recommend booking a hotel near your airport in Bangkok.

Don’t Forget to Subscribe to My Adventures!

Let Me Help You Save On Your Next Adventure!