In as few as five days, you can experience authentic Thai culture on a trip to the southern bays or trekking around the villages in the country's north. With a week, there's enough time to go on an immersive tour of Chiang Mai or hit the trails on a multi-day hike of the northern mountains and rice paddies. And with 10 or 12 days, you can embark on a grand tour that includes Bangkok, the northern temples, and the sun-kissed southern beaches.
With five days in Thailand, it's best to tour the highlights of one region. See the highlights of the capital, Bangkok, or discover the temples of northern Thailand and the best of Chiang Mai. You may choose to get off the beaten path in the southern part of the country in Phang Nga Bay or even opt for a more culturally-focused trip by trekking between villages and homestays in the north.
With one week in Thailand, it's best to explore just one of its regions or opt for a tour of the country's many attractive islands. Travelers can discover the highlights of Bangkok and Phuket, island hop near Krabi, have a nature and culture-focused experience, or go trekking in Northern Thailand.
With eight days in Thailand, you can cover two to three destinations depending on your preferred pace. Start in Bangkok, and pair it with a trip to Chiang Mai and its villages in northern Thailand or with the beaches of Phuket to the south. Another option is to start in Chiang Mai and travel off-the-beaten track to the countryside and mountains by tuk-tuk. Consider an active adventure with hiking in Bua Tong National Park or more beach time with a few days in the Phi Phi Islands.
With nine days in Thailand, you can explore Bangkok's temples and relax on Phuket's beaches on a highlights tour, or add a trip to Chiang Mai to discover northern Thailand's villages on a well-rounded itinerary. For those looking to soak up the sun, opt for a trip to Phuket, Railay, and Krabi to spend your days between sandy beaches and turquoise waters. Lastly, a temple and culture-packed tour of Thailand and Cambodia highlights these countries' food, architecture, and markets.
With 10 days in Thailand, it's best to focus on two or three locations. The classic triad of Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and an island like Phuket or Koh Samui is certainly doable and an excellent choice for first-timers. However, you can also embark on regional trips that still provide a nice mix of city, beach, and culture while keeping travel time to a minimum.
Two weeks allows for plenty of ways to enjoy the best of Thailand, whether you opt for a classic tour of Bangkok and Chiang Mai or hop around tropical islands like Koh Samui. You can also get off the tourist trail with visits to hill-tribe villages and overnight stays in lakeside bungalows in national parks. Or channel your inner action hero on an adventure trek, countryside bike tour, jungle safari, and whitewater rafting trip.
