Temples, jungles, and pristine beaches – the ultimate Thai adventure
November to February for dry, pleasant weather
$100-500 per day depending on style
Grand Palace, Doi Suthep, Phi Phi Islands
Arrive at BKK, check into hotel near Riverside or Sukhumvit
Bangkok
Wat Saket (Golden Mount) for panoramic views
Pom Prap Sattru Phai
Chao Phraya River dinner cruise or street food at Yaowarat
Chinatown
💡 Pro Tip:
Use the Airport Rail Link to avoid Bangkok's notorious traffic.
Grand Palace & Wat Phra Kaew (Emerald Buddha)
Phra Nakhon
Wat Pho (Reclining Buddha) & Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn)
Riverside
Rooftop bar with Wat Arun views
Riverside
💡 Pro Tip:
Dress modestly: no shorts or sleeveless tops for palace and temples.
Flight or train to Chiang Mai
Don Mueang/Suvarnabhumi
Check into Old City hotel & explore local temples
Chiang Mai Old City
Chiang Mai Night Bazaar for shopping and food
Chang Klan Road
💡 Pro Tip:
Domestic flights are cheap and save 10+ hours compared to the train.
Ethical Elephant Sanctuary visit
Chiang Mai Highlands
Wat Phra That Doi Suthep at sunset
Doi Suthep
Traditional Khantoke dinner and cultural show
Chiang Mai
💡 Pro Tip:
Research sanctuaries carefully - ensure they are truly ethical and do not allow riding.
Direct flight to Phuket or Krabi
Chiang Mai Airport
Check into beach resort & relax by the Andaman Sea
Patong/Ao Nang
Beachfront dinner & sunset drinks
Andaman Coast
💡 Pro Tip:
Pre-book airport transfers to avoid being overcharged by local taxis.
Speedboat tour to Maya Bay & Phi Phi Don
Andaman Sea
Snorkeling at Bamboo Island or Pileh Lagoon
Phi Phi Archipelago
Phuket Old Town or Krabi Night Market
Phuket/Krabi
💡 Pro Tip:
Join an early-bird tour to arrive at Maya Bay before the massive crowds.
Last swim or Thai massage on the beach
Resort
Souvenir shopping in local markets
Phuket/Krabi
Transfer to HKT or KBV airport for departure
Airport
💡 Pro Tip:
A 1-hour Thai massage on the beach usually costs around ฿300-400.
✓ Pros:
Perfect weather, clear skies, calm seas
✗ Cons:
Peak prices, very crowded
✓ Pros:
Great for beaches, Songkran Festival (April)
✗ Cons:
Extremely hot (35°C+), smoky season in North
✓ Pros:
Lowest prices, lush green landscapes
✗ Cons:
Heavy rain, rough seas (some islands closed)
| Category | Budget | Mid-Range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation (6 nights) | $300-600 | $700-1500 | $3000+ |
| Meals & Street Food | $150-250 | $400-700 | $1200+ |
| Domestic Flights/Transport | $150-250 | $300-500 | $800+ |
| Activities & Tours | $200-350 | $500-900 | $1500+ |
| TOTAL (per person) | $800-1450 | $1900-3600 | $6500+ |
Download Grab for fair-priced rides
Always insist on the meter in Bangkok taxis
BTS Skytrain and MRT are best for Bangkok city travel
Book domestic flights (AirAsia/Thai Lion) weeks in advance
Longtail boats are the iconic way to see the islands
Motorbike rentals are risky - ensure you have an international permit
Not drinking enough water (dehydration is common)
Taking unmetered Tuk-Tuks without agreeing on price
Underestimating the distance between North and South
Falling for 'The Palace is closed' scam in Bangkok
Riding elephants or supporting unethical animal tourism
Disrespecting the Royal Family or Buddha images