Last updated on November 25th, 2022
Sawadika! One of the most pampering destinations in the world, you simply cannot go wrong with a trip Thailand. Exotic, diverse and beautifully chaotic – every traveler must make the pilgrimage to Thailand at least once in their lifetime, though I can almost guarantee there will be a return visit. Impressive temples and colorful markets await you in the mega-city of Bangkok, while on the outer islands, your decisions will vary from when to get a massage to when exactly to go for that fruit shake? While mass tourism has certainly taken away a lot of the charm, this 14 days in Thailand sample itinerary will help you outsmart the bandwagon crowds!
Thailand is one of the best value-for-money destinations in the world and it’s also one of the prettiest places you’ll ever visit. The problem is that you ain’t the only ones that have figured this out. So if you’re looking to have the place all to yourself, look elsewhere. Thailand lives and breathes tourism. In fact, tourists are pretty much everywhere you look. Kind of like Bangkok smog. But have no fear – with a little bit of planning, you will have a memorable experience.
Several sections make up this guide:
I traveled to Thailand during the second half of November on a couple’s trip. We were living in Ireland at the time, so sun and beaches were our top priority. We, unfortunately, didn’t have enough time to visit Chiang Mai – a charming northern city with magnificent temples, a laid-back vibe, top-notch food, and awesome nature nearby. Looking back, all our beach stops were great but Railay Beach was not as impressive as we had hoped. So, we could have used these three days for Chiang Mai or as extra days in Ko Phi Phi and especially in Ko Lanta.
Listed in this section are general travel tips for Thailand. Later sections will highlight specific tips for the various stops on this two-week Thailand itinerary.
If you’re visiting Thailand on a short holiday – choosing the right island or beach destination is a real challenge. You’ll hear conflicting recommendations from friends and might attempt to squeeze in as many stops as you possibly can. Keep in mind that Thailand is huge! Its best islands and beaches are concentrated in the southern Gulf of the Andaman Sea (Railay Beach, Ko Phi Phi, Phuket, Ko Lanta) and in the Bay of Thailand (Ko Tao, Ko Phangan, Ko Samui). The most important factor when choosing your stops is the weather. Here’s a general rule of thumb:
In any case – unless you like package holidays – avoid staying in Phuket, Pattaya, and Krabi. Not that these are not necessarily nice places, but they lack the authenticity that independent travelers usually seek. I also advise spending at least 3-5 nights at each stop. This will not only allow you to unwind and enjoy the beach but also explore the surrounding area on awesome day trips. Also keep in mind that transfers from one island to another take a few hours either by land or sea, so it’s best to keep these to a minimum.
Finally – I haven’t been to all of Thailand’s islands and beaches, but here are the best choices:
Andaman Sea (Nov-Apr)
Bay of Thailand (Dec-Apr)