For my readers thinking of heading to Thailand with a limited amount of time to see the beautiful country, I wanted to send along my exact itinerary. It will show you how you can see 3 different terrains and landscapes within the country – urban city, rural countryside, and relaxing oasis resort town. Please note that this itinerary does not discuss expenses, as there is a blog post dedictated specifically to my budget and how much I paid for the entire trip from start to finish. Here is my itinerary for spending Two Weeks in Thailand:
Saturday
I departed from IAD airport at 4:30p
Sunday
Arrived at PEK airport for my layover at 6:35p. Lots of restaurants and duty free shops for you to fill your time.
Monday
Departed from PEK airport at 12:15a. Arrived at BKK airport at 4:30a. My private transfer from GoWay Travel picked us up on time and brought us to the hotel: Century Park Hotel. I had some time to grab breakfast at the hotel and relax before my first tour. Around noon, I visited the Grand Palace Wat complex. It took about 4 hours. Be sure to bring water and stay hydrated while you’re there as there’s not much shade available. I recommend knocking this tour out right when you get there since you need excitement and a burst of energy to get you through all of the sites. I also visited Wat Pho, the reclining Buddha. This half-day tour ended around 5:00p in the evening. After the tour concluded, I found a great lunch spot nearby and ordered the chicken red curry with a side of rice. You’ll also find lots of fresh press juices in stands along the way if you need something to quench your thirst.
I provided the link to my review on the Grand Palace wat complex because I have some mix feelings about it. You can decide for yourself if you think it’s the right tour for you. It is very tourist-y, and you’ll be around thousands of Chinese tourists on any given day. Did not feel incredibly authentic; however, on the other hand you get a good sense of their religion and faith by going here. I really feel it is the quintessential Bangkok experience. Just dress appropriately and be prepared.
Tuesday
Tuesday was an early day for me. At 7:30a after a hearty breakfast, I enjoyed a full day of sightseeing. Located at Ratchaburi Province, the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market dates back to 1866. The Floating Market is an ideal place for you to see the old style and traditional way of selling and buying fruits, vegetables and other items from small boats. Later, I went to the Sampran Riverside area. There I was able to get a sneak peek at different Thai traditional customs such as painting an umbrella, performing a traditional dance, carving fruit, making fried banana leaves, seeing Muay Thai fighting and a traditional sword fight, and making paper flowers. This day was extremely tourist-y altogether, but I only had Two Weeks in Thailand and I wanted to get a taste of the culture. I can always come back later and maybe go to a non-touristy floating market such as Khlong La Mayom Floating Market. Be sure to try some of the coconut ice cream. Nice and freshing treat for a hot day.
After the tour, I headed straight to our Manohra dinner cruise that floats on the Chao Phraya River, where I was introduced to the beautiful city of Bangkok by night. This cruise was a great way to see the city, and with their Gold Set Menu, it forces you to try some local food such as Tom Yum Goong soup – which is tiger prawn soup with Thai herbs and fresh lime juice, Deep fried sea bass with garlic and pepper sauce, and finishing off the night with none other than their delicious dessert mango and sticky rice.
Wednesday
On Wednesday, I departed from BKK airport at 10:20a and arrived in CNX airport at 11:35a. Driver picked me up and took me to my next hotel: Rimping Village Hotel. Today in Chiang Mai was spent at leisure. After a slightly bumpy flight, I opted to head to Fah Lanna Spa for a massage. 500 Baht per hour for a massage, including round trip transportation to and from hotel? Yes please.
In the evening, I went to the Night Bazaar where you can purchase lots of souvenirs and practice your haggling skills. Dinner was at a restaurant called Lemongrass and it was delicious.
Thursday
Today, I took a full day tour to view Doi Inthanon National Park. After driving approximately 2 hours to the highest peak of Thailand. This tour was a great way to see nature, especially after being Bangkok for a few days. It was a nice fresh pace. The tour began walking along the nature trail at first. Gorgeous scenery.
Then we stopped at a viewing point. The tour guide brought his adorable son with him to work and he was the cutest. Had a pair of binoculars and acted as an adventurer.
Afterwards, we visited the beautiful architecutre of the Nopamaytanidol Chidi and Phra Mahatat Nopaphon Bhumisiri, built to honor the 60th birthday of King Bhumipol. We were then driven to the Doi Inthanon National Park where beautifully landscaped gardens and peaceful Monks await you. Of course I had to change from my hiking gear to a dress for the occasion 🙂
Afterwards, we visited a stunning hidden waterfall in the middle of lush jungle, had a great lunch, stopped for some dried fruits, beer, and other snacks, then headed back to the hotel. Overall, a wonderful day trip. The full day itinerary can be at the link shown above. I was pretty exhausted after this full day tour. All I wanted was a shower. I mustered up enough energy to have dinner and hit the night market again. Then, hit the sack.
Friday
Friday was spent at Elephant Nature Park, a sanctuary and rescue center for abused elephants. Such a wonderful day trip. Words can’t even describe.
Saturday
After breakfast, I departed the CNX airport and arrived at the HKT airport around 11:35am. I knew the next few days would be total relaxation! After arriving and checking in at my new home, Deevana Patong Beach Resort, decided to take a private taxi (500 Baht one way) to Phuket Old Town. There you’ll find a little more history, lots more locals, a little less tourists, and some great side stalls. Loved the colorful buildings in Phuket Old Town. It almost reminded me of Old San Juan in Puerto Rico. I should note it was also my friend’s birthday so birthday celebrations were of course in order 🙂
The rest of the evening was spent in the crazy part of Patong Beach: Bangla Road!
Sunday
Today was spent touring the Phi Phi Islands, pronounced ‘Pee-Pee’ which are renowned worldwide for its natural scenic beauty with silversand beaches fringed with palm trees, towering limestone cliffs and marine life. The first stop was in Phi Phi Leh where the group enjoyed exploring the fantastic landscape of Maya Bay. We enjoyed swimming/snorkeling with the colorful fish exploring Loh Samah Bay and Pileh Cove.
Then we arrived at Yong Kasem (Monkey Beach) but tour guests are no longer allowed to leave the boat due to safety from the monkeys so we had to watch from afar. One monkey caught a banana and it was the cutest thing to watch.
After snorkeling fun and lunch, we were dropped off at the hotel around 4:30p. Showered, changed, then enjoyed some dinner. Back on Bangla Road for some nightlife and shopping. My recommendation is to head to the nearest 7-11 for cheap beer. Bars can get pricey for alcohol. Check out the beautiful Ladyboys that give women a run for their money.
Monday
Spent the day at leisure which was nice to not have a full day tour. Just walked around Patong Beach and people watched. Bought a pool floaty and a sun hat.
Tuesday
While I enjoyed my time in Patong Beach, I longed for something a little more quieter with a slower pace of life. That took me 15 minutes up a hill to Kamala Beach. My hotel, Aquamarine Resort & Villas, was right off the famed ‘Millionaire’s Mile.’ For those who sunburn easily, you will sincerely enjoy this shaded paradise. Never felt too hot up here.
After checking, in I went straight to the pool for a little R&R. Remember that pool floaty I said I bought from Patong Beach? Well, she came with me haha Enjoyed the infinity pool very much along with the delicious dinner of beef and veggies with a side of steamed rice. Tip: because this is a wooded area, be sure to bring lots of bug spray with you.
Wednesday
There is a free daily shuttle with multiple departure times that takes you from Aquamarine Resort & Villa to Kamala Beach and back. I ended up staying in Kamala Beach for a bit, sipping coconuts, hanging out, ya know. The reg. For dinner, there was this great restaurant selling fresh fish. By fresh, I mean you literally saw the fish that was just caught sitting in ice and chosen for the skillet. The restaurant was called ‘Charoen Seafood.’
Thursday
Left HKT around 1:00pm and arrived back to Bangkok at 2:30p where I took a public taxi to the hotel: Lebua State Tower. This hotel was where a few scenes from Hangover 2 were filmed. Lovely hotel located in the Silom business district of Bangkok. Lots of great things to see in walking distance. After checking in and showering, I was ready for an early dinner. There’s a place right across the street called ‘Tealicious’ that is both inexpensive and delicious. The pool at Lebua was incredible and it’s on the same floor as their restaurant where you can find a huge breakfast buffet in the mornings from 6a-11a each day. I literally felt like I was in some kingdom palace staying at Lebua. Sadly, I was too tired to check out the Sky Bar on the 64th floor. From what I heard though, they sell over priced cocktails such as the “Hangovertini” and limit you in certain areas from taking pictures. So not sure I missed much? But, if you’ve been let me know in the comments!
Friday
Last full day in Bangkok. I spent this day grabbing last minute souvenirs, checking my flight to ensure it was still on time, and… visiting a Cat Cafe! Cat Up Cat Cafe is about a 30 minute walk from Lebua. You can play with adorable kitties while having refreshments. No picking up or holding them. Just play and pet 🙂 Something unique as I can’t recall any cat cafes in America.
Saturday
Depart BKK around 1:00a
Sunday
Depart PEK around 12:45p and arrive back to IAD at 4:35p
Well, that was my Two Weeks in Thailand in a nutshell. Have you been to Thailand before and want to provide recommendations? Feel free to leave them in the comments. Hope you enjoyed reading!
