This Thailand itinerary came together after years of thinking the country was out of reach for me as a Nigerian citizen, much like Vietnam still feels today. I genuinely hope I can return to this post in a few years to edit in the words, “I finally made it to Vietnam.” But I digress.
For the longest time, the Thai visa process felt complex and stressful, turning Thailand’s crystal-clear waters, ornate temples, vibrant markets, and tropical beaches into nothing more than a distant dream. That changed in 2024 with the introduction of less restrictive visa requirements, and suddenly, the Land of Smiles became a reality for me.
Thailand is one of Southeast Asia’s most diverse destinations, offering a unique blend of rich cultural heritage, buzzing street food markets, and some of the world’s most stunning beaches. In my opinion, it is incredibly accessible for first-time visitors, while still offering enough depth and variety to keep seasoned travellers coming back.
We visited in April and had a wonderful time. In this two-week Thailand itinerary, I cover the country’s essential highlights, from the chaotic energy of Bangkok to Chiang Mai’s temple-filled old city, before concluding along the Andaman Coast, known for its dramatic limestone cliffs and turquoise waters.
This itinerary starts in Bangkok and ends in Phuket, but it works just as well in reverse, as we did, starting in Phuket and ending in Bangkok. Either way, the route strikes a balance between cultural immersion and beachside relaxation, allowing you time to explore in depth and unwind fully.
What You’ll Find in This Thailand Itinerary
- A realistic 14-day travel route across Thailand
- Key cities and islands worth prioritising on a first trip
- Tips for balancing sightseeing with rest
- Practical insights for travellers navigating Thailand for the first time
2-Week Thailand Itinerary Overview
- Day 1: Arrival in Bangkok
- Day 2: Full day in Bangkok
- Day 3: Bangkok to Ayutthaya (day trip or overnight stay)
- Day 4: Morning flight to Chiang Rai (or transfer from Ayutthaya to Bangkok, then flight to Chiang Rai)
- Day 5: Morning in Chiang Rai, then late afternoon road transfer to the Chiang Mai mountains (Chai Lai Orchid)
- Days 6-7: Full days in Chiang Mai (city side)
- Day 8: Flight to Krabi
- Days 9-10: Full days in the Krabi area (island hopping and beaches)
- Day 11: Transfer to Phuket
- Days 12-13: Full days in Phuket
- Day 14: Departure or Phuket extension
Why This Itinerary Works
This carefully crafted route will allow you to experience Thailand’s diverse landscapes, from ancient temples and bustling night markets to limestone karsts and turquoise waters, while maintaining a comfortable pace that allows for spontaneous discoveries. Let’s get into it!
Day 1: Arrival in Bangkok
Depending on what time you arrive at Suvarnabhumi International Airport, you might want to treat this as a zero day and head straight to your hotel to decompress after a long travel day. When we did this trip, we landed in Phuket at around 7 pm local time. If you are flying with Qatar Airways, as we did, you will likely arrive in Bangkok around the same time too.
For us, that made Day one a proper rest day. We transferred to our hotel, grabbed a simple dinner nearby, and called it an early night so we could start fresh the next morning.
Save time on arrival and book a fast track immigration service with a hotel transfer included.
If you arrive earlier in the afternoon and still have some energy, you can absolutely ease into the city with a bit of light exploring. Depending on where you are staying, you could head to the riverside, visit Wat Pho, wander around Khao San Road, or stop by Wat Ratchanatdaram. The last two were within walking distance of the hotel we stayed at in Bangkok, which I have listed in the recommendations table.
Where to Stay in Bangkok
When deciding where to stay in Bangkok, the best choice really comes down to how you want to experience the city. With so many options, it helps to approach your research with a few questions in mind. Which sights are must-sees for you, such as old temples or traditional neighbourhoods? How important is it to be central and close to an MRT or BTS station? Or are you looking for a more scenic, laid-back itinerary? Your answers will help narrow things down, with areas like Sukhumvit, the Riverside, or Bangkok Old Town all offering very different experiences.
We chose to stay at Ayathorn Bangkok, set in the heart of the historic district. It was an excellent base for temples and sightseeing, and it offered a quieter, more peaceful experience in the city while still being easy to get around. During our stay, there was ongoing construction right outside the hotel, but it did not disturb us at all. That said, it is worth checking whether the construction has been completed if you plan to book based on this recommendation.
🏨 Recommended Hotels in Bangkok
| Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok | Luxury Riverside | BOOK HERE |
| Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok at Chao Phraya River | Modern Luxury | BOOK HERE |
| Ayathorn Bangkok (We stayed here) | Modern Mid Range | BOOK HERE |
| Tim Mansion | Budget (Private) | BOOK HERE |
| nap in a blue moon | Budget (Hostel) | BOOK HERE |
Day 2: Full Day in Bangkok
Dedicate this day to exploring Bangkok. If you want to get the most out of the city without feeling overwhelmed, it is best to start early. Begin with temples that open earlier in the morning, such as Wat Benchamabophit or Wat Ratchanatdaram, before the crowds build up. From there, make your way to the Grand Palace, which opens at 8:30 am, allowing you to explore the complex before it gets too busy.
After the Grand Palace, walk to nearby Wat Pho to see the famous Reclining Buddha. From there, take a short ferry ride across the Chao Phraya River to Wat Arun, which offers incredible views of the river and city from its central prang.
In the afternoon, explore the Rattanakosin area, visit the National Museum if you’re interested in Thai history, or head to one of Bangkok’s famous shopping centers like MBK Center or Siam Paragon. End your day at a rooftop bar with city views, or explore the street food scene at Yaowarat (Chinatown) for dinner.
Download the Grab app for easy taxi rides, or use the BTS Skytrain and MRT metro system for faster travel during rush hour
Day 3: Bangkok to Ayutthaya
On day three, take a day trip to Ayutthaya, Thailand’s ancient capital. You can either join an organized tour for convenience or travel independently. Consider staying overnight to explore the temples at sunset and sunrise, when the lighting and weather condition is best.
We decided to skip this day trip, as well as the alternative visit to the Ancient City and the Erawan Museum, because we already had a full holiday by the time we arrived in Bangkok. Instead, we spent the day shopping, watching the Songkran parade, and joining in the water fights along Khao San Road.
There is so much to see and do in Bangkok that day three is best left flexible, allowing you to pick your own adventure before transferring to Chiang Mai the next day.
Day 4: Morning in Bangkok/Ayutthaya and Transfer to Chiang Rai
On day four, take a direct morning flight from Bangkok to Chiang Rai. This city is located about 3 hours north of Chiang Mai and is home to the infamous White Temple (Wat Rong Khun), an unconventional temple covered in white plaster and mirrors that reflects light in dazzling ways. You can also visit the Blue Temple, Red Temple and the Black House museum in the same area.
Flying directly to Chiang Rai helps you avoid an additional three hour road trip if you choose to commute from Chiang Mai, and while the city can be visited as a day trip from Chiang Mai, I think it is worth staying at least one night so you can explore at a more relaxed pace.
Read about our 2-night stay in Chiang Rai
Read more
After checking in or dropping off your bags if you arrive early, you can start exploring by visiting any of the city’s famous attractions and markets.
Days 5: Morning in Chiang Rai and Transfer to Chiang Mai
On day five, begin with a sunrise visit to any remaining temples on your list – check opening times as some places open later in the day. After breakfast, check out and travel to Chai Lai Orchid Ecolodge, a rustic jungle retreat and elephant sanctuary, situated just outside Chiang Mai city centre.
Enjoy the evening leisurely with your new elephant friends.
Day 6-7: Full Days in Chiang Mai
On day six, start your morning with the iconic elephant room service breakfast, then choose one of the available tours to fill the rest of the morning. We opted for bamboo rafting and an elephant bathing experience, both of which were memorable highlights.
Later, transfer to closer to the city centre and spend the evening visiting food markets and any of the numerous temples dotted all over the city. Some options for day seven include Doi Suthep temple, Wat Chedi Luang, Wat Phra Singh and Wat Chiang Man. You can also consider visiting one of Chiang Mai’s many artisan workshops where you’ll find silk weavers, wood carvers, and painters at work.
🏨 Recommended Hotels in Chiang Mai
| Four Seasons Resort | Luxury | BOOK HERE |
| POR Singharat (We stayed here) | Modern Mid Range | BOOK HERE |
| Angmo Hostel by Amaka | Budget (Hostel) | BOOK HERE |
Day 8: Flight to Krabi
After breakfast in Chiang Mai, head to the airport for your flight to Krabi (approximately 2 hours). Upon arrival at Krabi Airport, you’ll need to decide whether to base yourself in Ao Nang, a beach town with good infrastructure, or Railay Beach, a scenic peninsula only accessible by boat.
We chose to spend two nights around Klong Muang Beach in Ao Nang because it made island hopping easier, and it was relatively quiet as well. We spent our last night around Ao Nang Beach, which was much livelier than Klong Muang. We enjoyed our hotel there, and it was nice to experience a different side of town. We visited Railay Beach as part of our island hopping tour.
🏨 Recommended Hotels in Krabi Area
| Rayavadee | Railay | Ultra Luxury | BOOK HERE |
| Railay Phutawan Resort | Railay | Mid Range | BOOK HERE |
| Krabilife Resort (We stayed here) | Klong Muang Beach | Budget | BOOK HERE |
Days 9-10: Full Days in Krabi Area
These days are for experiencing the incredible island-hopping opportunities around Krabi. On day nine, book a four-island tour that typically visits Railay Beach, Chicken Island, Tub Island, and Poda Island. The tour includes snorkelling equipment and lunch, and the limestone karsts rising from turquoise water create some of Thailand’s most iconic scenery.
Read about our 4-Island Tour with Boat and Beyond
Read more
On day ten, either take a day trip to the famous Hong Islands, known for their enclosed lagoon and pristine beaches, or explore Railay Beach more thoroughly if that’s where you’re staying. You can hike to the Railay Viewpoint (about 30 minutes, moderately challenging but worth it for the views), visit Phra Nang Cave, or try rock climbing if you’re adventurous.
Day 11: Transfer to Phuket
On day eleven, take a ferry or a taxi from Ao Nang to Phuket. Several ferry companies operate this route, with journeys taking 1.5 to 2.5 hours depending on the boat type. Alternatively, you can return to Krabi Town and take a bus to Phuket (approximately 3 hours), which is cheaper but takes longer.
Once in Phuket, head to your chosen area. Phuket is Thailand’s largest island with distinct zones – Patong for nightlife and parties, Kata and Karon for family-friendly beaches, Kamala for a quieter vibe, and Old Phuket Town for culture and architecture. We stayed in Kata Noi Beach, which offered a good balance of beach access, restaurants, and a relaxed atmosphere.
Spend the afternoon unwinding, exploring your beach area or wandering through Old Phuket Town if architecture and street art interest you. The Sino-Portuguese buildings there make for excellent photography, and the Sunday walking street market is worth attending if you’re there on the right day.
🏨 Recommended Hotels in Phuket
| Banyan Tree Phuket | Bang Tao Beach | Luxury | BOOK HERE |
| Orchidacea Resort (We stayed here) | Kata Beach | Mid Range | BOOK HERE |
| The Memory at On On Hotel | Old Town | Heritage Budget | BOOK HERE |
Day 12-13: Full Days in Phuket
Days twelve and thirteen are yours to spend as you please. If you are anything like me, by the time you arrive in Phuket, all you might want to do is take morning beach walks, get Thai massages, visit food markets, and maybe go on a few hikes.
That said, Phuket offers plenty to see and do. You can explore the Old Town, spend the day at a beach club, visit the famous Phi Phi Islands (personally, I would skip this if you already did island tours in Ao Nang), or stop by the Big Buddha to admire the panoramic views of the island. If you head that way, you can combine it with a visit to Wat Chalong, Phuket’s largest Buddhist temple.
And if you are a party lover, Phuket has no shortage of nightlife options as well.
Day 14: Departure or Thailand Extension
Finally, it’s time to say goodbye to Thailand. Depending on your flight time, you can spend the day leisurely before heading to the airport, or extend your trip for as long as your visa allows to explore more amazing destinations in the country.
And now, to wrap this Thailand itinerary post up, I’ll share a few tips to help plan your trip:
Getting Around Thailand
Flights: Domestic flights in Thailand are affordable and frequent. Bangkok Airways, Thai Airways, AirAsia, and Nok Air all operate extensively. Book in advance for better prices.
Trains: Overnight sleeper trains are available if you want this experience. Book through 12Go Asia or at train stations. The trains are slower but allow you to save a night’s accommodation if you’re on a budget.
Buses: VIP buses in Thailand are comfortable and much cheaper than flights. Companies like Nakhonchai Air operate high-quality overnight buses between major destinations.
Local Transport: In cities, use Grab (Southeast Asia’s Uber). On islands, rent a motorbike if you’re confident (helmets mandatory and enforced), or hire taxi drivers for day rates.
Thailand Itinerary – Final Tips
Visa: Nigerians need to apply for an evisa to enter Thailand. Read about the process here.
Money: ATMs are everywhere, but they charge 220 THB per withdrawal. Bring a card with no foreign transaction fees. Credit cards are accepted at hotels and larger restaurants but street vendors and small shops are cash-only.
Weather: November to February is cool and dry season (best time). March to May is hot season. June to October is rainy season but southern Thailand has different patterns. We were in Thailand in March and April – it was hot but not unbearable for us.
Dress Code: Cover shoulders and knees when visiting temples. Bring a sarong or light pants for this purpose.
SIM Card: My Airalo eSIM worked perfectly in Thailand.
Respect: Thailand is the “Land of Smiles” and friendly demeanor goes a long way. Learn basic Thai phrases like “Sawasdee Krap/Ka” (hello) and “Khop Khun Krap/Ka” (thank you). Never disrespect the royal family, as this is illegal.
I hope you found this 2 week Thailand itinerary insightful. Please feel free to leave any questions about the itineraries you have planned, and I will be happy to answer them. If you have visited Thailand before, I would love to hear about your experience. Share your thoughts in the comments below. Wishing you happy and safe travels.
