14 days in Thailand: itinerary

The classic 14-day loop runs north first, then south: Bangkok, a night at Ayutthaya, a flight to Chiang Mai, a short hop to Chiang Rai, then a flight down to the Andaman side for Khao Sok and the coast. It uses two or three domestic flights and keeps long bus days to a minimum.

The alternative is to skip the north and spend the second week on the Gulf islands (Samui, Phangan, Tao) when the Andaman side is wet. Both routes fit 14 days without rushing; trying to add Isaan or a second coast does not.

Days 1–3, Bangkok. Grand Palace and Wat Pho early, river boats between stops, Chinatown street food at night. Use day 3 for a half-day market or a mall-and-massage day before the northern flight.

Day 4, Ayutthaya. Morning train from Bangkok, bicycle the ruins in the afternoon, sleep in town rather than rushing back.

Days 5–7, Chiang Mai. Old-city temples, a cooking class, Doi Suthep and the night markets. Day 7 can be a day trip to Chiang Dao or a slow day in the city.

Day 8, Chiang Rai. Bus up in the morning, White Temple and Blue Temple in the afternoon, night market in the evening.

Days 9–10, Khao Sok. Fly south, transfer to the park, one night in a floating raft house on the lake and one in the village or rainforest.

Days 11–14, Krabi or Koh Lanta. Longtail boats to Railay and the Hong islands, or a slower beach pace on Koh Lanta. Keep day 14 free for the flight home via Bangkok.

Domestic flights are the backbone of this route. Bangkok to Chiang Mai is about 1 h 15 m; Chiang Rai to Surat Thani or Phuket usually connects through Bangkok and eats most of a day. Book early for the best fares, and allow 2 h at the airport.

Trains and buses cover the short legs: Bangkok to Ayutthaya by train in 1–2 h, Ayutthaya to Chiang Mai by day train, Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai by bus in 3–4 h. On the coast, songthaews, taxis and longtail boats handle the last stretch; agree the fare before you get in.

Bangkok: riverside or Silom for temples and boats, Sukhumvit for malls and nightlife. Chiang Mai: inside the old city for temples and markets, Nimman for cafés and a younger crowd. Chiang Rai: near the night market or the bus station for one night.

Khao Sok: one night on the lake in a raft house and one in the village or a jungle lodge. Krabi: Ao Nang for boats and restaurants, Railay for cliffs and quiet. Koh Lanta: the long west-coast beaches for families and slow days.

A mid-range 14-day trip costs roughly THB 35,000–90,000 per person (about USD 1,000–2,600), excluding international flights. Budget travellers who use buses, hostels and street food can come in near the lower end; resort stays and domestic flights push it up.

The biggest variables are domestic flights, island accommodation in high season and any liveaboard or diving course. Add a buffer for weather changes and one extra night if a boat is cancelled.

Swap the north for the Gulf: Bangkok, Ayutthaya, then fly to Samui or Phangan for the second week. This suits Feb–Sep travel when the Andaman side is wet.

Skip Khao Sok and add nights to Chiang Mai and the coast if you prefer fewer transfers. If you have less time, the 10-day route drops the north or the lake; the 7-day route keeps Bangkok plus one region.