The route leads from Bangkok north to Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai and ends at the Andaman Sea on Koh Yao Noi and Phuket. To get to the south fastest, take a domestic flight to Phuket.
21 Days / 20 Nights
November–März
5 stops
Why This Route?
For your first trip to Thailand: city, temples and mountains in the North, and finally a good week by the sea.
Hidden Gems
Boat trip through the Khlongs of Thonburi in Bangkok
Wat Rong Suea Ten, the Blue Temple in Chiang Rai
Kayak tour from Koh Yao Noi to the karst islands of Phang Nga Bay
Itinerary
Stop 1 • 3 Nights
Bangkok
City
Perfect for an exciting city trip. Rich in culture and history and Culinary highlights.
Bangkok is Thailand's capital and by far its largest city, where Buddhist temples, street food, and high-rise districts lie closely side by side. Along the Chao Phraya River stand the Grand Palace with the Emerald Buddha, Wat Pho with its 46-meter-long Reclining Buddha, and opposite, Wat Arun. Markets like the Chatuchak Weekend Market and the street food of Yaowarat showcase daily city life, while Sukhumvit and Siam are known for shopping malls and nightlife. The most pleasant time to visit is from November to February. You can avoid traffic jams with the Skytrain (BTS), Metro (MRT), and river boats.
10 Sights
3 Restaurants
History and Culture
History and CultureAfter the destruction of Ayutthaya in 1767, the capital was initially in Thonburi on the west bank. King Rama I relocated it in 1782 to Rattanakosin Island on the east bank; the erection of the City Pillar on April 21, 1782, is considered the founding date of Bangkok as the capital. From this period date the Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaeo with the Emerald Buddha. Older are Wat Pho, which Rama I had rebuilt from 1788, and Wat Arun on the west bank, whose grand prang was completed in 1851.Buddhism shapes daily life: In the early morning, monks walk through the neighborhoods on their alms rounds, and many people bring offerings to temples and shrines. The monarchy enjoys high reverence; you'll see images of the royal family everywhere; insults to the royal house are punishable by law. During Songkran in April, entire streets turn into water fights.
Chiang Mai is Northern Thailand's largest city and was the capital of the Lanna Kingdom for centuries. Within the old city's square moat stand dozens of temples made of teak and brick, while the forested mountains of Doi Suthep rise around the city. Here you'll find cooking schools, night markets, a vibrant café scene, and a great starting point for mountain tours.
8 Sights
5 Restaurants
Lanna Heritage & City Life
Lanna Heritage and City LifeKing Mengrai founded Chiang Mai in 1296 as the capital of the Lanna Kingdom. Many of its temples, with their stepped roofs, Naga staircases and wood carvings, date from this era or were rebuilt in its style. After two centuries of Burmese rule, the city fell under Siamese influence in the late 18th century, fully joining Thailand only in 1939.Today, Chiang Mai is a university city and handicraft hub, with workshops for silver, lacquerware, wood and paper umbrellas along the road to San Kamphaeng. On Sunday evenings, Ratchadamnoen Road becomes the Walking Street Market; Saturdays, Wualai Road. In November, the city celebrates Yi Peng with paper lanterns; April features Songkran's multi-day water fights around the city moat.
Rich in culture and history. For adventure seekers and Route highlight.
Chiang Rai is Thailand's northernmost major city and quieter than Chiang Mai. It is known for contemporary temple art: the Wat Rong Khun, the White Temple by artist Chalermchai Kositpipat, the blue-golden Wat Rong Suea Ten, and the Baan Dam Museum by Thawan Duchanee. The city is also a starting point for trips to the Golden Triangle, Mae Salong, and the mountain villages. It is most pleasant during the cool dry season from November to February.
5 Sights
5 Restaurants
History and Art
Lanna HistoryKing Mangrai founded Chiang Rai in 1262 as his dynasty's capital, before relocating his residence further south to establish Chiang Mai. After its conquest by Burma, the city remained under Burmese rule for centuries. In 1786, it became a vassal of Siam, only becoming a regular Thai province in 1933. The Emerald Buddha, now in Bangkok, was discovered in Wat Phra Kaeo in 1434.Contemporary Temple ArtToday, Chiang Rai is mainly known for artists from the region: Chalermchai Kositpipat created the White Temple, Thawan Duchanee the Baan Dam and the door panels of Wat Phra Singh. In the province's mountains live Akha, Lahu, Karen, and other hill tribes, whose textiles and handicrafts you find in the city's markets.
Koh Yao Noi is located in Phang Nga Bay between Phuket and Krabi, offering views of limestone karsts rising from the shallow waters. Its name translates to "small long island." To its south lies the larger sister island, Koh Yao Yai.The island is predominantly Muslim and thrives on fishing, rubber cultivation, and rice farming. It features villages, a ring road, mosques, and a number of resorts and homestays, but no nightlife. You'll mostly get around by scooter.The beaches on the east coast are very shallow, and the tidal range is significant. At low tide, the sea recedes considerably. The beaches are only suitable for swimming around high tide; plan according to the tide calendar.Nonetheless, the island is an excellent base for kayak and boat tours to the bay's rocky islands. As the population lives conservatively, swimwear is inappropriate outside of beach and pool areas.
7 Sights
5 Restaurants
Culture & Everyday
Around 90 percent of the people in Koh Yao district are Muslim, with mosques shaping the villages. Outside the beaches, dress with covered shoulders and knees.The island thrives on fishing, rubber, and agriculture. Residents established their own homestay programs early on to earn from tourism without fundamentally changing the island. For this, Koh Yao Noi received in 2002 the World Legacy Award from Conservation International and National Geographic Traveler. In homestays, you can watch rubber tapping or fishing.
Perfect for an exciting city trip. Perfect for unwinding and relaxation and Culinary highlights.
Phuket, Thailand's largest island, is more than its famed beaches. Phuket Town's Old Town, with Sino-Portuguese shophouses, street art, and old cafes, recounts its tin mining past. In the south stand the Big Buddha on Nakkerd Hill and *Wat Chalong* temple; the west coast has bays from lively Patong to quieter Kata Noi and Nai Harn. Hokkien noodles, Moo Hong, seafood define the island's cuisine. Best travel time: November to February.
8 Sights
5 Restaurants
Phuket's Culture and Its History
Tin and ImmigrationPhuket's present-day character stems from tin mining. In the 19th century, tens of thousands of workers arrived from Southern China, primarily Hokkien speakers from Fujian; those who found success built the shophouses and villas of today's Old Town. The architectural style combines Chinese layouts with colonial elements from Malacca and Penang, hence the term Sino-Portuguese.Vegetarian FestivalThe island's most important festival originated from this immigration: the Vegetarian Festival in the ninth month of the Chinese lunar calendar, usually in October. For nine days, participants eat meat-free, while mediums in a trance pierce their cheeks and arms. It is a religious event, not a show; discretion when photographing is advised.Besides Buddhist temples, Chinese shrines and mosques shape the landscape, as Phuket is home to a large Muslim community. Away from the tourist beaches, modest clothing is appropriate.
