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The Ultimate 10 Day Thailand Itinerary

Posted on Last updated: March 7, 2024

Categories Asia , Guides , Thailand , Travel Guides

Creating a 10 day Thailand itinerary is not an easy task.  Not an easy task at all!  

Why is that?

Well, you know how most countries excel in only one specific tourist area. For example – you go to the Maldives to get a nice island vacation, you  explore Rome  to taste ( literally ) the unique culture and history ( and pizza ), you journey through South Africa to marvel at the stunning nature and wildlife.

Well unlike most countries in the world,  Thailand excels in plenty of traveling niches  thus creating an ultimate 10 day Thailand itinerary that covers all of them is impossible.

The good news is, since you’re already set on for adventure in the land of smiles, you probably have an idea what you want to do there. That’s why I  tailor-made a few entirely different 10 day Thailand itineraries  that won’t only cover different travel styles and needs, but are also guaranteed to make you want to come back and experience more of this South-East Asian jewel of a country. Enjoy!

10 Day Thailand Itinerary – Destinations

Before we get into the detailed itinerary, we’ll get to know to most popular places in the country. And boy oh boy, aren’t they all spectacular!

Just a little preview – the most visited city in the world, not one but two ancient capitals, the best diving island in the world, one of the top foodie cities in Asia, some of the very best nightlife hubs and of course the iconic white-sand movie beaches.

Yeah, all of that is in Thailand! No more teasing. Here are the places covered in the 10 day Thailand itinerary:

The capital of Thailand, the most visited city in the world, The City of Angels or Krung Thep Mahanakhon Amon Rattanakosin Mahinthara Ayuthaya Mahadilok Phop Noppharat Ratchathani Burirom Udomratchaniwet Mahasathan Amon Piman Awatan Sathit Sakkathattiya Witsanukam Prasit (that is it’s real name!).

No matter how you call it, Bangkok is one of those places you simply must see to comprehend. Extremely colorful, buzzing nightlife and distinctive culture, with it’s two international airports, the chances are high the capital of Thailand will be the first city on your 10 day Thailand itinerary.

What to do in Bangkok?

The grand palace and the temple of the emerald buddha (wat phra kaew).

The Grand Palace is the biggest highlight of the Thai capital and one of the  most prominent landmarks in the country . Skipping it is simply inexcusable.

The palace area is a complex of 30-ish colorful and exotic buildings, most famous of which is Wat Phra Kaew – the Temple of the Emerald Buddha.

One of the most important temples in the country, Wat Phra Kaew houses the statue of The Emerald Buddha that only the king is allowed to touch. The legend has it that the image was carved in India and it was prophesied it would bring “prosperity and pre-eminence to each country in which it resides”. There are plenty of other cool temples around the Grand Palace. To see more pictures and info about them, you can check out my  Bangkok Temples Guide .

Castaway Tip Mind your clothing when you visit the Grand Palace. Men must wear long pants and shirts with sleeves. As for the women – no skirts, no shorts, no see-through clothes, bare shoulders, etc. If you show up at the front gate improperly dressed, there is a booth near the entrance that can provide clothes and cover you up properly (not for free though).

Temple of The Reclining Buddha (Wat Pho)

Wat Pho or The Temple of the Reclining Buddha is another popular attraction that should be an integral part of your  Bangkok itinerary . With 394 Buddha images, this temple is one of the most picturesque ones I’ve ever set my foot into. The cherry on the top is the giant 15 meters tall, 46 meters long reclining Buddha and the 108 wish-granting bronze bowls.

Castaway Tip Wat Pho is well-known as a center for traditional massage and medicine and one of the best places in town to get a Thai massage.

Khao San Road

And before you start thinking Bangkok is just temples, here is one of the most legendary party streets in the world – Khao San Road. A perfect place to get a delicious Pad Thai (from a stall), get a foot massage (on the street), eat a scorpion on a stick( or look how other crazy people eat a scorpion on a stick) and get wasted with (literally) a bucket of (questionable) alcohol. Khao San has earned its reputation a long time ago, and it still is one of the top spots in Bangkok.

Castaway Tip If you want to take a photo of the stalls that sell scorpions, spiders, and bugs, prepare to pay a small tip.

Where to stay in Bangkok?

Riva Arun Bangkok Situated on the Chao Phraya River,  Riva Arun  offers you incredible views of the Temple of Dawn or the Grand Palace. Speaking of the Grand Palace, the biggest attraction in Bangkok and one of the other must-see temples – Wat Pho, are just a few hundred meters away from your doorstep. Khao San road is only 30minutes by foot making Riva Arun the best-placed hotel in Bangkok. If you get one of their premium sweets, you can also enjoy a river overlooking balcony with a jacuzzi. Can’t get better than that! Check out the latest prices

Want to explore more options in Bangkok? Check out my  Ultimate Bangkok Areas Guide  to find tips about all major city districts and more than 30 recommended hotels and Airbnbs.

   See Also:   Bangkok off the beaten track

Chiang Mai is my favorite town in Asia, and there is no way I’m leaving it out of this10 day Thailand itinerary.

A long time ago Chiang Mai was the capital of the Lan Na Kingdom for more than 500 years before becoming part of the Siam empire. Today it’s the most culturally significant city in the northern part of the country, a famous foodie destination and a favorite digital nomad base.

Chiang Mai is located in the mountains, and it’s surrounded by dense jungle thus being the prime place for wildlife and adventure activities.

What to do in Chiang Mai?

Have fun with elephants.

Having fun with elephants doesn’t mean riding them or watching them do some circus shows. Not sure if you know it, but those activities are incredibly unethical and cruel to one of the most intelligent animal species in the world.

The best way to interact with the gentle giants is through one of the programs in  Elephant Retirement Park  – a park that rescues abused elephants and takes care of them. Trust me, the mud bath you take with those guys would become one of your most cherished memories!

   See Also:   Why You Should Never Ride an Elephant

Castaway Tip There are plenty of options for ethical elephant experience in Chiang Mai, but not all of them are as ethical as they claim. Do proper research before you pick a program and avoid supporting animal mistreat.

Wat Phra That Doi Suthep or simply  Doi Suthep is the local must-see temple . Built in 1386, the legend says the temple was assembled to hold a piece of bone from the Buddha’s shoulder.

Sadly, today there aren’t any divine bones inside. Instead, the temple can offer you a colorful dragon staircase, plenty of eye-watering photo ops and excellent panoramic view of the area.

Castaway Tip Doi Suthep is too far away to go on foot. Instead of taking a taxi though, get one of the songthaew (red trucks for share ride) from Huay Kaew Road near the Zoo. It should cost you only 40 Bahts.

Yi Peng (Loy Krathong) festival

If you’re lucky enough this 10 day Thailand itinerary would lead you to Chiang Mai in November. What so special about November? One of the most spectacular festivals in the world is celebrated then and believe me when I tell you, this is one top-notch bucket list adventure! Yi Peng or  the Lantern Festival is an event more magical than anything you’ve ever seen  and once in a lifetime experience.

   See Also:   The Ultimate 5-Day Singapore Itinerary

Where to stay in Chiang Mai?

18 In Town Homestay Incredibly furnished homestay, 18 in Town managed to capture Chiang Mai’s artistic soul and turn it into an incredible hotel experience. Located in the old city, this lovely homestay is just 3km away from the airport, a few hundred meters away from the best temples, and has multiple massage parlors and minimarkets right next to it. Check out the latest prices

Want to explore more options in Chiang Mai? See the best hotels in town with a top-notch location, delicious breakfast, and free wi-fi.

   See Also:   What NOT to do in Thailand

When people think of Thailand, the first picture that comes to their mind is a longtail boat floating over crystal clear waters with limestone rock in the background ( just like the one above ).

If you want to see this picture in real life, you need to go to the Krabi province in South-West Thailand.  An area blessed with numerous picturesque islands and white-sand beaches , Krabi is also a favorite movie set for plenty of Holywood blockbusters.

What to do in Krabi?

The phi phi islands and maya bay.

Devastated by the infamous  Boxing Day Tsunami in 2004 , everything on the Phi Phi was rebuilt to become one of the most popular island vacation hubs in the world. The highlight place on the island is  the legendary Maya Bay, made famous by the Leonardo DiCaprio movie – The Beach.

Castaway Tip Maya Bay was closed due to tourist overpopulation, but it’s now reopen. You can’t go swimming but you can enjoy the most beautiful beach in the world.

James Bond Island and Phang Nga Bay

Another bay and another Hollywood island. This time Roger Moore’s James Bond made the island world famous and forever changed its destiny.

The Blue Lagoon

If you get sick of tropical islands ( like this is a thing ), Krabi has more natural wonders to offer. The Blue Lagoon is not really a lagoon but  a jungle pond with unimaginable azure waters . Seriously, the color of the lake makes it look like a drawing. It’s something I haven’t seen anywhere else in the world, and it’s totally worth a visit.

Where to stay in Krabi?

Phi Phi Sunset Bay Resort Situated on the magical Phi Phi islands, the Sunset Bay Resort is tucked away from the noisy bar area. Surrounded by tropical jungle, almost everything in this bungalow resort is made of natural materials so don’t be surprised if there is a tree growing in your bathroom. If you’re worried about being too far away from civilization, don’t be. The resort offers free boat transfer that can get you to the town area for less than 5 minutes! Check out the latest prices

Want to explore more options in Krabi? See the best hotels in the area with a top-notch location, tasty breakfast, and free wi-fi.

   See Also:   Thailand in December

Situated in the Gulf of Thailand, Samui is  the most significant island in the Chumphon Archipelago .

Measuring some 25 km at its widest point the island offers attractive budget travel options as well as high-end luxury resorts. It’s also one of the best places in Thailand to merely go on a beach vacation and forget about anything else.

What to do in Koh Samui?

Angthong marine park.

Popular day trip from the island, the Angthong Marine Park is a pristine archipelago of 42 limestone islands perfect for hiking and snorkeling.

Castaway Tip Sometimes the park gets closed during the low season (November-December) so make sure you research it promptly before booking any tours.

Wat Phra Yai

It won’t be in Thailand if there isn’t at least one impressive temple. Wat Phra Yai is famous for it’s giant gilded Buddha and it’s a pretty cool place to visit if you got tired of the beaches ( I’ve never seen anyone tired of tropical beaches but still ).

Where to stay in Koh Samui?

Erawan Villa Hotel  Right on the beach, and 2km away from the Fishermans Village and the Big Buddha. If the beach is not enough for you Erawan Villa Hotel also has a lovely private pool and Jacuzzi in its premium sweets. Check out the latest prices

Want to explore more options on Koh Samui? See the best hotels in the area with a top-notch location, delicious breakfast, and free wi-fi.

Koh Pha Ngan

There is one thing Koh Pha Ngan is famous for, and that is PARTY.  Back in 1983, the first full moon party was created as a thanks  to about 20–30 travelers .  Nowadays, up to 30 000 people gather to the island every month to celebrate one of the most iconic parties in the world.

Castaway Tip The night before the Full Moon Party is also a party night. The Jungle Party some say is even better than the Full Moon.

Where to stay in Koh Pha Ngan?

Tommy Resort Since you’re coming to Koh Phangan for the full moon party, what better place to stay than the very same beach the party is on Tommy Resort is located at the end of it, so you won’t have any trouble getting home at any part of the night. The spacious hardwood furnished bungalows and the outdoor swimming pool are guaranteed to make your party recovery as pleasant as possible. Check out the latest prices

Want to explore more options in Koh Pha Ngan?  See the best hotels on the island with a top-notch location, tasty breakfast, and free wi-fi.

Koh Tao ( meaning the Turtle Island ) is a small island in the Gulf of Thailand known for one thing only – diving!

The second cheapest place in the world to get your diving certificate ( the first one is Honduras, but somehow I doubt you’re going to Honduras is on your travel plans )  Koh Tao houses over 70 different diving shops .

And since there is barely anything other than divers and bars on the island, there is this  laidback subculture atmosphere  in the air you’d simply fall in love too!

Castaway Tip I got my certificate from Roctopus Dive , and I can’t recommend them enough. You won’t only get top professionals to teach you, but also very cool guys to hang around with!

Where to stay in Koh Tao?

Savage Hostel A hostel right on the beach with a great outdoor pool. Yup, dreamy hostels like that do exist, and the Savage Hostel is one great example. The location can’t get any better, the pool is excellent and the common spaces and well designed and clean. If you are not that much into sharing a room with strangers, private rooms are also on the menu. Check out the latest prices

Want to explore more options in Koh Tao?   See the best hotels on the island with a top-notch location, delicious breakfast, and free wi-fi.

Founded in 1350 Ayutthaya was  the second capital of the Siam Kingdom  till the Burmese destroyed it in 1767. The ruins are now a national park and one of the most famous archeological spots in Thailand. Due to it’s proximity to Bangkok, it’s a popular day trip option.

The first capital of the Siam Kingdom  is located between Bangkok and Chiang may, and it’s criminally underrated. While people flocks to Ayutthaya, there is barely anyone in Sukhothai which of course is perfect for you.

Where to stay in Sukhothai?

Space Ben Guest House Sukhothai is not the most visited place in Thailand thus the accommodation in the area is limited. What makes Space Ben Guest House so much better than every other option is the location. It’s situated right at the entrance of the Sukhothai Historical Park. Literally a few steps away! Since there’s hardly anything else to do in Sukhothai and you’ll spend no more than a day or two there, Space Ben Guest House is the perfect accommodation. Check out the latest prices

Want to explore more options in Sukhothai?   See the best hotels in the area with a top-notch location, delicious breakfast, and free wi-fi.

Now that we have all the places sorted out, it’s time to get to the 10 day Thailand itinerary itself. Wait, did I say itinerary? I meant itineraries!

To fit all the different travel needs, I’ll give you four ( and a half ) options, all you have to do is find the one that suits your style and expectations. If you have more than 10 days in Thailand, it’s pretty easy to combine two or more of the itineraries into one.

The Ultimate 10 Day Thailand Itinerary – The Culture Route

Been a successor of the Siam Kingdom, Thailand has a vastly rich history and unique, distinctive culture that makes it pop out in front of the other South-East Asian countries. In the cultural itinerary,  we’ll focus on the places that compose Thailand’s identity today .

Start: Bangkok Your flight most likely will be to Bangkok, and since there is plenty to see there, the cosmopolitan Thai capital would be the first place on your itinerary.

Days 1-3: Bangkok In three days you should be able to visit the top temples –  Wat Pho  ( has a 15 meters tall, 46 meters long reclining Buddha in it  ),  Wat Phra Kaew  ( the most important temple located inside the Grand Palace complex  ),  Wat Arun  ( Temple of the Dawn – Instagram perfection  ),  Wat Traimit  ( Has a 5.5 tonnes Buddha statue made out of pure gold  ) and  Wat Saket  ( aka the Golden Mount, has lovely panoramic view  ).

Museums are not Bangkok’s strong side, but you may consider visiting  Bangkok’s National Museum  or the  Jim Thompson House . It’s a good idea to explore the nearby  floating  and  train markets  ( first one is in the water, and instead of stalls there are boats, the other is in the middle of a railway, so it has to be moved every time a train comes  ), but have in mind those would require a full day.

Day 4: Ayutthaya day trip The ancient capital of Siam needs more than a few hours to be explored in detail, but since you have only 10 days in Thailand, you need to do it with a day trip. The good thing is, the place is pretty close to Bangkok, and you’d still be able to see a ton of ancient wonders. See Ayutthaya Day Trip latest prices

Day 5: Sukhothai The first capital of Siam and the best ancient site in the country. Unlike Ayutthaya though, this  UNESCO World Heritage Site  is not that close to Bangkok.

It’s, however, in the middle between Bangkok and Chiang Mai, so its location won’t throw you completely out of the way. To save some time, I recommend taking  one of the night buses from Bangkok  and arrive at Sukhothai early in the morning.

Explore the glorious ancient site for a day and catch the bus to Chiang Mai the next morning.

Days 6-9: Chiang Mai + Chiang Rai You should arrive in Chiang Mai around noon, so there is plenty of time to check out the old town area. For the next three days, I suggest  meeting some elephants  ( book this one early cause it’s extremely popular  ), visiting the most famous temple in the area –  Doi Suthep , exploring the night markets  ( they are everywhere on the weekend  ),  taking a Thai cooking class  and a must-have  day trip to Chiang Rai .

If you have more time in Thailand, Chiang Rai deserves a few days on its own but in this 10 day Thailand itinerary we only have time for a day trip. The most famous attraction of Chiang Rai is the White Temple – Wat Rong Khun , and every tour is centered around it.

The other noticeable places in the area are the Mae Khachan Hot Spring (  well…it’s a hot spring  ),  the Black House Museum  ( a bit creepy but beautiful  ),  the Blue Temple  ( they like to name their places with colors over here  ),  Karen Longneck village  ( if you want to do that, do your research and find a responsible tour company that will promote a socially responsible visit  ), and  the Golden Triangle  ( where the borders of Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar meet  ).

   See Also:   One for your Bucket List – The Sanctuary of Truth, Pattaya

Day 10: Go home It’s best to take your flight back home from Chiang Mai otherwise you’d lose a whole day to go back to Bangkok.

The Ultimate 10 Day Thailand Itinerary – The Adventure Route

If going to temples and museums bore you to death, and  all you need for your perfect vacation is a little bit of adrenaline pumping in your veins , the next 10 day Thailand itinerary is the one for you.

Start: Chiang Mai Bangkok is a fantastic city, but there aren’t many adventures waiting for you there so you either book a flight directly to Chiang Mai or get an internal flight without wasting any time. You have only ten days, so your time is your most valuable resource.

Day 1-5: Chiang Mai You probably won’t have time for anything significant on your first day so take the time to relax and enjoy the famous Chiang Mai cuisine (  Khao Soi  is a must ).

The next four days you have plenty of options. I suggest going for an  ethical elephant experience  (won’t pump your adrenaline but still one of the coolest things you can do in Chiang Mai), go to the longest zip line in Asia –  Flight of the Gibbon  (  if you’re lucky you may get some real gibbons in the trees around you ), climbing up the Sticky Waterfall, do some 20 meters high cliff jumping into the  Chiang Mai’s old quarry  (also known as the Chiang Mai Grand Canyon) or go  white-water rafting in the Maetaeng river .

There are also numerous options for  Biking tours , ATV exploring and even bamboo river rafting .

Day 6-9: Koh Tao There is one main reason to visit Koh Tao, and that is to get your diving license! Don’t be afraid, learning to dive is not hard and it’s one of the most fulfilling and rewarding experiences out there.

Just make sure you reserve three full days in your itinerary for Koh Tao. If you already got your license or don’t feel like getting one, you can do for fun dives ( little depth, just to get the feeling  ), snorkeling, mountain biking and rock climbing around the island.

Day 10: Go Home It’s best to get a late flight as possible otherwise you’d have to spend the previous day to travel from Koh Tao to Bangkok / Chiang Mai

The Ultimate 10 Day Thailand Itinerary – The Party Route

If you travel to Thailand with only one goal on your mind – to party, you picked the right destination.  There are no temple visits or adventure activities on this itinerary, just tips about some of the most iconic nightlife places in the world . For this 10 day Thailand itinerary, timing is crucial. You need to check when the full moon is and center your trip around it.  Remember, you need the full moon on the 8th day of your journey!

  Start: Bangkok Once upon a time, Bangkok was famous only for its red-light districts. Been the most visited city in the world changed that, and the nightlife area evolved massively during the years. Today the Thai capital literally offers thousands of funky rooftop bars, frisky clubs, and upbeat cocktail bars.

Days 1-5: Bangkok Khao San road is a must-see place for every self-respected party animal, and so is the iconic  Route 66  bar. Some of the best rooftop bars in town are  Vertigo ,  Octave Rooftop Bar  and  Above Eleven . As far as regular bars go,  Maggie Choo’s  (  trendy designers bar ),  The Iron Fairies  (  Iron themed pub with awesome cheap beer ) and  Havana Social  (  very cool Cuban theme  ) won’t disappoint. Even if you’re not into that stuff, I suggest to check out the Red Light Districts –  Soi Cowboy ,  Nana Plaza , and  Patpong . Even without “consummation”, those places are a ton of fun and totally worth a visit.

If you like to move around, you may decide to leave Bangkok and spend a day or two in the nearby Pattaya. Worldwide famous nightlife awaits for you in the relatively small coastline city ( if adult entertainment is your prime reason to visit Thailand, Pattaya should definitely be on your list  ).

   See Also:   The Ultimate Bangkok Shopping Guide

Days 6-9: Koh Phangan On the 6th day of your 10 days Thailand itinerary, make your way to the island of Koh Phangan. The next day is your first party day. No, not the full moon one. The day before the Full Moon Party, there is the so-called  Jungle Party . Once an underground feast, today the Jungle Experience is almost as famous as the Full Moon Party.

On your 8th day, join thousands of others to celebrate the biggest beach party in the world –  the Full Moon Party of Koh Phangan .

Day number 9 could be used for recovery or travel back to Bangkok ( depending on your flight back home  )

Day 10: Go home

The Ultimate 10 Day Thailand Itinerary – Beach Vacation

Your idea of perfect Thailand vacation is laying on a white-sand beach and swimming among colorful fishes in crystal clear tropical waters . This 10 days Thailand itinerary is the one for you then. There are two distinctive beach vacation areas in the country – The Gulf of Thailand on the east side and the Andaman Sea on the west side. Here is how to get the best out of them.

Start: Koh Samui Samui is the largest island in the Gulf of Thailand. It’s big enough to even have its own airport! Make the best you can to arrive on the island on your first day in Thailand.

Days 1-4: Koh Samui I won’t suggest many activities here, just book a kick-ass beachside resort and enjoy the tropical Thai sun. If you get bored, you may go and explore the nearby  Ang Thong National Park .

Days 5-9: Krabi On your 5th day, make your way to the Krabi area. One of the best places to stay there is Ao Nang. Not only you’d have two beaches right in front of your door, but also numerous restaurant option and easy transportation to the nearby islands. If you prefer a premium beach vacation, book your stay on the Phi Phi islands.

With four full days in Krabi, you can check out the most popular islands in the Andaman Sea. Must-Sees are the  Phi Phi islands , James Bond Island, Hong Island , and Chicken Island . If you want a bit of change of scenery, you can go and check Krabi’s favorite temple –  the Tiger Cave   ( have in mind there is 1260 steps climb to the top though  ) or the incredible Blue Lagoon jungle pond.

Day 10: Go home Krabi has an international airport so try to catch your flight back home from there.

The Ultimate 10 Day Thailand itinerary – The Lazy One

If you really hate the idea of moving around  but you still want a taste of Thailand

Days 1-10 Phuket If you read everything till now ( you’re amazing!  ) you probably wonder why I never mentioned Phuket. Up there in popularity with Bangkok and Chiang Mai, for many people Phuket is the go-to vacation spot in Asia. The reason I didn’t include it in any of my itineraries though is that I think  Phuket has little bit of everything but not as good  as the other places on the itinerary.

What do I mean? Bear with me. There are some temples in Phuket, but none of them are as spectacular as the ones in Bangkok/Chiang Mai. There is a buzzing nightlife there, but it’s not on the Bangkok, Pattaya or even close to Koh Phangan’s level. You can go on a beach vacation in Phuket , but you’re gonna visit the same islands near Krabi, you’d to spend more time on the boat ( since Phuket is farther away than Krabi  ) and you’ll pay a higher price.

Having said that, Phuket is not a bad place, and indeed there are some advantages of choosing the lazy itinerary. You won’t have to change hotels and waste time on the road, and you’ll be able to see all sides of Thailand. Notable places of interest in Phuket are Phuket Town night market, the  big Buddha on the top of the Nakkerd Hills ,  Bangla Road  ( Phuket’s equivalent of Khao San Road  ) and all of the Krabi islands.

Useful Information About Thailand

When is the best time to travel to thailand.

The climate in Thailand is defined as tropical and humid. Best time is a tricky conception since there are a few different weather areas in the country. The area north of Bangkok has three seasons while the one South of it has only two.

In the North , the weather is dry between November and May. This is, however, broken into two periods – November to February when it’s considered winter with temperature in the low 20C, and March-May, when it’s the dry summer with average temperature reaching nearly 30C. From May to October is the rainy season.

South Thailand  has only two seasons – wet and dry. Unfortunately, those seasons don’t run spontaneously on both costs of the peninsula thus making your beach vacation tricky to navigate. The west coast ( Krabi, Phuket  ) is rainy from April through to October, while on the east coast the storms are gathering between September and December.

Bangkok  has three main seasons: hot from March to June, rainy from July to October and cool between November and February. Have in mind that Bangkok’s cool still average temperatures of more than 20C.

What to bring with you in Thailand?

I won’t annoy you with a long list of Amazon listings here. I mean, if you’re going for the island vacation you know you need to bring bathing suits, right? If you like to read you probably already have Kindle and if you’re a photo enthusiast you have your camera ready. The products I recommend are specific items you never even know you should have in Thailand.

Detachable pants  – Thailand is full of beautiful temples to explore, but a lot of them have a strict dress code that won’t let you enter with shorts. Combine that with the hot weather and suddenly figuring out what to wear becomes a significant headache. What I do is using a  pair of pants like these . Put the sleeves in your bag, and you got comfy shorts to survive the relentless Thai heat that turns into proper long pants when needed to enter a temple.

Coral-friendly sunscreen  – This is something that probably hasn’t even occurred to you, but yes, sunscreens do harm the corals. In order to avoid situations like the one in Maya Bay, we all need to give a second thought about how much our actions reflect on the places we visit. Otherwise, we won’t be able to enjoy them for long.

Water Bottle  – if you travel often, you know this is a must-have. Water bottle saves you a fortune on the airports, and it decreases the use of plastic! You can even go a step further and get a  bottle that purifies water  so you may never have to buy a bottled one again.

How To get around in Thailand?

Thailand has an excellent transportation network, so it’s pretty easy to get from one place to another. Whether it’s a bus, a train, a ferry or an internal flight, there will be plenty of options and the price will be reasonable (yes, flights are cheap too).

The best place to find the transportation you need, not only for Thailand but for entire Asia, is  12GO.asia . I use them every time and never had a single problem.

If you area car person and you want to drive everywhere yourself, you need to rent a car. I recommend checking out  Discover Cars  and their tool that will compare all the best rent-a-car providers in the area. The prices they manage to find are sometimes ridiculously low.

On the islands, the easiest way to travel is via motorbike (you can rent one from pretty musch everyhwere).

Is Thailand safe?

Thailand is one of the safest destinations in South-East Asia. Been visited by hundreds of millions of tourist in recent years, the country has put a lot of focus into tourists and their safety.

This doesn’t mean you should forget your travel smarts or skip your  travel insurance  ( especially if you go for the adventure itinerary  ). Don’t go alone in the dark, don’t flash expensive jewelry or electronics, never give your passport to anybody and always keep your cash in 3 different places.

If you’re approached by a stranger who speaks English very well and wants to help you, don’t go for it. This type of scam is not a dangerous one but will eventually take you to a specific shop that will try very hard to sell you something and could waste a ton of time.

Currency in Thailand

The only accepted curreny in Thailand is the Thai Baht ( check the latest rates ).

Do I need a visa for Thailand?

Most of the Western countries’ passport holders can enter Thailand visaless (for up to 30 days), even more, countries are eligible for Visa on arrival.  Check out the requirements for your nationality here.

What about the Internet in Thailand?

There is wi-fi in almost every hotel or restaurant. It’s not the fastest one in the world though. Get yourself a prepaid travel SIM from the airport or any 7-11 and forget all Internet troubles.

You can also  order a SIM card online  and have it delivered at the airport. Definitely the most convenient way.

Useful Words in Thai

Thai people love when you try to use their language. Don’t worry if you misspoken something, they will still enjoy it, and you may get VIP treatment.

Thank you  – if you are a Female – kob-khun ka; If you are a Male – kob-khun krab Hello  – Sa-wat dee How much  – Gee baht? I don’t want  – Mai ow Sorry  – Khor tort Delicious  – A-roi 

Wow, this one came out pretty big! If you managed to read it all (you’re a  legend!  ) you know so much about Thailand so you’d be able to plan your trip without any hassle.

That’s all from me, I hope you enjoy your 10 days in Thailand ! ———————————— If you haven’t planned your trip there yet, find out how I plan my trips! ———————————— I have 32 bucket list ideas for Thailand. See my impossible bucket list of 1700+ adventures!

Which Thailand ititerary is the best for you?

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2 Weeks In Thailand: A Detailed Thailand Itinerary and Trip Planner

Last updated: July 15, 2022 . Written by Laurence Norah - 27 Comments

I’ve travelled extensively in Thailand, and it’s easily one of my favourite countries in Asia – the friendly people, the excellent food, the relaxed vibe all make for a fantastic country to travel in.

I’ve written a great deal on Thailand already , but haven’t put together a suggested Thailand itinerary post, as I’ve done for other many other countries like Sri Lanka , the UK and New Zealand .

Time to change that! Here’s everything you need to know for the perfect 2 weeks in Thailand, including information on getting around, the food, cultural considerations, budget, where to stay in Thailand –  and lots more! Enjoy, and pop any questions in the comments at the end. Let’s get started.

2 Weeks in Thailand: A Detailed Thailand Itinerary

Days 1 – 3: bangkok.

Bangkok is one of those cities that seem to divide opinion. Personally, I love it . It’s vibrant, chaotic, and a feast for the senses. It’s a heck of an introduction to the country though, so prepare yourself. And, if you’re coming from somewhere a bit cooler, give yourself time to adjust to the humidity and heat, and be aware of the signs of dehydration .

So, what to do in Bangkok? Well, lots! At the top of your list should be Wat Phra Kaeo and the Grand Palace . This is the number one sight in Bangkok, and for good reason. The walled compound contains both these sights, with the 19th century Grand Palace a fascinating mix of Western and Thai styles. Wat Phra Kaeo, which houses the Emerald Buddha, is generally regarded as the most important Buddhist temple in the country.

My favourite sight in Bangkok though is Wat Arun . Particularly beautiful at sunset, this temple consists of a huge prang, or tower, which soars to nearly 300ft in height – a part of which you can climb (although the stairs are fairly steep and terrifying!). It’s covered in porcelain and seashells, and is quite beautiful to behold.

There are many more temples in Bangkok, so you won’t be short of temples and Buddha statues. Some notable highlights include Wat Pho (the temple of the reclining Buddha) and Wat Saket (wonderfully situated on a mountain above the old city).

And, of course, there’s more to Bangkok than temples. Bangkok has fantastic nightlife and shopping, with some of the best rooftop bars in Thailand. I’m also a huge fan of the street food, which is plentiful, cheap, and generally safe to eat. If you’re want some tips on staying healthy when eating street food, check out this excellent guide to eating street food without getting sick from my friend Jodi.

Another attraction in Bangkok is the floating market – which is basically a street market without the streets, held in the canals and rivers of the city, with vendors plying their wares from their boats. Many of these markets have become tourist traps now rather than a place that locals go to do their shopping, but there are still some worth visiting. There’s an excellent list here to some of the floating markets worth visiting in Bangkok .

Other than that, my advice for Bangkok is to spend some time getting acclimatized, meeting people, wandering the streets, checking out the street vendors, and immersing yourself in the vibrant chaos that is this city.

You might also want to check out the Go City Bangkok Pass . This includes a number of attractions in Bangkok, as well as a tour to Ayutthaya. Worth checking out to see if it might save you money.

One last tip for Bangkok – taxis are generally reliable and widely available, as well as cost effective. You need to insist on the meter being put on before you get in though, and don’t be upset if they drive off – just wait for another taxi to turn up. Finally, be aware of the classic cheap tuk-tuk scam – it IS too good to be true, I assure you. You can read more about avoiding the common Thailand scams at the end of the post.

Where to stay in Bangkok

Bangkok is a large city, and there are a huge range of accommodation options to choose from. These range from budget friendly backpacker hotels through to five star luxury hotels, and everything in between.

Here are some suggestions to get you started across a range of price points, which are approximately ordered from budget to high end.

• Baan U-Sabai Hostel  – Less than a mile from the popular Khao San road, this highly rated hostel offers great value rooms with shared bathrooms.
• Siam Eco Hostel  – Found in Bangkok’s Phaya Thai district, this is a very highly rated hostel with air conditioned rooms, a shared kitchen and a shared lounge. Free breakfast is included.
• Old Capital Bike Inn  -a good value well rated 3* hotel with individually styled air conditioned en-suite rooms. Breakfast is included, and it’s close to the Khao San road area
• Inn a Day  – this well rated 4* hotel offers river side views and is just 650 yards from the Grand Palace. Air-conditioned rooms feature balconies and en-suite facilities, and breakfast is included
• Siam Kempinski Hotel Bangkok  – a luxurious and well located 5* hotel with pools, a range of restaurants and spacious en-suite rooms
• Mandarin Oriental Bangkok  – a spectacular high end 5* hotel with beautiful river views, on-site spa, high end restaurants, and wonderful rooms.

Of course, there are a great many more options in Bangkok to choose from! You can see listings for Bangkok on  Booking.com here ,  Hostelworld here , and Agoda here

Getting to Kanchanaburi from Bangkok

Your next stop on this 2 week tour of Thailand is the town of Kanchanaburi. This is around 100 miles west of Bangkok, and you have a few options for getting here.

First, you can take public transport. A train runs from Bangkok’s Thonburi station, and takes around 3 hours to Kanchanaburi. This was my preferred option as the scenery is lovely. Alternatively, you can take a public bus, with both minibuses and larger public buses making the route. These take around 2 hours, although it will vary depending on traffic.

You can also  hire a private transfer  that will take you from your accommodation in Bangkok to Kanchanaburi. This is obviously less hassle than navigating the public transport system and will save you time, with the downside that it will be slightly more expensive.

Another option is to take a tour from Bangkok. For example,  this 2 day tour  includes your transportation, overnight accommodation and visits all the major attractions in the area. A good option if you’d like everything to be arranged for you.

Finally, you might prefer to drive. It is possible to rent a car in Thailand, usually all you need is a valid driver’s license and an international driving permit. The traffic in and around the cities can be quite hectic, but outside of the cities the roads are usually pretty good, with road signs in both Thai and English.

For this itinerary though, I’d suggest that driving wouldn’t be my first choice, as the public transport system is easy to use and works well.

Days 4 – 6: Kanchanaburi

From Bangkok, my next recommended destination is Kanchanaburi . Whilst the name of the town might not instantly ring any bells, the river it sits on probably will, it’s the River Kwai, famous for its bridge, the story of which was turned into a film .

It was here during the second world war that thousands of allied prisoners of war were held by the Japanese and forced to construct a railway that was to link Thailand with Burma. This included the construction of the bridge and 415km of railway. The construction of the railway was very costly in terms of civilian life, both of Asian civilian labourers and Allied civil wars, with estimates of over 90,000 civilians and nearly 13,000 POW’s losing their lives.

Today there are a number of museums dedicated to the story of the railway, with the best in my opinion being the JEATH war museum, located in downtown Kanchanaburi, a few kilometres from the bridge itself. There are also the war cemeteries, home to the many who lost their lives here. Finally, you can also walk across the bridge itself, and take a ride on the death railway itself.

You might be wondering why I’ve scheduled three days in Kanchanaburi. Well, this was actually one of my favourite parts of Thailand, and one that is often overlooked – folks pop here for the Death Railway, but then don’t explore the other attractions. I’ve written a whole post to visiting Kanchanaburi , but in brief, make sure you take a day trip to the spectacular Erawan Falls, hit up the night market, visit the giant tree and visit a temple inside a cave.

I’d also recommend staying at a guest house on the river. The sunsets are gorgeous, and as long as you’re not visiting over a weekend or other festival, it can be a very peaceful and relaxing experience.

Where to stay in Kanchanaburi

We stayed at the River Guesthouse ( here on Google Maps ) which was quiet, a short walk from the train station, and a bargain. We can’t find a website or a way to book this property online (we just turned up), although a phone number is listed on the Google Maps entry that you can try. It is quite “rustic” and definitely a budget option, but we enjoyed it.

Kanchanaburi is not a huge town in terms of population, but it is geographically spread out. There are three main locations – the northern area around the famous railway bridge, the area near the main train station which is around 1.5 miles along the bridge, and then the main part of the town which is 3 miles along the river from the bridge.

My recommendation is to stay in the area near the train station on the river. This puts you within an easy 30 minute walk (or short bike ride) of the main attractions, and you’ll also be near the night market that happens in the vicinity of the train station.

Here are some suggested accommodation options in this area, again ranging from budget to more expensive.

• T & T Hostel  – this is a well reviewed and great value budget hostel location. It’s around a mile from the bridge and 750 yards from the train station, with a lovely riverside location. Both private and shared rooms are available.
• Sam’s House Kanchanaburi  – this is a popular and well located great value three star property that features both raft house style accommodation and bungalows. There’s an on-site restaurant and a great value breakfast option is available.
• Natee The Riverfront Hotel  – a very well reviewed 4* river front hotel around a mile from the famous bridge. Rooms are en-suite with tea/coffee making facilities, there are good river views and an on-site wellness centre with hot tub.
• River Kwai View Hotel  – this 4* hotel is found 450 yards from the River Kwai bridge, making it a great option if you’d prefer to be close to this attraction. Rooms are air-conditioned, en-suite, and offer good views.
• Dheva Mantra Resort  – if you’d prefer a resort option, this 5* property is a fantastic option. It’s a little way out of town, but features everything from a fitness centre through to on-site restaurants and a large landscaped pool.

Again, there are lots more options beyond the above. You can see listings for Kanchanaburi on  Booking.com here ,  Hostelworld here , and Agoda here .

Getting to Ayutthaya from Kanchanaburi

There’s no direct connection from Kanchanaburi to Ayutthaya. Your best option is to return to Bangkok. From here, there are a number of bus and train options, which will take around 2 hours to reach Ayutthaya.

Days 7 & 8: Ayutthaya

From Kanchanaburi I’d suggest heading to one of Thailand’s old capital cities. There are two main options to choose from, Ayutthaya and Sukhothai, and on a shorter trip like this, I think picking just one of these two will suffice.

They are slightly different in style – Ayutthaya consists of a series of temples and structures which exist inside today’s city, which is still vibrant and bustling. Sukhothai is more of a preserved city complex, with the old city remains standing around 12km from where the new city is.

Ayutthaya is also closer to Bangkok, being only a couple of hours or so north, so it’s a little easier to get to, with frequent buses and trains. Sukhothai is a seven hour bus ride from Bangkok, so requires a bit more effort. That’s why, for this itinerary, I’m recommending Ayutthaya.

There is a lot to see in Ayutthaya. At a time, this was the largest city in the world, with over a million inhabitants, and despite the city being burnt to the ground by the Burmese in the 18th century, a lot has survived.

Again, I have a whole post on the highlights of Ayutthaya , which should give you plenty of ideas for your visit as well as tips on accommodation and getting around. As a quick summary though, be sure to visit Wat Phra Mahathat, Wat Phra Si Sanphet, Wat Chaiwatthanaram and Wat Buddhaisawan.

For your accommodation in Ayutthaya, see listings on booking.com here .

Days 9 & 10: Khao Sok

Now it’s time to head south, to one of my favourite spots in Thailand – Khao Sok National Park. This place is, for some reason, not well visited, but it is truly unlike anywhere else I visited in the country.

Set up in 1980, the park consists of a large man made lake, surrounded by Thailand’s largest virgin rainforest.

This forest is home to all sorts of creatures, from elephant to bear – although sighting them in the wild is quite the challenge! It’s also famously home to the Raffelsia Kerrii, one of the largest flowers in the world, which can have flowers up to a meter in diameter! They also smell absolutely terrible in order to attract flies, which carry the pollen.

Sighting one of these flowers is a definite highlight of a visit, although as they only flower for a week or so, you have to be fairly lucky.

My highlight of Khao Sok National Park though was the visit to the lakehouse. At time of writing, there are around 16 properties to choose from, all of which offer roughly the same sort of thing – a series of floating bungalows on the gorgeous Cheow Lan lake, where you’ll be surrounded by limestone karsts and beautiful jungles, with the lake being the perfect temperature for a swim.

I’d say that Cheow Lan lake should be the number one priority for any visitor to Thailand, that’s how much I enjoyed it there. To visit, you need to book in advance as you need to get a boat to the lakehouse. We stayed at Smiley’s Lakehouse which offered reasonable accommodation including en-suite facilities. There are quite a few lake house options to choose from depending on your budget, so take a look and see what works for you.

We also stayed in the jungle, at Smiley’s Bungalows , who arranged the lake house and transfers. Here we went trekking in the jungle, learnt all about leeches, and relaxed. Also, when at Smiley’s Bungalows, do try the Jungle Massaman curry – it’s excellent!

Getting to Khao Sok can be a bit tricky – the train line can get very busy so you definitely need to book in advance. Many guest houses will pick you up from the nearest station (Surat Thani). There are also minibuses here from various locations around Thailand, and both a bus and plane service from Bangkok. Read more on the options from around Thailand here , and be sure to book in advance for whichever option you choose.

You can read more about my thoughts on visiting both the Cheow Lan Lake in Khao Sok National Park and Khao Sok jungle .

Where to stay in Khao Sok National Park

There are two main locations for accommodation in Khao Sok National Park. There’s Khao Sok village, which is home to a range of hotels, guesthouses and restaurants. This is also where you’ll find the Khao Sok National Park headquarters. Here are some options in Khao Sok.

• Sunshine Khao Sok Hostel  – at the budget end of the spectrum is this highly rated and great value hostel. Rooms are air-conditioned and feature mountains views, with shared facilities. Breakfast is also available.
• Khaosok Good View Resort  – this is a great value well rated hotel with private en-suite rooms that feature balconies and jungle views. There’s also a pool and on-site restaurant.
• The Bliss Khao Sok Boutique Lodge  – this boutique hotel features comfortable en-suite rooms with air-conditioning and terraces. There’s also a restaurant and bar.
• Khao Sok Jasmine Garden Resort  – this 3* resort features a pool and restaurant. Accommodation is in en-suite air-conditioned bungalows.

The other main area where you can stay is around Cheow Lan Lake, where you’ll find the lake house resorts. This would be my recommended place to stay. The scenery is beautiful, staying in a floating lake house is a unique experience, and it’s a wonderful opportunity to disconnect from the world.

There are around 15 lake hotels where you can stay the night and these need to be booked in advance. Here are some options to choose from.

They vary from very basic through to more luxurious options, and as always, we’d advise reading reviews before booking to avoid disappointment. It’s also worth being aware that many properties do not have cell coverage or WiFi reception, and might require payments in cash.

• Keereetara  – this is one of the lakehouses which is closer to the pier. It offers good value accommodation with breakfast included.
• Keereewarin  – comfortable cabins at a reasonable price with good reviews. Breakfast is included
• Panvaree Resort  – this lake house resort offers a number of accommodation options, which include individual floating cabins. All rooms are air-conditioned, breakfast is included, and the reviews are good
• 500 Rai Floating Resort – if you’re looking for the best, this is the lake house to go for. The air-conditioned floating bungalows are large and spacious and some come with hot tubs! It is the most expensive option, but reviews suggest it is worth it.

Days 11 – 14: Beaches

Ok, from Khao Sok it’s time to hit up the gorgeous beaches of Thailand for your last four days. Where you go next is really up to the sort of style of beach you’re looking for. If you’re into resorts, people, and partying, then hop on the four hour minibus down to Phuket and go nuts.

Or, for a quieter experience, head to Thai Mueang, about an hour north of Phuket, where the beaches are generally silent and the guesthouses quiet.

You could also head further down the coast, either to somewhere like Krabi or Ko Lanta, or head even further down to Trang, which is more popular with Thai tourists and offers gorgeous beaches, easy access to quieter islands and fantastic sunsets. Read more about my Trang experiences here.

As you can see, plenty of options, and something to suit everyone!

2 Week Thailand Itinerary Map

Here’s a map of the destinations visited for reference, which you can see on Google Maps here.

Thailand Itinerary Summary

• 3 Days : Bangkok
• 2 Days: Kanchanaburi
• 2 Days: Ayutthaya
• 2 Days: Khao Sok
• 4 Days: Beaches in the south

Locations to consider adding to your Thailand Itinerary

There is a lot to do and see in Thailand, even if most folks do seem to gravitate towards Phuket and surrounds. Not that there’s anything wrong with this – Thailand has fantastic beaches and gorgeous weather – but there is a lot more to the country than many see.

In case the above Thailand itinerary doesn’t check all your boxes, or you were looking for a longer itinerary (or you just want to try and pack more in!), here are some more of my favourite Thailand destinations for you to think about adding to your itinerary.

Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai and Pai

If you’re looking for less of a beach experience and more mountains, forests and temples, then head north to Thailand’s hill country. Here you’ll find the town of Chiang Mai, where many foreigners base themselves long term thanks to the nice climate, sizeable community, fast internet and low cost of living. There’s a fantastic night market here, arguably the best smoothie cart in the world , a gorgeous temple on the hill, and if you like national parks, Doi Inthanon isn’t far away.

Head even further north and you’ll find Pai. This is a gorgeous little mountain town that many a traveller has fallen deeply in love with .

Finally, right near the top of the country is Chiang Rai, inside the infamous golden triangle. Chiang Rai is particularly noteworthy – as well as for the opium trade – for two temples: the White Temple of Chiang Rai , and the Black Temple of Chiang Rai . These are two different but entirely epic temples / art installations, both of which are very much worth the journey north alone.

This one is going to take you to the East of Thailand, where far fewer visitors head. It’s worth the effort though, because this part of Thailand is quite different, with more influence from the Khmer empire, meaning the temples here have more in common with places like Angkor Wat than the rest of Thailand. In fact, Phanom Rung , my favourite of all the temples in Thailand, was built by the Khmer empire before they built Angkor Wat.

There’s more to do than visit a temple on a volcano though. There’s the lotus pond enclosed Prasat Muang Tam, the silk weaving village of Amphoe Na Pho and the Lower Northeastern Cultural Centre, where you can learn all about the history of the region.

You can read more about visiting this part of Thailand in my post on Buriram , plus you should read about Khao Yai National Park , which is in a similar direction and is one of the better places in Thailand to see elephant in the wild.

As I mentioned earlier, Sukhothai is one of Thailand’s ancient capital cities, and a UNESCO world heritage site. The old city is separate from the new city, and you can wander the ruins and explore the temples, trying to imagine what it must have been like in its heyday.

The complex is large, so you can easily spend at least a day here, and as it’s quite a way north of Bangkok (7 hours by train), is worth adding to your itinerary only if you’re already heading to somewhere like Chiang Mai – it makes a handy stopping point on the way.

Sukhothai is particularly popular during the Loi Krathong festival, when thousands of people come to see the city in all its splendour. We visited during Loi Krathong, so check out the post on visiting Sukhothai during Loi Krathong for more information.

Similan Islands

Thailand is famous for its islands, and rightly so, with an overwhelming collection of paradise like palm fringed options to choose from.

So, to say that the Similan Islands are arguably some of the best islands that Thailand has to offer is high praise indeed. Rated as one of the best dive sites in the world, the real draw here is the snorkelling and diving. The water has unbelievable visibility, is lovely and warm, and there’s a plethora of marine life to see.

You can also stay on the islands, which is what we did, meaning you can experience them when they are a little quieter and the day trippers have left. Or, you can do a live aboard option on a boat, which tends to be more suited to divers. Read a fellow bloggers experience of diving the Similar Islands here , and check out my thoughts on our two day Similan Islands visit here , which includes tips on getting there, where to stay, and approximate costs.

Last but not least in my list of options to consider is the city of Songkhla. This was my favourite of all the cities we visited in Thailand, despite it not being that well known to tourists. It’s on the south east coastline of Thailand, around 1000km from Bangkok, and has strong Malay and Chinese influences.

It has gorgeous beaches, a free tram tour of the town, giant statues of a mouse and a cat, an excellent night market and a really laid back vibe. If you’re looking for somewhere a bit different, away from the well trodden path, then Songkhla is definitely worth a visit. You can read in detail my experiences and advice for visiting Songkhla in this post .

How Much Does it Cost to Travel in Thailand?

Thailand really is a country where you can spend as much or as little as you like. It’s not the cheapest of the countries in the region, but it certainly isn’t expensive by any stretch of the imagination. You can get a private room in the region of $5 – $10 per day, food shouldn’t cost more than $1 – $3 a meal, and then you’ve got transportation, water, sight-seeing and beer (around $1 – $2 a beer generally).

Of course, you can go crazy and spend a lot more, and if you’re on a tighter timetable, you might find yourself flying rather than using slower buses, but overall, Thailand can easily be achieved on a budget of $30 – $50 per day. I could go on, but my friend Matt has put together an incredibly detailed guide to budgeting for Thailand , which you should definitely read.

Why Should You Visit Thailand?

Thailand is a fantastic country to visit, particularly if this is your first trip to Asia. It’s an easy country to travel in, with friendly and welcoming people. It’s also relatively easy on the wallet – perhaps not as cheap as other parts of Asia, but certainly very much in the budget category.

In terms of sight-seeing, Thailand has attractions to suit all manner of tastes. There’s everything from jungles and lake houses , through to snorkelling opportunities , extinct volcanoes, wild elephants , mountainous national parks , war memorials , incredible temples , and of course, unbelievable beaches and islands .

And I’ve not even mentioned the food!

The other thing about Thailand is that despite it being a very popular destination, the majority of tourists tend to visit a small number of hotspots, like Krabi, Phuket, and a few of the islands. This means that you can still visit Thailand and not feel overwhelmed by visitors if you pick your locations wisely. I’ll be going through a host of options in this post to give you ideas for your trip, but first:

When Should You Visit Thailand?

Whilst Thailand can be visited year round, there are times of year where the climate is more pleasant than others.

Thailand has a tropical climate, with a wet season and a dry season. The dry season is between November and March. Temperatures will be pleasant at this time of year, and it won’t rain so much. The rainy season is April through October, with the hottest part of the year between March and May, when the rain can make rural areas more inaccessible, and the temperatures can be hot and humid.

If you’re travelling more on a budget, then be aware the prices will be higher in the November – March time as this is the most popular time to visit, and prices will be a little lower in the off-season.

How To Get Around Thailand

There are a number of options for getting around Thailand. I predominantly travelled on long distance buses , which are very reasonable priced and often end up being faster than the train. These go from major transport hubs in cities and towns around the country, and usually run to a schedule.

There are also minibuses. These can be faster than the scheduled buses, but can also be more cramped, so I’d suggest using these for shorter journeys. Do be careful when at transport hubs as the minivan companies keep an eye out for tourists looking lost and will try to “help” you by selling you a ticket on their service rather than the long distance bus you were looking for.

This happened to me on the way north from Trang to Phuket, and whilst I didn’t pay any more, and I suspect it was quicker, the journey wasn’t very comfortable. If you want to take a long distance bus, go to a ticket counter at a bus station to be sure!

Trains also run throughout the country, with the overnight trains up to Chiang Mai, and down the east coast to Hat Yai and beyond being particularly popular. Trains are generally reliable and good value, with various classes available – check out this excellent guide to train travel in Thailand for more information.

You can also fly around Thailand, which is particularly suitable if you’re on a tight timetable and want to see as much as possible with minimal travel downtime. It’s obviously the more expensive option, but if your time is important, is definitely going to get you places quicker. Options include AirAsia, Bangkok Airways, Nok Air, Thai Airways and Thai Smile. You can check and compare prices on flights in Thailand here .

If you’re looking to plan your travel around Thailand, I’ve found that the planning tool Rome2Rio does a great job of comparing all the options available to give you ideas of times and costs.

What to Eat in Thailand

Ok, to be honest, this would be a whole post in itself. Thai food is seriously amazing, and varies wildly across the country. In my experience, the further south I went, the spicier the food became, with the Yellow curry in the far south being eye wateringly hot.

Some highlights of Thai cuisine include Pad Thai, Khao Soi (unique to the north), green, red and yellow curries, som thai and my absolute favourite, Mango Sticky Rice. In reality though, it’s hard to go wrong, pretty much all Thai food is fantastic.

Here’s a bit more reading to give you some more ideas (I told you the food of Thailand would be a post in itself!).

• Nomadic Matt’s Guide to the Best Thai Food You Can Eat
• Migrationology’s guide to 100 Thai Dishes to Eat in Bangkok
• The BBC Good Food guide to the Top 10 Dishes in Thailand
• Awesomewave’s 23 Weird and Wonderful Foods to Eat in Thailand

Those should give you some ideas of what lies ahead!

Where to Stay in Thailand

Thailand has accommodation options to suit everyone, from swish luxury hotels through to backpacker hostels – and everything in between. Prices vary depending on the popularity of the location, with Bangkok generally being more expensive than the rest of the country. You can start your property search here .

In Bangkok, we enjoyed the private rooms and atmosphere at the Lub D hostels, and tried out both their Siam Square and Silom locations. These aren’t the cheapest options in Bangkok, but they are both excellent. Across the rest of the country we stayed in everything from river houses to resorts , to homestays to more upmarket properties . Generally, prices were excellent, and the quality was high.

If you’re looking for accommodation in Thailand, you will have plenty of choice, whatever your budget. Here are our tips for getting the best prices:

• We usually use booking.com when travelling to get the best deals – they have a wide range of listings and usually have great prices. You can see listings for Thailand here .
• If you can’t find what you want on booking.com, or you want some new options to try out, we have a post to help you find the best alternatives to AirBnB .

Between these options, you should find the best prices and places to stay for your trip, as well as a good selection of reviews and feedback to help you make an informed decision.

Plenty of ways to save money right there. Now, let’s look at some:

Other Practicalities for Travelling in Thailand

Cultural considerations in thailand.

Thailand is not a particularly tough country to travel in, and the people are very friendly, but there are a few cultural considerations to bear in mind.

Firstly, feet are considered very dirty, and you should never put your feet up on something, move objects with your feet, or touch anyone with your feet.

On the flip side, the head is considered the most sacred part of someone’s body, so touching someone’s head is also not considered polite.

Speaking of bodies, Thai people are generally quite modest. If you visit a beach popular with Thai people, it’s not unusual to see them swimming in jeans and a t-shirt – western swimwear is considered fairly immodest, and going topless or nude is definitely frowned upon.

The Royal family is almost a taboo subject in Thailand, as insulting the King or the family of the King is a reason to be jailed. Overall I found it was best not to bring up the royal family at all. In addition, as with icons of the Buddha, imagery of the King is also to be treated with respect. Don’t forget that the Thai currency has images of the King on it, so you have to treat it with care as well.

In terms of handling situations when things go wrong, it is considered seriously impolite to cause a Thai person to lose face, and aggressiveness is not welcomed. So if you have any problems, you need to try to stay calm and polite throughout – this will likely get you a much more positive result.

I’ve only ever experienced one incident of a Thai person losing their cool, and that nearly ended quite badly. You can read all about that experience here . Overall though, we had a fantastic time in Thailand, found the people friendly and welcoming, and didn’t have any negative experiences. For more do’s and don’t in Thailand, check out this excellent article .

Internet Access in Thailand

Thailand has ubiquitous internet access, with good WiFi hotspots available throughout the country, usually at blazing fast speeds. There’s also excellent 3G and 4G coverage across the country, with pay as you go SIM cards available for very reasonable prices.

To get an idea of what’s available, take a look at this page, which lists all the pay as you go options for Thailand , with a focus on data prices. For more on information on connecting to the web when you travel, see my guide to getting online when travelling .

Power Outlets in Thailand

Thailand uses a 220v system, so if you are travelling from the US you need to be sure your devices support this standard. Most chargers these days automatically switch voltages and you don’t need to buy new chargers, just check it’s rated for 220v on the label.

Socket wise, Thailand confusingly has two types of socket, one with round holes that matches most European style plugs, and a two pin flat plug that will match a US two pin plug.

Your best bet is to pick up a universal travel adaptor and a power strip , thus ensuring you don’t have any power issues.

Vaccinations and Health in Thailand

Thailand is a generally safe country to travel in, but there are a few vaccination requirements you should be aware of. The majority of tourist illnesses in Thailand tend to be from contaminated water, so it’s generally wise to only drink bottled or sterilized water, and to avoid salad and ice cubes (either of which may have been washed or made with tap water).

Rabies is present in Thailand, although mostly only in remote areas. It exists in bats and dogs, and Thailand has no shortage of street dogs. Check out our guide to keeping safe around street dogs in Thailand , but generally, you should have no reason to be vaccinated against rabies unless you’re travelling or working in a high risk area.

Malaria and other insect borne diseases like Zika and Dengue Fever also exist in Thailand. The best way to avoid getting these diseases is to use bug spray, and to cover up at dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are likely to be present. You should also consult with a doctor as to whether or not your trip will warrant taking anti-malarials.

For more health advice on Thailand, including a run down of the vaccinations you should require, take a look at the UK’s health service guidance , and the US CDC guidance . And finally, don’t trust a blog post as the definitive guide for your health advice – go to a qualified medical practitioner and get them to advise you!

Common scams in Thailand

Like every country in the world , Thailand has a few common tourist scams to watch our for. These aren’t particularly complicated, and are mostly in Bangkok or other major tourist destinations.

The two most popular scams are the tuk tuk scam and the closed temple scam.

The tuk-tuk scam will involve a tuk tuk driver offering to take you anywhere you want to go for a mind bogglingly low price, say 20 baht. After you get in, you’ll find yourself being taken on a tour of all sorts of second-rate temples, jewellery shops, tour companies, clothing shops and so on, where various sales tactics will be used to try and sell you generally overpriced and poor quality goods and services.

In a worst case scenario, you’ll find yourself left far away from where you started, with a challenging route home, and a day of your time wasted. This is an easy one to avoid – just don’t take a tuk tuk offering you some incredible deal!

The other regular trick attempted on tourists is for someone to stand outside of a perfectly open temple or other attraction, and tell tourists that it’s closed. Conveniently, the person will know another temple, a short tuk-tuk ride away, that is open! Once on the tuk tuk, you’ll find yourself taking a familiar sounding tour of various jewellery shops, clothing shops.. well, you’ve heard this all before. Yes, attractions close, but be sure it’s actually closed by going to the entrance before believing the helpful local.

For more on a scam like this, how it works and what to look out for read this fellow bloggers account of being scammed in Thailand , which should give you all the information you need to stay safe.

Overall though, Thailand is a very safe country to travel in, and despite my best efforts, I was never scammed . Just apply some common sense, and remember, if it seems too good to be true, it probably is.

Further Reading and Information for your Thailand Itinerary Planning

There’s a wealth of information on visiting Thailand on our site . Here are some of our more relevant posts to check out.

• A guide to dealing with street dogs in Thailand
• A guide to visiting Ayutthaya
• A guide to what to do in Kanchanaburi
• A guide to the beautiful Khao Sok National Park

And that just about sums up my guide to visiting Thailand for two weeks, as well as everything you might need to know to make the best of your trip! If you’ve got any thoughts on feedback on this post, or ideas for where you’d recommend, do pop them in the comments below!

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There are 27 comments on this post

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17th September 2019 at 9:54 am

Hi! Great post, I was actually deciding which Asian country I should visit next and your itinerary and its description made me choose Thailand. Now I’m working out the fine details to make sure the trip goes well and I’m curious about one thing – you recommend going from Bangkok to Kanchanaburi, which seems pretty easy. And then from Kanchanaburi to Ayutthaya, that’s a bit more confusing for me. How did you travel between the two? Did you go back to Bangkok and then to Ayutthaya? Or is there some direct bus/train/whatever I’m missing? I sincerely hope you haven’t written it anywhere yet – if you did, feel free to call me a blind idiot and just direct me kindly to it.

Laurence Norah says

17th September 2019 at 11:07 am

Yep, back to Bangkok and then up was the easiest way – most connections are easiest through Bangkok. It’s also possible you might be able to find a direct bus between the two locations at the bus stop, but my experience finding accurate bus timetables for Thailand is that it’s hard to do so online, personally I just prefer to ask locally at the bus station 🙂

Have a great trip!

10th June 2019 at 6:25 pm

Hi Laurence and Jessica,

Thank you for sharing your experiences here – so informative and inspiring!

We (family x4, 2 kids aged 7 & 11) are heading to Thailand for 2 weeks in August this year. Itinerary plans at the moment are: Bangkok for 2 nights; night train to Surat Thani; 1-2 nights at Khao Sok (including 1 night in a lake house); 6-7 nights island hopping Koh Samui/Koh Phangan/Koh Tao; fly to Chiang Mai for 2 nights there, then; night train back to Bangkok before heading home. As we’re there during the wet/monsoon season, we wanted to be able to plan around the weather so I had been thinking we’d just book the first couple of nights in Bangkok from home, then book everything up once we got there (that’s the way we did it when I was last backpacking in SE Asia, 20 years ago!) But I’ve been more and more thinking that the internet and sites like booking.com may mean places get booked up, and that you don’t necessarily get a better price on foot? As we’re only there for a couple of weeks, we won’t be able to afford to wait for a few days if transport/lake houses are fully booked…

As you can see, I’m in a bit of a quandry, so any advice you have would be very gratefully received!

with thanks in advance,

10th June 2019 at 6:38 pm

So, it’s a question of balancing peace of mind against cost 😉 Thailand is certainly a popular destination, and you will find that lots of places will book up online. Costs in person might end up being slightly cheaper, but then you can lose time trying to find a place if it’s not available. Given the relatively small saving that you are likely talking about, it’s probably worth just booking in advance.

My advice for the popular destinations, or those where you don’t necessarily have the time to tramp around finding somewhere, like Khao Sok, would be to definitely book in advance. If you use something like booking.com, it will often come with free cancellation. Then you have the option to cancel closer to the time, if you discover that places are much cheaper in person when you are on the ground.

I hope this helps! As someone who used to play everything by ear, and now books in advance as a rule, I certainly know the shift in mindset this takes. But I decided I preferred to know I have somewhere to stay, and also not to have to waste time on my trip looking for accommodation – it’s a lot easier to do the research ahead of the fact these days, instead of relying on a dog-eared Lonely Planet 😉

10th June 2019 at 6:52 pm

Hi Laurence,

An amazingly speedy reply – thank you! And thank you too, for your advice. I’ve a couple more questions if that’s OK? 1. Are the buses safe these days? From memory they used to be quite dicey! 2. Can you recommend a site for booking bus/train tickets from the UK in advance?

Many thanks again,

10th June 2019 at 7:26 pm

I do my best to reply quickly depending on our travel schedule 😉

So, to your first point, well, it depends how you define safe! I would say they are generally safe, although of course individual drivers may be more or less cautious on the roads. In terms of being safe on the bus, I’d say yes, just keep your valuables with you, don’t accept drinks from strangers, etc.

I’d also say to try to book your tickets in the actual bus stations from the ticket counters for the formal buses, rather than the slightly less formal minivans. Of course, for some routes you may have no choice but to take a minivan, and whilst they can be quicker, in my experience they are a lot less comfortable, there’s limited luggage space, and the drivers are definitely something else 🙂

I’ve never used a site for booking bus tickets online in advance. I am aware of some, such as Bookaway or 12goasia, but I can’t personally recommend them having not used them. I never had a problem turning up and getting a ticket to be honest, and if you have any issues your hotel or hostel will likely be able to handle the booking for you as well.

I hope this helps!

11th June 2019 at 6:39 pm

Really helpful, thank you Laurence!

Agness says

1st January 2019 at 12:16 pm

Hi Laurence, this article is really the best. The detailed itinerary is very helpful. Thanks

1st January 2019 at 6:04 pm

Hey Agness, my pleasure 🙂 I hope you have fun in Thailand!

Paul Leiboviz says

5th November 2018 at 4:47 pm

Can you recommend any travel agents/outfitters that would build a travel package following the itinerary/route that you experienced, if the traveller does not want to spend the time to make all the ground logistics such as lodgings, tour operators, transfers etc. ??? Thanks I Advance

5th November 2018 at 8:49 pm

We don’t personally know any operators in Thailand who will build custom itineraries, although I’m sure they exist! For a group tour you could try someone like Intrepid Travel , but we’re not sure about private tours. Sorry not to be of more help!

Kate Lubinski says

30th October 2018 at 3:32 pm

your article really makes me put Thailand in my top 3 destinations for next year! I have a friend who recently went diving there, she absolutely loved Koh Tao and its Sail Rock and generally the whole country – she spent three weeks there, so jealous! can’t wait so see all these gorgeous places myself, your photos give me so much wanderlust!!!!

30th October 2018 at 3:34 pm

Thanks Kate – I hope you get out there next year!

13th November 2018 at 3:52 pm

thank you! I’m already working out a potential budget, you can never start too early with planning a trip to some gorgeous, but faraway places.

8th August 2018 at 4:29 pm

Hey Laurence and Jessica, thank you for this post! I’m planning to visit Thailand next year and will be travelling by train only. I was just wondering, did you just travel by bus all the time or bus and train?

8th August 2018 at 4:31 pm

Thanks Liz! We did a mix of the two. To be honest, bus is easier as there are more roads than train lines, but you should be able to do most of the country by train quite easily still 🙂 Have a great trip!

Lisa Campy says

4th April 2018 at 2:06 am

Laurence and Jessica, Thank you for your post. I’ve been ruminating on a Thailand itinerary for several weeks now and when I found your site, it really helped me narrow down my plans. I can’t wait to dig in a little more to your hyperlinks. I’m planning the vacation for a family of four, all adults and all very active. I think I’ve landed on an itinerary of Bangkok, Chiang May, and Khao Sok. Although we have two weeks, when I consider the time we will lose in travel, it really amounts to around 11 days. I am currently working with some tour operators to get some pricing. I’m a little hesitant because as I’ve shopped around, I’ve read on a few sites how you don’t really need to book everything in advance and will get much better pricing if I wait………however, the responsibility of the trip will really fall on my shoulders, I’m a planner, and I’d prefer not to have worry about figuring out what do when I get there. My question is that the pricing that I am getting for my itinerary is around $3500 per person including local flights but not the international. For the most part it includes most meals, guides, hotel etc. Does this seem reasonable?

4th April 2018 at 10:21 am

Hi Lisa! It’s hard to say exactly because I don’t know what your travel style is (luxury or budget), but I’d say that either way, that does seem somewhat high for Thailand. You can get accommodation from $15-30 a night for a double with en-suite, and $100 would be pretty high end. Meals are really cheap, like $5 – $10 per person. I haven’t flown internally, but again, I don’t think flights are that expensive. So given your costs are per person, I think that is somewhat high.

My advice is definitely just to do everything yourself, you can book pretty much everything in advance online yourself if you want to, but yes, for the most part you are unlikely to need to book much in advance. But if you do, the links in my post, or on the travel resources page ( https://www.findingtheuniverse.com/travel-resources/ ) should cover everything you want to know.

My tip would be to use those tools initially to get a feel for pricing, then you can see how much the tour agents are adding on!

Have a wonderful trip, and if you’ve not been to Thailand before, please read up on the more common scams so you can identify and avoid them 🙂

20th March 2018 at 9:28 am

Thanks for this well articulated post Norah.. can’t wait to go there!!

21st March 2018 at 11:26 am

My pleasure – have a great time in Thailand!

Sue Horton-Smith says

21st January 2018 at 10:35 am

When I was planning two weeks in Thailand, I came upon your blog and, now that I have returned from my travels, I am writing to thank you for the excellent recommendations you made! I found your blog both inspiring and helpful and I appreciated the information you shared about yourselves and your interests; finding that your interests were similar to mine suggested that I could trust your recommendations, which turned out to be the case. I was travelling with my daughter and her partner. We read your blog, did further research and then booked our holiday. Shortly before setting off, I re-read your blog and realised the extent to which we had taken up your suggestions – I worried that we’d placed too much trust in you! But I didn’t need to worry! We followed your advice about staying in Ayutthaya and loved it! We stayed in Khao Sok and went hiking in the rainforest (day and night time hikes), spent a night on a floating raft house on Cheow Lan Lake, and then we headed to the beach on the far south of Ko Lanta, where we stayed in bungalows practically on the beach. The whole holiday was amazing, and gave us opportunities to explore history, culture and the natural world, to be active on land and in the water and to capture some of the beauty on camera. I’m writing this to reassure other readers that your recommendations are spot on! I also want to add one or two pieces of information that I would have found helpful. The Thai people I encountered were incredibly helpful and we managed to get to and from even fairly hard-to-get-to places without too much difficulty. Mosquitoes were far less of a problem than I expected, both in the rainforest and at the lake. I was a little concerned to find that our lake house had no mosquito nets and that the windows didn’t close, until our guide explained that there were no mosquitoes at the lake. Smiley’s Raft Houses are fairly basic, but do have en suite facilities; I’d imagined having to pick my way to dry land by torchlight if I had to go to the loo in the night, but there was no need. In addition, the food provided at Smiley’s was plentiful and delicious. We did need decent trainers or walking sandals to hike up the river and through the cave, but it was possible to borrow some suitable rubber plimsolls at Smiley’s. We also needed dry bags for the hike (just for camera, phone etc., because we’d left our overnight bags at the raft house) and these needed to have a shoulder strap so both hands were free for negotiating difficult bits of the hike. However, we were able to borrow these from Morning Mist and they were also available to buy in Khao Sok. I was a bit unsure about going through the cave and decided to take a shorter hike, where we went about 100 metres into the cave rather than going through it for 800 metres. This meant we were only wading through water up to our crotch, rather than up to our neck, and we still got a good sense of the cave. The whole raft house experience was utterly amazing – swimming in the lake right from your raft house was blissful – but grab the opportunity – the itinerary is pretty packed! And be sure to take a phone and set an early alarm – I got some great photos of dawn light over the lake, and then more photos of sunrise over the lake as we set off on a morning boat ride. Final tip – the slightest hint of a breeze sends masses of spray into the boat, so quick-drying walking gear is the best bet and a cover for your rucksack. If you’re reading Laurence and Jessica’s blog and are feeling tempted to follow in their footsteps, go for it!

21st January 2018 at 11:09 am

First, thanks so much for leaving such a detailed comment, and also for letting us know that the itinerary was helpful for your trip- this kind of feedback really makes us so happy and makes it all worth it! I love that you stayed at Smiley’s in Khao Sok, that was one of our absolute favourite spots in all of Thailand, such a peaceful place. Thanks also for your additional information, it’s awesome to have input from people who have done this as well. Pleased to hear the mosquitoes weren’t too much trouble 😀

Safe travels, and thanks again for stopping by – it means a lot to us 🙂

Laurence & Jessica

Shimona @ Sidecar Photo says

10th August 2016 at 2:34 am

Can’t wait to go there and now I know where to go 🙂 Beautiful photos by the way.

Jhon jaka says

3rd August 2016 at 8:44 am

Wonderful view

Maria Han says

28th July 2016 at 6:40 am

Wonderful post. Thailand is in our list and we are going there because of those enigmatic beaches and Thai food, obviously. 🙂

Laurence says

28th July 2016 at 8:59 am

Perfect reasons if you ask me 🙂

Katie @ Tea Break Project says

17th July 2016 at 9:52 pm

Super useful – thanks! Thailand is on my ‘to visit’ list, so pinned this for reference. I always find it really difficult to start off planning a trip, because the possibilities always seem so endless – so this will definitely come in handy 🙂

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The Perfect 1, 2 and 3 Week Thailand Itinerary

• Last Updated: January 20, 2024

How to make the most of your Thailand itinerary, whether you have 1 week, 2 weeks or 3 weeks, written by an expert!

Thailand is an incredibly diverse country in Southeast Asia that can be explored in any sort of time frame.

But of course, the longer you have to visit Thailand, the better.

From cities like Bangkok and Chiang Mai in the north to stunning islands like Koh Phi Phi in the south, any trip to Thailand could be jam-packed.

But having more time to explore means you aren’t rushing around, constantly hopping on flights and buses, and you have more time to stay in one spot and soak it all in before moving on.

Thankfully, Thailand is pretty small, very affordable, and easy to get around.

So if you have one week, two weeks, three weeks, or more, you can easily see different parts of the country without sacrificing too much time and money on travelling around.

You can explore both northern Thailand and the islands of the south easily in just one week, though of course, you can see more exciting things in two or three weeks.

Budget airlines make it very cheap and easy to fly around Thailand, and flights are often only an hour or two.

So even in just one week, you can explore the culture and cuisine of the mainland before jumping on a quick flight down to the islands for some swimming, snorkelling, and kayaking.

In this article, you’ll find three samples for a possible Thailand itinerary.

Of course, these can be modified depending on what you want to see and how much time you actually have.

For example, you could spend all of your time hopping around the islands if you want, or you could spend all of your time up in the mountains and cities of the mainland if you’re not much of a beach person.

You could even spend your entire Thailand trip in one place, or you might feel intrigued to visit places not mentioned in these itineraries.

This article serves more as a guide for those who are visiting Thailand for the first time and are unsure of what they want.

These itineraries will combine a bit of culture in the mainland with a bit of beach time in the islands, so travellers can get a taste of the different parts of Thailand.

Make sure you get your travel insurance before you embark on your Thailand trip. It is pretty much essential.

Table of Contents

2 Days in Chiang Mai

2 days in phuket, 1 day in koh phi phi, 2 days in bangkok, 3 days in chiang mai, the white temple (wat rong khun), the blue temple (wat rong suea ten), 2 days in koh lanta, 2 days in ao nang, octave rooftop bar, scarlett rooftop bar, red sky rooftop bar, 4 days in chiang mai, 2 days in pai, 2 days in chiang rai, 2 days in khao sok national park, 1 day spent travelling from khao sok national park to koh samui., 3 days in koh samui, 7-day thailand itinerary.

This Thailand itinerary is for those who have one week in this beautiful corner of Southeast Asia.

Though a week goes by quickly, it is definitely enough time to dabble in the culture and natural beauty of Thailand.

You’ll most likely fly in and out of Bangkok for any Thailand trip, as this is where most international flights go.

READ MORE: Here’s our guide to the best places to visit in Thailand . You’ll find all these destinations in our Thailand itinerary in there.

As the capital city of Thailand, Bangkok is crazy and crowded but absolutely packed with culture and things to do.

No Thailand itinerary would be complete without at least 2 days in Bangkok .

Some fun activities you can fill your days with include tasting street food on Khao San Road , checking out the massive government buildings in the Dusit District , taking a riverboat tour along the Chao Phraya River , and exploring the local temples.

Here are some notable temples to visit in Bangkok during your Thailand trip.

Wat Pho temple is famous for its giant reclining Buddha.

• Location: 2 Sanam Chai Rd, Phra Borom Maha Ratchawang
• Hours: 8 am to 6 pm
• Cost: 200 Baht

Located in a scenic spot right on the river bank, this temple has a mix of Buddhist and Hindu influences.

• Location: 158 Thanon Wang Doem, Bangkok Yai
• Cost: 100 Baht

This temple has a massive golden pagoda and is located on top of a man-made hill known as the Golden Mountain

• Location: 344 Boriphat Rd, off Ratchadamnoen Klang
• Hours: 9 am to 7 pm
• Cost: 50 Baht

Probably the most beautiful landmark in Bangkok is the Grand Palace, a huge property filled with glittering temples, incredible statues, towering pagodas, and overall fascinating architecture.

Located inside the Grand Palace is Wat Phra Kaew , one of the most sacred temples in Thailand and home to the Emerald Buddha.

Built in only 1782, the Grand Palace is a true work of art, so travellers should brave the crowds to check out this famous attraction.

• Grand Palace Location: Na Phra Lan Road, Phra Borom Maha Ratchawang
• Hours: 8:30 am to 3:30 pm
• Cost: 500 Baht

After two days of exploring the highlights of Bangkok like Wat Pho and the Grand Palace, fly north to Chiang Mai.

READ MORE: 10 awesome things to do while travelling in Bangkok

Chiang Mai is a bit more relaxed than Bangkok, but there are still plenty of things to do.

This city in northern Thailand has over 300 Buddhist temples and is surrounded by lush jungles.

You can take a Thai cooking class, get a Thai massage, or watch a Muay Thai Boxing match to immerse yourself in the culture of Chiang Mai.

Make sure you taste a traditional Khao Soi, which is a creamy curry and egg noodle dish famous in northern Thailand.

Khao Soi Khun Yai in a cheap and authentic local restaurant in Chiang Mai where you can try a delicious Khao Soi.

If you’re looking for a nice place to stay in Chiang Mai, check out the Floral Hotel at Thapae Gate .

Located right in the Old City and close to all Chiang Mai’s attractions this gorgeous hotel has comfortable rooms, a nice swimming pool, and only costs between 50 and 70 USD per night.

For exactly what there is to see and do there, check out our list of what to do in Chiang Mai .

Once you’re finished with your time in the city, fly from Chiang Mai to Phuket.

After arriving at the Phuket airport on the north of the island, catch a taxi down to the beautiful white sands of Karon Beach.

All-Star Guesthouse is a great place to stay near Karon Beach, as it is a small, cozy, family-run place that is centrally located and very affordable.

For more accommodation options in Phuket, check out this article on all the best places to stay in Phuket for every budget.

Here’s a more detailed article we wrote on how to make the most of your Phuket itinerary .

During your two days in Phuket, you can visit the Big Buddha, go sightseeing in Phuket Old Town, go parasailing at Patong Beach, and watch the sunset from one of the island’s many viewpoints.

Head over to Rassada Pier to take the ferry to Koh Phi Phi, a gem of any Thailand trip.

READ MORE: Add these to your list of things to do in Phuket .

For the last day in your 7 day Thailand itinerary, soak in the picturesque views at Koh Phi Phi.

Koh Phi Phi is actually a chain of three tiny islands, though only one of them, Phi Phi Don , is inhabited.

On Phi Phi Don you can find lots of cheap backpacker hostels, bars, clubs, clothing stores, and souvenir shops.

Make sure you save time for sunbathing next to the turquoise waters of Loh Dalam Bay, and for hiking up to the viewpoint that looks over the whole island.

Koh Phi Phi doesn’t have an airport, so you can either take the ferry back to Phuket and fly out of there, or take the ferry to Krabi on the mainland and fly out of there.

2 Week Thailand Itinerary

This 2 weeks in Thailand itinerary is great for those who can’t take loads of time off work but still want to get a good feel for the country.

Start your 2 weeks in Thailand in Bangkok. If you’ve seen enough during your first day in Bangkok, you can switch things up by taking a day trip out of the city.

The best day trip from Bangkok is visiting Ayutthaya , the former capital of the Siamese Empire.

This ancient city is about 85 km north of Bangkok and was founded in the 14th century.

Ayutthaya is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is full of old but well-preserved temples, monuments, and national parks.

Next on the agenda for 2 weeks in Thailand, fly from Bangkok to Chiang Mai.

READ MORE: 12 awesome things to do while travelling in Bangkok

No 2 weeks in Thailand itinerary is complete without stopping in Chiang Mai.

If you’d like to make a day trip for one of your 3 days in Chiang Mai, Doi Inthanon National Park is a great place to go nearby.

Located about 70 km away from Chiang Mai, Doi Inthanon National Park is a massive green space filled with temples, local villages, gardens, hiking trails, waterfalls, and lots of peaceful forests.

You can take a songtaew to reach the park from Chiang Mai, which is a red pick-up truck that serves as a collective taxi.

Try and find other travellers to share the ride with you so the overall price becomes cheaper!

Another option is visiting Elephant Nature Park , an elephant rescue sanctuary near Chiang Mai. If you are tempted to see elephants on your Thailand trip, just remember to visit somewhere ethical that protects the animals and forbids riding. Elephant Nature Park is a great place to visit elephants ethically!

Check out this Chiang Mai 3 Day Itinerary for more inspiration on things to do in this charming northern Thai city.

Chiang Rai is next on your 2 weeks in Thailand trip. Take a minibus from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai. We recommend booking this on the 12go.asia website .

Chiang Rai is a quiet and beautiful city in the north of Thailand. If you have time to visit it on your Thailand trip, definitely do so!

Stroll through the small town centre and chat with friendly locals, or drive up to the northernmost tip of Thailand which is connected to Myanmar by a bridge.

The breathtaking temples are definitely the highlights of Chiang Rai. Make sure you check them out during your 2 weeks in Thailand.

Probably the most visited temple in Chiang Rai, the unique decoration and detail of this whitewashed temple will blow your mind.

• Location: 1 Phahonyothin Rd

Slathered in deep blue colours and adorned with Buddhist relics, the Blue Temple is a feast for the eyes.

• Location: 306 Maekok Rd
• Hours: 7 am to 8 pm

If you’re travelling on a budget, Chiang Rai has lots of really nice and affordable accommodation options.

Connect Hostel has high ratings from travellers and costs only 8-9 USD per night for a dorm room or 37 USD per night for a private room.

Fly from Chiang Rai to Phuket so you can enjoy some of the island destinations during 2 weeks in Thailand!

READ MORE: Learn all about these incredible things to do in Chiang Rai .

Because Phuket is such a mountainous island, there are lots of hilltop restaurants with open views where you can look over the beautiful scenery while you dine.

Head to Heaven Restaurant & Bar for a view over Kata Noi Beach, the Palace Restaurant and Sky Lounge for a view over Patong Beach, or Tung Ka Café for a view over Phuket Town.

Or take a day trip to the James Bond Island, located in Phanga Nga Bay.

Next on your 2 weeks in Thailand itinerary, take the ferry from Phuket’s Rassada Pier down to Koh Lanta.

Koh Lanta is an island in the Andaman Sea that is far less touristy than some of Thailand’s other islands.

Snorkelling, swimming, kayaking, diving and sunbathing are all incredible here as there are few crowds to distract from the tropical scenery.

Explore the natural phenomenon of the Emerald Cave, stroll through the tiny and rustic Old Town, or go hiking in the Mu Ko Lanta National Park.

A gorgeous place to stay in Koh Lanta during 2 weeks in Thailand is the Crown Lanta Resort and Spa (has recently been renamed to Avani Plus Koh Lanta Krabi Resort).

Read the full, NOMADasaurus detailed review of this luxury hotel here .

Take the ferry from Koh Lanta to Ao Nang to finish off 2 weeks in Thailand.

Ao Nang is relaxing and quaint, but still leaves travellers awestruck with its towering limestone cliffs and postcard-worthy beaches.

Railay Beach is the most popular attraction here, and you can hop on a cheap long tail boat from Ao Nang Beach to reach this little cove of cliffs and turquoise water.

Ao Nang is ideal for rock climbing enthusiasts, as the abundance of massive, jagged rocks makes for challenging but rewarding climbing spots.

You can also hike Hang Mak Mountain or go zip lining over the jungle for a bit of excitement.

Any 2 week Thailand itinerary must include a day of snorkelling or diving.

Ao Nang is an amazing place for snorkelling or diving as the water is warm and clean and there is lots of wildlife thriving in the area.

After an action-packed 2 days in Ao Nang and 2 weeks in Thailand fly from Krabi back to Bangkok to catch your departing international flight.

READ MORE: Add these to your list of things to do in Ao Nang .

3 Week Thailand Itinerary

A 3 week Thailand itinerary is great for those who really want to explore the stunning country Thailand.

Aside from the big cities, you’ll get to visit small towns, national parks, and islands in the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand. A 3 week itinerary is ideal!

3 Days in Bangkok

Between checking out the tourist attractions and taking a day trip to Ayutthaya, you’ll have an incredible 3 days in Thailand’s capital city.

An awesome activity in Bangkok is visiting a rooftop bar in a giant skyscraper, with a panoramic view of the city.

Outside of the Old Town, Bangkok is super modern and cosmopolitan, so it can be fun to treat yourself to a nice cocktail or meal overlooking the metropolis.

Keep in mind that most rooftop bars are classy and have a dress code, so try to dress fancier than usual.

Here are some of the best rooftop bars in Bangkok, all of which sell high-quality food and beverages and have a crazy view of the city sprawled below.

• Location: 45th floor, Bangkok Marriott Hotel Sukhumvit, 2 Ban Kluai Nuea Alley, Khlong Tan Nuea, Watthana, Bangkok 10110
• Hours: 5 pm to 1:30 am
• Location: 37th floor, Pullman Bangkok Hotel G, 188 Silom Rd, Khwaeng Suriya Wong, Khet Bang Rak, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10500
• Hours: 5 pm to 12 am
• Location: 55th floor, Centara Grand at CentralWorld, 999/99 Rama 1 Road, Pathumwan, Bangkok 10330
• Hours: 5 pm to 1 am

For additional things to do in Bangkok, consider checking out the Airplane Graveyard or celebrating Songkran , the Buddhist New Year, in the city.

Next on your 3 week itinerary, fly from Bangkok to Chiang Mai.

With an extra day in Chiang Mai, you have time to take another day trip out of the city to explore the surrounding nature.

One of the coolest places to visit near Chiang Mai is the Sticky Waterfall, or “Bua Tong Waterfall” located in the Jedsee Fountain Forest Park.

Here you can climb the vertical waterfall using just your hands and feet because the rocks are coated with rough mineral deposits so they aren’t slippery. It’s one of the most amazing day trips from Chiang Mai.

Spend a few hours here swimming, splashing, climbing, and having a picnic (there aren’t any shops in this remote area near Chiang Mai so bring your own food and drinks!).

After your 4 days in Chiang Mai, take a minibus to Pai.

Pai is a relaxing jungle paradise where backpackers love to chill out and spend quality time with nature.

There are so many natural wonders to explore near Pai, such as the Pambok Waterfall, the Tham Lod Caves full of stalactites and stalagmites, the soothing Tha Pai Hot Springs, and the massive Pai Canyon.

Rent a scooter for a couple of days and enjoy the freedom of zooming through the jungle, and stroll through the local walking street market at night for some cheap local street food.

Spend your two nights in Pai at one of the local backpacker hostels.

Tribal Pai Backpackers is a great choice for accommodation because it is social and fun, but a bit less crazy than a party hostel.

A dorm here costs as little as 4 USD per night, and private rooms are about 33 USD per night. Accommodation can be super cheap when you visit Thailand!

Catch a minibus from Pai to Chiang Rai .

READ MORE: Add these to your list of things to do in Pai .

If you haven’t yet taken a cooking class in Thailand, Chiang Rai is a great place to do it.

You can book a full-day cooking class that starts with a tour of the local market to pick up fresh ingredients.

Then you can learn all about the rich flavours and simple techniques of Thai cuisine and eat all the delicious food you cook.

This is a great insight into the culture of Thailand, so you should definitely try and squeeze a cooking class into a 3 week Thailand itinerary.

Fly from Chiang Rai to Phuket.

After spending a decent amount of time soaking in the sun on Phuket’s pristine beaches, entertain yourself by watching a famous ladyboy cabaret show.

A ladyboy performance is a must-see when you visit Thailand.

Phuket’s Simon Cabaret was established in 1991, and now hosts some of the best cabarets in the country.

Ladyboy cabarets consist of drag queens wearing fantastic costumes and putting on a show full of dancing, acting, lip-syncing, sometimes real singing, and a whole lot of energy and pizazz.

Take the ferry from Phuket to Ao Nang .

In addition to the outdoor activities mentioned in the 2 week Thailand itinerary, you can try to explore a little more of the islands surrounding Ao Nang by doing an island hopping tour.

A 3 week Thailand itinerary still can’t cover all of the country’s stunning islands, so a guided day tour by speedboat is a great way to pack lots of cool places into a short time.

On a day tour, you’ll see gorgeous beaches, huge cliffs, snorkelling sights, and just a lot of mind-blowing natural beauty.

Then, add another epic place to your 3 week itinerary and take a shuttle from Ao Nang to Khao Sok National Park .

Khao Sok National Park is an oasis of serenity and scenery that looks like it came out of a fairy tale. It’s often a highlight for those who visit Thailand.

Dense jungle, hanging vines, limestone cliffs, caves, rivers, lakes, animals and insects are just a few of the things you’ll find here.

You can go hiking and kayaking, or take a boat tour through the park, or just relax and soak in the serenity from your lakeside wooden bungalow.

Cheow Lan Lake is the most beautiful area to stay in, but you can also stay in the Khao Son Riverside if you don’t want to be so deep in the jungle.

Travelling from Khao Sok National Park over to Koh Samui in the Gulf of Thailand can be done by some combination of shuttle and minibus, but you’ll have to dedicate one full day to the trip.

The transport prices are usually very cheap, but it will take quite a while since you have to cross the Malay Peninsula.

After reaching the ferry port on the eastern side of the peninsula, just hop on a ferry and make your way to Koh Samui!

Check out this website for planning your trip.

Spend the last 3 days of your 3 week Thailand itinerary relaxing on the white sands of Koh Samui .

Chaweng Beach, Lamai Beach, and Choeng Mon Beach are the three most popular beaches on Koh Samui and they all offer beautiful scenery and turquoise water for swimming.

Koh Samui is the second-largest island in Thailand, so there is plenty to do here in addition to just being a beach bum.

Head to the north of the island to check out the Big Buddha and the night markets, including Fisherman’s Village Street Market, held every Friday from 5 pm to 11 pm.

Take a fruit carving class or visit the Secret Buddha Garden, full of mysterious statues and peaceful forest.

Definitely spend one of your days in Koh Samui taking a day trip to Ang Thong National Marine Park.

This protected area consists of 42 little islands, and you can only visit by government approved tour boat.

There are lots of affordable day tours that can bring you into the park and take you hiking, snorkelling, kayaking, and exploring throughout the diverse and impressive national marine park.

Other things to do in Koh Samui include visiting Koh Tao for snorkeling or Koh Phangan for the Full Moon Party. Both Koh Tao and Koh Phangan can be visited as day trips via local boat.

If you have even more than 3 weeks in Thailand, you can continue exploring Koh Tao and Koh Phangan for even longer, as there are plenty of fun things to do here.

If your Thailand trip is coming to a close after Koh Samui, fly back to Bangkok to catch your departing international flight.

DISCLAIMER: Some of the links in this article are affiliate links, which means if you book accommodation, tours or buy a product, we will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. These commissions help us keep creating more free travel content to help people plan their holidays and adventures. We only recommend the best accommodations, tours and products that ourselves or our fantastic editorial team have personally experienced, and regularly review these. Thanks for your support, kind friend!

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The perfect 3 days in bangkok itinerary (2024 guide), thailand packing list – what to pack for a perfect holiday, the perfect 3 days in koh samui itinerary, 10 best things to do in ao nang, thailand [2024], 4 thoughts on “the perfect 1, 2 and 3 week thailand itinerary”.

I’m absolutely hooked on your Thailand itinerary! Week 1’s cultural immersion, Week 2’s adrenaline-packed activities, and Week 3’s idyllic relaxation—what a well-rounded adventure. Your blog is a goldmine for anyone planning a trip. I’ll be sure to share this valuable resource with my fellow travel enthusiasts!

This trip blog truly captures the essence of wanderlust and adventure. The stories shared here evoke a sense of curiosity and make me yearn to explore the world. It’s the perfect escape for those moments when you can’t physically travel but still want to be transported to new horizons.

Wonderful itinerary! Thanks for the tips!

I’ve been to Thailand several times, and I loved all of these places. I have yet to visit Khao Sok — it is on my list.

Thank you for stopping by. Definitely check Koh Sok out next time you are in Thailand. 🙂

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Whether you’re planning a honeymoon, a family vacation with kids, or a get-away filled with relaxation and/or adventure, Thailand doesn’t disappo

Thailand… to get you into vacation mode, here are a few enticing descriptions of what Thailand is famous for: stunning islands, pristine white sand beaches, magnificent royal palaces, delicious street food, lush tropical forests, fascinating and exotic culture, captivating ancient monuments, ornate temples, great shopping, and reasonable prices. Add this to the mix - the warmth, friendliness, and hospitability of the Thai people - and you’ll understand why Thailand, the Land of Smiles, has become the most popular tourist destination in Southeast Asia. Whether you’re planning a honeymoon, a family vacation with kids, or a get-away filled with relaxation and/or adventure, Thailand doesn’t disappoint.

Bangkok fuses ancient tradition and modernity with its palaces and temples, great street food and vibrant nightlife, bustling markets and amazing river tours.

Chiang Mai is an enticing destination, attracting travelers with its distinctive fusion of cultural richness, natural beauty, and intriguing heritage.

Ko Pha Ngan

Kanchanaburi

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Thailand can be divided into 5 main geographical regions: Northern Thailand, where Chiang Mai and the Golden Triangle are located; Isaan, the great northeast region of backcountry; central Thailand, where Bangkok , the capital, is situated; eastern Thailand, location of stunning beaches and several national parks; and southern Thailand, home to lush rainforests, a long coastline, and an archipelago of islands including Phuket, Koh Samui, and other well-known Thai beach spots.

Most trips to Thailand start in Bangkok, the capital - a large, colorful, and boisterous city characterized by a futuristic cityscape alongside iconic, ornate temples and golden Buddhas, a network of canals stemming from the Chao Phraya River, and a vibrant street life. Bangkok’s major tourist attractions are mainly historical or religious sites - no wonder, since 95% of the Thai population practices Buddhism.

The Rattanakosin (old-Bangkok style) royal district encompasses over 100 buildings spanning over 200 years of royal history and architectural innovation. It is home to the magnificent Grand Palace, a former royal residence currently used only on ceremonial occasions, and one of the city’s most popular tourist attractions. The holy, architecturally unique Wat Phra Kaew (Emerald Buddha Temple) is located in the palace complex and is known as the spiritual core of Thai Buddhism and royalty, with the Emerald Buddha mystically uniting them. The nearby Wat Pho Temple, built by King Rama I, contains a huge, reclining Buddha, the largest collection of Buddha images in Thailand, and the country's first public university. The iconic, projectile-shaped Wat Arun Temple (Temple of the Dawn), is located on the opposite shore. Climb its steep stairs for remarkable views of the river and surroundings.

Wat Saket , the Golden Mount, is a beautiful ancient temple complex and a popular Bangkok landmark located on Bangkok’s only hill. Its 318 stairs lead to the golden pagoda and panoramic views of the city.

Lumphini Park , named for the Buddha’s birthplace in Nepal, is Bangkok’s largest park and a green haven in the middle of the bustling city. Its artificial lake with paddle boating, beautiful greenery, playgrounds, trails, and large monitor lizards make it a fun destination with kids.

If you’re looking for museums, the National Museum is home to large and diverse collections, and Wang Na Palace, the residence of King Rama I, has been well-preserved and contains religious, ceremonial, and royal artifacts as well as a notable collection of Buddha figures. Museum Siam is a discovery museum which explores Thai history and national identity.

Shopping abounds in Bangkok, from inexpensive goods to luxury items. The semi-outdoor Chatuchak Weekend Market, with over 15,000 stalls, is the world’s largest market and a top tourist destination offering everything from jewelry and religious artifacts to mouthwatering street food. The floating market in Ratchaburi, about 1.5 hours from Bangkok, provides a unique, canal-based shopping experience with local foods and products and a great variety of souvenirs. In the Terminal 21 shopping mall, each floor is themed to a different global city, offering a mix of local and international brands. Bangkok’s famous night markets offer entertainment, street food, and a wide range of goods.

Street life comes alive on the boisterous Khao San Road, Bangkok’s backpacker district, which is filled to the brim with travelers from around the globe, clothing stands, guesthouses, and food vendors. Bangkok’s Chinatown, one of the largest and best Chinatowns in the world, is another colorful neighborhood.

They say that you can’t really experience Bangkok without sampling the local cuisine- the street food in particular. You’re in for a pleasurable surprise -– the delicious grilled meats and fish, spicy noodles, curries, fresh fruit, and other authentic local specialties are far superior to what is known around the world as “Thai food”!

Sukhothai Historical Park, also located in central Thailand, is a World Heritage site housing the ruins of the 13th-century Sukhothai Kingdom. Surrounded by ancient city walls, it includes 21 historical sites, 4 big pools, 26 temples, and a royal palace.

Ayutthaya , just north of Bangkok, contains archeological ruins of this 14th century capital of the Kingdom of Siam. The Ayutthaya National Park, on an island between 3 rivers, has remains of palaces, Buddhist temples, monasteries, and statues.

For those who are feeling nostalgic about the Bridge over the River Kwai, a trip to Thailand wouldn’t be complete without visiting the Kanchanaburi Province. The historic bridge, which had been the location of conflict and bloodshed during World War II, was renovated after the war and is now a major tourist destination and a fully operational railway.

Heading north, Chiang Mai is one of Thailand’s most visited tourist destinations, offering a different side of the country – thick tropical rainforests, jungle-like mountains, hilly treks, and more active Buddhist temples than any other city in Thailand. The White Temple ( Wat Rong Khun ) is a contemporary architectural masterpiece, and the Blue Temple (Wat Rong Suea Ten) is built on a site where tigers are said to have jumped over the river. Doi Suthep offers spectacular views of the city.

On the long San Kamphaeng Road you’ll find local craftsmen selling their creations – everything from silk to pottery. Chiang Mai’s Old City, home to some of the city’s finest hotels, oldest temples, and outstanding restaurants, is surrounded by channels, with visible remains of the moat and old city walls. The famed Chiang Mai Night Bazaar, home to a wide range of shopping and food stalls, is just outside the Old City. Waterfall trekking, bamboo rafting along the Mae Want River, and visits to a jungle elephant sanctuary –including swimming with the elephants! - are top Chiang Mai experiences. From Chiang Mai you can easily visit the Golden Triangle where Myanmar, Laos, and Thailand meet.

With Thailand’s host of islands, which are the top tourist destinations?

Koh Samui in the southeast, Thailand’s second largest island, doesn’t disappoint with its picture-perfect, palm-lined beaches, soft white sand, and crystal clear water. Koh Samui is also known for its coconut groves, breathtaking sunsets, mountainous rainforest, plentiful luxurious spas, and famous temples. The nearby islands are a quick ferry ride away and are prime relaxation and scuba diving locations. Ang Thong National Marine Park, extending over 42 islands, is ideal for trekking through thick Thai jungles and viewing exotic animal species. The 12 meter tall Big Buddha statue at Wat Phra Yai Temple is a Koh Samui icon.

Phuket , another popular Thai destination for beach-lovers, is located in the southwest of the country. The Kata Noi, Nai Harn, and Surin beaches are well-known, providing tranquil settings and a variety of resort options. Temples and Buddhas are ubiquitous in Thailand, and, in Phuket, the 45-meter tall Big Buddha towers over the island from the top of Nakkerd Hill. Phuket town is another attraction with its Sino-Portuguese buildings and restored markets. Nearby Hua Hin, which was once the king’s summer retreat, is an ideal destination for families and those who are looking to get away from crowds.

The Krabi province, on southern Thailand’s west coast, is made up of over 200 islands. It is home to fabulous beaches and vast national parks, including the Thung Teao Forest Natural Park with lush rainforests, exotic wildlife, and natural warm-weather pools. As the coast in Krabi is steep and rugged, it attracts climbers from all over the globe. The outstanding Railay Beach is well-known for its caves, and the Phi Phi Islands, bordered by limestone and coral waters, offer some of the best snorkeling in Thailand as well as kayaking, sailing, and bird-watching.

Wondering when is the best time for a Thai vacation? While tourists flock to Thailand year-round, November to early April is considered ideal as the weather is dry, the temperatures are warm but comfortable, and there is up to 9 hours of sunshine a day. February to May is the hot and dry season, and June to October is monsoon season.

Ready for the boundless opportunities for relaxation, adventure, and exploration that exotic Thailand offers? Routeperfect is your address for planning, organizing, and booking your personalized dream vacation. Unlike any other company, Routeperfect offers its exclusive popular itineraries written by tourism professionals and experienced travelers to jumpstart your planning, helping you to customize your travel and book your accommodations so that you can experience the country YOUR way.

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• How to Plan Your First Trip to Thailand — 7 Easy Steps

Thailand, the land of smiles, No. 1 for travel in Southeast Asia, is rich in culture and history, and filled with golden temples, radiant beaches, cuisine that is adored around the world, and friendly smiling people.

If you're looking for a way to rekindle your spark or to enjoy quality time with your kids, it's time to book a trip to the best vacation spots for couples or families in Thailand.

Don't know where to start? Read on for your handy guide to planning a trip to Thailand.

1. Choose Where to Go

2. decide how many days to stay.

• 3. Consider When to Travel
• 4. Consider Your Budget
• 5. Taking A Guided or Independent Tour?
• 6. Check Out Visa Policy

7. Getting to and Around Thailand

Thailand can be divided into three main regions for travelers:

• Northern Thailand for nature, elephants, and local villages;
• the Central Plains for Bangkok and city getaways, and
• Southern Thailand for great beaches.

With our knowledge of Thailand and feedback from our customers, we suggest you visit Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and one or two southern beaches for your first trip , extending it to Chiang Rai and/or a national park if you have the time.

1) Bangkok — A Blend of Modernity and Tradition

Bangkok is Thailand's capital and top gateway city. It is a city that offers a unique blend of modernity and tradition, making it a perfect destination for a family or couple's trip.

For those interested in learning more about Thailand's splendid architecture and temples , the Grand Palace, Wat Arun, and Wat Pho are must-see attractions.

Whether traveling as a family or a couple, a foodie tour to discover the sophisticated flavors of Bangkok's old district in Chinatown among other local cuisine will create a deliciously memorable experience.

Your trip would not be complete without a cruise along Bangkok's ancient canals and a visit to a floating market , which would give you an insight into a bygone way of life.

For a special experience and some private time, you could spend a night in a floating house at Kanchanaburi.

Get more ideas on planning a family trip to Thailand .

Discover real reviews of Highlights Travel Family 's best-rated service across trusted platforms.

2) Chiang Mai — Have a Close Encounter with Elephants

Chiang Mai, known as the 'Rose of the North', is a wonderful destination for a family or couple's trip, offering culture, history, relaxation, and excitement as well.

You could start your trip with a visit to the famous Wat Phra That Doi Suthep temple , which offers breathtaking views of the city and its surroundings. Then explore the Old City and its many street markets, such as the Night Bazaar.

Seeing elephants usually tops the list of things to do in Chiang Mai, whether with kids or your partner. Our half-day elephant tou r allows you to feed the elephants, walk with them, and play with them in the mud of a bathing pool.

If you visit in November, don't miss Chiang Mai's Yi Peng Lantern Festival , which is a romantic event that many couples dream of.

3) The Thai Islands: Phuket or Samui?

Your Thailand trip would not be complete without visiting at least one or two of its beautiful islands. The only question is which island should you choose from so many islands on both the west and east coasts of Thailand.

Phuket , along with Krabi and Koh Phi Phi, on the Andaman Sea (west coast) is loved by families for its various exciting activities and family-friendly hotel options .

While Ko Samui , along with Ko Pha-Ngan and Ko Tao, on the east coast is very popular with couples, due to their being home to luxury resorts and a quieter vibe .

If you are traveling in your summer vacation , Ko Samui is recommended for its sunny and dry weather, while Phuket is in its rainy season.

Can't make a decision yet? Suggested read: Phuket vs Koh Samui .

4) A National Park: Enjoy Jungle Hikes and Encounter Wildlife

To enrich your stay in Thailand, you should consider including a national park in your trip, such as Kao Yai or Khao Sok.

Located north of Phuket, Khao Sok National Park is home to some of the planet's oldest rainforests, with guided activities including jungle hikes and boat tours on scenic Cheow Lan Lake. Spending a night in a "tree house" (treetop lodge) could be an experience full of lifetime memories for your kids. For couples, there's the special and romantic experience of staying in a luxury tent surrounded by rainforest.

North of Bangkok, Khao Yai National Park makes an amazing day out. 

If you're planning a trip to Southeast Asia, get some inspiration from our article: 2-Week Southeast Asia Itineraries for Couples, Families, and More .

We suggest you take at least a week for your first trip to see a spectrum of the highlights in the top three cities.

• 7–10 days: Bangkok (2–3 days), Chiang Mai (2–3 days), and a southern island like Phuket or Koh Samui (3–4 days). See the  9-day Thailand Family Tour for inspiration. Or get more sample itineraries:  Top 5 Thailand Itineraries for 10 Days .
• 10-15 days: For a few more days, you can discover more of Thailand, like charming Chiang Rai and a national park, you will need a few more days. See our sample itineraries for inspiration: 12-Day Thailand Family Holiday , 12-Day Thailand Wonders Tour , and Best 3 Thailand Itineraries for 12 Days .

If you are lucky enough to have more time to tour Thailand, say 3, 4, or even 8 weeks then you have a lot more options! See our page the Ultimate Thailand Travel Itinerary Guide From 5 Days to 1 Month for more inspiration.

For 2–3 weeks , you can consider visiting Thailand with one or two other countries. Vietnam and Cambodia are 2 of the most popular choices. See the sample itineraries for inspiration:

• 11-Day Best of Thailand and Cambodia Tour
• 19-Day Highlights of Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam
• 21-Day Thailand and Vietnam Adventure Tour

Or you can check the sample itineraries of Thailand for  21 days >>>

You might want to contact a travel specialist to have your requirements, including the length of your holiday, designed into a fulfilling tour uniquely planned for you.

Extended reading: How Long to Spend in Southeast Asia (for First Timers)

3. Consider When to Travel to Thailand

In general, the best time to visit most of Thailand is during the dry season between November and March , when the temperatures are pleasant and there is very little rainfall.

According to our experience, if your travel dates are totally flexible, the ideal times are late October and early April , when the weather is still good and the crowds are fewer.

Christmas and New Year holidays are the busiest times . Hotels in popular cities/islands such as Bangkok and Phuket, and flights between popular destinations such as Chiang Mai - Phuket are likely to be sold out in advance. Be sure to plan ahead and make reservations at least 6 months in advance for better deals. Let us know your interests and requirements , and we'll take care of everything.

If you travel between August and September for the Phuket area or between October and December for the Koh Samui area, be prepared for showers. Fewer crowds and cheaper prices are its benefits. You can get more detailed tips on Best Times to Travel to Thailand .

Vietnam and Cambodia have similar climates to Thailand's . You may want to visit these three destinations in one trip. Check How to Plan a 3-Week Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam Tour

4. Consider Your Budget for a Thailand Trip

In general, Thailand is surprisingly affordable, and therefore it is particularly popular to visit. Airfares for your international flights are the largest upfront cost. On arrival in Thailand, your costs will vary greatly depending on the kind of traveler you want to be.

Thailand is a country that covers all budgets! From economy-class hotels to top-class resorts, street food to gourmet dinners for hundreds, and free beaches to expensive tours, Thailand has it all!

A private tour is an affordable luxury in Thailand! Private service is value for money there. Here are the prices for a private tour based on a group of 2 people during the peak season, for your reference:

• On a medium budget, touring Thailand typically costs around US$150–200 per day per person (including 4-star hotels, airfares within Thailand, attractions, guides, and transfers).
• For a higher budget of US$200–250 per day per person, more comfort can be enjoyed (including 5-star hotels, airfares within Thailand, attractions, guides, and transfers).
• For a family trip (2 adults plus 2–3 children) for 2 weeks in Thailand or in Southeast Asia, it normally costs US$10,000–15,000 per family excluding international flights from/to America or Europe.

Learn more about how much money you need when visiting Thailand. Check out some private Thailand tours and private Southeast tours to get a general idea of the cost.

5. Consider Traveling Independently or Taking a Guided Tour

While Thailand is easy enough to travel to independently for backpackers, it is at the same time very time-consuming (if not troublesome) to choose the most suitable hotels and arrange all the best activities for you, while seeking value for money and great service.

A private guided tour is a great way to maximize your time , eliminating any frustrating time spent on planning and traveling and ensuring a smoother, stress-free, and more enjoyable journey.

Work with our travel consultant to create an itinerary that fits your schedule and focuses on the places and experiences that matter most to you. Our consultants can not only help you sift through thousands of hotel and restaurant options to find the right one for you, whether it's for couples or families but also quickly provide alternative solutions in case of any changes .

Contact us to enjoy a quality service.

6. Check Out Thailand's Visa Policy

Nationals of many countries are exempt from needing a tourist visa to enter the Kingdom of Thailand, including the United States, Australia, Canada, and the United Kingdom. Most travelers can stay in Thailand without a visa for 30 days. We have more information on Thailand visas and visa requirements for other Asian countries .

Getting to Thailand

Flying from North America to Thailand usually involves a connecting flight. Popular transfer cities include Seoul (South Korea), Tokyo (Japan), Hong Kong, Taipei, and Dubai (United Arab Emirates).

Direct flights operate between Bangkok and the main cities in Europe and Oceania.

We are confident that our private tours are the most convenient option for your trip to Thailand. We can make an itinerary according to your flight times and arrange trouble-free private transport.

Connecting to Other SE Asian Countries

Bangkok is the top gateway city for travel to Southeast Asian countries. From there you will find frequent flights to other major cities in Vietnam, Cambodia, Myanmar, and Laos. This makes Thailand not only a popular destination stop but also a gateway to its neighboring SE Asian countries.

Booking a private tour with us, we will arrange your transportation within Southeast Asia. Our travel consultant will search the flight schedules, arrange the best connections, and book the air tickets.

You're in Good Hands with Asia Highlights

At Asia Highlights, we have created over 10,000+ big trips for insightful travelers, mostly for families and couples. We truly understand that every single big trip planned for our clients is not just for good holiday memories but also for joyful celebrations of life's milestones.

Read comments from our clients on TrustPilot , for example:

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• "Everything went better that we'd expected! Our guides were local people who knew about the city, the people, and how to solve problems. They were really punctual and had the best attitude!

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Get a wonderful Thailand vacation by sending us a message . Or check out our sample itineraries for inspiration:

• 12-Day Thailand Family Holiday
• 14-Day Classic Vietnam and Thailand Tour
• 14-day Thailand and Vietnam Family Tour
• 3-Week Best of Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam Tour for Couples

Further Reading

• 2 Weeks in Thailand – 3 Perfect Thailand Itineraries
• 2-Week Southeast Asia Itineraries for Couples, Families, and More
• How to Plan a 3-Week Southeast Asia Itinerary

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Unveil the very best of Thailand with Zicasso’s expert trip planning process. Explore sample itineraries that demonstrate the wondrous culture and spectacular nature of this Southeast Asian gem. From floating markets to dense jungles, a Thailand travel specialist will create the perfect itinerary designed specifically for you. Submit a trip request to get started today.

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11  Day Custom Tour

Dynamic pricing from  $3,218

The experience of discovery will take you through the marvels of culture and wildlife on this custom tailored tour through the past and present traditions, unrivaled landscapes, and endless wonder of Thailand. From the Chao Phraya River to the Golden Triangle, pristine sandy beaches to incredible hill tribes, you will find the unique and the treasured, the fabled and the masterful as if were created just for you. Hidden within the spectacular flavors or wondrous jungle where temples climb over mountaintops, you will discover surprises and find experience is the ultimate reward.

Dynamic pricing from  $3,141

There are endless unforgettable flavors to discover and enjoy on this custom tailored tour through Thailand and its remarkable culinary traditions. From sensational cooking classes to magnificent local restaurants, opulent temples to immaculate beaches, you will make a culinary journey from spice to decadence and you will relish everything in between. Uncover the secrets of famous restaurants, delight in the cultural traditions of home cooks, and taste the diverse flavors from north to south that bring you into the unique and unparalleled tastes of Thailand.

7  Day Custom Tour

Dynamic pricing from  $1,997

Family comes first on this custom tailored family vacation that will take you through the best of Bangkok and its surroundings, meant for anyone and everyone that has ever wanted to whisk the family to a fabulous getaway. Whether you’re in search of wildlife or city life, temples or palaces, museums or boating, this tour has everything that you will need to ensure that the family that travels together laughs together. From the banks of the Chao Phraya River to the glistening ruins in Ayutthaya and the gilded spires of the Palace complex, your family will praise you and your Thailand vacation will relax you, where all you have to do is get up and go.

12  Day Custom Tour

Dynamic pricing from  $3,427

Take a walk on the wild side on this custom tailored tour through the historic cities and remarkable natural landscapes of Thailand. Whether trekking through stunning scenery within the Khao Yai National Park to witness wild elephants or cycling along the open fields outside of the old capital of the empire of Siam, you will find natural beauty in the countryside and celebrated ancient stones, tremendous temples and magnificent waterfalls. Within the heart of the wild you will find wonder.

Thailand’s Northern regions encompass intriguing stories that date back centuries, and these will be unearthed as you explore the marvelous, humanmade, and natural relics in which these sought-after cities pride themselves. You will uncover the country’s iconic wartime past in addition to discover the fascinating cultures that reside in rural destinations that rarely visited by tourists. Every aspect of this voyage is customized to help you expose the gripping heritage that resonates from Thailand’s collection of enthralling sites, and you will immerse yourselves in historically-focused experiences unlike any other.

10  Day Custom Tour

Dynamic pricing from  $2,855

The urban jungle meets the tropical jungle on this custom tailored tour through the far reaches of Thailand’s landscape. From charming wildlife to interactive art exhibits, the shining colors of the translucent sea to the exceptional culture of the local floating market, the countryside and city streets are brimming with endless effervescence. Find elegance in the Sanctuary of Truth and the history drawn onto ancient caves. Whether within the energetic streets of Pattaya or beneath the quiet canopy of Khao Yai National Park, you will step into the jungles of Thailand and find its spirit.

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Your thailand holiday planner

Discover, plan & share, your unforgettable thailand journey, book your trip, reserve hotels, book activities, why thailand.

FASCINATING

| Tropical paradise | | Sandy beaches | | Spectacular sunsets | | Dream holidays |

| Amazing people & culture | | Delicious food | | Great festivals & night life | | Fun & welcoming country |

EXTRAORDINARY

| Vast extensions of rainforest | | Coral & marine life | | Fauna & flora diversity | | Rich natural heritage |

| Muay Thai boxing | | Boxing training camps | | Yoga & holistic retreats | | Adventure plans |

| Singular mentality & customs | | Cult to happiness | | More than 40,000 Temples | | Thailand: The Land of Buddha |

UNFORGETTABLE

| Hidden gems to discover | | A country of extreme contrast | | Breathtaking scenery | | Unforgettable experiences |

Plan your Holiday in Thailand

Thailand is a fascinating country that offers something special for everyone! But finding the right holiday for you, means doing proper research. With so much information out there, the process can be overwhelming and stressful. We recommend reading through the information on our site about travelling, visiting and exploring the country to ensure you have the holiday of a lifetime. Planning your holiday in Thailand may seem daunting, but we at KohPlanner can help.

Create lists in KohPlanner with your favorite destinations, hotels, tours, activities, restaurants and whether you’re a first-time visitor or you’ve been here before, you will find it easy to choose the perfect accommodation, to book transportation, tours, attractions, restaurants, events. Add them to your Travel Plans, manage your bookings on the go and share them with friends. Looking to rent a car? You can do that on KohPlanner! Want to book a table at a romantic beach restaurant? You can do that on KohPlanner! Want to book ferries when island hopping? You can do that on KohPlanner! Want to find a family – friendly hotel on the island? Of course, you can find and book on KohPlanner!

Thailand is waiting for you! From its impressive biodiversity to the paradise beaches; from the madness of Bangkok to the beauty of its temples; from its vibrant festivals to its well-renowned cuisine; Discover the uniqueness of Thailand and the warmth and hospitality of its people!

Thailand is a country you will fall in love with!

THAILAND HOLIDAY DESTINATIONS

Some top Thailand holiday destinations include Bangkok, the Andaman Sea area, the Gulf of Thailand, Northern Thailand and the National Parks. It is recommended to choose 1 or 2 main destinations to visit during your typical 2-week holiday in Thailand, as you can spend too much time travelling from one area to another. 

Thailand offers so much to do and see in all seasons of the year, from beautiful beaches, jungle, mountains and national parks to cities like Bangkok, Phuket, Chiang Mai and Pattaya. It’s easy to fall in the trap of trying to see too much in a short period of time. This would be time-consuming and exhausting without leaving you with much time to relax and enjoy. A little tip from us : travel at night, where possible, using night trains for example, and you can save time and money for a hotel night. 

There are a myriad of visits and attractions to do, see and experience in Thailand, like temples, markets, tours, sports activities, SPAs, the amazing Thai cuisine. So much to do and so little time! You can always ask for advice at your resort when you get there, but we recommend planning in advance. The secret to a successful once in a lifetime holiday is planning, planning and more planning. And relax and enjoy once you get there!

This is why we created KohPlanner, a comprehensive and easy to use tool to find all the information you need about Thailand, to be able to choose and book hotels, transportation, car rentals, restaurants and add them to your travel lists/plans. These plans can then be shared with friends and accessed offline.

WHAT TO EXPECT

Bangkok, “the city that never sleeps” or “City of Angels” was named the world’s most visited city for many years in a row. A vibrant and bustling city where tradition and modernism coexist. Bangkok is a place of contrasts where guaranteed you won’t get bored.​

NOT TO MISS

Visit Wat Arun or Temple of Dawn. Visit The Grand Palace. Go for dinner and souvenir hunting at Asiatique The Riverfront. Have a drink or two at Sky Bar. Visit a floating market. Experience Muay Thai in Bangkok at Lumpini or Rajadamnern stadiums. Go shopping to the malls MBK, Siam Paragon and Platinum.

Starting point for your Thailand holiday or visiting Southeast Asia. You can spend 2 or 3 days in Bangkok. Tip: If you travel with small children, make sure you plan and book (where possible) your visits in advance and avoid long walks in the burning sun. Great for culture, shopping, eating and partying.

GULF OF THAILAND

To the south, Thailand runs into the Malaysian Peninsula with the Gulf of Thailand on the east coast. It is popular for its paradise islands: Koh Samui, Koh Phangan and Koh Tao. Wettest months: October and November. Dry months: February and March

Koh Samui, the largest island in the Gulf of Thailand with amazing beaches, bustling night markets, beautiful temples, a plethora of restaurants and countless activities and attractions. Koh Phangan, for its paradise tropical beaches and popular Full Moon parties. Go diving in Koh Tao, one of the best spots in Southeast Asia. Book a day boat tour at Ang Thong Marine Park. Eat some delicious food at restaurants in Koh Samui.

Beach holidays, relaxation, food, best parties and diving. The Gulf of Thailand offers great choices for couples and families. And let’s not forget here you can find some of the most popular wellness retreats and yoga centers in Thailand.

ANDAMAN SEA

The Andaman Sea is on the west coast of the Thai-Malay Peninsula. Some popular holiday spots include Phuket and Krabi, as well as the islands of Koh Phi Phi & Koh Lanta. Wettest months: September and October. Dry months: January & February

A few days in Phuket for beaches, dining, shopping and entertainment. A sunset tour of the 7 islands from Krabi. Visit Krabi town and Railay Beach. Visit Phi Phi islands, and do not miss the famous Maya Bay. Visit Koh Lanta .

Beach holidays, parties, fine dining and relaxation. Certain areas, such as Patong in Phuket and Ao Nang in Krabi, can get very busy during the peak season; so, if this is not your cup of tea, you can look for quieter areas or even go upper north for smaller and more tranquil islands like Koh Chang and Koh Phayam. Top local dive sites: Ko Surin, Ko Similan, Richelieu Rock.

NORTHERN THAILAND

Northern Thailand’s most popular holiday spots are Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai. The climate here is slightly cooler than the rest of Thailand. The best time to visit is during the cool season, from December to February. The rainy season is from June to October.

Visit the Chiang Mai Old City, for ancient history and temples. Visit the White Temple in Chiang Rai – Wat Rong Khun. Visit the Blue Temple. Visit Wat Phra That Doi Suthep. Some trekking and bird watching at Doi Inthanon National Park. Go to the Elephant Jungle Sanctuary in Chiang Mai.

Thai heritage, stunning scenery, beautiful temples, amazing food, learning about Thai culture and unique tribes. Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai are special for their authenticity and being less touristy than Southern Thailand. A real chance to experience the friendly & welcoming nature of Thai people.

NATIONAL PARKS

Thailand’s national parks are some of the most beautiful and diverse in the world. From rainforests to mountain jungles, marine parks to rich ecosystems full of flora and fauna, there is something for everyone who enjoys nature and adventure. So if you’re traveling in the area, be sure to check them out!

Khao Sok National Park, situated on the mainland, in proximity to Phuket, Krabi and Koh Samui, for  jagged limestone karsts and large areas of virgin rainforest. A must : rainforest safari and jungle tour and an overnight stay at the rafthouses on Cheow Lan Lake. Ang Thong Marine Park, if you are holidaying in Koh Samui. Khao Yai National Park, the third largest park, can easily be accessed from Bangkok. Kaeng Krachan National Park, Thailand’s largest and probably most beautiful park – a definite must-see!

National Parks are spectacular, fun and exciting for any group and age range. There is something for everyone to enjoy. Diverse wildlife, picturesque waterfalls, lush evergreen forests, caves, trails for hiking. Adventure seekers, sustainable tourism travelers and families are among the top visitors.

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Thailand trip planner: How to travel off the beaten track

Vast swathes of Thailand remain little-visited, with most travellers opting for its tried and trusted spots. But Stuart McDonald heads off the tourist trail to discover the other side of the kingdom…

The early morning was misty, cool and fresh. Sitting on the edge of a long wooden bridge, my feet dangling over the edge, arms and head resting on its railing, I stared straight down to the waters of Lake Vajiralongkorn in the little-visited district of Sangkhlaburi.

Slowly, the prow of a sampan appeared below, hauling an emerging trove of mangoes, bananas and a full clutch of rambutan. The only sound was the splash of wood on water as an old man wearing a tattered bamboo hat materialised, paddling his rafthouse and his breakfast.

Taking time out to savour the quiet moments while travelling in Thailand is what can make a trip here so very memorable. Whether you’re daydreaming above the lake in Sangkhlaburi, cycling through the ‘lungs of Bangkok’, tracking wild elephants in a national park or just lazing on the beach of a little-known island, the country offers plenty of opportunities for introspection and connection with not only nature but the local people.

So much of the Thai kingdom remains little-visited by mainstream tourism, and exploring these overlooked areas is a profoundly rewarding experience. On even the simplest trips to Thailand, it’s easy to take the road less travelled and go somewhere you’ve never heard of…

The other Bangkok

Tha Kha floating market (Dreamstime)

Best for: Culture vultures and floating markets

Duration: 3-5 days

Bangkok is so full of traffic and noise, who would have thought you could simply putter across a river in a long tail and be delivered to a world utterly removed from its bustle?

Bang Krachao is a small conservation area formed by an oxbow in the Chao Phraya River and given over to palms, market gardens and mango plantations. It gives an insight into what Bangkok must have been like before it became, well, Bangkok. If you’d just like a taste, try a day-long bicycle tour with ABC Bangkok Cyclist . Those with more time can stay at eco-hotel Bangkok Tree House or one of the traditional homestays in the area.

While Bang Krachao fires the imagination, Thonburi – on the western bank of the Chao Phraya – fires the senses. A community of artists is clustered around Baan Silapin, a period teak house that sits beside an even older chedi structure, dating back to the Ayutthaya period (1350-1767 AD). Inside is an artist-run café and performance zone, with exhibits, puppet shows and local acts aplenty.

The area is easily visited via canal boat and cycling day trips. To soak up the area some more, try a longer stay at the waterside Bang Luang House , across the canal from Baan Silapin.

Next, head to Wongwian Yai railway station and catch the local train to Samut Sakhon (one hour), then a ferry across the Tha Chin River for another train from Ban Laem Station. This tracks west, inching through the legendary Mae Khlong Market (shoppers will scatter), finishing in Samut Songkhram.

Grab a tuk-tuk or songtheaw (shared taxi) to Amphawa (16km away), which is known for its wooden housing and its traditional vibe (at least on weekdays). Fruit orchards feed into the area, and Tha Kha floating market (10km away) should also be on your hit list.

Route: Bang – Thonburi – Amphawa

Why go: To experience traditional, green Thailand up close and personal

When to go: Year-round

The road to Burma

Railway bridge in Kanchanaburi (Dreamstime)

Best for: History, waterfalls and boat trips to a sunken village

Duration: 5-7 days

Just a couple of hours’ drive west of the Thai capital is Kanchanaburi, best known for its Death Railway and Hellfire Pass. Some 15,000 Allied POWs and 90,000 Asian conscripted labourers died in constructing this infamous rail link in the Second World War. Cemeteries and museums honour their memory, and a visit to Hellfire Pass, where the line cuts through the Tenasserim Hills, is essential.

Elsewhere in the region, it’s all about the outdoors. Test your legs by clambering up Erawan National Park’s namesake falls or work up a sweat by kayaking the River Kwai. Alternatively, grab a bite of local life back in the city with a cookery course at Apple and Noi’s .

About 200km north-west of Kanchanaburi lies the lakeside town of Sangkhlaburi. What you see here today is relatively new, built after the site’s Mon (originally a Burmese ethnic minority) town was flooded in the early 1980s, creating Vajiralongkorn Lake. Near the end of dry season (March-May), when its waters recede enough, you can take a boat to the remains of its old central temple and walk through its ruins. The roof may be gone but its Buddha niches remain in the walls, their icons replaced by shiny black mussels.

A large Mon community now lives on the far side of the water here, near the Burmese border. Cross the 400m-long wooden bridge to visit and explore Wat Wang Wiwekaram and Buddhakaya Chedi – the latter is a replica of the Mahabodhi stupa of Bodhgaya, India.

Route: Kanchanaburi – Erawan National Park – Sangkhlaburi

Why go: For cooling off in a jungle waterfall

When to go: Year-round, although April and May can be extremely hot

The wild west

Buddha statues in Kamphaeng Phet Historical Park (Dreamstime)

Best for: Mountains, waterfalls and volunteering opportunities

Duration: 6-10 days

Weather-worn Buddha statues adorned with lichen and golden sashes sit evocatively in the woods at Kamphaeng Phet, once a key defensive stronghold for the Sukhothai kingdom (1238-1438 AD). The city was flattened by marauding Burmese in the 18th century, and what remains today is mostly spread across two atmospheric, yet little-visited, historic parks.

Bag a stay at the family-run Three J Guesthouse, where staff can also arrange multi-day retreats on the edge of Khlong Lan National Park, with camping and chalets on hand. Here you can hike, swim in waterfall pools, learn silk weaving at a Karen village, and relax around an evening campfire.

Mae Sot’s population – a legacy of its position near the Burmese border – is a heady mix of Karen, Mon and Shan minorities, as well as Thais and Westerners. It also boasts a rich and diverse market scene, while stays at the creative and socially-responsible Picturebook Guesthouse can hook you up with Youth Connect for volunteering opportunities. The centrally located Borderline Café also offers a cookery course, so you can learn to cook some of the fine Shan, Karen and Mon fare.

Head south from Mae Sot to Umphang, driving the ‘Death Highway’, so-named for traversing what was once prime opium-growing and guerrilla territory. Its 164km route ribbons along a spine of mountains that abut the western reaches of Khlong Lan National Park. And while the dangerous bandits and poppies are now long gone, the compelling views remain.

As one of the most isolated towns in Thailand, Umphang is the launching point to visit the lush jungles of Umphang Wildlife Sanctuary. Here the Thi Lor Su waterfall crashes over its 200m-high cliffs and can swell up to 400m across during rainy season. Rafting is pretty popular, where you get to cruise behind, around and directly under the falls over an exhilarating half kilometre – just be prepared for a shower.

Route: Kamphaend Phet – Mae Sot – Umphang

Why go: Ancient civilisations and the wilds of Thailand

When to go: November to March

Into the jungle

Mother and baby elephant in Khao Yai National Park (Dreamstime)

Best for: Wildlife, trekking, Khmer ruins and food

Khao Yai National Park is just a half-day’s travel from Bangkok and is home to more than 40 waterfalls, 112 mammals and almost 400 bird species. Larger mammals include deer and wild Asian elephants, but while tigers are believed to inhabit the park, don’t hold your breath. There are a number of campsites and bungalows, though, as well as accommodation outside its bounds. Visit independently or opt for private tours with Ms Nang at Thailand Your Way or trips with perennial backpacker favourite Greenleaf .

Continue east and make your way to Nang Rong, where you can ascend an extinct 402m volcano to visit the best preserved and most spectacular set of Khmer ruins in Thailand, Prasat Phanom Rung. This temple complex (similar in style to Cambodia’s Angkor Wat) was built between the 10th and 12th centuries, when the site formed a part of the greater Khmer Empire. It was created to honour the Hindu god Shiva, and some of its lintels and carvings are more than 1,000 years old.

Move on to Buriram and catch the eastbound train (3.5 hours) to Ubon Ratchathani, bordering Laos and Cambodia. The Royal Lotus City, as it’s known, has long been something of a cultural melting pot, and you’re as likely to hear the Lao dialect spoken here as Thai.

The city is famous for its spicy salads and has some impressive cuisine – be sure to try the kuay chab yuan , a Vietnamese-inspired pork-based soup. As a seat of Buddhist learning, it also has several interesting downtown temples, though it pays to venture outside town to Wat Nong Pah Pong and Wat Pah Nanachat, too. These fascinating forest temples are primarily known as meditation retreats, but the serenity of their grounds is unmatched.

Route: Khao Yai – Phanom Rung – Ubon Ratchathani

Why go: Trek through the jungle in the footsteps of wild elephants

When to go: Year-round, but June to October (wet season) is best for Khao Yai, with cooler hiking.

The unspoilt south coast

Buddha statue park in Nakhon Si Thammarat (Dreamstime)

Best for: Beaches, culture and birdwatching

Duration: 6-8 days

Sit on the sands of Khanom and Sichon on Thailand’s mainland and watch the ferries chug back and forth with their cargo of tourists to the more popular islands in the Gulf. While you’ll not find the crystalline waters of those picturebook islands here, you will discover a sedate scene with lashings of peace and quiet. Come on weekdays and you will likely be the only foreigner on the beaches, which stretch for 50km or so. Stick around longer and just a few days of exploration can deliver you to some wild waterfalls and splendid viewpoints.

Head south to the little-visited provincial capital of Nakhon Si Thammarat, where you can fill a day taking a cultural walk along the downtown section of Rajdamnern Road. The route takes you by old wooden houses and historic buildings, with one highlight being Suchart Subsin’s House of Shadow Puppetry, home to one of the country’s largest collections of shadow puppets.

Nakhon Si Thammarat is also famous for its khanom jeen – fresh rice noodles served with Southern Thai curry, a spread of fresh and pickled vegetables, and an egg (or two). Try it on the street or at dedicated small restaurants, such as the accomplished Khanom Jeen Mae Add, near Wat Mahathat.

Just 25km west of Nakhon Si Thammarat, at the foot of Khao Luang mountain (1,835m), lies Baan Khiri Wong. This eco-friendly market garden area has blossomed into one of Southern Thailand’s best examples of community-based tourism. The best way to experience the area is at a village homestay, and those with time on their hands can engage a local guide for the three-day trek to the summit of Khao Luang. If you’re pressed for time, hire an inflatable tube for the day and hit the waters of the nearby rivers, fed by the surrounding waterfalls.

Route: Khanom – Sichon – Nakhon Si Thammarat – Baan Khiri Wong

Why go: Experience some Thai-style homestay hospitality

When to go: Year-round, but November to March – after the monsoons end – is best

Island-hopping the south west

Ko Lipe beach (Dreamstime)

Best for: Beaches, diving and snorkelling, and lots of hiking

Duration: 8-14 days

The island of Ko Libong is reached from the mainland by boats leaving from Hat Yao pier, but it isn’t an obvious destination. While the fine tan sands of its Haad Lang Kao beach are none too shabby, nor are they the best on the Andaman coast. But the real lure of this little-visited isle isn’t what lies above the high watermark – it’s what lives below it.

Over 100 dugongs feed on the seagrasses stretching out from the island’s east-coast mangroves, a part of the Libong Archipelago Wildlife Reserve. To see them, bag a dugong-spotting trip with the LifeLong Learning Foundation , which uses peaceful kayaks rather than noisy longtails, which can disturb the creatures. At night, skip the popular beach bungalows for east-coast village Batu Bute, where homestays afford the chance to experience traditional life in a Muslim fishing community.

Boats to Ko Bulon Lae go from the pier at Pak Bara, back on the mainland. The majority will likely be going to the more popular Ko Lipe, though, which is rather the appeal of this remote escape, slightly north of the main ferry run. In fact, it is an anomaly as far as Thai islands go, having become a model for sustainable tourism in the area, with solar panels providing clean power to the gaggle of locally owned resorts that scatter its bays and hinterlands. These are often simply furnished, with most only flicking on power in the evening, but wandering the lonely shores is a serene experience, and it’s worth a visit to see another side of Thailand.

For many, Ko Tarutao is little more than a pause on the ferry to Ko Lipe, yet its history is truly fascinating. Once a home to political prisoners, including the son of a Thai king, its residents later turned to piracy after food supplies stopped. Today, little remains of their former pirate lair save for some cell barracks, but the Ao Talo Wao historical trail, which runs halfway down the island (set aside a day for it), delivers a curious insight into the island’s story, with camping also allowed on several of the beaches here.

Route: Ko Libong – Ko Bulon Lae – Ko Tarutao

Why go: Indulge your inner Robinson Crusoe

Read more about Thailand:

12 of the best things to do in thailand, 5 reasons to visit the north of thailand, thailand by rail: uncovering thailand’s ancient secrets.

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How to Plan the Perfect Thailand Itinerary

By: Author Taylor Lorenz

Posted on Last updated: 10/25/2023

Let me tell you that Thailand is worth all of the type. I may be biased because Thailand is one of my favorite countries in the world.

Most people who visit will agree with me that it is an incredible country and planning a trip to Thailand is almost as fun as going on your Thailand trip (okay, maybe that’s just people who like to plan!).

The food is more than delicious, the people are as friendly as people say they are and the pictures you’ve seen online, well, they’re even better in person.

From the mountains in the north to the islands in the south and the mega-city of Bangkok in the middle, Thailand is a country full of diverse landscapes, every flavor of food and surprises around every corner. Plus there are  so many  things to do in Thailand .

Your dollar with stretch far, you will be continually entertained and you will gaze in amazement pretty much around every corner.

But enough of me talking about how great Thailand is, let me tell you how to plan a trip to Thailand and exactly what to do in Thailand.

Table of Contents

Thailand Fast Facts

Currency:  Thai baht (฿) Languages:  Thai Population:  69 million Religion:  Buddhism (90% majority)

Thailand Itinerary

You really need to read through this whole article to pick your itinerary, I can’t make it for you because where you go in Thailand really depends on what you’re looking for. The islands are obviously more laid-back, some are quieter, some are known for their parties.

The north is totally different compared to central Thailand and then different spots in the north appeal to different travellers.

If there’s one place I think everyone should go to it’s Bangkok!

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Thailand Trip Itineraries by Length

These sample Thailand itineraries will give you a general idea of what you can cover in each time period that you have for travel to help you create the best Thailand vacation itinerary possible.

Bangkok is listed in all of them but if you’re solely doing islands it’s possible to fly direct to Phuket to jump off to the Andaman coast islands.

7 Day Itinerary

• 1-2 islands in the same region (ex. Phuket and Krabi)

10 Day Itinerary

• Chiang Mai or a second island

2 Week Itinerary

• Option 1: 3 islands (in the same region)
• Option 2: Chiang Mai, Pai, Chiang Rai
• Option 3: Chiang Mai and 2 islands (in the same region)

3 Week Itinerary

• 2-3 islands (in the same region)

Daily Breakdown of My Thailand Trip Itinerary

Bangkok: 2-3 days.

Without a doubt, you will fly into Bangkok and it’s a wonderful place to get yourself settled in Thailand. You’ll be thrown in head first, but not to worry, Bangkok is a world-class city and though many things will be different it is the perfect starting point.

DAY ONE:  Many international flights land late at night so chances are you’ll get to your accommodation and pass out. Get a good rest and on your first day, you can tackle some of Bangkok’s best attractions.

Head over to the Grand Palace , the earlier the better as lines get long. From here you can tackle Wat Po which houses a giant reclining Buddha and Wat Arun. Spend the evening around Khao San Road, the famous party street where you can grab a bite to eat, get a message if you’re tired, shop or party the night away.

Pro Tip : Wat means temple in Thai, expect to see it a lot!

DAY TWO: Get ready to shop…if you’re in Bangkok on a weekend you can not miss   Chatuchak Market where you can find just about everything from clothes, to souvenirs and food. If you’re in Bangkok on a weekday there are plenty of other markets to see and even more malls.

In the afternoon get yourself to a Muay Thai fight at one of the two stadiums in the city, Ratchadamnoen or Lumpini. 

For the evening head up to one of many rooftop bars. The most famous are Sky Bar and Octave Rooftop Lounge & Bar.

DAY THREE: A trip to Thailand is not complete without seeing one of the floating markets. It’s a unique experience and lets you just chill out for the morning or afternoon!

All of the floating markets are outside the city so prepare for a day trip. My personal recommendation is the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market . It is the largest and one of the oldest in Bangkok. You’ll find food, animals and lots of other goodies!

• What to do in Bangkok
• 10 Best Hostels in Bangkok
• 10 Best Tours in Bangkok

Chiang Mai: 3-4 Days

Chiang Mai is going to steal your heart. There’s a reason why so many expats live in this city. The Old City is filled with historic temples and trendy cafes. The markets are some of the best in Thailand, you’ll find some of the top Thai dishes here and nature is so close to the city.

DAY ONE: Get yourself aquainted with Chiang Mai. Rent a scooter and explore the Old City temple hopping . Head up to Wat Phra That Doi Suthep and get ready to climb the 300 stairs up. I promise it’s worth it.

Recover from your travels with a Thai massage or hangout at one of the local cafes. If you’re up for it make your way to Zoe in Yellow, one of the top clubs in Chiang Mai where you can find an abundance of other clubs and bars in the open air court yard.

DAY TWO:  Recover from your hangover by cooking some of the tastiest Thai food you’ll ever try. One of the best things to do in Thailand is a  cooking class in Chiang Mai .

Full and half day classes and market visits are available (I did the half day and didn’t think I’d be able to walk the rest of the day because there’s so much food!).

Spend your evening at Chiang Mai’s best market, the Night Bazaar where you can shop your heart out and eat local favourites from the abundance of street food stalls with live music.

DAY THREE:  Get up close to elephants at Elephant Nature Park . Spend the day feeding, bathing and playing with these friendly giants.

For evening entertainment make sure you don’t miss one of Thailand’s best lady boy shows at the Chiang Mai Cabaret Show. It’s the exact show that was aired on Anthony Bourdain’s Parts Unknown episode from Chiang Mai!

Pro tip:  Do not ride elephants! If a place supports riding elephants I would avoid going there. Elephant Nature Park is an ethical choice.

DAY FOUR:  Time for a day trip! One option is to hire a scooter for the day and check out the Chiang Mai Grand Canyon where you can relax on floating bamboo rafts and jump from the cliff (don’t do it with your GoPro, I saw 5 people lose theirs!).

Another option is go zipling through the lush tropical forest. Or a third option is to Doi Inthanon National Park for some hiking.

READ MORE:  8 Bucket List Things to do in Chiang Mai and  10 Best Hostels in Chiang Mai

Pai: 2-3 Days

Pai is a little town in northern Thailand nestled in the mountains known for its hippie vibes. Think tie die clothing, handmade jewelry and small carts selling treats at the market. If you love nature and just want to hangout for a few days, Pai is the perfect place for you. But don’t worry there is still plenty to do.

DAY ONE: You’ll spend half of your day on a bus but don’t worry because you’ll be rewarded with plenty of awesome and hip little cafes where you can spend your afternoon relaxing.

Better yet, find a hammock! Or you can swing by the Pai Circus School. It’s a hostel so you can stay there . It has a pool and stunning views over the rolling green hills and yes you can actually learn some circus tricks!

DAY TWO: Get ready for a day packed with adventure! Rent yourself a scooter and head out to some of Pai’s best spots. Check out the top waterfalls, Pombok Waterfall and Mo Paeng Waterfalls.

Take a quick stop at the Land Crack where you can see the land literally split. Spend the afternoon hanging out at the Tha Pai Hot Springs and to cap off your perfect day watch sunset at Pai Canyon.

DAY THREE:  Rent a scooter and take a day trip to Lod Cave. It’s 35km outside of Pai but it makes for a beautiful drive through up and down a mountain.

The cave itself has a river running through it and it’s incredible to see in person. Spend the night along Walking Street or in one of the laid-back bars that have cushions to relax on while you drink.

READ MORE: The Best Things to do in Pai

Chiang Rai: 1 Day

DAY ONE:  This can be done as a day trip from Pai or Chiang Mai. Either way, it is a must-do. The famous  White Temple is reason enough to go. It’s a bucket list item in Thailand and you won’t regret it even if it is one of the top tourist places in Thailand.

If you end up staying overnight head to the Chiang Rai night market for yummy food and a ton of shopping. This is also a great jumping off spot to get into Laos if you’re heading to more than just Thailand in Southeast Asia!

I recommend getting back to Bangkok and researching travel options to the islands from Bangkok as it will be cheapest.

Koh Tao: 3-4 Days

Welcome to paradise on Earth, Koh Tao is an incredibly stunning little island (and my personal favourite). Here is where you can find the cheapest diving in the world . It really has an island vibe where everyone is friendly, restaurants line the main beach and you can easily find a cove to yourself for the day.

DAY ONE: This will be a travel day. You will need to travel from Chiang Mai to the south, most likely with a layover in Bangkok. I recommend the splurge and taking a flight to Chumphon or Surat Thani where you will then need to get a bus and a ferry.

DAY TWO: You’re going to be tired from travel so get ready to kick back and relax on one of Koh Tao’s amazing beaches. Sairee Beach is the main beach where you can catch sunset, eat at one of the many restaurants and find all of the dive shops between souvenier shops.

For the afternoon jump on a boat taxi and head to Koh Nang Yuan, the only 3 islands in the world to be connected by sand. Only do this if it’s not included in a snorkelling tour!

DAY THREE: Spend a day diving or if you’re getting cerifited you’ll be diving for a few days! Or take a snorkelling day trip where you’ll get to see some of the beautiful coves around the island.

Some tours will even include visiting Koh Nang Yuan. This night you’ll need to get ready to party on one of Thailand’s best nights out. The Koh Tao Pub Crawl is famous and is a bucket list thing to do in Thailand!

DAY FOUR: Get exploring! Rent a scooter and head to my favourite spot in all of Thailand for an epic viewpoint. Freedom Beach viewpoint won’t disappoint and you’ll probably have the place to yourself as it isn’t yet one of those Thailand tourist places.

After taking in the views find your way to a little cove for an afternoon of chilling in the sun. Ask the locals for their favourite before you go, they know what’s best.

READ MORE: The Best Things to do in Koh Tao and 10 Best Koh Tao Hostels 

Koh Phangan: 2-3 Days

Koh Phangan is famous for its full moon party’s, it’s basically a right of passage in Thailand. But if you’re not there for the full moon don’t fret, there are still plenty of other parties going on and lots to do on the island!

DAY ONE:  Go see some waterfalls! Rent a scooter and make your way around the island to some of the best waterfalls including Sramanora waterfalls, Phaeng, Thaan Prapaad, Thaan Sadet, Wangsai, Paradise and Thaan Prawes waterfalls.

Be forwarned that a lot of the waterfals dry up in the dry season. If that’s the case then head to the Infinity Beach Club Hostel and enjoy the luxurious side of island life without spending too much. Lastly, spend the evening partying at whatever party is on or at the Thong Sala night market.

DAY TWO:  Spend the day beach hopping and see what Koh Phangan has to offer. Some of the best beaches are Bottle Beach, Haad Salad and Haad Yao (long beach). It is not recommended to try and find Bottle Beach by scooter and instead to go by boat. In the evening head to a party or check out the amazing sunset view from Amsterdam Bar.

DAY THREE: Your last day is up to you! Try some hiking, head to the Phangan Challenge , a waterpark obstacle course or go diving. Or just spend the day at the beach again if you’re hungover! This is a pretty chill day so if you’d rather get a head start on Koh Samui take the afternoon ferry over.

READ MORE: 11 Common Southeast Asia Travel Mistakes (And How to Avoid Them)

Koh Samui: 2-3 Days

Koh Samui is the second largest island in Thailand and it can easily take 3-4 hours to get to some spots on the Thailand. It is popular for families and also has some interesting spots to see.

If yoga is your thing I highly recommend booking yourself into a yoga retreat. You can thank me later because I know it will be the  best  ending to your trip. My personal recommendation is Vikasa , it is like heaven.

READ MORE: The Ultimate Thailand Yoga Retreat (That’s Affordable)

DAY ONE: Get out and explore ! Koh Samui has so much to see. Some temples are Big Budda temple, Buddha footprints and Hin Lad Waterfall temple. I’d ask the staff at your accommodation for recommendations as to what is closest since the island is so large.

If you’re interested, stop by  Hin Ta and Hin Yai Rocks. They’re special because they’re shaped like male and female genitalia. Don’t forget to try and fit in some beaches and waterfalls!

DAY TWO:  Do a day tour to  Ang Thong Marine Park where you’ll get to see a viewpoint over an emerald coloured lake and other islands. You’ll spend the day snorkelling and kayaking through caves.

Spend your last night at a Thai market where you can pick up some souveniers and binge on all the Thai foods. Some to checkout are Fisherman’s Village Walking Street, Chaweng Night Market and Lamai Night Plaza.

DAY THREE:  Spend your morning lounging on the beach and the afternoon making your way to your next destination.

Koh Chang: 3-4 days

Koh Chang is an island that is more off the beaten path so a stay here is all about relaxation and nature, maybe a party or two and some hiking through the jungle.

DAY ONE: First things first you need to check out White Sand Beach (Haad Sai Khao) where all of the action is. In the afternoon make your way up Salak Phet, the highest mountain on the island for the best views and to spend some time in the jungle.

It is possible to get up by tuk-tuk if you’re not up for the difficult hike or you can hire a guide for the day to help you through the locals paths.

An easier hike that is free is to  Kai Bae Waterfall that doesn’t require a guide.

DAY TWO: On day two it’s time to see the incredible marine life, colourful fish and coral reefs. Book yourself on a day tour. Most depart from Bang Bao. In the evening make your way to Lonely Beach for a night of partying on the beach, the main party area on the island.

DAY THREE: You deserve a relaxed day so spend the morning exploring the Bang Bao floating village and the afternoon relaxing in the area. You could also opt to head to the even more secluded Hat Sat Noi beach. Grab dinner at the White Sands Beach night market.

DAY FOUR: Day four you can make a combination of relaxing at one of the beaches mentioned above or doing another hike to a different waterfall. Or both!

Phuket: 3-4 days

Phuket is ideal for any type of traveller as everything is offered here from epic parties to quiet beaches, shopping and lots of entertainment.

DAY ONE: Get around the island to see some of the top sites and culture. Visit the Big Buddha, see What Chalong, go inland to Phuket Town and see the night market.

DAY TWO: Time for a day trip! You have a few options: the Similan Islands which are known for their beauty, crystal clear waters and snorkelling, Phang Nha Bay (you’ll see James Bond Island here) which has limestone cliffs and tours usually have kayaking or take a tour of some of the Phi Phi Islands .

DAY THREE: Do a second of the day tours mentioned above or take time to relax on the beaches or at beach clubs. For the evening go to a show such as Phuket FantaSea or Simon Cabaret .

DAY FOUR: Take the morning to hike to a viewpoint before the heat becomes too much. Take the afternoon for more beach time or shopping.

READ MORE: The 10 Best Phuket Tours You Can’t Miss  

Krabi: 3-7 days

The more relaxed and less busy option to Phuket, Krabi has a ton of islands waiting for you to explore. You could easily spend a week in Krabi.

Since you can spend so long in Krabi I will just recommend a few places to visit such as Railay , Tonsai, Ao Thalane , Krabi Town/Ao Nang and many, many islands for island hopping!

READ MORE: 10 Gorgeous Things to do in Krabi

Koh Phi Phi: 1-3 days

Koh Phi Phi is very popular as a day trip from Krabi or Phuket but if you choose to spend longer on one of these quieter islands then here is what you can get up to.

DAY ONE: Visit Koh Phi Phi as a day trip from Krabi ( or Phuket ), an itinerary will be made for you by a tour company bringing you to lovely islands.

DAY TWO: Hike up to the Phi Phi viewpoint, take a cooking class and spend some time at Moo Dee Bay.

DAY THREE: Check out what’s underwater for a day of diving, go rock climbing, hop on shark spotting tour or visit Viking Cave.

Koh Lanta: 3-5 days

Get ready to rent a scooter to explore this island and take trips to other islands to spot emerald green waters. Koh Lanta is more chilled but still packed with plenty to do.

DAY ONE: Go snorkelling at Koh Rok , often referred to as one of the best places to snorkel in Thailand.

DAY TWO: Spend the day exploring Lanta Old Town, take the time to walk some dogs (who wouldn’t want to do this?) and spend the evening at a chilled out bar.

DAY THREE: Explore the national park by motorbike. You’ll spend the day stopping by epic viewpoints. There are hiking trails and even a lighthouse to explore.

DAY FOUR: Time for another day tour, hop on the 4 islands tour to see even more beauty and amazing waters that you can jump into.

DAY FIVE: Check out the beaches, do some yoga, explore an area that you loved more or go diving.

Best Time to Visit Thailand

The good news is that Thailand can be visited year-round with favourable weather most of the year. The thing to keep in mind is that the weather varies depending on the region with three seasons: hot, cool and wet.

Generally, the best time of year to visit for weather is November-February but this is also when the country sees the most tourists so prices spike and accommodation needs to be booked further in advance.

Hot season in central Thailand (Bangkok) is February-June while Northern Thailand (Chiang Mai, Pai, Chiang Rai) experiences a shorter hot season from February-April. Central Thailand’s rainy season is June-October and Northern Thailand’s is May-September.

The islands have different weather at different times of the year depending on the coast with only two seasons: wet or dry. You will want to visit the islands in the Gulf of Thailand (Koh Tao, Koh Phangan, Koh Samui) in the dry season, January-August, and the islands on the Andaman Coast (Phuket, Krabi, Phi Phi) in their dry season, November to March.

So really the best time to visit is in November and February, the shoulder seasons to experience the best weather anywhere in Thailand and not have as many crowds.

Thailand Trip Budget

Thailand is an excellent destination to visit for any budget. From budget to luxury accommodation, cheap day trips and tuk-tuk rides to high-end shuttles and resorts, you can easily adjust your budget to your lifestyle in Thailand.

Backpackers can get away with spending as low as $25USD (820 baht) including food, accommodation, alcohol and activities. Of course, this budget comes with some limitations.

On $25USD a day you can stay in hostels, eat street food, have nights out a couple of times a week and splurge on full-day tours every so often and take buses or budget trains as transport.

I recommend adding $10-15USD (330-500 baht) per day to your budget for each day you are spending on an island as the islands are the most pricey.

For a mid-range budget of $50USD (1,660 baht) a day will get you dorm rooms with A/C (sometimes even a private room!), will be able to eat out at restaurants, book more expensive activities and have the option to fly between Thailand destinations.

If you have a budget of $100USD (3,300 baht) a day or more than you’re living a life of luxury in Thailand. You can even find resorts for $1000USD a night in Thailand so it’s really up to you and how much you want to spoil yourself!

READ MORE: How to Create a Backpacking Southeast Asia Budget (Costs + Country Breakdowns)

How to Get to Thailand

Thailand is one of the easiest countries to get to in Southeast Asia and that’s mainly because Bangkok is a major hub for the region.

No matter if travelling from far or close you can find cheap flights to one of Thailand’s six international airports in Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket, Koh Samui, Krabi and Hat Yai. I personally use Skyscanner to find the cheapest flight

If coming into Thailand by land you can look at bus options from Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar. If travelling into Thailand from Laos I recommend taking the 2 day boat journey down the Mekong from Luang Prabang.

READ MORE: Everything You Need to Know For the Laos Slow Boat

Getting Around Thailand

Thailand travel can not be explained in one easy answer because depending on where you’re travelling to and from will determine how you can get around Thailand.

Flights between major cities such as Bangkok, Chiang Mai and larger islands such as Phuket and Koh Samui are possible.

Otherwise most land travel in Thailand is via bus or trains. To get around the islands there is a good ferry schedule and even if you’re travelling to islands far apart you can book bus/train and ferries together to make it simple and easy for you to book.

Travel Insurance

READ MORE: 33 Tips for Backpacking Thailand That You Need to Know

Where to Go in Thailand

This is an overview of the places to visit in Thailand that you can add to your Thailand trip itinerary.

More detailed descriptions and the general vibe of each place is below which will help you pick out places for your Thailand travel plan.

Keep in mind that the best places to go to in Thailand are really determined on what you like as a traveller.

Central Thailand

Bangkok: Bangkok is the major hub of Thailand, the beating core of the country and it’s here that you will find the most hectic mix of markets, temples, busy streets and shopping malls. Bangkok is a very westernized city but not to the point that it doesn’t feel exotic. 

Ayutthaya: Ayutthaya is just north of Bangkok but you could spend time here if history is your calling. Ayutthaya was once the capital of the Kingdom of Siam but today it is filled with ruins of the past after it was attacked by the Burmese.

Northern Thailand

Chiang Mai: Chiang Mai is another big city but nothing like Bangkok. While things are still hectic (it is Southeast Asia!), Chiang Mai is more relaxed. There is a large expat and digital nomad community here as its cheap, there are many night markets and delicious food.

Stop in Chiang Mai is you like being in the city but having nature right on your doorstep.

Pai: Pai is a bit of a hippie village in northern Thailand that was first visited by backpackers. Today, it’s still popular with backpackers but it’s definitely getting busier.

The hippie and relaxed vibes are still present though with bars playing chill music with cushions to sit on the ground, one main street with a market and quiet nature surrounding the town in the mountains.

Chiang Rai: Chiang Rai is most known for the famous white temple. There isn’t too much here other than a few museums but it’s great if you want a city that is quieter. It’s also a great jumping off point to Laos and Myanmar as it’s close to both borders.

Gulf of Thailand Islands

Koh Tao: Koh Tao is a small island that is very relaxed. Here you’ll be able to party the night away and be close to all of the action or be in your own private cove in a bungalow. The joy of this island is that it appeals to many kinds of travellers.

It’s the perfect place to chill out and is famous for some of the cheapest diving courses in the world.

Koh Phangan: Koh Phangan is the island next to Koh Tao and is larger, known for Thailand’s famous full moon parties. Even if you’re not here for the full moon you will have another party to attend.

That being said, it is possible to get away from the party scene. Yoga retreats are available on the island.

Koh Samui: Koh Samui is next to Koh Phangan and is known as a family-friendly island. It’s Thailand second largest island so you will need transportation to get around. Large luxurious resorts, yoga retreats and beaches with palm trees dot around the island. A big draw to Koh Samui is that it has an airport so it’s easy to get to.

Koh Chang: Koh Chang is for those who want to get off the beaten path. It requires a 5-hour drive from Bangkok which many choose to make but not nearly as many visit Koh Chang as the other islands.

What people love about Koh Chang is the nature with lots of dense jungle, a national park and secluded Thailand beaches.

Andaman Coast  Islands

Phuket: Phuket is Thailand’s largest and most commonly visited island. The biggest bonus on this island is that is has an airport and it has something for everyone. Backpackers, families and luxury travellers can find accommodation here. There’s plenty of space to find quiet beaches but you will have to travel further as it is a popular island to visit. Shopping, entertainment, culture and markets are here.

Krabi: Though not an island, many travellers opt to travel to Krabi instead of Phuket for fewer crowds in this province. The area is stunning with towering limestone cliffs, many islands off the coast, rainforests and the famous places such as Railay and Tonsai.

Phi Phi Islands: The Phi Phi Islands are among the most well-known islands in all of Thailand. They are part of Krabi Province, just south of Phuket and popular for day trips. Phi Phi Don is the most popular and it has no roads and a totally laid-back vibe.

Koh Lanta: Koh Lanta is too apart of the Krabi Province and is home to a group of 52 islands, Koh Lanta Lai being the most popular. It attracts visitors because it is less visited with pristine resorts and stunning natural scenery with jungle, coral reefs and crystal clear waters.

How Long to Spend in Thailand?

Generally, most people spend two weeks in Thailand which gives you the chance to see the central and northern Thailand along with one or two islands.

Travelling Thailand can be done in a week but I would recommend visiting only one or two islands, two cities or one city and one island.

Three weeks in Thailand would be ideal and you could for sure spend longer if you so desired (seriously I would stay that long for the food alone).

I hope you visit Thailand and enjoy it as much as I have and that this Thailand trip planner was helpful!

Must-Read Posts About Thailand Travel

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Two Weeks in Thailand: A Complete 14-Day Thailand Itinerary

Are you planning a trip to Thailand and wondering how to make the most of your time? Look no further! In this Thailand Itinerary, we’ll share two-weeks worth of adventure, showcasing what Thailand offers best. 

Page Contents

A Complete 14-Day Thailand Itinerary

From bustling cities to idyllic beaches and lush forests, Thailand is a country that has something for everyone. That’s why our itinerary includes stops in Phuket, Phi Phi, Koh Samui, Koh Tao, and Koh Phangan, allowing you to see a wide range of landscapes and cultures.

So make sure to pack your bags and bring your favorite travel camera , ready to experience this incredible destination’s beauty and diversity. Follow along as we take you on a journey through some of Thailand’s top sights and attractions. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, you’re sure to find hidden gems or something new and exciting to discover in this fantastic country.

If you’re planning a two-week trip to Thailand, you may wonder whether it’s worth bringing a travel camera . While smartphones like the Huawei P30 Pro have come a long way in terms of camera quality, a dedicated camera like the Sony A7IV camera or a Fujifilm x100f can still offer a number of advantages.

4 days in Phuket itinerary

Phuket is a beautiful island destination in Thailand that is known for its stunning beaches, vibrant nightlife, cultural attractions, and kickbox sports gyms. As a result, there’s no shortage of things to see and do in Phuket. 

Here’s a four-day itinerary that will help you make the most of your time in this amazing destination:

Phuket, Thailand itinerary, Day 1:

• Start your day with a visit to Cafe del Mar , a stylish beach club that’s known for its amazing views and laid-back atmosphere. Enjoy a delicious breakfast or brunch while soaking up the sun and listening to the soothing sounds of the waves.
• After breakfast, head to Monkey Hill , a popular spot for seeing the island’s famous macaque monkeys up close. Be sure to bring some snacks to feed the monkeys, but be careful not to get too close, as they can be aggressive.
• In the evening, head to Bangla Road , the heart of Phuket’s vibrant nightlife scene. Here you’ll find a wide range of bars, clubs, and restaurants, as well as street performers and vendors.

Phuket, Thailand itinerary, Day 2:

• On your second day, head to Freedom Beach , one of Phuket’s most beautiful and secluded beaches. The beach is only accessible by boat, so be sure to book a tour or hire a longtail boat to take you there. Spend the day relaxing on the beach and swimming in crystal-clear waters. Be sure to bring plenty of sunscreen, as the sun can be extreme in Phuket.
• Head to Kata Rocks Beach Club for a stylish and sophisticated dining experience in the evening. The club offers stunning views of the Andaman Sea , and the menu features a mix of international and local cuisine.

Phuket, Thailand itinerary, Day 3:

• Today, visit the Big Buddha Temple , one of Phuket’s most famous and iconic landmarks. The temple is home to a giant statue of the Buddha, which stands 45 meters tall and is visible from many parts of the island.
• After exploring the temple, head to the Green Elephant Sanctuary park , where you can learn about and interact with rescued elephants. The park offers a range of educational programs and activities, and it’s a great way to support conservation efforts in Thailand.
• In the evening, head back to Bangla Road for another round of nightlife and entertainment. Be sure to try some of the local Thai cuisines , including dishes like pad Thai and green curry.

Phuket, Thailand itinerary, Day 4:

• On your final day in Phuket, take some time to relax and unwind. Head to a local spa for a traditional Thai massage, or spend the day lounging on the beach and soaking up the sun.
• In the evening, enjoy a farewell dinner at one of Phuket’s many restaurants. The island has a wide range of culinary options, from street food stalls to high-end restaurants, so you’re sure to find something to suit your taste and budget.

3 days in Phi Pho itinerary

Phi Phi is a small island located in the Andaman Sea, off the coast of Thailand. It is known for its stunning white sand beaches and crystal clear waters, which are popular for swimming, snorkeling, and diving. Phi Phi is also known for its beautiful rock formations, which can be seen from the water or explored by boat. 

The island is home to several small villages and resorts, as well as many restaurants and bars. In addition to its natural beauty, Phi Phi is also known for its vibrant nightlife, with several lively bars and clubs located along the beach. The island is a popular destination for travelers looking for a relaxing beach vacation, as well as those who enjoy outdoor activities and nightlife.

Here’s a three-day itinerary to help you make the most of your time on the island:

Phi Pho, Thailand itinerary, Day 1:

• Start your day by renting a kayak and exploring the island’s many hidden coves and beaches. One of the most popular spots to visit is Monkey Beach , where you can see the island’s famous macaque monkeys up close.
• In the evening, head to the fire shows at Loh Dalum Beach . Here you’ll find a wide range of street performers and vendors and amazing fire shows that are sure to impress.
• After the fire shows, head to one of Phi Phi’s many beach clubs for a night of music and dancing. The island is known for its vibrant nightlife scene, and there are plenty of options to choose from, whether you’re into EDM, hip-hop, or live bands.

Phi Pho, Thailand itinerary, Day 2:

• Today, head out for a scuba dive to explore the underwater world of Phi Phi. The island is surrounded by beautiful coral reefs and a wide variety of marine life, and it’s a popular spot for scuba diving and snorkeling.
• After diving, head back to the beach for some relaxation and sunbathing. Phi Phi has some of the most beautiful beaches in Thailand, and there are plenty of options to choose from, whether you’re looking for a secluded spot or a lively party scene.
• In the evening, head to one of the many beach parties on the island. Phi Phi is known for its lively nightlife, and there are always plenty of parties and events to choose from, whether you’re into live music, DJ sets, or fire shows.

Phi Pho, Thailand itinerary, Day 3:

• On your final day in Phi Phi, Start your day with a visit to Maya Ba y, the iconic location featured in the movie The Beach (Staring Leonardo DiCaprio) . The bay is known for its crystal-clear waters and beautiful white sandy beaches, and it’s a popular spot for swimming and snorkeling.
• After your snorkeling adventure, head to the secret beach at pp Princess . This hidden gem is only accessible by boat and offers a secluded and peaceful atmosphere with beautiful white sand and crystal-clear waters.
• In the evening, head to the Phi Phi Viewpoint for sunset. The viewpoint offers stunning panoramic views of the island and the surrounding sea, and it’s a popular spot for photography and watching the sunset.

Overall, this three-day itinerary will help you make the most of your time in Phi Phi. From exploring the island’s stunning natural beauty to enjoying its vibrant nightlife, there’s no shortage of things to see and do in this amazing destination. So pack your bags and get ready to experience the beauty and diversity of Phi Phi.

3 days in Koh Samui itinerary

Koh Samui is a popular island destination in Thailand known for its beautiful beaches, clear blue waters, and coconut groves. Located in the Gulf of Thailand, Koh Samui is the third largest island in Thailand and is known for its laid-back atmosphere and relaxed pace of life. The island is also home to several luxurious resorts, as well as a variety of water sports activities, including snorkeling, diving, and kiteboarding.

Here’s a three-day itinerary that will help you make the most of your time on the island:

Koh Samui, Thailand itinerary, Day 1:

• Start your day with a visit to Vikasa Yoga , a popular yoga studio that offers classes for all levels. The studio is located in a beautiful and peaceful setting, and it’s a great way to start your day with some mindfulness and relaxation.
• After your yoga class, head to the Lama Viewpoint , which offers stunning panoramic views of the island and the surrounding sea. The viewpoint is a popular spot for photography, and it’s a great place to enjoy the beauty of Koh Samui.
• In the afternoon, visit the Wat Phra Vai Temple , a beautiful and historic Buddhist temple located in the island’s capital city of Nathon . The temple is known for its beautiful architecture and intricate details, and it’s a great place to learn about Buddhist culture and history.

Koh Samui, Thailand itinerary, Day 2:

• Today, explore Bophut Fishing Village , a charming and picturesque village located on the island’s north coast. The village is known for its laid-back atmosphere and traditional way of life, and it’s a great place to experience local culture and history.
• After exploring the village, head to the Namuang Waterfall , one of the island’s most beautiful and popular natural attractions. The waterfall is located in the Namuang Safari Park , and it’s a great spot for swimming and enjoying the natural beauty of Koh Samui.
• In the evening, head to the Samui Elephant Sanctuary , a unique and ethical sanctuary for rescued elephants. The sanctuary offers a range of educational programs and activities, and it’s a great way to support conservation efforts and learn about these amazing animals.

Koh Samui, Thailand itinerary, Day 3:

• On your final day in Koh Samui, head to Sunset Lipa Noi Beach for some relaxation and sunbathing. The beach is known for its beautiful white sand and crystal-clear waters, and it’s a great spot for swimming and enjoying the sunset.
• In the afternoon, visit some of the island’s other popular attractions, such as the Big Buddha Temple, the Na Muang Safari Park , or the Secret Buddha Garden .
• In the evening, head to Chaweng Beach , the island’s busiest and most vibrant beach area. Here you’ll find a wide range of restaurants, bars, and clubs, as well as street performers and vendors.

2 days in Koh Tao itinerary

Koh Tao, known as “Turtle Island”, is a popular island for divers. It is home to several world-class diving sites that offer the opportunity to see a wide range of marine life, including manta rays, whale sharks, and a variety of colorful fish. In addition to diving, Koh Tao is also known for its beautiful beaches and water sports activities, including snorkeling, kayaking, and stand-up paddleboarding. 

If you’re looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life and immerse yourself in the beauty of Koh Tao, then this 2-day itinerary is for you. 

Koh Tao, Thailand itinerary, Day 1:

• After arriving on Koh Tao, start your day with a scuba diving adventure. The island is known for its crystal-clear waters and diverse marine life, making it a top destination for divers of all skill levels. If you’re a beginner, consider taking a “Discover Scuba Diving”-course to learn the basics. If you’re more experienced, sign up for a guided dive to explore the underwater world.
• After diving, take a boat to Koh Nang Yuan , a small island just a short distance from Koh Tao. Here, you can hike to the top of the island for panoramic views of the surrounding area or lounge on the white sandy beaches.
• In the evening, go to Fishbowls Beach Bar for some live music and a laid-back atmosphere. This popular spot is known for its lively atmosphere and a great selection of drinks. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the music as you take in the beauty of Koh Tao.

Koh Tao, Thailand itinerary, Day 2:

• Start your second day on Koh Tao with a Thai cooking class. This is a great way to learn about the local cuisine and pick up some new cooking skills. You’ll learn how to prepare traditional dishes like pad Thai and green curry, and have the opportunity to sample your creations at the end of the class.
• After the cooking class, spend the afternoon exploring the island. Rent a motorbike or a bicycle and make your way around the island, stopping to take in the breathtaking views and visit the local shops and restaurants. You can also visit Mae Haad Pier , the island’s main hub, to see the local fishing boats and learn about the island’s history.
• In the evening, take a sunset cruise around the island. You’ll have the opportunity to see the beautiful sunset colors as you sail around Koh Tao. After the cruise, head back to your hotel and get a good night’s sleep, ready for your next adventure on this beautiful island.

2 days in Koh Phangan itinerary

If you’re looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life and immerse yourself in the beauty and culture of Koh Phangan, then this 2-day itinerary is for you.

Koh Phangan, Thailand itinerary, Day 1:

• After arriving at Koh Phangan, start your day by exploring the island’s natural beauty. Head to Apichada Viewpoint , located on the island’s north side, for panoramic views of the surrounding area. From here, you can see the lush forests, crystal-clear waters, and beautiful beaches that make Koh Phangan a top destination for nature lovers.
• Next, make your way to Paradise Waterfall , located in the island’s heart. Here, you can take a refreshing dip in the cool waters, surrounded by the beautiful jungle scenery.
• After exploring the waterfall, head to the night market to sample some of the local cuisines and browse the many stalls selling handicrafts, clothing, and other souvenirs.

Koh Phangan, Thailand itinerary, Day 2:

• Start your second day on Koh Phangan with a jungle safari. You’ll have the opportunity to explore the island’s lush forests and learn about the local flora and fauna. Your guide will take you to some of the island’s most beautiful spots, including Phasing Waterfall , where you can take a dip in the cool waters and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.
• After the jungle safari, spend the afternoon relaxing on the beautiful Koh Graham Beach . Located on the island’s east side, this secluded spot is known for its clear waters and laid-back atmosphere. You can lounge on the white sandy beaches, take a dip in the sea, or visit the Koh Graham Beach Bar for a refreshing drink.
• In the evening, make your way to the famous Full Moon Party , held on the beach in Haad Rin . This legendary event attracts thousands of people from around the world, and is known for its vibrant atmosphere and incredible music. Dance the night away and experience the unique culture of Koh Phangan.

After two weeks in Thailand, you’ll have experienced the best this beautiful country offers. From the bustling streets of Phuket to the stunning beaches of Koh Phangan and Koh Tao, you’ll have had the opportunity to explore the vibrant culture, delicious cuisine, and breathtaking natural beauty of Thailand. 

Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or a first-time visitor, Thailand is a destination that will leave a lasting impression. We hope that this itinerary has provided you with some inspiration and ideas for your own trip to Thailand. Safe travels!

Safe for Later …

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Hey there! I'm Elliot Clennam, a passionate photographer based in Brussels, Belgium. My love for capturing the essence of my surroundings has led me on countless adventures, from exciting road trips to bustling city escapes.

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How to Plan a Vacation in Thailand

A First-Timer's Guide for Planning a Trip to Thailand

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Although planning a vacation in Thailand sounds exotic, expensive, and potentially out of reach, getting there is easier than you think!

Bangkok often ranks as the most visited city in the world for a reason: Thailand is a beautiful, affordable destination — even for two-week trips. Each year, millions of travelers enjoy a vacation in Thailand without spending a fortune or backpacking for months.

How Much Will a Trip to Thailand Cost?

Forget the long-standing myth that faraway places are accessible to only the wealthy or retired. A vacation in Thailand can be as inexpensive as a trip to California, Hawaii, the Caribbean , or any of the other usual top destinations for Americans. It may even cost less, or at the least, you'll get nicer rooms and more memorable experiences for the same amount of money spent.

A large number of Thailand's annual international arrivals are backpacking budget travelers who get by on less than US $900 for a month in Southeast Asia . You may opt for a bit more luxury on a shorter trip. The good news is that tourism is well developed in Thailand; you have choices. You can find beach accommodation for $10 per night (bungalow with fan) or $200 per night (five-star hotel) — the choice is yours!

Airfare is obviously the largest upfront cost. But finagling a deal is possible with a little trickery. Use domestic carriers to get yourself to LAX or JFK, then book a separate ticket to Bangkok. Splitting a ticket between two carriers could save you hundreds of dollars!

Once on the ground in Thailand, the exchange rate and lower cost of eating and drinking can quickly compensate for the cost of the airfare.

Take a Tour or Plan an Independent Trip?

Although organized tours in Asia may seem the quick-and-easy solution, you can save money by just organizing transportation and activities once you are already on the ground. Research activities you want to do, however, there is no real need to book them online or before arriving in Thailand.

Booking day trips and activities is very easy in Thailand. Unless you go far off the beaten path, the language difference won't present any problems. Pretty well everyone who works with tourists will speak good enough English.

You'll find numerous travel agencies in tourist areas. Simply walk in, tell the person behind the counter where you want to go , and minutes later you'll be holding a bus/train/boat ticket. Commissions charged are trivial. The reception desk at your hotel or guesthouse will gladly book tickets and activities for you.

For activities, you'll usually be collected at your hotel by someone from the agency on the morning of your tour. Travelers are consolidated then taken on the day trip. At the end of the day, you'll be returned to your hotel — easy!

When Is the Best Time to Visit Thailand?

Weather differs a little between regions, but generally Thailand's driest months are between November and April . Even during the low/rainy season in Thailand , you'll enjoy days of sunshine. Discounts for activities and accommodation are easier to negotiate during the low-season months.

You may wish to time your vacation in Thailand around one of the many big festivals . At least make sure that you are aware one is coming — missing an exciting event by just a day or two is very frustrating!

The big Full Moon Party each month will affect transportation to and from the Koh Samui Archipelago (especially Koh Tao and Koh Phangan) . Planning an itinerary around moon phases may sound a bit pagan, but you'll be glad you did!

Do You Need Vaccinations for Thailand?

Although no specific vaccinations are required for Thailand, you should get the general ones recommended for all international travelers in Asia .

Hepatitis A and B, typhoid, and a Tdap (for tetanus) are the most common jabs international travelers go for — all are good investments and provide protection for years.

You will not need rabies, yellow fever, or Japanese encephalitis vaccinations for a regular vacation in Thailand. The same applies for anti-malarial drugs. There is a relatively low risk of contracting malaria in Thailand, especially if you aren't spending extended amounts of time in the jungle.

The biggest risk in Thailand is dengue fever . Until the new vaccination being tested becomes available widespread, your best defense is to do what you can to avoid mosquito bites .

Zika (another mosquito-borne illness) is not a serious threat in Thailand.

What to Pack for Thailand?

With expansive malls in Bangkok and outdoor markets in Chiang Mai, along with plenty of smaller open-air street markets between, you'll have no shortage of cheap shopping opportunities. Leave room in your luggage: you'll definitely want to take home some unique finds! Pack less clothing and plan to buy an outfit or three there.

Rather than doing a lot of shopping before your vacation in Thailand, plan to purchase items locally to help merchants who need the income more than Western CEOs. Why carry an umbrella 8,000 miles if you can buy one there for $2 if it rains?

There are a few things you'll want to bring from home for your trip to Thailand. But beware of the biggest mistake most travelers in Asia admit to making: packing too much .

Accessing Money in Thailand

ATMs are literally everywhere in Thailand; they often compete for space! That's because providing cash to travelers is business: fees have skyrocketed to US $6-7 per transaction (on top of whatever your bank charges).

When using ATMs in Thailand, request the maximum amount each time . Sometimes breaking large denominations can be a challenge. Experienced travelers know to ask for 5,900 baht rather than 6,000 baht — that way they get some smaller denominations, too.

For instance, if you request 6,000 baht from an ATM, you'll receive six stiff 1,000-baht banknotes. Breaking them in small shops and eateries may produce some groans from the staff. Paying with them at carts for street food is simply rude. Instead, ask for 5,900 baht at the machine and get five 1,000-baht notes, one 500-baht note, and four ever-useful 100-baht notes.

As usual, exchanging U.S. dollars is an option. Mastercard and Visa are widely accepted at malls and larger hotels/restaurants, however, you may be charged an additional commission when paying with plastic. Identity theft is a growing problem ; opt to pay with cash when possible to minimize risk and transaction fees.

Haggling is a part of Thai culture , and you should bargain playfully for purchases such as souvenirs and clothing. Prices are even flexible in shopping malls. Accommodation and activities can often be negotiated, but always keep in mind the rules of saving face . Never haggle for food, drinks, or items with standardized prices.

Tipping is not the norm in Thailand , although there are some rare exceptions. Even if your intentions are good, leaving a tip accelerates cultural mutation and inflates prices for locals. Doing so causes people to prefer serving tourists (because they sling money around) over locals who may be more frugal.

For large purchases made on your trip, you can request a VAT refund at the airport as you exit Thailand. You'll need to have receipts and paperwork.

Prices displayed always include tax. At the register, you'll pay the price that was displayed. Sometimes a 10 percent service charge may be added to restaurant bills.

Where to Go in Thailand?

Most travelers arrive in Bangkok, but there are plenty of beautiful destinations farther afield .

• The Thai Islands : No Thailand vacation is complete without visiting at least one or two of the beautiful islands. All differ in personality and allure. The shape of Thailand means choosing between some great island options in the Andaman Sea (west side) and the Gulf of Thailand (east side).
• Chiang Mai : Thailand's northern capital is a favorite for many visitors. Life within the Old City is more manageable and easier to get around than Bangkok. The vibe is inarguably different and pleasant. Good food, outdoor markets, Lanna culture, and $6 massages are all great reasons to grab a low-cost flight or train from Bangkok to Chiang Mai .
• Pai : Located around four hours north of Chiang Mai and surrounded by green hills, Pai has transformed in recent years from a quiet, "hippie" village into a major tourist destination. Despite the extra visitors, Pai retained much of its riverside charm. Organic farms and food, surprisingly good nightlife , and yoga/holistic/healthy workshops are all great reasons to visit. Northern Thailand provides many other draws in the area as well.
• Ayutthaya : Just a two-hour train ride north of Bangkok, Thailand's former capital is the place to enjoy culture and cycle through ancient temple ruins. You'll often be the only person in a centuries-old temple!
• Railay : Thailand's rock climbing epicenter in Krabi isn't just for climbers anymore. The impressive limestone scenery is unlike any other. But even if you prefer feet on the ground, the powdery sand and isolation (Railay is only accessible via boat) will make you feel as though you're on an island.

What to Expect on a Thailand Vacation

The tourism infrastructure in Thailand is well established. They've had a lot of practice accommodating visitors of all budgets and trip durations. But as with many top destinations, things are creeping decidedly upscale as older, mom-and-pop businesses are demolished and replaced by foreign-owned chains.

Thai food is celebrated around the world for its savory flavors and spicy potential. But forget the myth that all Thai food is spicy — most restaurants (especially the ones catering to tourists) will ask how much pain you can handle or allow you to add your own spice. Chili powder is usually available on every table.

Fun nightlife is widespread in Thailand. The cost of a large domestic beer averages $2 – 3. From epic beach parties to drinking sessions with locals , only a few specific areas are as seedy as is often depicted on television.

Thailand is a Buddhist country . You will inevitably end up encountering monks and visiting impressive temples. Don't expect Hollywood's depiction of a Buddhist monk: the Theravada monks in Thailand often have smartphones!

Thailand is a very safe destination. Crime, aside from the usual petty theft, is rarely ever a problem for foreign visitors. Tourism is big business, and Thais will often go out of their way to help you enjoy their beautiful country.

Enhance your trip by learning how to say hello in Thai before you go. Locals are patiently tolerant, however, you should know a few dos and don'ts in Thailand to avoid being "that" tourist who accidentally ruins a good thing!

If planning a vacation in Thailand is so easy, there must be some downsides, right? Sure. With every international destination, there are some potential concessions to make. Here are a few common complaints most often cited by travelers:

• Assuming you departed from North America, circling the globe to Asia will consume a full day (each direction) of your vacation time. Also, jetlag bites harder; the time difference between Eastern Standard Time and Bangkok is +12 hours.
• Major attractions get very busy during the dry season months (November to April). Traffic in Bangkok is worse than ever.
• Although crime isn't bad, there are a number of individuals who make livings by scamming tourists.

Vital Information for the First-Time Visitor to Thailand

Getting Around Thailand: Transportation Options

Is It Safe in Thailand?

Saving Money on Your Summer Vacation

How Much Money Is Needed for a Trip to Thailand

10 Questions to Ask Yourself Before You Plan Your UK Trip

What $100 Can Get You in Southeast Asia

How to Plan a Caribbean Vacation

Summer in Thailand: Weather, What to Pack, and What to See

How to Travel From Chiang Mai to Bangkok by Train, Bus, and Plane

Winter in Thailand: Weather, What to Pack, and What to See

Top 10 Tourist Destinations in Asia

Your Trip to Chiang Mai: The Complete Guide

The Loi Krathong Festival in Thailand

10 Great Places to Visit in Thailand

The Best Time to Visit Thailand

Road trip in Thailand: The best itineraries for 7, 10, 15, 21 days and 1 month

Visit thailand by car: the 5 best road trip itineraries.

You’re planning to do a road trip in Thailand ?

Great idea!

Visiting Thailand by car is not very common and yet it’s for sure the best way to discover the country’s must-see attractions.

In order to help you plan your stay , I have prepared this guide with the 5 best road trips itineraries in Thailand depending on the duration of your stay (7 to 30 days).

For each duration, I will give you a summary of the itinerary as well as the link to read the detailed itinerary article I have written.

And at the end of this guide, I will also give you my list of the best accommodations in Thailand depending on your budget as well as my best tips to enjoy the perfect road trip.

Let’s plan your road trip!

What’s the best airport to start a road-trip in Thailand?

Rent a car for a road trip in thailand, thailand road trip: one week, 1) bangkok (2 days), 2) ayutthaya (1 day), 3) chiang mai (3 days), 4) phuket or krabi (3 days), 3) sukhothai (2 days), 4) chiang mai (3 days), 5) phuket or krabi (3 days), 6) koh lanta or koh yao noi (3 days), 7) return to phuket or krabi (1 day), 1) central thailand (3 days), 2) northern thailand (8 days), 3) south thailand (9 days), 1) central thailand (4 days), 2) northern thailand (9 days), 3) southern thailand (15 days), itinerary for the southern islands, where to stay in thailand during your road trip, when should you go on a thailand road trip, you’re traveling to thailand these articles will help you.

Thailand has several international and national airports. The best serviced are at:

• Bangkok , the capital. There are 2 airports: Suvarnabhumi airport (where all international flights arrive) and Don Mueang airport for domestic flights or border countries such as Cambodia or Vietnam.
• Chiang Mai in Northern Thailand
• Chiang Rai , also in the North
• Phuket , for the South and to visit the islands
• Krabi , also in the South

For each of these itineraries in Thailand, whether for a week or 1 month, I’ve chosen arrival at Bangkok . Simply because it is the most convenient place to start driving through Thailand, going further north gradually.

If you are planning a road trip in Thailand, you will have to rent a car.

I always recommend booking a car from the airport because there you will have the greatest choice of international or national rental agencies and can therefore get the best prices.

A small specific detail about road trips in Thailand: you must rent a car car from Don Mueang airport and not from Suvarnabhumi airport, where you arrive. It is much more convenient to get your car back to Don Mueang when leaving Bangkok as this airport is directly on the way to the next stop.

You must also book your car in advance so that you have a choice of vehicle and prices that are much lower than those you get on the spot.

If you’ve ever visited my blog to organise your trips, you’ll know that I always recommend using Booking.com Cars for your car rentals. Canada , Greece , Sardinia , I can’t even count how many times I’ve rented cars from this website!

I find it really convenient to compare the prices of all the rentals and see the reviews from previous customers .

Booking Cars’ specific comprehensive coverage insurance system also ensures that you get recompensated for any costs incurred in the event of an accident or even theft of your car. And I can assure you that it works, and that the payouts are given rather quickly, you just have to send an email (They have reimbursed me for more than 1200 Euros to date).

Other benefits: the site guarantees you the best prices (it reimburses you if you find cheaper elsewhere) and the modification or cancellation is very often free until the last moment.

To compare the prices of a car rental in Thailand, just click on the button below:

Choose a rental agency that does not charge a one -way fee in case you take the car from Bangkok and return it at Chiang Mai or Chiang Rai.

In Thailand you drive on the left side of the road . If you are unfamiliar with this driving direction, take an automatic car.

No special advice for driving: the roads are in excellent condition , often with several lanes, free of charge and bordered by petrol stations. We had no problems during our whole trip in Thailand .

In this article I will give you a summary of each route in Thailand depending on the duration of your trip .

I will also post a link to the detailed itinerary, which contains all the things to do for each leg , the best hotels to stay at, and all my tips and plans!

For this first example, I have a road trip from Bangkok to explore Thailand by car for a week.

On this 1 week road trip in Thailand: Bangkok , Ayutthaya and Chiang Mai.

Day 1 and 2 – Exploring Bangkok:

• The Grand Palace
• Khao San Road
• The Siam district

I have prepared a 2-day itinerary for Bangkok in this article: Visit Bangkok.

Day 3 – Visit to the Ayutthaya historical park and its ancient temples, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site

All the practical information to visit Ayutthaya is in this detailed article: How to visit Ayutthaya.

Days four, five, and six – Exploring the capital of Northern Thailand: Chiang Mai.

• The old town and its many temples
• Warorot market
• The Night Bazaar
• Doi Suthep National Park
• Huay Tung Tao Lake
• A day in an elephant sanctuary
• A Thai cooking class

For more things to do in Chiang Mai, read my post: What are the things to do in Chiang Mai?

Day 7: The end of your trip, head to Chiang Mai Airport for your return flight.

If you would like to go on a week-long road trip in Thailand, please read our detailed article: One week itinerary in Thailand. 

Very practical, you will also find lots of good plans and hotels where you can stay every step of the way.  This is the best way to organise your trip easily! 

Thailand Road trip: 10 days

Second idea for a road trip, this time to visit Thailand by car in 10 days.

For this itinerary, you will leave from Bangkok and finish your stay in the South.

On the agenda for this 10-day road trip in Thailand:

• Phuket or Krabi (choice)

You must start this 10-day road trip in Thailand with the capital, Bangkok . In addition to the day you arrive, you should stay there for 2 days to recover from the flight and jet lag.

Day one: Here’s an idea for your first day in Bangkok:

• Siam Museum or Bangkok National Museum
• Dinner cruise on the river

For the second day , continue your visit with Wat Saket, Chinatown and a walk in the Lumpini park. Then go shopping in the Siam district.

At the end of the day, don’t miss the Bayoke tower (Bangkok’s tallest tower) to admire a view of the city. Tickets can be booked here.

To best organise your exploration of Bangkok, read our article: Top 20 things to do in Bangkok.

The next day (day three) , for the rest of this 10-day road trip in Thailand, visit the historical park of Ayutthaya.

Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it has several magnificent temples that you can see during the day.

If you want more details about Ayutthaya, please read my detailed article: Visit Ayutthaya.

Days four, five, and six shall be devoted to visiting Chiang Mai, the capital of northern Thailand.

The unmissable spots:

• The old town of Chiang Mai where all the temples are located: Wat Phra Sing , Wat Chedi Luang or Wat Inthakhin Sadue Muang
• Warorot market, the city’s largest market
• The night market and/or the Saturday or Sunday evening market to buy souvenirs and taste street food
• The Doi Suthep National Park, where the temple of the same name is located, offers a panoramic view of the whole province
• Visit the elephants in a shelter
• Take a cooking class to make delicious Pad Thai and currys.

And for other places to see in Chiang Mai, you will find information here: Chiang Mai: the definitive guide.

Finish this 10-day road trip to Thailand by visiting the South, where you can enjoy the country’s most beautiful beaches.

From Chiang Mai, it is very easy to reach Phuket or Krabi in less than 2 hours.

For days seven, eight, and nine of your itinerary, you can choose between spending 3 days on Phuket Island or in Krabi province.

What are the things to see in Phuket and nearby?

• Phuket Town
• Monkey Hill
• The beaches: Freedom Beach, Kata Beach, Karon Beach, Nai Harn Beach…
• Koh Phi Phi
• Similan Islands
• James Bond Island

Details of all these places are in this article: What are the things to see in Phuket?

If you prefer to spend the end of your holiday in Krabi, you can:

• Enjoy Ao Nang beach
• Spend a day on the Railay Peninsula and its 2 beautiful sandy beaches
• Take a boat trip to the 4 islands
• Explore Koh Phi Phi
• Visit the Hong Islands

Information on these activities can be found here: The best things to do in Krabi?

On the day ten , it will be time to take your return flight from Phuket or Krabi airport.

If you want more details about this 10-day road trip in Thailand , please read our detailed article: 10 day itinerary in Thailand.

You will also find our list of the best accommodations for each leg. As you’ll see, planning your 9-10 day trip to Thailand is fast and easy!

Thailand Road trip: two weeks

If you go on a road trip in Thailand for 15 days , you will be able to divide your time between the central/northern part of the country and the south.

This 2-week road trip in Thailand I am suggesting also starts from Bangkok.

You will find all the details to organise this Thailand tour in our article: 2-week itinerary in Thailand.

I’ll summarise the legs of the journey below:

For this two-week road trip in Thailand, we will start by visiting Bangkok for 2 days.

You’ll have time to see many of the places we discuss in our Top 20 places to visit in Bangkok.

Days 1 and 2 – Things to do:

• Bangkok National Museum
• A river cruise
• Bayoke Tower
• Chinatown and Wat Traimit
• The Siam neighbourhood with huge shopping centres

On day three of your 15-day road trip in Thailand, visit Ayutthaya , the ancient capital of the kingdom of Siam.

These ancient temples are now classified as UNESCO World Heritage sites.

The timings, prices, and temples that you should not miss , everything is included in my article dedicated to the historical park: Ayutthaya: the definitive guide.

Day Four: keep one day for travelling the 350 km from Ayutthaya to Sukhothai .

Day five – Visit the historical park of Sukhothai.

Like Ayutthaya, Sukhothai was one of the capital cities of the kingdom of Siam and also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Here too, the best way to prepare for your visit is to read my article: How to visit Sukhothai.

Day seven of your 15-day road trip in Thailand: Travel from Sukhothai and Chiang Mai , 300 km away.

On day eight, you must visit Chiang Mai Old Town. You should absolutely see all the temples there, including Wat Phra Sing and Wat Chedi Luang . At the end of the day, head for the Night Bazaar to eat at one of the many stands or buy some souvenirs.

Day nine – You have several options to finish exploring the city and its surroundings:

• Explore Doi Suthep National Park, home to a temple, Bhubing Palace (the royal family’s winter residence), a Hmong village and several waterfalls.
• Spend a day with the elephants at a shelter to help the caretakers feed or wash them.
• Take a traditional cooking class, a typical activity to do in Thailand!

You will find all these activities and much more in my dedicated article: The top 20 things to do in Chiang Mai.

Visiting Thailand in 15 days also allows you to devote part of your stay to the South of the country.

From Chiang Mai, you must choose between Phuket and Krabi for the rest of your 2 week road trip in Thailand. To get there, you just have to catch a plane.

On days nine, ten, and eleven , you will have plenty of time to travel around Phuket Island or Krabi province.

For the best things to do in Phuket, be sure to read our article: Visit Phuket.

And to discover Krabi, you can read this article: The must-see spots in Krabi .

After Phuket or Krabi , you can continue your road trip in Thailand with another Southern Island.

For days twelve, thirteen, and fourteen, you must choose between staying for 3 days at:

• Koh Lanta to enjoy the beaches and go on beautiful trips around the 4 islands or Koh Rok .
• Koh Yao Noi experience the authenticity of Thailand on an island which is still free of mass tourism.

You can find the detailed itinerary of each island by clicking on the name of the islands.

You know that now we are on day fifteen , and that means we are at end of your holiday.

For the return trip, you can catch your plane in Phuket or Krabi.

Just a reminder, I have explained this road trip in detail in my article: 2-week itinerary in Thailand.

You will also find plenty of tips and my selection of the best accommodation depending on your budget.

Thailand Road trip: 3 weeks

For a 3 week road trip in Thailand , you can divide your holiday into 3 main parts:

• Central Thailand with Bangkok and Ayutthaya
• The North , to discover Sukhothai, Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai
• The South , and its heavenly islands: Phuket , Koh Lanta , Koh Yao , Krabi .

To help you organise your three-week road trip in Thailand as best as possible, I explained everything in detail for each day in my article: 3-week itinerary in Thailand.

To know everything: the legs of the journey, places to visit, travel times and hotels , just click on the link above!

To give you an idea, I’ll give you a summary of the planned visits during these 3 weeks:

Start your 21-day road trip in Thailand by exploring the central part of the country for the first 3 days. This allows you to start slowly, recovering from jet lag and getting used to the climate.

Days 1 and 2 : Bangkok

Day 3 : Ayutthaya

Continue your three-week road trip in Thailand by heading north.

Days 4 and 5 – Visit to Sukhothai Historical Park

Days 6, 7 and 8 – Explore Chiang Mai and its many temples

Days 9, 10 and 11 – Explore Chiang Rai and its surroundings, with the unmissable white temple, THE spot to see during a 3 week road trip in Thailand!

After these 11 days in the centre and North, it’s time to continue your 20-21 day road trip in Thailand by heading South.

Days 12, 13 and 14 – Stay at Phuket , one of the most famous islands of the Andaman Sea. Not only will you explore this island, but you’ll also take boat trips to Koh Phi Phi or the Similan Islands.

Days 15, 16 and 17 – Take a boat to Koh Lanta . The island has very beautiful sandy beaches and turquoise waters. And be sure you go on one of these trips, with snorkelling and swimming stops, to the 4 islands or Koh Rok.

Days 18, 19 and 20 – For the last 3 days, you can choose between 2 places to end your holiday:

• Krabi and Ao Nang
• Koh Yao Noi

In both cases, the schedule is not too busy: enjoy the beaches and work on your tan in relaxation mode.

Day 21 – End of your 3 week road trip in Thailand. If you are in Krabi, head for the city’s airport. If you are on Koh Yao Noi , you can choose to fly to Krabi or Phuket.

To read the full version of our 3 week itinerary, with advice and suggestions for accommodation, click here!

Thailand Road trip: 1 month

The last itinerary for the lucky few who can take a lot of time off: a month long road trip in Thailand!

For around thirty days, you can visit Bangkok and Ayutthaya in the centre but also much of the North with Sukhothai, Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai.

Not to forget the other major part of this 1-month road trip in Thailand, exploring the South and its piucturesque islands. I mentioned Phuket, Koh Lanta , Krabi and Koh Yao Noi.

All the details to organise your stay in Thailand can be found in this article: Itinerary for visiting Thailand in 1 month. For each day, you will find the places to see , travel times and the best hotels to stay for each leg of the journey .

It has everything!  Preparing for your 1 month road trip in Thailand has never been easier!

Here is the summary of each leg of the journey to give you an overview:

For the first part of this month long road trip in Thailand, you must start with the central part of the country for 4 days.

Days 1 and 2: Explore Bangkok  and visit the main monuments such as the Grand Palace, Wat Pho and Wat Arun.

Day 3: Trip to the Damnoen Saduak floating market or to Kanchanaburi and the Kwai river bridge.

Day 4: Admire the beautiful ancient temples of the historical park of Ayutthaya.

The second leg of this 1 month long road trip in Thailand takes us North.

Days 5 and 6: Visit to the temples of the ancient capital of the kingdom of Siam, Sukhothai

Days 7, 8, 9 and 10: Cover the Chiang Mai Province

Days 11, 12 and 13: Finish your stay in the North with the town of Chiang Rai.

The last leg of your 30-day road trip in Thailand takes place entirely in the South of the country.

During these 15 days, you will be able to spend time on Phuket, Koh Lanta, Krabi and Koh Yao Noi.

Days 14, 15, 16 and 17: start with one of the mythical islands: Phuket! The whole itinerary for visiting Phuket in 4 days is in this article: What are the things to see in Phuket?

Days 18, 19, 20 and 21: Continue to another beautiful island: Koh Lanta. To visit Koh Lanta, just read this article: The best things to do in Koh Lanta?

Days 22, 23, 24 and 25: Head to the Krabi province, famous for the Railay peninsula, a splendid place to go to the beach. The itinerary is right here: Visit Krabi.

Days 26, 27 and 28: We will end with Koh Yao Noi, an island where you can relax and finish your holiday in peace and quiet. To know what are the things to do in Koh Yao Noi, click here: The most beautiful places in Koh Yao Noi. 

I have also prepared 2 itineraries exclusively for the Southern islands.

I won’t include them in the “road trip” category because you won’ t necessarily need a car to travel around the islands and you can get from one island to the other by boat.

You can find them here:

• 7 day itinerary in South Thailand with 2 versions: one from Phuket and the other from Krabi.
• 15-day itinerary in Southern Thailand with no less than 4 islands on the agenda: Phuket, Koh Lanta, Krabi and Koh Yao Noi.

These itineraries are similar to the road trips with the day-to-day plans and the sights to see.

Now you know how to organise your Thailand road trip, but there is another important point to address: accommodation.

Where to stay during each leg of your itinerary in Thailand?

Easy, I have prepared a selection of the best hotels to stay in Thailand, sorted by city and budget , for all the road trips I mentioned earlier.

You can find those by clicking on the links below:

For central and Northern Thailand:

• Best hotels in Bangkok 
• Where to stay in Ayutthaya?
• Accommodation in Sukhothai
• Best accommodation in Chiang Mai
• List of hotels in Chiang Rai

For Southern Thailand:

• Best hotels in Phuket
• Where to stay in Koh Lanta?
• Accommodation in Krabi
• Best accommodation in Koh Yao Noi

For a road trip in Thailand , the best time is from November to February . These months are the “cold” season.

When I say “cold”, you should expect between 25 to 30° on average towards Bangkok or the South, and a little less towards the North, where temperatures can drop quickly, especially at night. Generally, the climate is hot and humid any month of the year.

The months of December and January are particularly popular among Europeans who come to Thailand to spend the holiday season and get away from the grey skies. If you are going to Thailand during this period, I strongly recommend that you book your accommodation as soon as possible as prices increase quickly.

If you want to avoid peak tourist season while enjoying the most favourable climate, I would say that February is the best month to visit Thailand by car.

Between March and May , it is the summer . If you can’t stand the heat, exploring the country can be challenging. Not to mention that the vegetation tends to dry out very quickly and the landscapes are less beautiful.

But if you like the heat and especially if you have a hotel with a swimming pool or on the seafront , you can still have a great holiday!

Between June and October, there’s the rainy season. It may rain every day on your road trip but good news it usually lasts only a few hours and not all day. However, it is difficult to withstand the combined heat with that much humidity. 

It is better to avoid the islands located on the west coast of the Andaman Sea (Phuket and Koh Lanta for example) which face heavy rainfall that can lead to flooding. Some islands can also be inaccessible as boat connections are cut off. 

Choose the islands on the East coast of the Andaman Sea that are less affected at that time, like Koh Samui.

However, on the other hand, it rains more in the East between September and December and at that time it will be better to plan a stay to the West of the Andaman Sea to visit the islands.

So what have you planned to see on your road trip in Thailand?

Thailand travel Guides

• Buy the Lonely Planet Thailand guide on Amazon.com or on Amazon.co.uk
• Buy the DK Eyewitness Thailand guide on Amazon.com or on Amazon.co.uk

Discover all my articles about Thailand : All my articles to help you plan your trip to Thailand are listed there.

The 25 Best Things to Do in Thailand

• Itinerary: One week in Thailand – Perfect to visit Bangkok, Ayutthaya and Chiang Mai!
• Itinerary: 6,7 or 8 days in Thailand – 2 itineraries to the southern islands, starting from Phuket or Krabi
• Itinerary: 10 days in Thailand – The perfect itinerary to discover the best of Thailand!
• Itinerary: 2 weeks in Thailand – Discover Bangkok, Ayutthaya, Sukhothai, + Best Southern islands!
• Itinerary: 15 days in Thailand – The best itinerary to visit the most beautiful Southern islands
• Itinerary: 3 weeks in Thailand – Discover the best of Thailand in 20-21 days
• Itinerary: 1 month in Thailand – The most complete itinerary to visit Thailand!
• Road trip in Thailand: The best itineraries for 7, 10, 15, 21 and 30 days
• Ayutthaya: The definitive guide to visit the archaeological park
• Bangkok: The 30 best places to visit
• Chiang Mai: The 20 best things to do
• Chiang Rai: The 17 must-see attractions
• Koh Lanta: The 15 most beautiful places to see on the island
• Koh Yao Noi: All the things to do on this paradise island!
• Krabi: Top 17 best places to visit
• Phuket: The 23 best things to do
• Sukhothai: How to visit the historical park?
• 3 days in Bangkok – The best itinerary to visit the Thai capital in 72h!
• 3 Days in Chiang Mai – The perfect itinerary to visit the Chiang Mai in 72h!

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Creator of the Voyage Tips blog, travel and photography lover. I give you all my best tips to plan your next trip.

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10 of the best things to do in Thailand

Dec 21, 2023 • 9 min read

Experience the best of Thailand with this guide to the top things to do © Jackyenjoyphotography / Getty Images

People may think of Thailand as a food-focused destination, or a place for great nightlife or even a wellness center and somewhere to go and be pampered.

The truth is, Thailand is all of those things and more. You could be snorkeling in bright blue waters near a glorious beach , hiking to Thailand’s highest temples, slurping down a roadside bowlful of spicy noodles , plying the city’s waterways in a long-tail boat or simply dozing off next to a pool with a book on your chest.

Create your own adventure to remember in the Land of Smiles with our guide to the best things to do in Thailand.

1. Make your way to a temple

Thailand is home to more than 40,000 temples, which makes the decision on exactly where to visit that much more difficult. Although most people will say that visits to Bangkok’s Grand Palace and Wat Pho are musts, some other temples scattered throughout the kingdom might end up being the ones to lodge themselves permanently in your memories.

In the far Northern town of Chiang Rai , Wat Rong Khun – otherwise known as the “White Temple” – features a “bridge of rebirth” that takes visitors over a “lake” of outstretched hands representing human suffering. Further south near Pattaya , the Sanctuary of Truth stands as Thailand’s largest wooden building, painstakingly carved using traditional techniques. And on the border between the North and Northeast regions in Phetchabun, Wat Phra Thad Son Kaew  displays a series of giant Buddha images sitting in each other’s laps inspired by Russian nesting dolls, surrounded by Gaudi-like mosaics and a vast tapestry of stunning mountains.

If you do decide to stay in Bangkok, Wat Arun (aka “Temple of the Dawn”) is a beautiful and less-touristy temple on the banks of the Chao Phraya, while Wat Po also houses a massage school said to have been the birthplace of Thai massage.

2. Island hop in the Andaman Sea

This is what the kingdom is likely most known for: its dramatic, green-speckled islands and celadon waters. The best place from which to experience this is Phuket , Thailand’s largest and most-visited island. From its two marinas, you can hire a boat to survey the Andaman Sea and its many blessings, including the iconic  Ko Khao Phing Kan (also known as James Bond Island) featured in the movie  The Man With a Golden Gun (1974), which resembles a tree-furred exclamation point (one of many striking limestone karsts) in Phang Nga Bay .

Planning tip: Boat rentals can range from US$60 a day on a fishing boat to US$140 a day on a “luxury” cruiser with lunch and dinner included. You can also head to Rassada Pier to take a ferry to tour Phang Nga Bay as a day trip. Book a ticket online in advance in case they sell out.

3. Shop at one of Thailand's best markets

Thais love to shop, so it’s little surprise that Thailand is liberally peppered with markets of all types, from morning fruit markets to weekend craft markets to raucous night markets and even all-hours markets. The most famous of these is probably Bangkok’s 24/7 Flower Market , where a panoply of gorgeous blooms makes ideal Instagram fodder against the background of the Chao Phraya River. Also in Bangkok,  Or Tor Kor is widely considered – even among persnickety Thai aunties – to be the best food market in the country, especially revered for its traditional sweets and pristine produce. 

Up North, Chiang Mai’s Saturday Walking Street  and  Sunday Walking Street are predictably famous, but the Walking Street in Chiang Khan on the banks of the Mekong is just as extensive and far more picturesque. If it’s crafts you’re looking for, Cicada Market in the beach resort town of Hua Hin offers art, clothing and knick-knacks and is only a short walk from the beach. And if it’s a floating market that floats your boat, tree-lined Khlong Lat Mayom is only 1.5 hours from Bangkok and is far less touristy than Bangkok’s Chatuchak Market  and the floating markets of Damnoen Saduak and Amphawa . All are worth visiting, but beware of crowds.

4. Splash around in a waterfall

If you loved to splash around in fountains as a kid, then Thailand’s many, many waterfalls will surely delight your inner child – or even your actual child. From close to Bangkok (in Khao Yai National Park , a 2.5-hour drive from Bangkok) to its farthest reaches (in Ubon Ratchathani , on the edge of Thailand’s northeast), Thailand has a waterfall to suit any type of swimmer or nature lover, from little paddlers to experienced hikers.

Made famous by the movie The Beach  (2000), Khao Yai’s Haew Suwat is not necessarily Thailand’s most towering waterfall (it’s 20m/66ft high), but it does host an emerald-green pool perfect for midday dips. Located in Erawan National Park in western Kanchanaburi , the eponymous Erawan Falls is one of the most famous waterfalls in the country, thanks to its seven mighty tiers and the tiny fish that nibble at your toes at the bottom. Meanwhile in the far northeast lies the isolated Soi Sawan waterfall in Ubon Ratchathani , near where wildflowers bloom in the cool season and numerous hiking trails lead to amazing viewpoints.

Planning tip: If you do plan to beat the heat with a quick plunge, bring a towel and a swimsuit, but remember that changing rooms are few and far between. 

5. Learn more about Thailand at its top museums

Thailand is chock-a-block with museums, but some are far less stultifying than others. Belying the image of a fusty old building harboring ancient relics from a far-off land, Museum Siam in Bangkok tells the story of how the “Land of Smiles” came to be through a series of creative, interactive exhibits geared mainly at children. Also in Bangkok, the Jim Thompson House Museum keeps the spirit of the Thai silk tycoon (and rumored CIA agent who disappeared in 1967) alive by making his former home and collection of art and antiques accessible to the public. And only 40km (25 miles) southeast of Bangkok, Muang Boran (the Ancient City) is a faithful reconstruction of Ayutthaya-era Siam, set over 200 acres and labeled the world’s biggest open-air museum.

Detour: If you can make it out of the Bangkok area, the lengthily titled Hellfire Pass Interpretive Centre and Memorial Walking Trail , situated 100km (62 miles) from Kanchanaburi, was created in memory of the WWII POWs who helped build the Burma-Thailand railway, also known as the “Death Railway” immortalized in the 1957-film Bridge Over the River Kwai .

6. Take a hike along trails and through forests

In spite of its reputation as a classic fly-and-flop destination, Thailand also manages to be generously laden with hiking trails tailored to all levels of experience. Only 25km (15.5 miles) south of the resort town of Hua Hin, Pranburi Forest Park features a 1km-long (0.6 mile) boardwalk along mangrove forests and pine trees, allowing even toddlers the chance to stretch their legs while surrounded by greenery.

Up north, close to Chiang Mai, the 13km (8-mile)  Buddha’s Footprint Trail  is a simple out-and-back walk popular among birdwatchers for the diversity of both wildlife and foliage on display (a guide is required and can be hired among the Hmong villagers). 

Meanwhile, adrenaline junkies – and devout Buddhists or meditation enthusiasts – will love Wat Phu Thok , also known as the “Lonely Mountain” and located in Northeastern Bueng Kan. Visitors are encouraged to ascend a 359m-high (1,200ft) peak by way of steps, carved paths and eventually rickety-looking wooden slats. The experience, meant to mirror the seven levels to nirvana, is supposed to encourage meditation and focus on the “now” as walkers negotiate every strenuous (and occasionally daunting) step.

Local tip: Walkers who are afraid of heights should steer clear of the Lonely Mountain or ascend only the first few levels. The seventh level is said to be riddled with snakes, so no need to go further than the sixth.

7. Cruise Bangkok's Chao Phraya River

Before it became known as a mecca for traffic jams, Bangkok was once described as the “Venice of the East,” crisscrossed with canals branching from the Chao Phraya River , which once served as the kingdom's main artery of commerce and diplomacy. Although far fewer Thais use the Chao Phraya as part of their daily lives today, it remains a potent reminder of the city’s waterborne past. 

Many boats – from small long-tailed boats to water buses to larger dinner cruise-type ships – ply the waters for visitors in search of a glimpse of Bangkok’s past, or who simply want to avoid the traffic. The most famous of these boats is likely the Chao Phraya Express Boat . From downtown Sathorn, the boat goes as far as the northern suburb of Nonthaburi, and prices range from 16 to 33 baht.

Local tip: You can also rent your own long-tail boat for a cruise of the city’s many canals for 2,000–5,000 baht, depending on the size of the boat. Reserve online to secure a spot.

8. Taste Bangkok's best street food in Chinatown

Rejuvenated after a COVID-era economic slump, Bangkok’s street food scene is newly vibrant, especially in areas like the Old Town , along Charoen Krung Road, on Bantadthong Road, and by the Victory Monument . The birthplace of Thai street food (and restaurants) is Chinatown – also known as Yaowarat. Chinese–Thai dishes like oyster omelets, soup noodles, rice porridge and black sesame-stuffed dumplings tempt passersby along Yaowarat Rd, which becomes a neon-lit roadside buffet at night. Just remember: many street food stalls are closed on Monday, so be sure to check your chosen vendors beforehand.

Planning tip: While in Chinatown, check out one of Bangkok’s hippest nightlife spots, Nana Road (in Chinatown, not on Sukhumvit). Here, famous watering holes like Tep Bar , Teens of Thailand and the taxes-themed TAX rub shoulders with picturesque shophouses and noodle joints.

9. Cycle around some incredible ruins

Before Bangkok was even a gleam in King Rama I’s eye, the country’s capitals lived further up from the Chao Phraya River, first in Sukhothai and then in Ayuthaya . Now both UNESCO World Heritage sites, their ruins testify to the power and beauty of what was formerly known as Siam. Ranging over 70 sq km (27 sq miles), Sukhothai Historical Park showcases Wat Mahathat at its center, arranged like a lotus among 193 ruins. Visitors can explore the grounds by rented bicycle before heading to Ramkhamhaeng National Museum . 

At the larger Ayutthaya Historical Park, active from the 14th to 18th centuries, 425 unearthed archaeological sites include Vihara Phra Mongkol Bophit, home to one of Thailand’s largest bronze Buddha statues. You can also hire a bicycle to survey the park or head on out with a guide, and even rent traditional Thai costumes for a photo shoot.

10. See marine life on a snorkeling or diving trip

Marine life lovers or even avowed “water babies” will find all that they desire under the Andaman Sea or Gulf of Thailand. With its warm water, striking coral reefs and many manta rays and whale sharks , Thailand is thick with top-tier diving sites for all experience levels off of Phuket , Ko Phi-Phi , Ko Tao and Ko Pha-Ngan . If it’s snorkeling you’re after, the waters of Ko Chang and Ko Tarutao Marine National Park host bountiful marine life in clear blue water. 

Local tip: For the most part, October to April is considered prime diving season, while May to September is deemed best for snorkeling.

This article was first published Aug 24, 2021 and updated Dec 21, 2023.

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11 Jun 2024 - 6 min read

A Full Guide on Thailand Train Map for a Comfortable Trip

The railway system in Thailand plays an important role in the country's transportation infrastructure, as it offers an efficient and scenic mode of travel for locals and visitors. This article explores a comprehensive map of Thailand's train routes and types, highlighting key destinations, ticket information, travel tips, historical context, future development plans, and more. Understanding the ins and outs of Thailand's railway network is essential for those wishing to explore the diverse landscapes and cultural gems this Southeast Asian country has to offer.

Thailand's train system is a charming throwback to the past, offering travellers a unique way to explore the country. The extensive network covers a wide range of regions, from bustling city centres to beautiful rural landscapes, providing an authentic taste of Thai culture and scenery.

From humble beginnings in the late 19th century to the modern network that crisscrosses the country, Thailand's railway system has come a long way. Originally introduced by King Chulalongkorn, trains have played an important role in shaping the history and development of the country, as well as developing into a reliable mode of transportation for both locals and tourists.

Main Train Routes in Thailand

Ariya J / Shutterstock.com

Thailand has a variety of major train routes that offer a glimpse into the country's diverse landscape and culture. From the bustling capital of Bangkok to the tranquil beaches of the south, these routes provide a scenic journey through Thailand's vibrant tapestry.

Types of Trains in Thailand

Thailand offers a variety of railway classes and services to suit different budgets and preferences. Whether basic third-class seats or luxurious first-class cabins, passengers can choose the level of comfort and amenities to suit their needs. Not only that, you can also choose a relaxing journey or a more pampering experience. There is a class of trains for everyone!

How to Book Train Tickets in Thailand

Snoopytkd / Shutterstock.com

Getting train tickets in Thailand can be an easy process, with the option to book online, at the station, or through a travel agent. It is advisable to plan in advance, especially during peak travel seasons, to ensure availability and secure your preferred travel date and time.

Before you complete your ticket purchase, we recommend checking any additional fees that may apply. From seat reservation fees to special service upgrades, knowing these extras can help you plan your travel budget appropriately. Be aware of any hidden fees and be prepared for a smooth sailing experience – or one could say, a smooth rail-ing experience!

Tips for Securing Seat Reservations

To make the most of your train travel in Thailand, consider booking tickets in advance to avoid last-minute hassles. Be sure to check for any discounts or promotions, arrive at the station early to board comfortably, and pack light for easy manoeuvring on the train. With a little preparation, your train adventure in the country is sure to go smoothly.

Popular Destinations Accessible by Train

Travelling by train in Thailand opens up a world of possibilities, with popular destinations such as Chiang Mai, Ayutthaya, and Hua Hin to Chumphon easily accessible from major centres. Whether you're looking for cultural landmarks, natural wonders, or just a relaxing holiday on the coast, the Thai's rail network has something for everyone.

Thailand Full Package Tour (Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai) - 5D4N/4D3N Tour (Hanoi Departure)

Railway Stations and Facilities

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Main Railway Station in Thailand

Thailand has a variety of prominent train stations that are essential for domestic and international travel, including:

Facilities Available at Train Station

Train stations in Thailand offer essential facilities and services such as:

Tips for Traveling by Train in Thailand

If you're planning to explore Thailand by train, here are some practical tips to make your trip perfect:

Packing Essential Items for Train Travel

When packing for a train trip in Thailand, consider bringing:

Etiquette and Cultural Considerations

Respect local customs and make your train journey in Thailand enjoyable for everyone by:

Flight to Bangkok

Thai VietJet Air

Start from US$ 21.03

Khon Kaen (KKC) to Bangkok (BKK)

Tue, 25 Jun 2024

Thai AirAsia

Start from US$ 26.56

Hat Yai (HDY) to Bangkok (BKK)

Sat, 6 Jul 2024

Thai Airways

Start from US$ 28.11

Tue, 9 Jul 2024

Future Development and Improvement of Thailand's Railway Network

From high-speed rail projects to infrastructure and service improvements, the future looks bright for train travel lovers in the Land of Smiles.

High-Speed ​​Train Project

Get ready to explore Thailand with upcoming high-speed rail projects that promise faster and more efficient travel between major cities. Say goodbye to long commute times and say hello to a sleek, modern way to explore the country. Stay tuned for these developments to experience the next level of train travel in Thailand.

Infrastructure and Service Improvements

Thailand is investing in improving rail infrastructure and services to provide greater comfort and convenience for passengers. From station renovations to upgraded onboard facilities, these upgrades aim to make your train journey smoother and more enjoyable. Look forward to more comfortable travel in the future!

As Thailand continues to invest in improving its railway system, the appeal of train travel in this charming country continues to grow stronger. From the nostalgic charm of historic routes to the excitement of future high-speed rail projects, Thailand's railway map is a tapestry of adventure waiting to be explored.

So, what are you waiting for? Book your Singapore to Bangkok flight ! Explore Traveloka for great deals on activities, flight , and hotel . Visit Traveloka for more information!

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7 Best Cruises for Singles in 2024

Updated : May 29, 2024

AAA Travel Editors

Table of contents.

• Celebrity Millennium: Bali, Malaysia and Thailand
• Celebrity Apex: Norwegian Fjords
• Celebrity Summit: Grand Heartland Adventure
• Celebrity Edge: Taste of Luxury
• Disney Wish: Bahamian Cruise from Port Canaveral
• Oceania Cruises: In the Path of Cartier — Boston to Montreal
• Oceania Riviera: Ancient World Wonders — Athens to Istanbul

Plan Your Cruise With AAA

With many cruise lines now catering to the single crowd, going on a cruise as a single adult can be a great way to meet interesting people to make new friends, new connections and lifelong memories.

No matter what you envision from your dream singles cruise, you can find a ship and a series of destinations that will create unforgettable memories. There are a lot of options to explore, however and the sheer range of choices can quickly feel overwhelming. To help, we've highlighted several of the best cruises for singles. Keep reading to learn what, exactly, sets these expeditions apart. 

1. Celebrity Millennium: Bali, Malaysia and Thailand

Many singles gravitate towards exciting adventures in exotic destinations such as Bali, Malaysia and Thailand, which hold appeal simply because they provide such distinct scenery and such powerful cultural experiences.

Not all singles are willing or prepared to navigate these destinations on their own, however and this is where the Celebrity Millennium comes into play: an upscale cruise removes the hassle of planning and, instead, encourages you to relax in style.

This particular Celebrity Millennium adventure spans nearly two weeks, incorporating a unique blend of serene island adventures, cosmopolitan exploration and meaningful temple visits. Onboard, globally inspired menus and resort-style lounges are to be expected, along with plenty of adults-only spaces that will appeal to singles. 

2. Celebrity Apex: Norwegian Fjords

If Norway's iconic fjords are on your bucket list, you can't afford to miss this awe-inspiring Celebrity Apex trip . Departing from Southampton, the eight-night cruise meanders along the coast of Norway, hitting pleasant spots such as Geiranger or Kristiansand for spectacular scenery and outdoor adventures. Side trips are available and, with up to ten hours docked, there is plenty of time to explore at your own pace.

Accommodation options abound and, when traveling alone, the staterooms' king-size mattresses feel extra spacious. An adults-only solarium will appeal to relaxation-oriented solo travelers, while abundant dining and entertainment options make it easy to find and connect with new friends. 

3. Celebrity Summit: Grand Heartland Adventure

If you're struggling to choose between glamorous onboard experiences and outdoorsy experiences on land, you're in luck: Celebrity Summit provides the best of both worlds with its various Cruisetour offerings. There are many excellent options that depart from Vancouver, Anchorage or Fairbanks — but the Grand Heartland Adventure is worth considering if you crave something new.

During the Grand Heartland Cruisetour, you'll explore the stunning Inside Passage by cruise ship, before docking in adventure-oriented destinations such as Juneau and Sitka. From there, you'll continue to observe national treasures such as the Hubbard Glacier. Further exploration takes place aboard a glass-domed railcar and even a riverboat.

There's also a lot to experience onboard. The AquaClass stateroom represents a true oasis for single travelers, but the exclusive cocktail lounge and martini bar also warrant a visit. With nearly two weeks of cruising and exploration, you'll have plenty of time to unwind on your own but can also form fast friendships with similarly adventurous travelers. 

4. Celebrity Edge: Taste of Luxury

Cruises for singles over 50 often emphasize the finer things in life, like elevated cuisine or exquisite wines. These sophisticated details are in abundant supply aboard the Celebrity Edge, which offers a decidedly elegant experience with its Taste of Luxury tour. Although often frequented by retired couples, Celebrity Edge's trips work well as singles cruises.

Available for three or four nights, this remarkable journey begins in Sydney and primarily emphasizes curated on-board experiences. That being said, there are enticing opportunities to explore while docked in Tasmania. With such glamorous suites, restaurants and clubs on board, however, the best attractions can be enjoyed without ever leaving this luxury cruise ship. 

5. Disney Wish: Bahamian Cruise from Port Canaveral

Don't assume that Disney cruise adventures are only for kids or families. If you are a proud Disney adult, you can make amazing memories aboard a thematic cruise for singles. This is a popular vacation among theme park enthusiasts, who enjoy a dose of Disney magic while also finding valuable opportunities to indulge and relax.

Disney Wish's three-night Bahamian cruise is also an excellent option for singles who crave a sea-based experience but only have a few days to spare. Yes, young travelers will be around, but there are plenty of adult-only spaces, including sports bars, dance clubs, dedicated pools and even an onboard spa and salon. Musicals, 3D films and fireworks encourage you to embrace your inner child. 

6. Oceania Cruises: In the Path of Cartier — Boston to Montreal

As we've mentioned, smaller ships provide some of the best cruises for singles over 50. Not everyone desires a river-based trip, however and with Oceania Cruises , there is no need to choose between exclusivity and ocean liner grandeur.

A signature experience can be found aboard Oceania Cruises' iconic Nautica ship, which is calming, yet elegant. Echoing the journey of the famed explorer Jacques Cartier, this tour provides a powerful introduction to Quebec, Nova Scotia, Newfoundland and New Brunswick.

The land-based excursions are highly educational and, of course, beautiful to behold, but there's also a lot to love on board. Belgian chocolate, Bulgari amenities and turndown service await, with many accommodations also providing spectacular views. Open-seating dining makes it easy to interact with other vacationers while wine-tasting and guest lectures promise plenty of onboard enrichment. 

7. Oceania Riviera: Ancient World Wonders — Athens to Istanbul

Another appealing option for singles who prefer slightly smaller ships, Oceania Cruises' Ancient World Wonders tour provides stops at some of the world's most iconic locations, such as Santorini and Corfu. Adventures in Dubrovnik and Istanbul can also be expected. On board this remarkable vessel, you'll gaze in awe at the Lalique Grand Staircase and, in general, enjoy a refined ambiance.

Be prepared to try new flavors and forms of expression as you explore unique offerings such as the Artist Loft and Culinary Center. Deep relaxation awaits at the Aquamar Spa or within your luxuriously contemporary stateroom or suite. This ten-night voyage provides plenty of time to lose yourself in the grandeur of the ship and the treasures of Greece, Montenegro, Croatia and Turkey.

Join the over a million people who are AAA members and start planning your cruise today. Dream up the perfect trip with our Trip Canvas research tool and use your membership to get the best discounts on hotels , rental cars and entertainment tickets.

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• Section 2 - Interactions Between Travel Vaccines & Drugs
• Section 2 - Travelers’ Diarrhea

Yellow Fever Vaccine & Malaria Prevention Information, by Country

Cdc yellow book 2024.

Author(s): Mark Gershman, Rhett Stoney (Yellow Fever) Holly Biggs, Kathrine Tan (Malaria)

The following pages present country-specific information on yellow fever (YF) vaccine requirements and recommendations, and malaria transmission information and prevention recommendations. Country-specific maps are included to aid in interpreting the information. The information in this chapter was accurate at the time of publication; however, it is subject to change at any time due to changes in disease transmission or, in the case of YF, changing entry requirements for travelers. Updated information reflecting changes since publication can be found in the online version of this book and on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Travelers’ Health website. Recommendations for prevention of other travel-associated illnesses can also be found on the CDC Travelers’ Health website .

Yellow Fever Vaccine

Entry requirements.

Entry requirements for proof of YF vaccination under the International Health Regulations (IHR) differ from CDC’s YF vaccination recommendations. Under the IHR, countries are permitted to establish YF vaccine entry requirements to prevent the importation and transmission of YF virus within their boundaries. Certain countries require proof of vaccination from travelers arriving from all countries ( Table 5-25 ); some countries require proof of vaccination only for travelers above a certain age coming from countries with risk for YF virus transmission. The World Health Organization (WHO) defines areas with risk for YF virus transmission as countries or areas where YF virus activity has been reported currently or in the past, and where vectors and animal reservoirs exist.

Unless issued a medical waiver by a yellow fever vaccine provider, travelers must comply with entry requirements for proof of vaccination against YF.

WHO publishes a list of YF vaccine country entry requirements and recommendations for international travelers approximately annually. But because entry requirements are subject to change at any time, health care professionals and travelers should refer to the online version of this book and the CDC Travelers’ Health website for any updates before departure.

CDC Recommendations

CDC’s YF vaccine recommendations are guidance intended to protect travelers from acquiring YF virus infections during international travel. These recommendations are based on a classification system for destination-specific risk for YF virus transmission: endemic, transitional, low potential for exposure, and no risk ( Table 2-08 ). CDC recommends YF vaccination for travel to areas classified as having endemic or transitional risk (Maps 5-10 and 5-11 ). Because of changes in YF virus circulation, however, recommendations can change; therefore, before departure, travelers and clinicians should check CDC’s destination pages for up-to-date YF vaccine information.

Duration of Protection

In 2015, the US Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices published a recommendation that 1 dose of YF vaccine provides long-lasting protection and is adequate for most travelers. The recommendation also identifies specific groups of travelers who should receive additional doses, and others for whom additional doses should be considered (see Sec. 5, Part 2, Ch. 26, Yellow Fever ). In July 2016, WHO officially amended the IHR to stipulate that a completed International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis is valid for the lifetime of the vaccinee, and YF vaccine booster doses are not necessary. Moreover, countries cannot require proof of revaccination (booster) against YF as a condition of entry, even if the traveler’s last vaccination was >10 years ago.

Ultimately, when deciding whether to vaccinate travelers, clinicians should take into account destination-specific risks for YF virus infection, and individual risk factors (e.g., age, immune status) for serious YF vaccine–associated adverse events, in the context of the entry requirements. See Sec. 5, Part 2, Ch. 26, Yellow Fever , for a full discussion of YF disease and vaccination guidance.

Table 2-08 Yellow fever (YF) vaccine recommendation categories 1

Malaria prevention.

The following recommendations to protect travelers from malaria were developed using the best available data from multiple sources. Countries are not required to submit malaria surveillance data to CDC. On an ongoing basis, CDC actively solicits data from multiple sources, including WHO (main and regional offices); national malaria control programs; international organizations; CDC overseas offices; US military; academic, research, and aid organizations; and the published scientific literature. The reliability and accuracy of those data are also assessed.

If the information is available, trends in malaria incidence and other data are considered in the context of malaria control activities within a given country or other mitigating factors (e.g., natural disasters, wars, the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic) that can affect the ability to control malaria or accurately count and report it. Factors such as the volume of travel to that country and the number of acquired cases reported in the US surveillance system are also examined. In developing its recommendations, CDC considers areas within countries where malaria transmission occurs, substantial occurrences of antimalarial drug resistance, the proportions of species present, and the available malaria prophylaxis options.

Clinicians should use these recommendations in conjunction with an individual risk assessment and consider not only the destination but also the detailed itinerary, including specific cities, types of accommodations, season, and style of travel, as well as special health conditions (e.g., pregnancy). Several medications are available for malaria prophylaxis. When deciding which drug to use, consider the itinerary and length of trip, travelers’ previous adverse reactions to antimalarials, drug allergies, medical history, and drug costs. For a thorough discussion of malaria and guidance for prophylaxis, see Sec. 5, Part 3, Ch. 16, Malaria .

Afghanistan

Entry requirements : None

CDC recommendations : Not recommended

• All areas <2,500 m (≈8,200 ft) elevation (April–December)
• Chloroquine
• P. vivax  (primarily)
• P. falciparum (less commonly)
• Atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline, mefloquine, tafenoquine 3

Other Vaccines to Consider

See Health Information for Travelers to Afghanistan

Entry requirements : Required for travelers ≥1 year old arriving from countries with risk for YF virus transmission 1

No malaria transmission

See Health Information for Travelers to Albania

Entry requirements : Required for travelers ≥9 months old arriving from countries with risk for YF virus transmission; this includes >12-hour airport transits or layovers in countries with risk for YF virus transmission. 1

See Health Information for Travelers to Algeria

American Samoa (US)

See Health Information for Travelers to American Samoa

See Health Information for Travelers to Andorra

Entry requirements : Required for arriving travelers  ≥9 months old

CDC recommendations : Recommended for all travelers ≥9 months old

• P. falciparum (primarily)
• P. malariae , P. ovale , and P. vivax (less commonly)

See Health Information for Travelers to Angola

Anguilla (U.K.)

See Health Information for Travelers to Anguilla (U.K.)

See Health Information for Travelers to Antarctica

Antigua and Barbuda

Entry requirements : Required for travelers ≥1 year old arriving from countries with risk for YF virus transmission this includes >12-hour airport transits or layovers in countries with risk for YF virus transmission. 1

See Health Information for Travelers to Antigua and Barbuda

CDC recommendations : Recommended for travelers ≥9 months old going to Corrientes and Misiones Provinces. Generally not recommended for travel to Formosa Province or to designated areas of Chaco, Jujuy, and Salta Provinces. Not recommended for travel limited to provinces and areas not listed above.

Related Maps

Map 2-01 Yellow fever vaccine recommendations for Argentina & neighboring countries

See Health Information for Travelers to Argentina

See Health Information for Travelers to Armenia

Entry requirements : Required for travelers ≥9 months old arriving from countries with risk for YF virus transmission; this includes >12-hour airport transits or layovers in countries with risk for YF virus transmission. 1 Entry will be denied if a valid vaccination certificate cannot be provided.

See Health Information for Travelers to Aruba

Entry requirements : Required for travelers ≥1 year old arriving from countries with risk for YF virus transmission; this includes >12-hour airport transits or layovers in countries with risk for YF virus transmission. 1 Travelers arriving from the Galápagos Islands of Ecuador are exempt from this requirement.

See Health Information for Travelers to Australia

See Health Information for Travelers to Austria

See Health Information for Travelers to Azerbaijan

Azores (Portugal)

See Health Information for Travelers to Azores

Bahamas, The

Entry requirements : Required for travelers ≥1 year old arriving from countries with risk for YF virus transmission; this includes >12-hour airport transits or layovers in countries with risk for YF virus transmission. 1

See Health Information for Travelers to The Bahamas

See Health Information for Travelers to Bahrain

Entry requirements : Required for travelers ≥1 year old arriving from countries with risk for YF virus transmission; this includes airport transits or layovers in countries with risk for YF virus transmission. 1

• Districts of Chittagong Hill Tract (Bandarban, Khagrachari, and Rangamati); and the following districts: Chattogram (Chittagong) and Cox’s Bazar (in Chattogram [Chittagong] Division); Mymensingh, Netrakona, and Sherpur (in Mymensingh Division); Kurigram (in Rangpur Division); Habiganj, Moulvibazar, Sunamganj, and Sylhet (in Sylhet Division)
• No malaria transmission in Dhaka (the capital)
• P. falciparum (90%)
• P. vivax (10%)
• P. malariae  (rare)

See Health Information for Travelers to Bangladesh

Entry requirements : Required for travelers ≥1 year old arriving from countries with risk for YF virus transmission. 1 Travelers arriving from Guyana or Trinidad & Tobago are exempt from this requirement, unless an outbreak is occurring.

See Health Information for Travelers to Barbados

See Health Information for Travelers to Belarus

See Health Information for Travelers to Belgium

• Rare transmission
• No malaria transmission in Belize City or on islands frequented by tourists (e.g., Ambergris Caye)
• P. vivax (primarily)
• None (insect bite precautions / mosquito avoidance only) 4

See Health Information for Travelers to Belize

Entry requirements : Required for all arriving travelers ≥9 months old

• P. falciparum  (primarily)
• P. malariae ,  P. ovale,  and  P. vivax  (less commonly)

See Health Information for Travelers to Benin

Bermuda (U.K.)

See Health Information for Travelers to Bermuda (U.K.)

• Rare cases in rural areas <1,700 m (≈5,500 ft) elevation in districts along the southern border shared with India
• P. falciparum  (less commonly)
• None (insect bite precautions and mosquito avoidance only) 4

See Health Information for Travelers to Bhutan

Entry requirements : Required for travelers ≥1 year old arriving from countries with risk for YF virus transmission. 1

CDC recommendations : Recommended for travelers ≥9 months old going to areas <2,300 m (≈7,550 ft) elevation, east of the Andes Mountains: the entire departments of Beni, Pando, Santa Cruz, and designated areas in the departments of Chuquisaca, Cochabamba, La Paz, and Tarija. Not recommended for travel limited to areas >2,300 m (≈7,550 ft) elevation and any areas not listed above, including the cities of La Paz (administrative capital) and Sucre (constitutional [legislative and judicial] capital).

• All areas <2,500 m (≈8,200 ft) elevation
• No malaria transmission in La Paz (administrative capital)
• P. vivax  (99%)
• P. falciparum  (1%)
• Atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline, mefloquine, primaquine 5 , tafenoquine 3

Map 2-02. Yellow fever vaccine recommendations for Bolivia & neighboring countries

See Health Information for Travelers to Bolivia

See Health Information for Travelers to Bonaire

Bosnia and Herzegovina

See Health Information for Travelers to Bosnia and Herzegovina

Entry requirements : Required for travelers ≥1 year old arriving from countries with risk for YF virus transmission; this includes transits through countries with risk for YF virus transmission. 1

• Districts/ subdistricts of Bobirwa, Boteti, Chobe (including Chobe National Park), Ghanzi, Mahalapye, Ngamiland (Ngami), North East (including its capital, Francistown), Okavango, Serowe/ Palapye, and Tutume
• Rare cases or sporadic foci of transmission in districts/ subdistricts of Kgalagadi North, Kgatleng, Kweneng, and Southern
• No malaria transmission in Gaborone (the capital)
• P. malariae ,  P. ovale , and  P. vivax  (less commonly)
• Districts/subdistricts of Bobirwa, Boteti, Chobe (including Chobe National Park), Ghanzi, Mahalapye, Ngamiland (Ngami), North-East (including its capital, Francistown), Okavango, Serowe/Palapye, and Tutume: Atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline, mefloquine, tafenoquine 3
• Areas with rare cases or sporadic foci of transmission: no chemoprophylaxis recommended (insect bite precautions and mosquito avoidance only) 4

See Health Information for Travelers to Botswana

CDC recommendations : Recommended for travelers ≥9 months old going to the states of Acre, Amapá, Amazonas, Distrito Federal (including the capital city, Brasília), Espírito Santo,* Goiás, Maranhão, Mato Grosso, Mato Grosso do Sul, Minas Gerais, Pará, Paraná,* Piauí, Rio de Janeiro (including the city of Rio de Janeiro and all coastal islands),* Rio Grande do Sul,* Rondônia, Roraima, Santa Catarina,* São Paulo (including the city of São Paulo and all coastal islands),* Tocantins, and designated areas of Bahia*. Vaccination is also recommended for travelers going to Iguaçu Falls. Not recommended for travel limited to any areas not listed above, including the cities of Fortaleza and Recife *In 2017, in response to a large YF outbreak in multiple eastern states, CDC expanded its vaccination recommendations for travelers going to Brazil. The expanded YF vaccination recommendations for these states are preliminary. For updates, refer to the CDC Travelers’ Health website.

• All areas in the states of Acre, Amapá, Amazonas, Rondônia, and Roraima
• Present in the states of Maranhão, Mato Grosso, and Pará, but rare cases in their capital cities (São Luis [capital of Maranhão], Cuiabá [capital of Mato Grosso], Belém [capital of Pará])
• Rural and forested areas in the states of Espírito Santo, Goiás, Minas Gerais, Mato Grosso do Sul, Piauí, Rio de Janeiro, São Paolo, and Tocantins
• No malaria transmission in the cities of Brasília (the capital), Rio de Janeiro, or São Paolo
• No malaria transmission at Iguaçu Falls
• P. vivax  (90%)
• P. falciparum  (10%)
• Areas with rare cases: No chemoprophylaxis recommended (insect bite precautions and mosquito avoidance only) 4
• Map 2-03 Yellow fever vaccine recommendations for Brazil & neighboring countries
• Map 2-04 Malaria prevention in Brazil

See Health Information for Travelers to Brazil

British Indian Ocean Territory; includes Diego Garcia (U.K.)

See Health Information for Travelers to British Indian Ocean Territory (U.K.)

• No human malaria
• Rare transmission of P. knowlesi 6 in primarily forested or forest-fringe areas
• P. knowlesi 6 (100%)
• None (insect bite precautions and mosquito avoidance only) 4

See Health Information for Travelers to Brunei

See Health Information for Travelers to Bulgaria

Burkina Faso

Entry requirements : Required for all arriving travelers ≥9 months old

CDC recommendations : Recommended for all travelers ≥9 months old.

• P. malariae ,  P. ovale , and  P. vivax (less commonly)

See Health Information for Travelers to Burkina Faso

Burma (Myanmar)

• All areas <1,000 m (≈3,300 ft) elevation, including Bagan
• Rare transmission in areas >1,000 m (≈3,300 ft) elevation
• Chloroquine and mefloquine
• P. vivax (60%)
• P. falciparum (40%)
• P. knowlesi 6 , P. malariae , and P. ovale (rare)
• Areas <1,000 m (≈3,300 ft) elevation in the regions of Bago and Tanintharyi, and in the states of Kachin, Kayah, Kayin, and Shan: Atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline, tafenoquine 3
• Areas <1,000 m (≈3,300 ft) elevation in all other areas: Atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline, mefloquine, tafenoquine  3
• Areas >1,000 m (≈3,300 ft) elevation: No chemoprophylaxis recommended (insect bite precautions and mosquito avoidance only)  4

See Health Information for Travelers to Burma (Myanmar)

Entry requirements : Required for all arriving travelers ≥9 months old.

CDC recommendations : Recommended for all travelers ≥9 months old.

See Health Information for Travelers to Burundi

• Present throughout the country
• No (or negligible) malaria transmission in the cities of Phnom Penh (the capital) and Siem Reap
• No (or negligible) malaria transmission at the main temple complex at Angkor Wat
• P. vivax (80%)
• P. falciparum (20%)
• P. knowlesi 6 (rare)
• Atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline, tafenoquine 3

See Health Information for Travelers to Cambodia

Entry requirements : Required for all arriving travelers ≥1 year old.

See Health Information for Travelers to Cameroon

See Health Information for Travelers to Canada

Canary Islands ( Spain )

See Health Information for Travelers to Canary Islands (Spain)

• No indigenous cases reported since 2018
• Previously, rare cases on Santiago (São Tiago) Island and Boa Vista Island
• Previously, chloroquine
• Previously, P. falciparum (primarily)

See Health Information for Travelers to Cape Verde

Cayman Islands (U.K.)

See Health Information for Travelers to Cayman Islands (U.K.)

Central African Republic

Entry requirements : Required for all arriving travelers ≥9 months old .

See Health Information for Travelers to Central African Republic

Entry requirements : Required for travelers ≥9 months old arriving from countries with risk for YF virus transmission. 1

CDC recommendations : Recommended for travelers ≥9 months old going to areas south of the Sahara Desert. Not recommended for travel limited to areas in the Sahara Desert.

See Health Information for Travelers to Chad

See Health Information for Travelers to Chile

Entry requirements : Required for travelers ≥9 months old arriving from countries with risk for YF virus transmission; this includes >12-hour airport transits or layovers in countries with risk for YF virus transmission. 1 Travelers with itineraries limited to Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR) or Macao SAR are exempt from this requirement.

See Health Information for Travelers to China

Christmas Island (Australia)

See Health Information for Travelers to Christmas Island (Australia)

Cocos (Keeling) Islands (Australia)

See Health Information for Travelers to Cocos (Keeling) Islands (Australia)

Entry requirements : Required for travelers ≥1 year old arriving from Angola, Brazil, Democratic Republic of the Congo, or Uganda; this includes >12-hour airport transits or layovers in any of these countries.

CDC recommendations : Recommended for all travelers ≥9 months old except as follows. Generally not recommended for travel limited to the cities of Barranquilla, Cali, Cartagena, or Medellín. Not recommended for travel limited to areas >2,300 m (≈7,550 ft) elevation, the archipelago department of San Andrés and Providencia, or the city of Bogotá (the capital).

• All areas <1,700 m (≈5,600 ft) elevation
• No malaria transmission in the cities of Bogotá (the capital), Cartagena, or Medellín
• P. falciparum  (50%)
• P. vivax  (50%)

Map 2-05 Yellow fever vaccine recommendations for Colombia & neighboring countries

See Health Information for Travelers to Colombia

• P. malariae and P. vivax (rare)

See Health Information for Travelers to Comoros

Congo, Republic of the (Congo-Brazzaville)

Entry requirements : Required for all arriving travelers ≥9 months old.

See Health Information for Travelers to Congo, Republic of the

Cook Islands (New Zealand)

See Health Information for Travelers to Cook Islands (New Zealand)

Entry requirements : Required for travelers ≥9 months old arriving from countries with risk for YF virus transmission. 1 Included in this requirement are travelers arriving from Tanzania and Zambia, and designated areas of: Colombia (the entire country, except the cities of Barranquilla, Bogotá, Cali, Cartagena, and Medellín, and the archipelago department, San Andrés and Providencia); Ecuador (the provinces of Morona-Santiago, Napo, Orellana, Pastaza, Sucumbíos, and Zamora-Chinchipe, and excluding the rest of the country); Paraguay (the entire country, except the city of Asunción); Peru (the entire country, except the cities of Cusco and Lima, the regions of Cajamarca, Lambayeque, Piura, and Tumbes, and the highland tourist areas of Machu Picchu and the Inca Trail); Trinidad & Tobago (the entire country, except the urban areas of Port of Spain; travelers with itineraries limited to the island of Tobago, and travelers with airport transits or layovers are also exempt from this requirement). Travelers arriving from Argentina and Panama are exempt from this requirement.

• Present in the provinces of Alajuela and Limón
• Rare to no transmission in other parts of the country
• P. falciparum (86%)
• P. vivax (14%)
• Alajuela and Limón Provinces: Atovaquone-proguanil, chloroquine, doxycycline, mefloquine, tafenoquine 3
• All other areas: None (insect bite precautions and mosquito avoidance only) 4

See Health Information for Travelers to Costa Rica

Côte d'Ivoire (Ivory Coast)

See Health Information for Travelers to Côte d'Ivoire

See Health Information for Travelers to Croatia

See Health Information for Travelers to Cuba

Curaçao, Netherlands

See other recommended vaccines and medicines for travelers to Curaçao

See Health Information for Travelers to Cyprus

See Health Information for Travelers to Czech Republic

Democratic Republic of the Congo (Congo-Kinshasa)

CDC recommendations : Recommended for all travelers ≥9 months old

See Health Information for Travelers to Democratic Republic of the Congo

See Health Information for Travelers to Denmark

• P. falciparum (60–70%)
• P. vivax (30–40%)
• P. ovale (rare)

See Health Information for Travelers to Djibouti

See Health Information for Travelers to Dominica

Dominican Republic

Entry requirements : Required for travelers ≥1 year old arriving from the following states in Brazil: Espírito Santo, Mina Gerais, Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo; this includes >12-hour airport transits or layovers in any of these states

• Primarily in the provinces near the border with Haiti, and the provinces (including resort areas) of La Altagracia, San Cristóbal, San Juan, and Santo Domingo
• In the Distrito Nacional, city of Santo Domingo (the capital), primarily in the La Ciénaga and Los Tres Brazos areas
• Rare transmission in other provinces
• P. falciparum  (100%)
• Provinces near the border with Haiti, and the provinces (including resort areas) of La Altagracia, San Cristóbal, San Juan, and Santo Domingo: Atovaquone-proguanil, chloroquine, doxycycline, mefloquine, tafenoquine 3
• All other areas: No chemoprophylaxis recommended (insect bite precautions and mosquito avoidance only) 4

See Health Information for Travelers to Dominican Republic

Easter Island (Chile)

Entry requirements : Easter Island has not stated its YF vaccination certificate requirements

See Health Information for Travelers to Easter Island (Chile) .

Ecuador, including the Galápagos Islands

Entry requirements : Required for travelers ≥1 year old arriving from Brazil, Democratic Republic of the Congo, or Uganda; this includes >12-hour airport transits or layovers in any of these countries .

CDC recommendations : Recommended for travelers ≥9 months old going to areas <2,300 m (≈7,550 ft) elevation, east of the Andes Mountains, in the provinces of Morona-Santiago, Napo, Orellana, Pastaza, Sucumbíos, Tungurahua,* and Zamora-Chinchipe. Generally not recommended for travel limited to areas <2,300 m (≈7,550 ft) elevation, west of the Andes Mountains, in the provinces of Esmeraldas,* Guayas, Los Ríos, Manabí, Santa Elena, Santo Domingo de los Tsáchilas, and designated areas in the provinces of Azuay, Bolívar, Cañar, Carchi, Chimborazo, Cotopaxi, El Oro, Imbabura, Loja, and Pichincha. Not recommended for travel limited to areas >2,300 m (≈7,550 ft) elevation, the cities of Guayaquil or Quito (the capital), or the Galápagos Islands *CDC recommendations differ from those published by WHO .

• Areas <1,500 m (≈5,000 ft) elevation in the provinces of Carchi, Cotopaxi, Esmeraldas, Morona-Santiago, Orellana, Pastaza, and Sucumbíos
• Rare cases <1,500 m (≈5,000 ft) in all other provinces
• No malaria transmission in the cities of Guayaquil or Quito (the capital)
• No malaria transmission on the Galápagos Islands
• P. vivax  (85%)
• P. falciparum  (15%)
• Transmission areas in the provinces of Carchi, Cotopaxi, Esmeraldas, Morona-Santiago, Orellana, Pastaza, and Sucumbíos: Atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline, mefloquine, tafenoquine 3
• All other areas with reported malaria transmission: No chemoprophylaxis recommended (insect bite precautions and mosquito avoidance only) 4

Map 2-06 Yellow fever vaccine recommendations for Ecuador & neighboring countries

See Health Information for Travelers to Ecuador .

See Health Information for Travelers to Egypt .

El Salvador

See Health Information for Travelers to El Salvador .

Equatorial Guinea

• P. malariae, P. ovale , and P. vivax  (less commonly)

See Health Information for Travelers to Equatorial Guinea .

CDC recommendations : Generally not recommended for travel to the regions of: Anseba, Debub (also known as South or Southern Region), Gash Barka, Ma’ekel (also known as Ma’akel or Central Region), or Semenawi K’eyih Bahri (also known as Northern Red Sea Region). Not recommended for travel to any areas not listed above, including the Dahlak Archipelago.

• All areas <2,200 m (≈7,200 ft) elevation
• No malaria transmission in Asmara (the capital)
• P. falciparum  (80–85%)
• P. vivax (15–20%)
• P. malariae and P. ovale (rare)

Map 5-10 Yellow fever vaccine recommendations for Africa

See Health Information for Travelers to Eritrea .

See Health Information for Travelers to Estonia .

Eswatini (Swaziland)

Entry requirements : Required for travelers ≥9 months old arriving from countries with risk for YF virus transmission; this includes airport transits or layovers in countries with risk for YF virus transmission. 1

• Eastern areas bordering Mozambique and South Africa, including the entire region of Lubombo and the eastern half of Hhohho, Manzini, and Shiselweni Regions
• P. malariae , P. ovale , and  P. vivax  (less commonly)

See Health Information for Travelers to Swaziland .

CDC recommendations : Recommended for all travelers ≥9 months old except as follows. Generally not recommended for travel limited to the regions of Afar or Somali.

• All areas <2,500 m (≈8,200 ft) elevation, except none in Addis Ababa (the capital)
• P. falciparum  (80%)
• P. vivax  (20%)
• P. malariae and P. ovale  (rare)

Map 2-07 Yellow fever vaccine recommendations for Ethiopia & neighboring countries

See Health Information for Travelers to Ethiopia .

Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas), UK Overseas Territory (also claimed by Argentina)

See Health Information for Travelers to Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas) .

Faroe Islands (Denmark)

See Health Information for Travelers to Faroe Islands (Denmark) .

See Health Information for Travelers to Fiji .

See Health Information for Travelers to Finland .

See Health Information for Travelers to France .

French Guiana

• Areas associated with gold mining, primarily the communes near the border with Brazil and Suriname, especially Régina and Saint-Georges-de-l’Oyapock; also, the communes of Kourou, Matoury, and Saint-Élie
• No malaria transmission in coastal areas west of Kourou
• No malaria transmission in Cayenne City (the capital)
• P. falciparum (15%)

See Health Information for Travelers to French Guiana (France) .

French Polynesia, including the Society Islands [Bora-Bora, Moorea & Tahiti]; Marquesas Islands [Hiva Oa & Ua Huka]; and Austral Islands (Tubuai & Rurutu), France

See Health Information for Travelers to French Polynesia (France) .

• P. malariae , P. ovale , and P. vivax  (less commonly)

See Health Information for Travelers to Gabon .

Gambia, The

See Health Information for Travelers to The Gambia .

See Health Information for Travelers to Georgia .

See Health Information for Travelers to Germany .

• P. malariae,   P. ovale, and   P. vivax (less commonly)

See Health Information for Travelers to Ghana .

Gibraltar (U.K.)

See Health Information for Travelers to Gibraltar (U.K.) .

• Rare, local transmission in agricultural areas, associated with imported malaria (May–November)
• No malaria transmission in tourist areas
• Not applicable
• P. vivax  (100%)

See Health Information for Travelers to Greece .

Greenland (Denmark)

See Health Information for Travelers to Greenland (Denmark) .

See Health Information for Travelers to Grenada .

Guadeloupe (including Marie-Galante, La Désirade & Îles des Saintes)

See Health Information for Travelers to Guadeloupe .

Guam (U.S.)

See Health Information for Travelers to Guam (U.S.) .

• Primarily in the departments of Alta Verapaz, Escuintla, Izabal, Petén, and Suchitapéquez
• Few cases reported in other departments
• No malaria transmission in the cities of Antigua or Guatemala City (the capital)
• No malaria transmission at Lake Atitlán
• P. vivax (99%)
• P. falciparum  (1%)
• Departments of Alta Verapaz, Escuintla, Izabal, Petén, and Suchitapéquez: Atovaquone-proguanil, chloroquine, doxycycline, mefloquine, primaquine 5 , tafenoquine 3
• Other areas with reported malaria transmission: No chemoprophylaxis recommended (insect bite precautions and mosquito avoidance only) 4

See Health Information for Travelers to Guatemala .

Entry requirements : Required for travelers ≥1 year old arriving from countries with risk for YF virus transmission. 1 Required for all arriving travelers from all countries if traveler is ≥9 months of age and arriving at Ahmed Sékou Touré International Airport in Conakry.

See Health Information for Travelers to Guinea .

Guinea-Bissau

See Health Information for Travelers to Guinea-Bissau .

Entry requirements : Required for travelers ≥1 year old arriving from countries with risk for YF virus transmission; this includes >4-hour airport transits or layovers in countries with risk for YF virus transmission. 1

• Rare cases in the cities of Georgetown (the capital) and New Amsterdam
• All areas (except the cities of Georgetown and New Amsterdam): Atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline, mefloquine, tafenoquine 3
• Cities of Georgetown and Amsterdam: No chemoprophylaxis recommended (insect bite precautions and mosquito avoidance only) 4

See Health Information for Travelers to Guyana .

• All (including Labadee, also known as Port Labadee)
• P. falciparum (99%)
• P. malariae  (rare)
• Atovaquone-proguanil, chloroquine, doxycycline, mefloquine, tafenoquine 3

See Health Information for Travelers to Haiti .

Entry requirements : Required for travelers 1-60 years old arriving from countries with risk for YF virus transmission; this includes >12-hour airport transits or layovers in countries with risk for YF virus transmission. 1

• Throughout the country and on the island of Roat á n and other Bay Islands
• No malaria transmission in the cities of San Pedro Sula or Tegucigalpa (the capital)
• P. vivax (93%)
• P. falciparum  (7%)
• Atovaquone-proguanil, chloroquine, doxycycline, mefloquine, tafenoquine 3

See Health Information for Travelers to Honduras .

Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China

See Health Information for Travelers to Hong Kong SAR (China) .

See Health Information for Travelers to Hungary .

See Health Information for Travelers to Iceland .

• Arrive within 6 days of leaving an area with risk for YF virus transmission, or
• Have been in such an area in transit (exception: passengers and members of flight crews who, while in transit through an airport in an area with risk for YF virus transmission, remained in the airport during their entire stay and the health officer agrees to such an exemption), or
• Arrive on a ship that started from or touched at any port in an area with risk for YF virus transmission ≤30 days before its arrival in India, unless such a ship has been disinsected in accordance with the procedure recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO), or
• Arrive on an aircraft that has been in an area with risk for YF virus transmission and has not been disinsected in accordance with the Indian Aircraft Public Health Rules, 1954, or as recommended by WHO.
• Africa: Angola, Benin, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Congo, Côte d’Ivoire, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Ethiopia, Gabon, The Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Kenya, Liberia, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Nigeria, Rwanda, Senegal, Sierra Leone, South Sudan, Sudan, Togo, Uganda
• Americas: Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, French Guiana, Guyana, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Suriname, Trinidad & Tobago (Trinidad only), Venezuela
• Throughout the country, including the cities of Bombay (Mumbai) and New Delhi (the capital)
• No malaria transmission in areas >2,000 m (≈6,500 ft) elevation in Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, or Sikkim
• P. vivax (50%)
• P. falciparum (>40%)

See Health Information for Travelers to India .

• All areas of eastern Indonesia (the provinces of Maluku, North Maluku, East Nusa Tenggara, Papua, and West Papua), including the town of Labuan Bajo and the Komodo Islands in the Nusa Tenggara region
• Rural areas of Kalimantan (Borneo), West Nusa Tenggara (includes the island of Lombok), Sulawesi, and Sumatra
• Low transmission in rural areas of Java, including Pangandaran, Sukabumi, and Ujung Kulon
• No malaria transmission in the cities of Jakarta (the capital) or Ubud
• No malaria transmission in the resort areas of Bali or Java, the Gili Islands, or the Thousand Islands (Pulau Seribu)
• Chloroquine ( P. falciparum and P. vivax )
• P. falciparum (60%)
• P. vivax (40%)

See Health Information for Travelers to Indonesia .

• Previously, March-November in rural areas of Fars Province, Sistan-Baluchestan Province, and southern, tropical parts of Hormozgan and Kerman Provinces.
• Recent outbreaks in Sistan-Baluchestan Province near the border with Pakistan.
• Previously, P. vivax (93%)
• Previously, P. falciparum  (7%)
• Sistan-Baluchestan Province along the border with Pakistan: Atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline, mefloquine, tafenoquine 2
• All other areas with previous transmission: No chemoprophylaxis recommended (insect bite precautions and mosquito avoidance only) 4

See Health Information for Travelers to Iran .

See Health Information for Travelers to Iraq .

See Health Information for Travelers to Ireland .

See Health Information for Travelers to Israel, including the West Bank and Gaza .

Italy (including Holy See [Vatican City])

See Health Information for Travelers to Italy .

See Health Information for Travelers to Jamaica .

See Health Information for Travelers to Japan .

See Health Information for Travelers to Jordan .

Entry requirements : Required for travelers arriving from countries with risk for YF virus transmission; this includes airport transits or layovers in countries with risk for YF virus transmission. 1

See Health Information for Travelers to Kazakhstan .

CDC recommendations : Recommended for all travelers ≥9 months old except as follows. Generally not recommended for travel limited to: the city of Nairobi (the capital); the counties of the former North Eastern Province (Mandera, Wajir, and Garissa); or the counties (except Taita-Taveta) of the former Coast Province (Kilifi, including the city of Malindi; Kwale; Lamu; Mombasa, including the city of Mombasa; Tana River) .

• All areas (including game parks) <2,500 m (≈8,200 ft) elevation, including the city of Nairobi (the capital)
• Map 2-08 Yellow fever vaccine recommendations for Kenya & neighboring countries
• Map 2-09 Malaria prevention in Kenya

See Health Information for Travelers to Kenya .

Kiribati (formerly Gilbert Islands), includes Tarawa, Tabuaeran (Fanning Island), and Banaba (Ocean Island)

See Health Information for Travelers to Kiribati .

See Health Information for Travelers to Kosovo .

See Health Information for Travelers to Kuwait .

See Health Information for Travelers to Kyrgyzstan .

• All, except in Vientiane (the capital) where there is no transmission
• P. vivax (55%)
• P. falciparum (45%)
• P. knowlesi 6 , P. malariae, and P. ovale (rare)
• Areas bordering Burma (the provinces of Bokeo and Luang Namtha), Cambodia; Thailand (the provinces of Champasak and Salavan); and Vietnam: Atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline, tafenoquine 3
• All other areas with malaria transmission: Atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline, mefloquine, tafenoquine 3

See Health Information for Travelers to Laos .

See Health Information for Travelers to Latvia .

See Health Information for Travelers to Lebanon .

See Health Information for Travelers to Lesotho .

See Health Information for Travelers to Liberia .

See Health Information for Travelers to Libya .

Liechtenstein

See Health Information for Travelers to Liechtenstein .

See Health Information for Travelers to Lithuania .

See Health Information for Travelers to Luxembourg .

Macau Special Administrative Region, China

See Health Information for Travelers to Macau SAR (China) .

• All; except in Antananarivo (the capital) where malaria transmission is rare
• P. ovale and P. vivax (less commonly)
• All areas (except the city of Antananarivo): Atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline, mefloquine, tafenoquine 3
• Antananarivo: No chemoprophylaxis recommended (insect bite precautions and mosquito avoidance only) 4

See Health Information for Travelers to Madagascar .

Madeira Islands (Portugal)

See Health Information for Travelers to Madeira Islands (Portugal) .

See Health Information for Travelers to Malawi .

• No indigenous cases of human malaria since 2017
• Zoonotic transmission of simian malaria occurs in rural, forested areas
• No malaria transmission in other areas, including Kuala Lumpur (the capital), in Penang State, on Penang Island, or in George Town (capital of Penang State)
• P. knowlesi 6 (primarily)
• Previously, P. falciparum , P. malariae , P. ovale , and P. vivax
• In rural, forested areas: atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline, mefloquine, tafenoquine 3

See Health Information for Travelers to Malaysia .

See Health Information for Travelers to Maldives .

See Health Information for Travelers to Mali .

See Health Information for Travelers to Malta .

Marshall Islands

See Health Information for Travelers to Marshall Islands .

See Health Information for Travelers to Martinique (France) .

• All; except in the regions of Dakhlet Nouadhibou and Tiris Zemmour where there is no transmission

See Health Information for Travelers to Mauritania .

See Health Information for Travelers to Mauritius .

Mayotte (France)

See Health Information for Travelers to Mayotte (France) .

• Chiapas and southern part of Chihuahua state
• Rare in the states of Campeche, Durango, Nayarit, Quintana Roo, Sinaloa, Sonora, and Tabasco
• No malaria transmission along the U.S.–Mexico border
• Chiapas and southern part of Chihuahua state: Atovaquone-proguanil, chloroquine, doxycycline, mefloquine, primaquine 5 , tafenoquine 3
• All other areas with malaria transmission: No chemoprophylaxis recommended (insect bite precautions and mosquito avoidance only) 4

Map 2-10 Malaria prevention in Mexico

See Health Information for Travelers to Mexico .

Micronesia, Federated States of (including Chuuk, Kosrae, Pohnpei & Yap)

See Health Information for Travelers to Micronesia, Federated States of .

See Health Information for Travelers to Moldova .

See Health Information for Travelers to Monaco .

See Health Information for Travelers to Mongolia .

See Health Information for Travelers to Montenegro .

Montserrat, United Kingdom

See Health Information for Travelers to Montserrat (U.K.) .

See Health Information for Travelers to Morocco .

See Health Information for Travelers to Mozambique .

• In the regions of Kavango (East and West), Kunene, Ohangwena, Omaheke, Omusati, Oshana, Oshikoto, Otjozondjupa, and Zambezi
• Rare in other parts of the country
• No malaria transmission in Windhoek (the capital)
• Kavango (East and West), Kunene, Ohangwena, Omaheke, Omusati, Oshana, Oshikoto, Otjozondjupa, and Zambezi: Atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline, mefloquine, tafenoquine 3

See Health Information for Travelers to Namibia .

See Health Information for Travelers to Nauru .

• Throughout the country in areas <2,000 m (≈6,500 ft) elevation
• No malaria transmission in Kathmandu (the capital) or on typical Himalayan treks
• P. falciparum (<10%)

See Health Information for Travelers to Nepal .

Netherlands

See Health Information for Travelers to The Netherlands .

Netherlands Antilles (Bonaire, Curaçao, Saba, St. Eustasius, and St. Maarten)

Entry requirements : See Bonaire, Curaçao, Saba, St. Eustasius, and St. Maarten for yellow fever information.

• See Bonaire, Curaçao, Saba, St. Eustasius, and St. Maarten for malaria information.

New Caledonia (France)

Entry requirements : Required for travelers ≥1 year old arriving from countries with risk for YF virus transmission; this includes >12-hour airport transits or layovers in countries with risk for YF virus transmission. 1 In the event of an epidemic threat to the territory, a specific vaccination certificate may be required.

See Health Information for Travelers to New Caledonia (France) .

New Zealand

See Health Information for Travelers to New Zealand .

• Región Autónoma Atlántico Norte (RAAN) and Región Autónoma Atlántico Sur (RAAS)
• Rare cases in the departments of Boaco, Chinandega, Estelí, Jinotega, León, Matagalpa, and Nueva Segovia
• No malaria transmission in Managua (the capital)
• P. falciparum  (20%)
• Región Autónoma Atlántico Norte (RAAN) and Región Autónoma Atlántico Sur (RAAS): Atovaquone-proguanil, chloroquine, doxycycline, mefloquine, tafenoquine 3

See Health Information for Travelers to Nicaragua .

See Health Information for Travelers to Niger .

CDC recommendations : Recommended for all travelers ≥9 months old.  

See Health Information for Travelers to Nigeria .

Niue (New Zealand)

See Health Information for Travelers to Niue (New Zealand) .

Norfolk Island (Australia)

See Health Information for Travelers to Norfolk Island (Australia) .

North Korea

• Southern provinces
• P. vivax (100%)
• Atovaquone-proguanil, chloroquine, doxycycline, mefloquine, primaquine 5 , tafenoquine 3

See Health Information for Travelers to North Korea .

North Macedonia

See Health Information for Travelers to North Macedonia .

Northern Mariana Islands (U.S.), includes Saipan, Tinian, and Rota Island

See Health Information for Travelers to Northern Mariana Islands (U.S.) .

See Health Information for Travelers to Norway .

Entry requirements : Required for travelers ≥9 months old arriving from countries with risk for YF virus transmission, with the addition of Rwanda and Tanzania; this includes >12-hour airport transits or layovers in countries with risk for YF virus transmission. 1

• Rare sporadic transmission after importation only
• Previously, P. falciparum and P. vivax

See Health Information for Travelers to Oman .

• All areas (including all cities) <2,500 m (≈8,200 ft) elevation

See Health Information for Travelers to Pakistan .

See Health Information for Travelers to Palau .

CDC recommendations : Recommended for travelers ≥9 months old going to all mainland areas east of the Canal Zone including Darién Province, the indigenous provinces (comarcas indígena) of Emberá and Kuna Yala (also spelled Guna Yala), and areas of the provinces of Colón and Panamá, east of the Canal Zone. Not recommended for travel limited to the Canal Zone; areas west of the Canal Zone; Panama City (the capital); Balboa district (Pearl Islands) of Panamá Province; or the San Blas Islands of Kuna Yala Province.

• The provinces of Bocas del Toro, Chiriquí, Colón, Darién, Panamá, and Veraguas
• The indigenous provinces (comarcas indígena) of Emberá, Kuna Yala (also spelled Guna Yala) and Ngäbe-Buglé
• No malaria transmission in the province of Panamá Oeste, in the Canal Zone, or in Panama City (the capital)
• Chloroquine (east of the Panama Canal)
• P. vivax (97%)
• P. falciparum  (3%)
• Darién, Emberá, Kuna Yala, and eastern Panamá Provinces : Atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline, mefloquine, primaquine 5 , tafenoquine 3
• Bocas del Toro, Chiriquí, Colón, Veraguas, and Ngäbe-Buglé Provinces : Atovaquone-proguanil, chloroquine, doxycycline, mefloquine, primaquine 5 , tafenoquine 3
• Map 2-11 Yellow fever vaccine recommendations for Panama & neighboring countries
• Map 2-12 Malaria prevention in Panama

See Health Information for Travelers to Panama .

Papua New Guinea

• Chloroquine (both P. falciparum and P. vivax )
• P. falciparum (75%)
• P. vivax (25%)

See Health Information for Travelers to Papua New Guinea .

Entry requirements : Required for travelers ≥1 year old arriving from Bolivia, Brazil, Peru, or Venezuela; this includes this includes >24-hour transits or layovers in those countries 1

CDC recommendations : Recommended for all travelers ≥9 months old except as follows. Generally not recommended for travel limited to the city of Asunción (the capital).

See Health Information for Travelers to Paraguay .

CDC recommendations : Recommended for travelers ≥9 months old going to areas <2,300 m (≈7,550 ft) elevation in the regions of Amazonas, Cusco, Huánuco, Junín, Loreto, Madre de Dios, Pasco, Puno, San Martín, and Ucayali, and designated areas of Ancash (far northeast), Apurímac (far north), Ayacucho (north and northeast), Cajamarca (north and east), Huancavelica (far north), La Libertad (east), and Piura (east). Generally not recommended for travel limited to the following areas west of the Andes: the regions of Lambayeque and Tumbes, and designated areas of Cajamarca (west-central), and Piura (west). Not recommended for travel limited to areas >2,300 m (≈7,550 ft) elevation, areas west of the Andes not listed above, the city of Lima (the capital), and the highland tourist areas (the city of Cusco, the Inca Trail, and Machu Picchu).

• All areas of the country <2,500 m (≈8,200 ft) elevation, including the cities of Iquitos and Puerto Maldonado, and only the remote eastern areas in the regions of La Libertad and Lambayeque
• No malaria transmission in the following areas: Lima Province; the cities of Arequipa, Ica, Moquegua, Nazca, Puno, or Tacna; the highland tourist areas (the city of Cusco, Machu Picchu, Lake Titicaca); along the Pacific Coast
• Map 2-13 Yellow fever vaccine recommendations for Peru & neighboring countries
• Map 2-14 Malaria prevention in Peru

See Health Information for Travelers to Peru .

Philippines

• Palawan and Mindanao Islands
• No malaria transmission in metropolitan Manila (the capital) or other urban areas
• P. falciparum (85%)
• P. vivax (15%)

See Health Information for Travelers to Philippines .

Pitcairn Islands (U.K.)

See Health Information for Travelers to Pitcairn Islands (U.K.) .

See Health Information for Travelers to Poland .

See Health Information for Travelers to Portugal .

Puerto Rico (U.S.)

See Health Information for Travelers to Puerto Rico (U.S.) .

See Health Information for Travelers to Qatar .

Réunion (France)

See Health Information for Travelers to Réunion (France) .

See Health Information for Travelers to Romania .

See Health Information for Travelers to Russia .

CDC recommendations : Generally not recommended for travel to Rwanda.

See Health Information for Travelers to Rwanda .

Saba, Netherlands

See Health Information for Travelers to Saba .

Saint Barthelemy, France

Saint helena, united kingdom.

Entry requirements : Required for travelers ≥1 year old arriving from countries with risk for YF virus transmission. 1 *For YF vaccine entry requirements and recommendations and malaria prevention information for Ascension Island and Tristan da Cunha archipelago, see: UNITED KINGDOM (including CHANNEL ISLANDS, ISLE OF MAN, ASCENSION ISLAND & TRISTAN DA CUNHA ARCHIPELAGO)

See Health Information for Travelers to Saint Helena (U.K.) .

Saint Kitts (Saint Christopher) & Nevis

See Health Information for Travelers to Saint Kitts and Nevis .

Saint Lucia

See Health Information for Travelers to Saint Lucia .

Saint Martin, France

Saint pierre and miquelon (france).

See Health Information for Travelers to Saint Pierre and Miquelon (France) .

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

See Health Information for Travelers to Saint Vincent and the Grenadines .

Samoa (formerly Western Somoa)

See Health Information for Travelers to Samoa (formerly Western Samoa) .

See Health Information for Travelers to San Marino .

São Tomé and Príncipe

CDC recommendations : Generally not recommended for travel to São Tomé and Príncipe.

See Health Information for Travelers to São Tomé and Príncipe.

Saudi Arabia

• Asir and Jazan (also spelled Jizan) Regions near the Yemen border only
• No malaria transmission in the cities of Jeddah, Mecca, Medina, Riyadh (the capital), or Ta’if
• P. vivax (rare)

See Health Information for Travelers to Saudi Arabia .

See Health Information for Travelers to Senegal .

See Health Information for Travelers to Serbia .

See Health Information for Travelers to Seychelles .

Sierra Leone

Entry requirements : Required for all arriving travelers.

See Health Information for Travelers to Sierra Leone .

See Health Information for Travelers to Singapore .

Sint Eustatius, Netherlands

Entry requirements : Required for travelers ≥6 months old arriving from countries with risk for YF virus transmission. 1

See Health Information for Travelers to Sint Eustatius .

Sint Maarten, Netherlands

See Health Information for Travelers to Sint Maarten .

See Health Information for Travelers to Slovakia .

See Health Information for Travelers to Slovenia .

Solomon Islands

• P. vivax (70%)
• P. falciparum (30%)
• P. ovale (<1%)

See Health Information for Travelers to Solomon Islands .

CDC recommendations : Generally not recommended for travel to the regions of Bakool, Banaadir, Bay, Galguduud, Gedo, Hiiraan (also spelled Hiran), Lower Juba (also known as Jubbada Hoose), Middle Juba (also known as Jubbada Dhexe), Lower Shabelle (also known as Shabeellaha Hoose), or Middle Shabelle (also known as Shabeellaha Dhexe). Not recommended for travel to areas not listed above.

• P. vivax (5–10%)

See Health Information for Travelers to Somalia .

South Africa

• Along the border with Mozambique and Zimbabwe
• KwaZulu-Natal Province: uMkhanyakude District; the districts of King Cetshwayo and Zululand (few cases) Limpopo Province: the districts of Mopani and Vhembe; the districts of Capricorn, Greater Sekhukhune, and Waterberg (few cases)
• Mpumalanga Province: Ehlanzeni District
• Kruger National Park
• KwaZulu-Natal Province (uMkhanyakude District); Limpopo Province (the districts of Mopani and Vhembe); Mpumalanga Province (Ehlanzeni District); and Kruger National Park: Atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline, mefloquine, tafenoquine 3
• All other areas with malaria transmission (including the districts of King Cetshwayo and Zululand in KwaZulu-Natal Province, and the districts of Capricorn, Greater Sekhukhune, and Waterberg in Limpopo Province): No chemoprophylaxis recommended (insect bite precautions and mosquito avoidance only) 4

Map 2-15 Malaria prevention in South Africa

See Health Information for Travelers to South Africa .

South Georgia & the South Sandwich Islands, UK Overseas Territory (also claimed by Argentina)

Entry requirements : South Georgia & the South Sandwich Islands has not stated its YF vaccination certificate requirements.

See Health Information for Travelers to South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands (U.K.) .

South Korea

Entry requirements : Required if traveling from a country with risk of YF virus transmission and ≥1 year of age. 1

• Limited to the months of March– December in rural areas in the northern parts of the provinces of Inch’ŏn (also spelled Incheon), Kangwŏn (also spelled Gangwon), and Kyŏnggi (also spelled Gyeonggi), including the demilitarized zone (DMZ)
• Atovaquone-proguanil, chloroquine, doxycycline, mefloquine, primaquine 5 , or tafenoquine 3

See Health Information for Travelers to South Korea .

South Sudan

See Health Information for Travelers to South Sudan .

See Health Information for Travelers to Spain .

See Health Information for Travelers to Sri Lanka .

CDC recommendations : Recommended for travelers ≥9 months old going to areas south of the Sahara Desert. Not recommended for travel limited to areas in the Sahara Desert or the city of Khartoum (the capital).

See Health Information for Travelers to Sudan .

• Primarily in Sipaliwini District, near the border with French Guiana
• Limited transmission in Brokopondo, Marowijne, and Para (near the border with French Guiana)
• No malaria transmission in the districts along the Atlantic Coast or in Paramaribo (the capital)
• Sipaliwini District near the border with French Guiana: Atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline, mefloquine, tafenoquine 3
• All other areas with malaria transmission: No chemoprophylaxis recommended (insect bite precautions / mosquito avoidance only) 4

See Health Information for Travelers to Suriname .

See Health Information for Travelers to Sweden .

Switzerland

See Health Information for Travelers to Switzerland .

See Health Information for Travelers to Syria .

See Health Information for Travelers to Taiwan .

• No indigenous cases reported since 2014
• Previously, P. vivax (90%)
• Previously, P. falciparum  (10%)

See Health Information for Travelers to Tajikistan .

CDC recommendations : Generally not recommended for travel to Tanzania.

• All areas below 1,800 m (≈5,900 ft) elevation
• P. malariae and P. ovale (less commonly)

See Health Information for Travelers to Tanzania .

• Primarily the provinces that border Burma, Cambodia (few cases in Buri Ram Province), and Malaysia (few cases in Satun Province) Also, the provinces of Phitsanulok and Ubon Ratchathani (bordering Laos), and Surat Thani (especially in the rural forest and forest-fringe areas of these provinces)
• Rare to few cases in other parts of Thailand, including the cities of Bangkok (the capital), Chiang Mai, and Chiang Rai, or on the islands of Koh Pha Ngan, Koh Samui, or Phuket
• No malaria transmission on the islands of Krabi Province (Ko Lanta, Koh Phi, Koh Yao Noi, Koh Yao Yai) or in Pattaya City
• P. falciparum (<20%)
• Provinces that border Burma, Cambodia (except Buri Ram Province), and Malaysia (except Satun Province); the provinces of Phitsanulok, Ubon Ratchathani, and Surat Thani: Atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline, tafenoquine 3
• All other areas with malaria transmission (including the provinces of Buri Ram and Satun): No chemoprophylaxis recommended (insect bite precautions and mosquito avoidance only) 4

Map 2-16 Malaria prevention in Thailand

See Health Information for Travelers to Thailand .

Timor-Leste

• Rare cases; outbreak in Indonesia border area in mid-2020
• Previously, P. falciparum (50%)
• Previously, P. vivax (50%)
• Previously, P. malariae  and  P. ovale  (each <1%)

See Health Information for Travelers to Timor-Leste (East Timor) .

See Health Information for Travelers to Togo .

Tokelau (New Zealand)

See Health Information for Travelers to Tokelau (New Zealand) .

See Health Information for Travelers to Tonga .

Trinidad and Tobago

CDC recommendations : Recommended for travelers ≥9 months old going to densely forested areas on Trinidad. Not recommended for cruise ship passengers, airplane passengers in transit, or travel limited to Tobago.

See Health Information for Travelers to Trinidad and Tobago .

See Health Information for Travelers to Tunisia .

See Health Information for Travelers to Turkey .

Turkmenistan

See Health Information for Travelers to Turkmenistan .

Turks and Caicos Islands (U.K.)

See Health Information for Travelers to Turks and Caicos Islands (U.K.) .

See Health Information for Travelers to Tuvalu .

See Health Information for Travelers to Uganda .

See Health Information for Travelers to Ukraine .

United Arab Emirates

See Health Information for Travelers to United Arab Emirates .

United Kingdom (including Channel Islands, Isle of Man, Ascension Island & Tristan Da Cunha Archipelago)

See Health Information for Travelers to United Kingdom .

United States of America

See Health Information for Travelers to United States .

See Health Information for Travelers to Uruguay .

See Health Information for Travelers to Uzbekistan .

• P. vivax (75%–90%)
• P. falciparum (10-25%)

See Health Information for Travelers to Vanuatu .

Entry requirements : Required for travelers ≥1 year old arriving from Brazil; this includes >12-hour airport transits or layovers in Brazil

CDC recommendations : Recommended for all travelers ≥9 months old except as follows. Generally not recommended for travel limited to the Distrito Capital or the states of Aragua, Carabobo, Miranda, Vargas, or Yaracuy. Not recommended for travel limited to areas >2,300m (≈7,550 ft) elevation in the states of Mérida, Táchira, or Trujillo; the states of Falcón or Lara; Margarita Island; or the cities of Caracas (the capital) or Valencia .

• All areas <1,700 m (≈5,600 ft) elevation and Angel Falls
• P. vivax (75%)
• P. falciparum  (25%)

Map 2-17 Yellow fever vaccine recommendations for Venezuela & neighboring countries

See Health Information for Travelers to Venezuela .

• Rural areas only. Rare cases in the Mekong and Red River Deltas
• None in the cities of Da Nang, Hai Phong, Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), Nha Trang, and Quy Nhon.
• P. falciparum (65%)
• P. vivax (35%)
• Provinces of Bình Dương, Bình Phước, Đắk Lắk, Đắk Nông, Gia Lai, Khánh Hòa, Kon Tum, Lâm Đồng, Ninh Thuận, Tây Ninh: Atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline, tafenoquine 3
• All other areas with malaria transmission (except Mekong and Red River Deltas): Atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline, mefloquine, tafenoquine 3
• Mekong and Red River Deltas: No chemoprophylaxis recommended (insect bite precautions / mosquito avoidance only) 4

See Health Information for Travelers to Vietnam .

Virgin Islands, British

See Health Information for Travelers to Virgin Islands, British .

Virgin Islands, U.S.

See Health Information for Travelers to Virgin Islands, U.S. .

Wake Island, U.S.

See Health Information for Travelers to Wake Island .

• All areas <2,000 m (≈6,500 ft) elevation
• No malaria transmission in Sana’a (the capital)

See Health Information for Travelers to Yemen .

Entry requirements : Required for travelers ≥1 year of age arriving from countries with risk for YF virus transmission; this includes >12-hour airport transits or layovers in countries with risk for YF virus transmission. 1

CDC recommendations : Generally not recommended for travel to North-Western Province or Western Province. Not recommended for travel to any areas not listed above.

See Health Information for Travelers to Zambia .

See Health Information for Travelers to Zimbabwe .

1 Current as of November 2022. This is an update of the 2010 map created by the Informal WHO Working Group on the Geographic Risk of Yellow Fever.

2 Refers to Plasmodium falciparum malaria, unless otherwise noted.

3 Tafenoquine can cause potentially life-threatening hemolysis in people with glucose-6-phosphate-dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency. Rule out G6PD deficiency with a quantitative laboratory test before prescribing tafenoquine to patients.

4 Mosquito avoidance includes applying topical mosquito repellant, sleeping under an insecticide-treated mosquito net, and wearing protective clothing (e.g., long pants and socks, long-sleeve shirt). For additional details on insect bite precautions, see Sec. 4, Ch. 6, Mosquitoes, Ticks & Other Arthropods.

5 Primaquine can cause potentially life-threatening hemolysis in people with G6PD deficiency. Rule out G6PD deficiency with a quantitative laboratory test before prescribing primaquine to patients.

6 P. knowlesi is a malaria species with a simian (macaque) host. Human cases have been reported from most countries in Southwest Asia and are associated with activities in forest or forest-fringe areas. P. knowlesi has no known resistance to antimalarials.

Yellow Fever Maps

2 In 2017, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) expanded its YF vaccination recommendations for travelers going to Brazil because of a large YF outbreak in multiple states in that country. Please refer to the CDC  Travelers’ Health website for more information and updated recommendations.

3 YF vaccination is generally not recommended for travel to areas where the potential for YF virus exposure is low. Vaccination might be considered, however, for a small subset of travelers going to these areas who are at increased risk for exposure to YF virus due to prolonged travel, heavy exposure to mosquitoes, or inability to avoid mosquito bites. Factors to consider when deciding whether to vaccinate a traveler include destination-specific and travel-associated risks for YF virus infection; individual, underlying risk factors for having a serious YF vaccine–associated adverse event; and destination entry requirements.

The following authors contributed to the previous version of this chapter: Mark D. Gershman, Emily S. Jentes, Rhett J. Stoney (Yellow Fever) Kathrine R. Tan, Paul M. Arguin (Malaria)

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