14 Days in Thailand: Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai and the Southern Islands

Get ready for two weeks that take you from glittering royal temples and busy river piers to cool northern hills, then on to limestone cliffs rising out of warm Andaman water. This plan is for first-time visitors who want the classic Thailand loop in one trip: three days in Bangkok, four in Chiang Mai, two in Chiang Rai and five on the coast around Krabi.

The pace is steady, not frantic. Most days have one big highlight in the morning, a lighter afternoon and a relaxed evening. Three travel days are built in. Feel free to drop a day trip and just enjoy the place you’re in. Plan less, see more.

At a glance

Day	Area	Highlights
1	Bangkok, Rattanakosin	Grand Palace, Wat Pho, Wat Arun
2	Bangkok, Chinatown and river	Express boats, Yaowarat street food
3	Ayutthaya day trip	Ruined royal capital
4	Chiang Mai Old City	Temples in the moated old town, night market
5	Chiang Mai, Doi Suthep	Mountain temple, Nimman cafes
6	Doi Inthanon	National park, waterfalls
7	Chiang Mai	Cooking class, craft villages
8	Chiang Rai	Greenbus north, Blue Temple
9	Chiang Rai	White Temple, Baan Dam
10	Krabi, Ao Nang	Fly south, beach sunset
11	Railay	Beaches you can only reach by boat, cliffs
12	Phi Phi Islands	Island boat trip
13	Krabi	Beach or kayak day
14	Departure	Fly home via Bangkok

Day 1: Royal Bangkok

Morning

Kick off your adventure at the Grand Palace, right when it opens. It’s open daily from 8:30 to 15:30. The ticket for foreigners is THB 500 and covers Wat Phra Kaew (the Temple of the Emerald Buddha) and the Queen Sirikit Museum of Textiles. Only buy tickets at the entrance gate or on the official website. The dress code is strict: no sleeveless tops, no shorts, no torn, tight or bike pants and no mini skirts. To get there, take the orange-flag Chao Phraya Express Boat to Tha Chang pier (N9), or the MRT to Sanam Chai.

Afternoon

Wat Pho is right next to the palace. It’s open 8:00 to 19:30, entry is THB 300 and children under 120 cm go free. Shorts are not allowed. Give your feet a treat at the temple’s traditional massage school, where a 60-minute Thai massage costs THB 520.

On weekdays, the official palace site says Grand Palace ticket holders can also see a 25-minute Khon masked-dance show at Sala Chalermkrung Royal Theatre (13:00, 14:30 or 16:00). A shuttle leaves from Phiman Deves Gate 30 minutes before each show. Check the site for dates with no show.

Evening

From Tha Tien pier, take the ferry across the river to Wat Arun and watch the light change as the sun goes down. Check the entry fee and closing time when you get there.

Day 2: Chinatown and the river

Morning

This is the day to soak up old Bangkok. Take the express boat downriver and wander Chinatown’s lanes around Yaowarat and Talat Noi, with old shophouses, shrines and street art. Go early, before the heat builds.

Afternoon

Slow down with a long lunch and some air-conditioned downtime, or stroll through Lumphini Park, a green space in the business district.

Evening

Head back to Yaowarat after dark, when the street food stalls light up the main road. Choose busy stalls where food doesn’t sit around.

Day 3: Ayutthaya day trip

Morning

Time for a trip back in history! Head north to Ayutthaya, the former royal capital and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Trains leave Bangkok throughout the day. Check timetables and fares on the State Railway of Thailand (SRT) website.

Afternoon

Explore the ruined temples by bicycle or hired tuk-tuk. Agree the price and route before you set off.

Evening

Return to Bangkok. If you’d rather go north by train than fly, the overnight sleeper to Chiang Mai leaves from Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal. Book early on the official SRT site, because sleeper berths sell out.

Day 4: Chiang Mai Old City

Morning

Hello, north! Fly to Chiang Mai International Airport, or arrive on the sleeper. Drop your bags and enjoy the slower, cooler pace of the north.

Afternoon

Walk around the moated Old City. Wat Chedi Luang, with its huge ruined chedi, and Wat Phra Singh are both inside the walls, a short walk apart. Some temples charge foreigners a small fee. Only pay at the official desk.

Evening

Browse the Night Bazaar area east of the Old City, then try northern dishes such as sai ua sausage.

Day 5: Doi Suthep and Nimman

Morning

Get ready for a golden morning. Head up the mountain to Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, the golden temple overlooking the city, and climb the naga staircase. Shared red songthaews and ride-hailing apps both go up. Agree any fixed price before you leave. Dress modestly.

Afternoon

Come back down to Nimmanhaemin (Nimman), Chiang Mai’s café and design district, for coffee and boutiques.

Evening

Order khao soi, the north’s creamy curry noodle soup, and get an early night.

Day 6: Doi Inthanon National Park

Morning

Today is all about mountain air and waterfalls. Join a licensed day tour or hire a driver for Doi Inthanon National Park, with its summit forests, twin royal pagodas and waterfalls. Bring a warm layer for the higher ground.

Afternoon

Stop at the waterfalls and a hill-tribe market on the way back. Stay well away from fast-flowing water after heavy rain.

Evening

Back in town, book a foot massage and rest your legs.

Day 7: Cooking and crafts

Morning

Save your appetite for today! Take a Thai cooking class that starts with a market visit. You’ll learn dishes you can cook again at home.

Afternoon

Explore the craft villages east of the city, known for paper umbrellas, silk and woodwork. If you want to see elephants, we suggest an observation-only sanctuary run by a licensed operator rather than a riding trek.

Evening

Pack for the trip north and enjoy a last dinner in Chiang Mai.

Day 8: North to Chiang Rai

Morning

Onward to Chiang Rai! Take a Greenbus from Chiang Mai Bus Terminal 3 (Arcade) to Chiang Rai. The route follows Highway 118 through the hills and takes about 3 to 4 hours. Book online through FairFair, Greenbus’s official booking channel, up to 30 days ahead. Check your ticket to see which terminal you arrive at.

Afternoon

Check in, then visit Wat Rong Suea Ten, the Blue Temple, with its deep sapphire interior.

Evening

See the city’s golden clock tower, then snack your way around the night bazaar.

Day 9: White Temple and Black House

Morning

Get ready to be dazzled: arrive at Wat Rong Khun, the White Temple, early. Artist Chalermchai Kositpipat created this dazzling temple, covered in pieces of mirror. Foreigners pay an entry fee, so check the price at the official counter. Cover your shoulders and knees.

Afternoon

Visit Baan Dam Museum, the dark, dramatic “Black House” complex of the late artist Thawan Duchanee. It’s a striking contrast to the morning.

Evening

Pack and relax. Thinking about the Golden Triangle? The UK government (FCDO) warns that the security situation in neighbouring Myanmar is unpredictable, so follow local advice in border areas.

Day 10: Fly south to Krabi

Morning

Beach time is calling! Fly from Mae Fah Luang Chiang Rai International Airport to Krabi. You’ll usually change planes in Bangkok. Check airlines for current routes.

Afternoon

Settle into Ao Nang, the main beach base for boat trips.

Evening

Watch the sunset over the limestone islands, then have a seafood dinner.

Day 11: Railay

Morning

This is the day for cliffs and clear water. Take a longtail boat from Ao Nang to Railay, a car-free peninsula cut off by cliffs. Walk to Phra Nang Cave Beach.

Afternoon

Swim, kayak or try rock climbing with an established school. Only swim where it’s safe, and follow the beach flags.

Evening

Stay for the sunset, but find out when the last boat back leaves before you settle in.

Day 12: Phi Phi Islands

Morning

Get set for a classic island day. Book a full-day boat trip to the Phi Phi Islands with a reputable, licensed operator. The islands are part of a national park, so there’s a park fee. Ask your operator for the current amount.

Afternoon

Snorkel, swim and admire the lagoons. Maya Bay closes for part of the year so it can recover, so check it’s open before you book.

Evening

Back in Ao Nang, cool off with a cold coconut and an easy dinner.

Day 13: Your choice

Morning

Your day, your way: have a slow beach morning, or join a sea-kayaking trip through mangroves and caves.

Afternoon

Pop into Krabi Town for local markets, riverside temples and a look at everyday life away from the beaches.

Evening

Enjoy a farewell dinner by the sea. You’ve earned it.

Day 14: Departure

Morning

Time to say goodbye. Fly from Krabi to Bangkok for your international connection, or straight home if your airline flies direct. Leave plenty of time between flights.

Afternoon

If you have spare time at the airport, pick up last snacks and souvenirs.

Evening

Fly home with sand in your shoes and ideas for your next trip.

Getting there and getting around

Entry. Entry rules depend on your nationality, and some passports saw changes in 2026. Check the official Thai E-Visa portal before you book. Every foreign visitor must also fill in the Thailand Digital Arrival Card online, within the 3 days before you arrive. Only use the official immigration website.

From Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK). The public taxi counter and ticket machines are on Floor 1, between Gate 4 and Gate 7, and are open 24 hours. You pay the meter fare plus a THB 50 airport charge, and passengers pay the expressway tolls. The Airport Rail Link train also runs into the city and connects with the BTS Skytrain. Check fares and hours on the official SRT Electrified Train website.

In Bangkok. The Chao Phraya Express Boat links the riverside sights, the BTS Skytrain and MRT cover the modern city, and ride-hailing apps are widely used. For the Skytrain, a top-up Rabbit card saves queueing for tickets. Check the official BTS site for current options.

Between cities. From Bangkok, fly or take the sleeper train to Chiang Mai. Then take the Greenbus to Chiang Rai (about 3 to 4 hours) and fly from Chiang Rai to Krabi. In Chiang Mai, red songthaews (shared pickup trucks) are the main way to get around.

Where to stay

• Bangkok, Riverside and Rattanakosin: steps from the palace and temples, with easy boat access. Great for sightseeing.
• Bangkok, Sukhumvit or Siam: on the Skytrain, with malls and food everywhere. Good for shoppers and night owls.
• Chiang Mai, Old City or Nimman: the Old City puts temples within walking distance, while Nimman is best for café lovers.
• Chiang Rai, city centre near the clock tower: close to the night bazaar and bus terminals.
• Krabi, Ao Nang or Railay: Ao Nang for boat trips and restaurants, Railay for car-free calm.

Budget

These costs are confirmed on official sources. Hotels, meals, domestic flights, tours and international flights vary a lot by season and travel style, so they aren’t included. Price them when you book.

Item	Typical cost
Grand Palace (incl. Wat Phra Kaew and textile museum)	THB 500
Wat Pho entry	THB 300
Thai massage at Wat Pho school, 60 minutes	THB 520
Khon show ticket bought at Sala Chalermkrung	THB 400
Suvarnabhumi public taxi	Meter + THB 50 airport charge + tolls
Greenbus Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai	Check fares on FairFair
Phi Phi national park fee	Check with your operator

Practical tips

• Dress for temples: cover your shoulders and knees, and wear shoes that come off easily. At Wat Pho, you take your shoes off before entering religious buildings, and women must not touch monks.
• Opening times: start early. The Grand Palace closes at 15:30 and Wat Pho at 19:30.
• Money: keep your card in sight when you pay, and use ATMs inside banks, because card skimming has been reported.
• SIM or eSIM: buy a tourist SIM or eSIM from a major Thai mobile operator at the airport or online. Compare plans on the operators’ own websites.
• Carry ID: police may ask to see your passport. A copy of the photo page is usually enough.
• Emergencies: call 191 for police, ambulance and fire, 1669 for an ambulance and 1155 for the Tourist Police. The Thailand Tourist Police app works without a Thai SIM.
• Weather: the rainy season is generally May to October. On Koh Samui and the south-east coast, though, it usually runs November to March. That’s why this winter route goes to the Andaman side.

Heads-up

Thailand is a joy to visit, and a few sensible habits keep it that way. Everything below comes from the UK government’s travel advice and official attraction websites.

• Tuk-tuks and touts: the Grand Palace website warns that tuk-tuks will probably overcharge for short trips nearby. Only buy palace tickets at the gate or on the official website.
• Bags and passports: watch out for bag snatchers on motorbikes. Never leave your passport as a deposit with scooter or jet-ski rental shops.
• Drinks: drink spiking and methanol poisoning have happened. Never leave your drink unattended, and get medical help fast if someone feels unwell after drinking.
• Vapes and smoking: having or using any vape or e-cigarette is illegal, and tourists are not exempt. You can be fined for smoking in public.
• Alcohol hours: alcohol can’t be sold between midnight and 11:00, except in licensed hotels, airport terminals and authorised venues.
• Cannabis: medical use only, with a Thai prescription. Recreational use is illegal.
• Monarchy: criticising the Thai royal family is illegal and can lead to long prison sentences.
• Drones: you must register your drone with the NBTC (Thailand’s telecoms regulator) within 30 days of arriving.
• Roads and scooters: motorbike accidents are common, and rental scooters are often unregistered. Helmets are required by law, and your insurance may not cover you without the right licence.
• Sea and boats: swimmers have drowned in riptides, so obey red flags. Don’t board overloaded boats or go out in rough seas.
• Elephants: visitors have been injured and killed on elephant treks. Only use licensed operators.
• Air quality: Bangkok and Chiang Mai can get seasonal smoke haze, which can make asthma worse.
• Areas to skip: the FCDO advises against all but essential travel to the southern provinces on the Malaysian border and to anywhere within 20 km of the land border with Cambodia. None of these are on this route.

FAQ

Is 14 days enough for Bangkok, the north and the islands?

Yes, at a steady pace. You get three days in Bangkok, six in the north and five by the sea, with three travel days built in.

Do I need a visa for Thailand?

It depends on your passport, and the rules changed in 2026 for some nationalities. Check the official Thai E-Visa portal, and fill in the Digital Arrival Card within the 3 days before you land.

What should I wear to the Grand Palace?

Cover your shoulders and legs. Sleeveless tops, shorts, mini skirts and torn or tight trousers aren’t allowed.

Can I swap Krabi for Koh Samui?

You can, but on Koh Samui and the south-east coast the rainy season usually runs from November to March. The Andaman coast is a better fit for a winter trip.

Can I bring my vape?

No. Having or using vapes and e-cigarettes is illegal in Thailand, and tourists are not exempt.