This two-week Thailand itinerary combines the best of big-city adventures, fantastic cuisine, rich cultural experiences, incredible islands and beaches, and romance!
Thailand really is a spectacularly beautiful romantic destination!
This welcoming Southeast Asian country offers a wealth of holiday delights, from temples and tropical beaches to five-star luxuries. While you could design a whole trip around the incredible local cuisine (so good!), we have a 14-day Thailand itinerary that loops in the holiday highlights you won’t find anywhere else.
Whatever your budget or travel style, the Kingdom of Thailand has destinations and experiences to suit. You can enjoy more luxury for less here, too, with five-star hotels, villas and resorts that are likely to be more lavish than anything you’ve experienced at home. With so many ways to fill your days, we don’t expect you to cover everything in one trip. So, here are some suggestions for bringing your 14-day itinerary in Thailand to life — time to start dreaming about your first adventure in Amazing Thailand!
Days 1-3 – Big City Fun in Bangkok
Bangkok is full of fabulous things to see and do – like the famous Wat Arun temple
Most international flights to Thailand arrive in the vibrant capital of Bangkok, making it the first and most logical stop. Bangkok melds rich Thai traditions with a modern urban vibe, making it a memorable start to any romantic adventure!
Check in to your big-city digs (there are SO many to choose from) and, if you have the energy, hit the local markets to shop for mementos, sample the legendary street food, and get a feel for this exciting metropolis. Try day market Wang Lang or the famous Chatuchak Weekend Market, home to over 15,000 stalls!
How about a Thai massage to unwind after your flight? Or perhaps a spot of retail therapy to update your wardrobe. The world is your oyster when you’re staying in a true 24/7 city. Although, as the sun sets, we highly recommend soaking up the glittering skyline vistas (and excellent cocktails) at Vertigo, a romantic rooftop dining experience atop the Banyan Tree Bangkok.
In the morning, start fresh with a little temple hopping. The Grand Palace is a must, as is the famed Wat Pho (‘wat’ means temple), home to a 46-metre-long golden Buddha statue. Wat Saket (Temple of the Golden Mount) is to the northeast and from here, you can take a boat along the Chao Phraya River to stop at one of the city’s most revered temples, Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn).
Looking for day trips around Bangkok? Swap one capital for another at the majestic UNESCO-listed ruins of the Ayutthaya kingdom, around 70 kilometres to the north. Once the Thai capital, Ayutthaya is home to a fascinating collection of ancient monasteries, temples, and archeological treasures. Don’t miss Wat Mahathat (Temple of the Great Relic) where you’ll find Buddha entwined in tree roots.
Or, if you’ve always wanted to see famed Damnoen Saduak Floating Market, head south-west to the waterways of Ratchaburi where merchants showcase their colourful offerings on small boats. Prefer something more leisurely? Hop aboard a river cruise. The Apsara Dinner Cruise is a luxurious and relaxing way to see the sights by night, hosted on a converted vintage rice barge. Gliding down the Chao Phraya River, you can take in the glittering temples and palaces on either side while enjoying sumptuous Thai cuisine. One for the highlights reel.
Travel tip: Bangkok is paradise for food-lovers, brimming with cheap and cheerful local gems through to swish Michelin-starred restaurants. Book ahead if you’re planning a romantic dinner at one of the latter.
Days 4-10 – Island Time
You’ve been wrapped up with planning and now you’ve probably had a few days of sightseeing in Bangkok. It’s been exciting, no doubt, but now is the time to relax and indulge! And where better to do that than beneath a coconut tree on one of Thailand’s stunning tropical islands?
Here’s where you get to choose your own adventure. Each of these three islands are perfect . Choose the one that fits you best and slip away for a few nights of R&R in a luxury resort or romantic boutique hideaway.
Travel tip: ‘Koh’ means island, and there are plenty of beauties to explore!
Koh Samui
Koh Samui is pure paradise for holiday makers. awash with five-star resorts, picture-perfect scenery, and plenty to delight everybody, whatever your holiday style. Located in the Gulf of Thailand, with direct flights from Bangkok, Samui is Thailand’s second largest island and offers natural beauty and luxury in abundance — all while maintaining an authentic island charm. Gourmands will love the local food scene, while party animals have plenty of options to keep them entertained after dark.
Tick off the tourist sites such as Big Buddha and the colourful Wat Plai Laem temple complex or tap into your adventurous side and rent a motorbike. You’ll find yoga, Thai cooking classes, massages, and plenty of beautiful beaches for the more relaxed couple while more active newlyweds will love the hiking and watersports. One of Samui’s hidden gems can be found in the middle of the island, the cascades of the Na Muang Waterfall!
An experience not to be missed is a day trip to the Ang Thong Marine National Park, a screensaver-ready sanctuary of islands characterised by towering limestone cliffs that rise from the shimmering waters. Snorkel, kayak and cruise around these otherworldly monoliths for a memorable honeymoon adventure. And if you’re keen on exploring a little further, a ferry service to nearby Koh Phangan makes it easy to venture off for a day or perhaps even a few nights.
Phuket
Phuket is one of the most popular destinations in Thailand, with direct flights from Bangkok and several other local destinations. Our tip? If you choose this as your island, we recommend sidestepping the tourist crush of Patong and heading for one of the quieter beach towns. Holiday makers will adore the luxury accommodation centred around Surin Beach, Kata Beach, Panwa Beach, Bang Tao Beach, Kamala Beach, or Nai Harn Beach.
As for things to do in Phuket, you’ll never run short of options on Thailand’s largest island. Find zen in one of the many beautiful temples, spend the day snorkelling or scuba diving, or enjoy the beach with toes in the sand and a drink in your hand. From pampering at a world-class day spa to dancing all night at one of the beach clubs, this is an island for everyone.
Crazy for cocktails? Try a rum tasting and signature mojito at the Chalong Bay Rum Distillery. Looking for thrills? See Phuket’s iconic beaches and outlying islands from the air with a helicopter joy flight. Whatever you do, don’t miss a stop at Wat Chalong where you can send prayers for an eternal bliss.
Koh Lanta
Dreaming of flying under the radar for a few days? Look to the lush landscapes and longtail boats of Koh Lanta, around an hour by ferry from Krabi (another great option as your holiday island). Braceleted by the crystal waters of the Andaman Sea, the draw here is almost a dozen white sandy beaches flanked by coral reefs.
Koh Lanta is best for those who prefer privacy over wild parties. This tropical island provides a more relaxed vibe, ideal for sneaking off for romantic moments or discovering this beautiful land at leisure, hand in hand. The Old Town is fascinating to explore and there are quaint beach restaurants and bars to complement the luxury hotels’ fine dining. Time for another massage? We thought so. You’ll be able to enjoy an affordable daily massage or splurge with a couple’s spa treatment at one of the indulgent resort spas.
For plenty of photo ops, head to the Mu Ko Lanta National Park at the southern tip of the island. As well as a substantial rainforest trek, a lighthouse, and beautiful beaches, this region is also home to a village of sea gypsies, called Chao Leh (meaning ‘people of the sea’).
Travel tip: Thanks to its relaxed vibe and relatively flat terrain, Koh Lanta is a great spot to hire a scooter and explore at your own pace. Alternatively, you could consider spending a few nights in Krabi instead. To help you make your decision, we have a comprehensive travel guide to Krabi available.
Days 10-13 – Discover Chiang Mai
You’ve discovered the treasures of Bangkok and experienced a few blissful days of island life. Now it’s time to change gears and travel north to the mountains of Chiang Mai for four nights of culture, shopping and adventure. This is Thailand’s lush northern hub (around 300 kilometres from Bangkok) but still carries a charming low-key vibe. There’s plenty to see and do in and around Chiang Mai so here’s a few ideas to get you started …
Visit one of Thailand’s holiest Buddhist sites, the ancient working monastery at Wat Phra That Doi Suthep. Wear comfy shoes because you’ll be climbing 309 steps (lined with mythical sea serpents) to reach the phenomenal panoramic view of Chiang Mai. So worth it. While in the area, consider a trip to the Hmong Tribal Village to discover the music, culture, and handicrafts of the Hmong hilltribes. Or take a picnic lunch to the popular multi-tiered Mae Sa Waterfall (also called Na Tok), located in the Doi Suthep-Pui National Park.
Thailand is a country of waterfalls, and you’ll find another of the best around 90 minutes’ drive from Chiang Mai’s Old City, in the Sri Lanna National Park. Hidden in the rainforest, Bua Tong (or the ‘Sticky Waterfall’) takes its name from the naturally non-slip ‘sticky’ surface of the limestone which allows visitors to free-climb the cascades.
For many, Thailand is synonymous with elephants. And if you’re looking for an ethical, sustainable tourism experience that keeps animal welfare at the forefront, do a little research to find organisations that do things right. We recommend Elephant Nature Park, a perfect day trip from Chiang Mai to add to your Thailand holiday itinerary.
While many elephant sanctuaries claim to care about the animals, this one has a strong track record of rescuing elephants from abusive situations and caring for them into old age. The Care for Elephants package lets you walk, bathe, and feed these gentle giants for a day, with unforgettable overnight options also available.
Keen to grab a few last souvenirs? Fossick for handicrafts and jewellery and sample the region’s delicious Chinese/Thai cuisine at the historic Warorot Market (also known as Kad Luang, meaning ‘big market’). Or lose a few hours in the malls, cafes, and boutiques of buzzing shopping district, Nimman. Wandering the lanes of the Old City is a special way to round out your Chiang Mai experience, and don’t miss an evening at the Night Bazaar, home to heaps of local food and places to grab a drink while listening to music and mingling with the locals.
Travel tip: When mapping out your travel in Thailand, keep in mind you may need to connect through Bangkok to reach Chiang Mai, depending on which island you’re flying from.
Day 14 – Back to Bangkok
On this last day, you’ll probably catch your international flight back home from Bangkok. Don’t be surprised if your 14-day Thailand holiday has flown by and you’re already noting down ‘next time’ ideas. Have a few more days available? Then you can keep travelling through Asia via the airport at Chiang Mai.
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