If you are visiting Thailand for the first time and are unsure what to see and do, you can refer to my 2-week itinerary for Thailand for a better idea. I spent a lot of time and effort piecing together this itinerary for two weeks in Thailand and I feel it will help you get the most out of your first family trip to the country.
Thailand was not on my radar ever I don’t know why but the country failed to attract my attention as a family traveler. It wasn’t until I stumbled upon a report by the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO). It said Thailand is one of the top countries in the world people love to visit, with 39.8 million visitors each year, putting it in 8th position. That made me wonder, what was I missing out on?
As I started to look into it more, I discovered that March (the month I was planning my travel) is a good time to visit Thailand (they say November to April is the best time to visit). It seemed pretty affordable. I also liked that Thailand has a good mix of experiences for every kind of traveler whether you are a beach bum, city slicker, or culture lover. So, I finally decided to visit the country with my family to experience it first-hand.
Note: We visited Thailand with our teenage daughter, however, I’ve put together this travel plan the way so it can work great for families with kids of any age. Whether you’ve got tots, tweens, or teens in tow, you’ll find alternative activities in this itinerary. It’s for families of all shapes and sizes to have a wonderful time in Thailand.
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How to Get Around Thailand
From my experience, public transportation in Thailand isn’t as well-organized or consistent as it is in Europe or other Western countries. In Thailand, the comfort and reliability of public transport vary greatly, much like in India.
In fact, I found using Bagkok’s most efficient BTS Skytrain and MRT challenging too. The stations are often far from attractions, involving a lot of walking, which is difficult in the city’s infamous weather. It’s exhausting and takes away time and energy that should be better spent seeing other sights. This is my view though you might have a different perspective based on your own experiences & preferences.
I recommend using Grab for comfort, and convenience, especially if you’re traveling as a family and are short on time. Now and then, you can ride tuk-tuks and songthaews for fun and a bite of local flavor.
Also, considering the huge distances, domestic flights are the best way to travel between cities or regions. They are quick and affordable (mostly) and help you maximize your limited time in the country.
Personally, I find that using a mix of these options depending on your location and budget can give you a balanced experience. We used domestic flights for longer distances and chauffeur cars for shorter distances to move from one city to another and loved Grab to commute within the cities.
2 Weeks in Thailand: An Ultimate Itinerary
Day 0: Arrive in Bangkok | Overnight in Bangkok
Day 1: Explore Bangkok (Grand Palace & the Temples) | Overnight in Bangkok
Day 2: Day Trip to Railway Market & Floating Market | Asiatique the Riverfront | Overnight in Bangkok
Day 3: Day Trip to Ayutthaya | Skywalk at King Power Mahanakhon | Overnight in Bangkok
Day 4: Fly to Chiang Mai | Overnight in Chiang Mai
Day 5: Explore Chiang Mai | Overnight in Chiang Mai
Day 6: Day Trip to Chiang Rai | Overnight in Chiang Mai
Day 7: Fly to Phuket | Overnight in Phuket
Day 8: Explore Phuket | Overnight in Phuket
Day 9: Day Trip to Phi Phi Island | Overnight in Phuket
Day 10: Day Trip to James Bond Island | Overnight in Phuket
Day 11: Explore Phuket Old Town | Overnight in Phuket
Day 12: Fly to Bangkok | Explore Bangkok (Chinatown & Jim Thompson House Museum) | Overnight in Bangkok
Day 13: Explore Bangkok (Local Markets & Shopping Malls) | Overnight in Bangkok
Day 14: Day Trip to Kanchanaburi | Overnight in Bangkok
Day 15: Fly Back Home
Day 0: Arrive in Bangkok | Day at Leisure
Bangkok is a perfect place to begin your Thailand itinerary. Suvarnabhumi Airport in Bangkok operates non-stop flights to almost all the major cities worldwide.
Depending on when you arrive in the Thai capital, you can plan your day. If you’ve time left after a much-needed rest, you can plan to explore the area surrounding your hotel.
Later you can enjoy dinner along with iconic 360° views over the city and its skyline at one of the best rooftop restaurants in Bangkok. Ojo Bangkok and Sirocco are the best of the lot.
Where to Stay in Bangkok
Coming to areas & accommodations, I’d recommend booking a hotel in Sukhumvit, Riverside, Sathorn, Pratunam, Siam, Rattanakosin (Phra Nakhon), or Silom to make the most of your time in the city.
We chose Chatrium Hotel Riverside for our first three days in Bangkok because it was the only place left with a river view room, but we were really happy with our choice.
The room, staff, food, and breakfast buffet were all excellent. It was also easy to get public transport nearby, which made our stay even better.
There was a Starbucks, a Japanese restaurant, and a 7-Eleven convenience store right by the hotel, which was very convenient for quick meals and essentials.
For the next three days in Bangkok, we stayed at Eastin Grand Hotel Sathorn since Chatrium was fully booked. Our experience at Eastin was pleasant, even though our room didn’t have a balcony, the floor-to-ceiling windows with a fantastic city view made up for that.
The hotel’s location was convenient, and its unique feature is direct access to the BTS Sky Train at Surasak Station, making city exploration a breeze.
Day 1: Explore Bangkok (Grand Palace & Temples)
In the past, tourists were mostly drawn to Bangkok for reasons like massages and nightlife, over time, the city has evolved. It has been shifting its focus towards showcasing its rich culture and history.
Nowadays, when tourists think of Bangkok, they are more likely to picture its extravagant temples and palaces than anything else though the infamous reasons remain the highlights for some.
There are a huge number (over 400 as per data) of temples (wats in Thai) in Bangkok. It’s almost impossible to cover all of them, of course. Today, you’ll explore the most beautiful (thereby famous) of all!
You’ll start your day with the 18th-century Grand Palace, a former official residence and an administrative office of the Kings of Siam (later Thailand). The palace opens at 8:30 am and gets crowded pretty fast, so please be there before it opens and make sure you buy your tickets online to save time and hassle.
We went to see the palace in March which is usually a low season. We thought the palace might not be as busy as during the peak season, so we reached a bit late, around 9 am. As soon as we entered, we realized that we made a grave mistake.
It was super packed with people. We had to jostle for space and struggle to take good pictures. So, remember, no matter when you visit, it’s best to go early, as soon as it opens. One of the handy travel tips for visiting the city!
The Grand Palace looks beautiful with its intricate and colorful (gold is the dominant one) design. It’s vast and houses many buildings, halls, pavilions, and courtyards, Wat Phra Kaew aka the Temple of the Emerald Buddha is the most notable.
The opening hours of the Grand Palace are 8:30 am to 4:30 pm and the entrance ticket costs 500 baht per person.
Next, walk for about 12 minutes (900 meters) via Maha Rat Road and Thai Wang Road to reach one of the oldest temples in Bangkok, Wat Pho aka the Temple of the Reclining Buddha.
As the name suggests, Wat Pho is known for its gigantic (150-foot) reclining Buddha statue. As I looked into the eyes adorned with mother-of-pearl pieces and walked from the meditative face of the gold statue of Buddha toward the feet, I felt a moment of inner peace, that’s the effect it has.
Don’t miss the feet of the statue, each one is decorated with 108 auspicious symbols that reflect the qualities of a great person as per Indian values.
Wat Pho is also the birthplace of traditional Thai massage. It’s home to one of Thailand’s first public universities, including the country’s earliest school of medicine that still offers courses and services in Thai massage and medicine for those eager to learn about these ancient practices.
The temple complex also has many other beautiful structures worth exploring so make sure you spend some time witnessing them. Wat Pho is open from 8:30 am to 6:30 pm and the admission ticket costs 300 baht per person.
If you feel hungry, there are a bunch of cozy cafes and eateries across the street from Wat Pho. THE SIXTH 6th and Heychom Thai Dessert Bar comes highly recommended.
After a fulfilling lunch, take a 3-minute walk (200 meters) to No.8 Tah Tien Pier for a
boat ride to Wat Arun aka the Temple of Dawn. For me, it remains the most stunning temple in Bangkok. Seriously, It’s utterly gorgeous.
As you board the ferry, the mesmerizing sight of Wat Arun across the Chao Phraya River keeps you hooked. I took hundreds of pictures before the ferry docked at the temple entrance.
If you want to admire the beauty of the temple from afar, you can reserve a seat at View ARUN Restaurant & Bar located on the opposite river bank. It looks ethereal during sunset and at night when it’s all lit up.
The temple is named after the Hindu God, Aruna. Adorned with tiny pieces of colored glass and Chinese porcelain, placed intricately into patterns, surrounded by four smaller prangs, the 82m high central prang (tower or spire) is the temple’s high point. This tower represents Mount Meru, the center of the universe in Buddhist cosmology.
You must save some energy to climb up the steep stairs to the top of the tower for a panoramic view of the winding river and the city beyond. Wat Arun is open from 8 am to 6 pm. The entry fee is 200 baht per person.
Take a ferry back to the eastern bank of the Chao Phraya River and then grab a Grab (see what I did there) to Wat Saket aka the Golden Mount. I found Grab (Thailand’s answer to Uber) the best way to get around Bangkok. It’s far more comfortable, cheaper, and reliable than taxis and tuk-tuks.
A walk up to Wat Saket via a 320-step staircase is beautifully peaceful. I felt so calm, composed, and rejuvenated as I climbed the stairs flanked by lush greenery and waterfalls making the air feel cooler, even with Bangkok’s heat.
Plus, the sound of bells, gongs, and chants reverberating through the speakers fitted along the stairs made the whole climb a wonderfully spiritual experience. The views of the city from the top are also amazing.
As we recommended above, we had already booked a table at View ARUN Restaurant & Bar to enjoy the night view of Wat Arun along the Chao Phraya River while having dinner. It was a perfect end to our first day in Bangkok.
If you prefer a local guide telling you the history of the sites you are visiting, you can join a guided tour which will take you to the Grand Palace and the most famous temples in Bangkok.
Here are some of Bangkok’s popular tours of the Grand Palace and the temples.
Bangkok Temples Tour: This private tour takes you to the Grand Palace, Wat Phra Kaew, Wat Traimit, Wat Pho, and Wat Suthat.
Grand Palace & Famous as well as Lesser Known Temples of Bangkok: This is a full-day tour that includes the Grand Palace and several top temples like Wat Phra Kaew, Wat Phra Chetuphon, Wat Arun, and Wat Benchamabophit.
Grand Palace & Temples of Bangkok with an Experienced Guide: This small group half-day tour takes you to the Grand Palace, Wat Phra Kaew, Wat Pho, and Wat Arun.
Day 2: Day Trip to Railway Market & Floating Market
Visiting the railway market & a floating market near Bangkok is a great cultural experience. Maeklong Railway Market (Talad Rom Hub) is one of the most unique markets I’ve ever seen. It’s set right on the active railway track!
The stalls on both sides of the railway track sell everything from fresh produce, seafood, meats, and spices to clothing and household items.
It seems like a normal market until you hear a warning bell and see how quickly and efficiently the vendors pull back their awnings and umbrellas and shift their goods from the tracks to make space for the train to pass through.
Once the train has gone, they unfurl the awnings and move back their goods into place. Interestingly, they do it multiple times throughout the day without any fuss.
Standing right behind the red line (drawn for the safety of the tourists), we were so close we could almost touch the train. Tourists inside the train waved and even exchanged handshakes with tourists on both sides of the track.
Your next stop will be the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market, the most well-known of all the floating markets in and around Bangkok.
Just so you know, not far from Damnoen, the Amphawa Floating Market is another popular one that operates on the weekend evenings only.
As you cruise through the river, you’ll see stalls selling souvenirs and restaurants along the river and a few vendors selling goods from their wooden boats. There are even houses along the river.
The main stretch of the market is utterly chaotic. The traffic jam is real here where boats bump into each other to find their way.
We found the place quite touristy. It’s way too commercialized and lacks authenticity. It feels like a tourist trap, tbh.
A lady ticket seller tried to overcharge us. She wanted 1000 baht per person for a boat ride, but the official price was 2000 baht for a motorboat and 400 baht for a rowboat.
We saw the correct prices on a board and challenged her, and she backed down a bit. Paying 2000 baht just for a market tour seems too much.
The ticket sellers (there are many; mostly women) try to bundle the market tour with elephant rides and tiger photos to charge more. Please read the prices carefully and avoid overpaying.
For us, the floating market was a letdown, and the shopping there was disappointing too. You’ll see the same items you’ve seen all over Bangkok but at insanely higher prices.
Even so, we’ve all been guilty of indulging in cliché tourist things and spending money on them at some point. Isn’t it?
Most tourists prefer to book a guided day tour because the markets are outside (about a 2-hour drive) the main city area. It saves the hassle of planning transport and figuring out routes. Plus, having a local guide adds to the experience.
We usually rent a car when we travel because my husband enjoys driving by himself. If we can’t rent a car, we like to hire a chauffeur-driven car. Having freedom and privacy is important to us as a family.
We hired a private car and driver for our day trips in Bangkok, which was really flexible. We could choose when to start and end our day, and where we wanted to go.
Our driver, Mr. Wirot Phokao, was very kind and could speak English, which helped a lot in Thailand (the language barrier is real). If you’d like to use his services, you can contact him at +66613428835.
If you’d like to join a guided tour, I recommend this one, or this one. You can book any of them without thinking twice as travelers rated them highly.
As these are half-day tours, you’ll most likely be back in Bangkok by late afternoon. You can return to your hotel, catch a nap, or just relax, and then head to Asiatique the Riverfront, a vibrant and open-air mall, and night market along the Chao Phraya River that combines shopping, dining, culture, and entertainment.
It’s fun for kids and adults alike. We loved the ambiance and its organized setting when compared to the traditional street markets.
Day 3: Explore Bangkok (Day Trip to Ayutthaya)
Once a blooming Siamese kingdom and now a UNESCO World Heritage site, the ancient city of Ayutthaya is a cultural and historical gem.
It was founded by King U Thong in 1350 as the second capital of Siam after Sukhothai. Its strategic location on an island surrounded by three rivers connected to the sea made it Asia’s major trading capital.
However, it was abandoned soon after the invasion by Burma (Myanmar) in 1767. Today, you can see the ruins of once-grand temples, palaces, monasteries, and statues.
While there are many beautiful temples in Ayutthaya if you are taking a day trip from Bangkok, you have a limited time, so it’s best to include the most iconic ones, such as Wat Phra Si Sanphet, Wat Mahathat, and Wat Chaiwatthanaram in your itinerary.
We explored Wat Phra Si Sanphet, Wat Maha That, Wat Ratcha Burana, Wat Lokkayasutha, Wat Chaiwatthanaram, Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon, and Wat Phanan Choeng Worawihan.
Other notable temples are Wat Phra Ram, Wat Phukhao Thong, Wat Na Phra Meru Rachikaram, and Wat Phutthaisawan.
Each temple has an entrance fee of THB 50, or you can save money with an inclusive ticket for THB 230 that includes up to six popular temples.
The sites are spread over a vast area, so you need a vehicle to explore them. As I mentioned above, we had hired a private car with a driver so it was easy to get around and visit different sites.
You can also join a guided tour of Ayutthaya. There are group as well as private tours available. Here are some of the most loved tours:
UNESCO’s Ayutthaya Historical Park: This full-day tour is one of Ayutthaya’s highly-rated day tours. It takes you to all the best temples in Ayutthaya, plus Bang Pa-In Palace.
Private Excursion to Ayutthaya, a UNESCO World Heritage site with a Boat Tour: Perfect for those who enjoy being with their tribe, this private tour includes the most beautiful temples in Ayutthaya with a boat tour.
Ayutthaya Temples Small Group Tour with Lunch: It’s a small group tour that covers four of the most impressive temples in Ayutthaya and offers authentic Thai lunch.
Ayutthaya Private Full-Day UNESCO Trip with Lunch: Visit 5 of the best temples and the Chao Sam Phraya National Museum in Ayutthaya and also enjoy traditional lunch at a local restaurant with this private full-day tour.
After returning from Ayutthaya around 5 pm, you can head to your hotel for some downtime. Once refreshed, ride a Grab to the Skywalk at King Power Mahanakhon, one of the city’s most spectacular viewpoints.
King Power Mahanakhon is a 78-floor skyscraper with a glass skywalk where you can literally stand over the city and watch it come alive at night. The city stretches out beneath you as the sun sets and the skyline lights up – isn’t it exciting?
Day 4: Fly to Chiang Mai | Explore Chiang Mai
It’s time to fly to Chiang Mai, aka the Rose of the North, a city that’s not just culturally rich but also offers amazing outdoor opportunities.
Chiang Mai is about 700 km (430 miles) from Bangkok and takes around 10 to 12 hours to reach by car, taxi, bus, or train. So, if you have a limited time, it makes sense to catch a flight, which we did.
Make sure you book an early morning flight so you can use your day to explore Chiang Mai. We booked a 9:35 am flight of Thai Lion Air. We dropped our luggage at our hotel at 11:30 am and ventured out to explore the old city!
Be aware, that most hotels in Thailand don’t allow early check-in even if you request them in advance.
As our hotel was right in the heart of the old city, we could explore the famous temples of Wat Phra Singh and Wat Chedi Luang on foot.
The Phra Buddha Sihing statue in the Viharn Lai Kham is the highlight of Wat Phra Singh. With its unique woodcarvings and murals that show traditional Thai life and stories, Viharn Lai Kham looks beautiful.
Wat Chedi Luang is known for its massive chedi or pagoda that once towered as one of the tallest structures in ancient Lanna, now damaged and reduced in height still very impressive.
There are quite a few beautiful structures inside the temple complex such as Sao Inthakin, the city pillar of Chiang Mai which is believed to protect the city and its residents (women are not allowed due to Thai sacred laws), and Viharn Luang, a huge assembly hall.
Wat Sri Suphan aka the Silver Temple is a bit away (1.3 km or 0.8 miles) from the center so we hired a tuk-tuk to the temple. It charged 200 baht for such a short distance.
Tuk-tuks in Thailand are quite expensive and dangerous (they drive recklessly) so I’d suggest you better stick with Grab, however, as riding a tuk-tuk is a unique experience, you must take a ride at least once.
A note of caution, ensure everyone is seated securely before setting off, and keep a close eye on young children throughout the ride.
I found Wat Sri Suphan quite impressive. After all, it’s the world’s first temple to be adorned in silver! It also holds workshops and demonstrations for those who want to learn the art of silver making. Please note women are not allowed inside the main ubosot (ordination hall).
After exploring the old town, we returned to our hotel to complete the check-in formalities and relax for a while.
We boarded a blue minibus (similar to Chiang Mai’s iconic Songthaew or red minibus) to visit Wat Umong and Wat Phra That Doi Suthep in the evening. You’ll find these minibusses near the attractions that take you outside the city limits at nominal prices.
Set at the foot of Doi Suthep mountain, Wat Umong is known for its serene, forested setting and ancient tunnels (used for meditation) carved into an anthill. It doesn’t take much time to explore the temple grounds. We spent close to 15 minutes or so.
We wanted to reach Wat Phra That Doi Suthep before sunset, however, got late. Located high on the mountain of Doi Suthep, the drive to the temple through winding hilly roads takes time.
Once at the site, you can climb a 306-step staircase or take a cable lift to reach the temple. The combined ticket for the lift and temple costs 30 baht per person.
We took the lift up to the temple and decided to walk down the stairs later. The temple is beautiful, especially the gold chedi (pagoda) housing a holy relic (a piece of bone from the Buddha’s shoulder). Unfortunately, it was being fixed when we visited so we couldn’t get a good look at it.
We stopped at the two viewpoints on the way down to enjoy the panoramic night views of Chiang Mai and the surrounding countryside.
We wanted to stroll the Chiang Mai Night Bazaar but were too tired so we skipped it. You can explore it if you have time and energy left.
We enjoyed a delicious vegetarian dinner at Its Good Kitchen, conveniently located right across from our hotel. The restaurant is almost always busy, thanks to its tasty dishes at reasonable prices, top-notch service, and ambiance, plus vegan and gluten-free options—a must-try!
If you would want to join a guided tour of the temples in Chiang Mai, here are the best options:
Temples & Culture Tour of Chiang Mai: This half-day tour covers 3 major temples (Wat Phra Singh, Wat Chedi Luang, and Wat Chiang Man) and you can customize it to be a small group or private.
Chiang Mai City Tour with Doi Suthep and View Point: It’s a great tour as it includes the most famous temples in Chiang Mai (Wat Chedi Luang, Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, and Wat Pha Lat). Plus, it also lets you see the historic gate of Chiang Mai, Tha Phae Gate.
Where to Stay in Chiang Mai
We stayed at Buri Gallery House Resort. It’s a pretty Thai-Lanna-style boutique hotel in the center of a historic town.
Their in-house Baan Buri Cafe and Restaurant serves delicious food at decent prices though it closes at 5 in the evening so you’d have to make arrangements for dinner. All in all, we loved the stay.
Day 5: Day Trip to Doi Inthanon National Park
Aka the Roof of Thailand, Doi Inthanon National Park is located around the highest mountain in Thailand, Doi Inthanon.
The national park is about 2 hours (109 km or 68 miles) from Chiang Mai. While Yellow Songthaews operates between Chiang Mai and Doi Inthanon, it’s not easy at all as you’d have to change at Chom Thong Village. It’s better to hire a taxi, or private car, or book a guided day tour.
While the park is a great escape from the city’s heat, there’s no shortage of attractions and activities here. You can enjoy stunning waterfalls such as Sirithan Waterfall, Mae Ya Waterfall, and Wachirathan Waterfall, take on one of the many nature trails, or photograph the twin pagodas, Naphamethinidon and Naphaphonphumisiri.
Doi Inthanon is also known for its hill tribe villages, home to the Karen and Hmong tribes. Many tours include a visit to one of these tribal villages, however, we avoided that as we didn’t want to disturb their daily lives or treat their communities as tourist attractions.
If you have a day to spare in Chiang Mai, you can consider visiting Bo Sang Umbrella Village and attending a workshop to learn the art of making traditional paper umbrellas.
Chiang Mai is known for the Elephant Nature Park (ENP) which rescues and rehabilitates elephants that have had tough lives and educates visitors about their needs.
However, after visiting an elephant park in Sri Lanka, my confidence in sanctuaries claiming to operate ethically has somewhat diminished.
So, I decided not to visit one. If you want to go to one because your kids (I know they love to meet these adorable giant creatures) insist on it, I strongly advise doing thorough research beforehand. Unfortunately, most places are highly unethical, prioritizing profit over the well-being of the animals.
Day 6: Day Trip to Chiang Rai
Ever since I saw amazing photos of the White Temple and the Blue Temple, I knew I had to visit Chiang Rai when I went to Thailand.
Getting from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai takes about 3 to 4 hours one way, and the main sights are a bit far from the city center, so going there and back in one day can be pretty exhausting.
You could stay overnight in Chiang Rai, then head back to Chiang Mai the next day to fly to Phuket. Or, you could fly directly from Chiang Rai to Phuket, but there aren’t many direct flights, so you might have to book a connected flight.
We waited too long to book our flight from Chiang Mai to Phuket, and the early morning flight was full when we tried. So, we booked a late evening flight with a stopover, going from Chiang Rai to Phuket instead.
Our hotel set up a private car and driver for us to explore Chiang Rai. Our driver, Mr. Wat, was a fun guy to be around. I was particularly touched by how kind and considerate he was. Since I wasn’t feeling well, he made frequent stops so I could rest and kept checking on me throughout our journey.
I highly recommend him if you want a car in Chiang Mai. You can contact him at +66656298557.
Start your exploration with a 2-hour city tour via a free tram covering major attractions such as King Mengrai Monument, Busabok Royal Chariot Hall, Wat Phra Singh, Wat Phra Kaew, Wat Doi Ngam Mueang, Wat Phra That Doi Chom Thong, Wat Ming Mueang, Chiang Rai Clock Tower, and Tung and Khom Garden (Chiang Rai City Park).
You can board a tram at the Chiang Rai Municipal Tourist Information Center.
Next, we visited Wat Huay Pla Kang, known for its huge (90 meters tall) white Guanyin statue, which our driver called the Lady Buddha temple.
There’s a tram from the entrance to an elevator inside the statue. The detailed carvings inside and the amazing view of the countryside and Chiang Rai from the top are must-sees. The temple also has a nine-story pagoda and a large hall for prayer and meditation.
By the time you finish exploring the temple, it’ll be lunchtime. A little less than a kilometer away from the temple is Lallita Cafe.
It has become a new favorite spot on social media, thanks to its enchanting gardens filled with mist, waterfalls, mystical statues, and lush fauna.
It’s so popular with people wanting to take photos for Instagram that the café started charging an entry fee of 60 baht per person.
But, they’ll take the ticket cost off your bill if you eat there. I assume this is because lots of visitors were coming just for photos and not buying anything, which led the café to introduce the entry charge.
The café itself is big, with incredibly beautiful gardens that feel like something out of a fairytale. The waterfalls keep it cool, offering a nice break from Chiang Rai’s heat. Plus, the food is delicious and the servings are generous.
After a refreshing break at the cafe, it’s finally time to explore the highlights of the day – the White Temple aka Wat Rong Khun, and the Blue Temple aka Wat Rong Suea Ten.
Created with love by Thai artist Chalermchai Kositpipat, the White Temple as the name suggests is in pure white color.
The temple is absolutely stunning. The pieces of glass used in its architecture sparkle in the sun and the intricate sculptures and murals are thought-provoking, every element has a meaning.
Walking through the temple complex feels like you are exploring an art exhibition. The artist skillfully mixed traditional and modern elements.
There’s also a museum opposite the temple that houses the artworks of Chalermchai Kositpipat. It’s worth exploring and is free to enter.
Next on the itinerary is the Blue Temple! As you might have guessed from the name, it’s completely painted in blue.
Designed by Putha Kabkaew, a student of Chalermchai Kositpipat, you’ll find intricate patterns, imagery, and statues inside the temple complex, all crafted using a blue theme.
The final attraction for the day is the Baan Dam Museum or the Black House exhibiting a collection of houses, artworks, and artifacts based on the themes of life and death. It’s an interesting place for art and culture enthusiasts.
We had a flight to catch at 6:15 pm, so our driver dropped us at the airport soon after exploring the Black House.
If you’ve already booked a flight from Chiang Mai as our original itinerary plan included, you can drive back to Chiang Mai to catch the late evening or the early morning flight to Phuket.
If you plan to spend a night in Chiang Rai or have another day to add, you can choose to visit the Golden Triangle of Thailand.
It’s where the borders of Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar meet at the confluence of the Ruak and Mekong Rivers offering breathtaking views and a rich history of the opium trade.
Day 7: Fly to Phuket | Explore Phuket
If you’ve taken a late evening flight to Phuket, you’ll be fresh and rejuvenated to take on Phuket. However, if you’ve booked a morning flight, you’ll need time to rest and relax.
Be aware that you will most likely not be allowed an early check-in; however, you can leave your luggage and spend time at a cozy cafe and restaurant to relax and shake off any travel fatigue.
We spent day 7 exploring some of Phuket’s famous beaches. Hubby and I are not beach bums—our teen loves them—but after the last few days of cultural and historical exploration, we wanted a change.
We rented a car for four hours from our resort near Karon Beach, costing 2500 baht. We went to Surin Beach, Kamala Beach, Karon Beach, and Kata Noi Beach. My teen had a great time building sandcastles on the beach, so I’m sure younger kids would have even more fun with it!
Then, we checked out the Big Buddha and wrapped up our day watching the sunset over the ocean at Heaven Restaurant and Bar.
The Big Buddha is one of the most famous tourist attractions in Phuket. Perched on Nakkerd Hill in Chalong, you can notice the colossal statue from almost anywhere in south Phuket.
We had already seen quite a few big Buddha statues in Thailand, so seeing another one wasn’t too surprising. However, the views from the top were amazing.
While Patong is one of Phuket’s most talked-about and advertised areas, I knew from the start that I didn’t want to visit it because, due to commercialization, the area is super touristy, crowded, dirty, and noisy.
Although I found Phuket as a whole to be inauthentic and soulless. Tbh, I’m not sure why tourists flock to Phuket for the beaches or islands when there are places with even more stunning beaches and islands elsewhere.
If you are thinking of visiting Patong with kids, make sure you plan right. Visit the beach during the day for sandcastles and gentle waves.
Check out family-friendly spots like the Phuket FantaSea show for colorful performances or the Trick Eye Museum for fun photos. It’s best to head back to your hotel in the evening as the nightlife is more adult-focused.
Where to stay in Phuket
We stayed at Karon Phunaka Resort. The resort is located on Naka Mountain so it offers a nice view of the town and Karon Beach from a distance. But, getting around is tough because walking up to the hotel and down to the nearby market, which takes about 15 minutes, is challenging.
We ended up renting a scooter to make trips to the market easier. Guests are taken to their rooms, located in buildings 1-7, by golf buggy, but sometimes you have to wait in the heat for one to become available because they’re in short supply, and service can be slow. We often had to call the reception for a buggy after a long day out.
Our room was in building 4, and walking up wasn’t too bad for us, but it seemed nearly impossible for guests staying in buildings 6 and 7. Additionally, the rooms felt old and in need of updating.
The staff weren’t as friendly as expected. I wouldn’t recommend this hotel, especially for families with small children, because it’s very steep and involves climbing lots of stairs.
As I mentioned earlier, we organized our Thailand trip at the last minute, so many of the best hotels were full.
Next time, I want to book a stay at places like Thavorn Palm Beach Resort, Katathani, The Surin, Amanpuri, Hyatt Regency, Anantara Layan, Rosewood, The Slate, or JW Marriott.
Day 8: Explore Phuket (Laze at a Beach)
We decided to dedicate a day purely to unwinding and relaxing in Phuket. Despite being naturally restless souls, we appreciate the value of slowing down, especially when traveling. This is even more crucial when you’re with young children.
Allowing them time to absorb what they have seen or done is essential so they can relish each experience.
We got up late, had a buffet breakfast at our hotel, and spent half a day lounging by the pool, soaking up the sun, and sipping on tropical drinks.
Around sunset, we ventured to Karon Beach Viewpoint for its stunning vistas. Afterward, we relaxed on the beach waving goodbye to the sun. A delightful vegan meal at the Soul rounded off our perfect day of relaxation and indulgence.
PS: If you don’t like the idea of a free day and are keen on exploring, you can visit Baan Teelanka (Upside Down House Museum) and Carnival Magic (even my teen loved it) and take in the coastal beauty from various viewpoints in Phuket (Promthep Cape, Black Rock Viewpoint, Windmill Viewpoint, Karon Viewpoint, and Rang Hill Viewpoint). For those who love photo-op attractions, Rock Beach Swing is your calling. Located right on the beach with ocean views, it houses beautiful props such as a stairway to heaven, ocean-swinging chairs, nest chairs, and more. It might not be as entertaining for young children, but my teen daughter, an avid Instagram user, was excited to visit. Sadly, we couldn’t make it in time before it closed, mainly due to traffic. The entry fee is 500 baht per person.
Day 9: Day Trip to Phi Phi Islands | Sunset at Promthep Cape
We had heard a lot about crystal-clear waters, breathtaking cliffs, coral reefs, vibrant marine life, and iconic beaches of islands in Thailand so we wanted to visit a few. We dedicated two days (day 9 and day 10) to exploring the islands around Phuket.
With six beautiful islands in the Andaman Sea, Phi Phi Islands, or Koh Phi Phi is one of the most famous islands near Phuket.
We booked this speedboat tour that typically starts at 8 am, however, we chose the sunrise version of it that started at 4:30 am as we wanted to finish off the tour before the heat of the day set in (Phuket is hot & humid all year but March is the hottest time). We were back to our hotel by 3 pm.
The tour includes hotel pick-up and drop-off and lunch or breakfast. It doesn’t include the national park fee that’s 400 baht per adult and 200 baht per child up to 14 years.
You’ll visit Maya Bay (made famous by the movie – The Beach), Pileh Bay, Monkey Beach, Phi Phi Don, Phi Phi Leh, Viking Cave, and Bamboo Island.
They provide snorkeling equipment if you want to snorkel. Or you can choose to swim or sunbathe on the beach. Snorkeling is safe & perfect for kids of all ages – young kids, tweens, and teens. My teen enjoyed it to the core!
The tour itself was wonderful. Cruising through the blue waters, surrounded by small islands, made the journey scenic. However, the islands seemed overwhelmed with tourists, and the numerous ferries and speedboats made the waters less clear than anticipated (as advertised).
We rested at our hotel and hired a taxi to visit Promthep Cape in the evening. Promthep Cape is one of the most famous viewpoints in Phuket. It’s a perfect place to watch the sun go down.
After a mesmerizing sunset, we enjoyed a delicious dinner at The Sundeck with some of the best views you can have in Phuket. The restaurant offers stunning views, mouthwatering food, a relaxed yet sophisticated ambiance, and quality service.
Day 10: Day Trip to Phang Nga Bay
Phang Nga Bay is a beautiful seascape famous for its unique limestone karsts jutting vertically out of the emerald-green water.
Our speedboat tour of Phang Nga Bay took us to the famous James Bond Island aka Ko Tapu (which gained international fame through the 1974 James Bond movie The Man with the Golden Gun), Ko Rang Yai, Ko Yao Yai, Panak Island, Hong Island, Koh Panyee, Khao Phing Kan, and Naka Noi Island.
We particularly enjoyed paddling through the caves and mangroves on a sea canoe at Panak Island.
The tour includes light snacks, drinking water, lunch, and the national park fee. So, you can sit back, relax, and enjoy the beauty of Phang Naga Bay.
They give you snacks and drinks, but bringing extra snacks is a good idea, especially if you have kids. My teen daughter kept getting hungry, needing something to munch on while we moved from island to island.
Kids might not find the views as exciting as adults and can get bored, so having food helps keep them happy.
Day 11: Explore Phuket Old Town
Since Phuket Old Town was quite a distance from our resort in Karon Beach, we chose to stay at Sino House. Its location in the middle of the old town made exploring easy, saving us from dealing with a lengthy trip back and forth.
If you don’t want to change your beach resort, you can hire a taxi or a private car for a trip to the old town.
Phuket Old Town is a breath of fresh air in otherwise over-hyped Phuket. It exudes an authentic cultural vibe. It’s brimming with rich history, culture, and architecture.
Strolling the streets such as Thalang, Phang Nga, and Dibuk lined with beautifully preserved Sino-Portuguese shophouses, now home to cafes, boutiques, and art galleries, is a treat.
Once a red light district, now a charming alley with pastel-colored heritage buildings, Soi Romanee steals the show.
Jui Tui Shrine and Thai Hua Museum are notable cultural attractions where you can learn more about the history of the Chinese community in Phuket.
Wat Chalong is a beautiful Buddhist temple, the most famous of all the temples in Phuket. You’ll spot a lot of street art while walking around the old town.
If you happen to be in the old town on Sunday, you can visit the Sunday Street Market (Lard Yai) between 4 pm and 10 pm. We visited the Indy Market which takes place every Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday from 4 pm to 10:30 pm.
While exploring Phuket Old Town, you must stop by Wanlamun to sample local sweets. I realized that the desserts in Thailand invariably use coconut and sago. I didn’t enjoy Thai sweets as much but trying local cuisines is always an interesting part of traveling.
Enjoying a Bib Gourmand recommendation by Michelin, A Pong Mae Sunee is a street food corner in the old town famous for its sweet street food snack, Khanom A Pong, a coconut crepe.
Day 12: Fly to Bangkok | Explore Bangkok (Chinatown & Jim Thompson House Museum)
Catch an early morning flight from Phuket to Bangkok. We flew 7:30 am Thai Vietjet Air. After dropping off our luggage at our hotel (early check-in wasn’t possible), we headed to Chinatown.
Stretched around Yaowarat Road and Charoen Krung Road, Bangkok’s Chinatown is huge. No wonder, it’s counted as one of the world’s largest Chinatowns.
Like anywhere in the world, you’ll find narrow lanes crammed with market stalls, lots of street food (especially seafood), and Chinese heritage buildings in Bangkok’s Chinatown. So, be prepared for sensory overload.
We started our sightseeing trip with Wat Traimit Temple, home to the world’s largest solid gold Buddha statue. Post that, we crossed the Chinatown Gate into the Talat Noi aka Talad Noi neighborhood.
A bit offbeat and more authentic, Talat Noi is one of the oldest neighborhoods in the city, with a history stretching back to the city’s early days.
Talat Noi is like an open-air museum where you can see Chinese and Thai cultures come together. Walking through its narrow streets, you’ll find vintage shophouses, hidden temples, colorful street art, local eateries, and street food stalls.
Losing yourself in its many streets and alleyways and finding hidden cultural gems is the best way to take on the neighborhood.
Some notable attractions include the So Heng Tai Mansion, Antique Turtle Car, Rong Kueak Shrine, Kularb Wittaya School, Holy Rosary Church, and Chow Sue Kong Shrine.
Talat Noi is also famous for its street art and murals, so look for these vibrant works as you explore the area, especially along Trok San Chao Rong Kueak Alley.
The neighborhood’s vintage charm is further highlighted by the numerous antique shops and classic car parts dealers, making it an interesting place for collectors and photography enthusiasts.
After an enriching cultural walk, Hong Sieng Cafe & Museum is a perfect place to relax and reflect over a cup of coffee in its charming, retro setting.
Finally, check out Sampeng Lane (Soi Wanit 1), a bustling wholesale and retail market stretching over a kilometer (0.6 mile). It’s a narrow lane (with barely enough room for the shoppers) packed with small shops and stalls on both sides.
We felt relief from the harsh afternoon sun as soon as we entered the market as it’s covered in the most places and thus, remains cool.
From household items, toys, crafts, stationary, and clothing to a range of accessories – it has almost everything you can imagine at dirt cheap prices, however, the quality is sub-par.
My teen daughter, a huge fan of crafts and stationery, was so excited by the selection that she ended up filling a whole bag with her finds. It’s a great spot for kids who care more about the quantity they can get rather than the quality.
We spent around two hours at Sampeng Lane. It was late afternoon and we were already tired and hungry.
Note: If you are traveling with young kids, you can easily skip Chinatown and take them to Dream World instead. It’s a huge amusement park where your kids can have a fun day out.
Our next stop was the Jim Thompson House Museum, so we decided to have lunch somewhere near it. We chose Jim’s Terrace, a Thai-Tapas-style café inside Jim Thompson Heritage Quarter.
We loved the ambiance. They offer a variety of innovative dishes including vegetarian options. The experience is enhanced by the al fresco setting overlooking the garden.
Jim Thompson House Museum is one of Bangkok’s most notable cultural landmarks. Jim Thompson was an American businessman who revitalized the Thai silk industry in the 1950s and 60s.
The museum you see now was his residence. It houses an impressive range of art and antiques Jim collected.
The museum is open every day from 10 am to 6 pm. You can visit the museum on a guided tour (available in English, French, Japanese, Chinese, and Thai) that costs 200 baht per person.
We walked (700 meters from the museum) to MBK Center, one of Bangkok’s most iconic shopping malls, in search of a good restaurant for dinner.
While shopping wasn’t on the agenda, we strolled the stalls outside the mall, bought knickknacks, and then dined at Ponn Cafe inside MBK Centre.
We ordered Thai cheese roti, chicken with cashew nuts and ginkgo, vegetable salad, and mango sticky rice.
The food turned out to be delicious, the servings generous, and the service quick. We were pleased that our spontaneous choice ended up being a great one.
Day 13: Explore Bangkok (Local Markets & Shopping Malls)
A trip to Bangkok wouldn’t be complete without spending a day or two exploring its famous local markets and swanky shopping malls. After all, the city is well-known for its wide range of shopping experiences.
My teen was even more thrilled than me about the shopping spree; she’s a real shopping junkie. I assume all teen girls are!
Her excitement was so palpable that she didn’t mind waking up crazy early to explore the Yodpiman Flower Market with us.
PS: You might want to skip the flower market if you have very young kids, as it may not interest them. The market can be crowded and a bit overwhelming for little ones who might not appreciate the cultural and aesthetic aspects of the market.
My desire to visit it wasn’t just for the vibrant flowers but, also to soak in the cultural vibe. We reached the market at around 5 am. Why so early?
While the market operates 24 hours a day, midnight and early mornings (3 am to 7 am) are considered the best time of the day to visit as it’s when the market is most lively, with fresh deliveries arriving, vendors setting up their colorful artistic display of flowers, and people pouring in to buy freshest flowers for temple offerings, gifts, or professional needs.
After a vibrant floral experience, we returned to our hotel to freshen up and indulge in a diverse buffet breakfast (by the way, hotel buffet breakfasts are something we always look forward to while traveling).
Replenished, we arranged a Grab ride to visit Chatuchak Weekend Market. If you find yourself in Bangkok over the weekend, Chatuchak is a must-visit.
Also known as Jatujak or JJ Market, it’s one of the world’s largest weekend markets. You can easily spend an entire day here, it’s massive with a staggering range of items.
From art, antiques, collectibles, handicrafts, unique finds, vintage items, clothing, accessories, household & decor items, food, gardening accessories, and even pets, you’ll find almost anything within its maze of stalls and shops.
As per the market’s official website, it sprawls over 35 acres and 26 sections with more than 15,000 stalls.
We reached the market at around 9 am. It wasn’t crowded yet. To me, it felt like a maze. We were so confused (even though we had a map of the market) that many times we ended up where we started 🙂 Nevertheless, it was a unique shopping experience.
Remember, haggling is an important aspect of shopping in the local markets of Bangkok. We could often talk down prices by up to 30% to 40%.
PS: You can combine a visit to Or Tor Kor Market with Chatuchak. Located a short walk away, Or Tor Kor is famous for its high-quality fresh produce, including a vast selection of fresh fruits, vegetables, seafood, and a selection of premium Thai snacks and ingredients. We had planned to visit but were too tired to go.
Extremely exhausted, we decided to end our shopping expedition by noon, which wasn’t surprising given Bangkok’s heat and humidity.
To help cope with the heat and tiredness, we constantly had a glass of smoothie, juice, or coconut water in hand.
In Bangkok, it’s a common sight to see both locals and tourists walking around with icy drinks in their hands while navigating the city’s bustling streets and markets to stay hydrated. So, it’s a sincere advice to do the same.
We grabbed a quick lunch at Chamlong’s Asoke Vegetarian Restaurant, a no-frill humble food court famous for its variety of vegetarian and vegan Thai & Chinese cuisine before heading back to our hotel.
We took lots of breaks to avoid getting too tired from the heat. During our trip to Thailand, we returned to our hotel a few times between sightseeing for quick rests, not worrying about the cost of Grab rides.
In the evening, we went out to check out one of the posh shopping districts in Bangkok, Siam-Pathumwan, a mecca for shopping enthusiasts.
It’s home to some of Bangkok’s well-known shopping centers such as Siam Paragon, Siam Discovery, Siam Center, MBK Center, centralwOrld, The Market Bangkok, and Centerpoint Siam Square.
The area buzzes with energy, with big screens displaying ads, lots of people, both locals and tourists hanging out, and live performances happening.
We had fun shopping (mostly window shopping), moving from one mall to another, exploring the stores, and enjoying snacks at different food outlets (ice cream at Swanson’s remains special) inside the malls.
Day 14: Day Trip to Kanchanaburi
Kanchanaburi is a picturesque sleepy town just a 2-hour scenic drive from Bangkok. Home to the infamous Death Railway and the River Kwai Bridge, the town is steeped in World War II history.
I chose to include Kanchanaburi in our itinerary not just for its stunning scenery, but because I wanted my teen to experience World War II sites firsthand.
I feel it’s an opportunity to deepen the young generation’s understanding of history and the significance of peace.
If you are traveling with young kids who might not grasp the historical aspects, you can still visit Kanchanaburi for its outdoor fun. You can cycle around the town, paddle along river Kwai, or explore the trails at Erawan National Park.
Still, if you and your kids are not interested in a day trip to Kanchanaburi, you can plan to spend an easy day at Lumpini Park, explore the SEA LIFE Bangkok Ocean World, or take a half-day trip to Mueang Boran (Ancient City).
We explored Kanchanaburi on this 12-hour private customizable tour and we chose to visit the Erawan National Park and Erawan Waterfall, the Death Railway and the River Kwai Bridge, Wat Tham Suea or Tiger Cave Temple, and the JEATH War Museum.
Day 15: Fly Back Home
Indulge in last-minute souvenir shopping, enjoy a final meal at a local favorite, maybe visit that one attraction you missed, or simply unwind by the hotel pool – you can plan your last day based on the time of your flight back home.
Our red-eye flight was scheduled for 3:50 am, so we arrived at the airport around 1 am. Even though it was the middle of the night, the anticipation of heading home kept us awake and ready to embark on the final leg of our journey.
Note: I planned our Bangkok visit in two parts: the first three days during the week and the last three days over the weekend. This way, we could experience the famous Chatuchak Weekend Market. While you could stay in Bangkok for five or six days straight, I opted for a break in between to keep things interesting and manageable.
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