Thailand
Thailand in 12 Days
Bangkok, the north and the islands. Three very different trips that happen to share a country.
Overview
Thailand is three destinations in one. Bangkok is dense, hot and brilliant for food. The north around Chiang Mai is cooler, greener and slower. The islands are what most people picture, and they are split between the Andaman side and the Gulf side, each with its own weather pattern.
That weather split matters. When the Andaman coast is wet, the Gulf islands are often fine, and the other way round. Choosing the wrong coast for the month is the single most common planning mistake here.
Costs are low by European standards but vary hugely. A street meal can be 60 to 100 THB and a beachfront resort dinner ten times that.
Suggested duration and general route
Typical length: 10 to 16 days
- 1
Bangkok · 3 nights
Temples, markets, river transport, street food.
- 2
Chiang Mai · 3 to 4 nights
Old city, cooking class, day trip to the hills.
- 3
Islands · 4 to 5 nights
Pick one coast based on the season.
Same destination, different journey
Travel style options for Thailand
Each scenario below is a complete route with its own pace, budget and day-by-day outline.
Photos from Thailand
Related guides
Reading that pairs with this destination
Destination Guides
Chiang Mai: What to Do With Four Slow Days
Temples in the morning, a cooking class, one day in the hills and a market evening. Northern Thailand at a pace that suits the heat.
6 min read
Transportation
Train, Plane or Bus: Choosing Between Them Honestly
A four hour rule, the real door-to-door numbers and when an overnight bus is a false economy.
6 min read
Practical Travel Tips
Phones, Money and Admin Abroad
eSIMs, card fees, cash habits by country and the five documents worth having offline before you leave.
6 min read