More Itineraries For 1-3 weeks In The Land Of Smiles

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More Sample Itineraries For Hapless Vacation Planners

Guest contributor: The Wandering Albatross 

Thailand. The land of smiles, questionable street food, and decisions, decisions, decisions! How long do you actually need to soak it all in? From bustling Bangkok to serene beaches and ancient ruins, here are itineraries for every type of traveler.

Quick Note on Getting Around: Thailand's a breeze! Flights for long distances (think Bangkok to Chiang Mai or the islands) are fast and often cheap. Trains offer a scenic, slower option (sleeper trains save on accommodation!). Buses are budget-friendly. For island hopping, it's all about ferries and speedboats. In cities, use tuk-tuks, taxis, or Grab (their version of Uber).

1 Week: The "I'm Only Here for a Minute, But Make It Count!"

Got limited time? You'll be zipping, but it'll be epic. Btw, stick to two regions.

Option 1: Culture & City Blitz

  • Bangkok: 3 Days
  • Chiang Mai: 3 Days
  • Travel Day: 1 Day (between cities & departure)
  • Transfers: Fly Bangkok-Chiang Mai.

Option 2: Beach Bum Express

  • Bangkok: 2 Days
  • Phuket and/or Krabi: 4 Days
  • Travel Day: 1 Day (between cities & departure)
  • Transfers: Fly Bangkok-Phuket/Krabi.

Option 3: Bangkok & Beyond

  • Bangkok: 4 Days
  • Koh Samet or Hua Hin: 2 Days
  • Travel Day: 1 Day (between cities & departure)
  • Transfers: Bus/train to coast.

10 Days: The "Just Enough Time to Get Sunburnt"

A bit more breathing room for extra mango sticky rice.

Option 1: North & South Mix (Rather Rushed)

  • Bangkok: 3 Days
  • Chiang Mai: 3 Days
  • Koh Samui or Krabi: 3 Days
  • Travel Day: 1 Day (between cities & departure)
  • Transfers: Fly Bangkok-Chiang Mai, then Chiang Mai-Krabi/Koh Samui.

Option 2: Culture Deep Dive

  • Bangkok: 4 Days
  • Sukhothai: 2 Days
  • Chiang Mai: 3 Days
  • Travel Day: 1 Day (between cities & departure)
  • Transfers: Plane/bus/train.

Option 3: Island Hopper's Paradise

  • Bangkok: 2 Days
  • Phuket and/or Krabi: 4 Days
  • Phi Phi Islands: 2 Days
  • Travel Days: 2 Days (between cities/islands & departure)
  • Transfers: Fly Bangkok-Phuket/Krabi, then ferries between islands.

2 Weeks: The "I'm Basically a Local Now"

You're getting comfortable, maybe even attempting some Thai phrases!

Option 1: North Express & Island Hopping (Rather Rushed)

  • Bangkok: 3 Days
  • Sukhothai/Ayutthaya: 2 Days
  • Chiang Mai & Pai: 4 Days
  • Phuket and/or Krabi: 4 Days
  • Travel Days: 1 Day (between regions & departure)
  • Transfers: Plane/bus/train.

Option 2: Off-the-Beaten-Path Explorer

  • Bangkok: 4 Days
  • Ayutthaya: 2 Days
  • Sukhothai: 2 Days
  • Chiang Mai: 5 Days
  • Travel Day: 1 Day (between regions & departure)
  • Transfers: Plane/bus.

Option 3: Tropical Island Odyssey

  • Bangkok: 3 Days
  • Koh Samui & Koh Phangan: 6 Days
  • Koh Tao: 4 Days
  • Travel Day: 1 Day (between regions & departure)
  • Transfers: Fly Bangkok-Koh Samui, ferries between islands.

3 Weeks: The "I Might Just Move Here"

You've mastered the art of bargaining and know your preferred brand of Thai iced tea.

Option 1: North to South Grand Tour

  • Bangkok: 4 Days
  • Northern Thailand (Chiang Mai, Pai, Mae Hong Son Loop): 6 Days
  • Central Plains (Sukhothai, Kanchanaburi): 4 Days
  • Southern Islands (Koh Lanta, Phi Phi, Krabi): 6 Days
  • Travel Days: 1 Day (between regions & departure)
  • Transfers: Mix of flights, trains, minivans, and ferries.

Option 2: Deep Dive & Relax

  • Bangkok & Central Escape (Khao Yai NP): 6 Days
  • Northern Retreat (Chiang Mai, Pai, Chiang Rai): 7 Days
  • Southern Serenity (Trang Islands, Koh Lanta, Krabi): 7 Days
  • Travel Days: 1 Day (between regions & departure)
  • Transfers: Mix of flights, buses, and ferries.

Option 3: Beach Bum Ultimate

  • Bangkok: 3 Days
  • Phuket & Phang Nga Bay: 5 Days
  • Krabi & Koh Phi Phi: 5 Days
  • Koh Lanta & Southern Islands (Trang Islands): 6 Days
  • Travel Days: 2 Days (between regions & departure)
  • Transfers: Mix of flights and ferries.

No matter your timeline, Thailand is ready to dazzle, delight, and maybe even challenge your spice tolerance. Pack smart, stay hydrated, and get ready for an unforgettable adventure!

Note: These sample itineraries are adaptable to your own interests and travel style. Swap destinations, shorten or lengthen stays and be creative!

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