ONE WEEK ITINERARIES FOR THAILAND

ARRIVE IN BANGKOK

DEPART FROM BANGKOK

**TIP: Download the GRAB app and use it to order a taxi. The app is used almost everywhere in Thailand. This will help you avoid possible scams and/or confusion regarding your destination.

BANGKOK (2 NIGHTS)

• Explore and party on Khao San Road where you'll find many restaurants, bars and nightclubs.
• Visit the Grand Palace and the Temple of the Emerald Buddha.
• Explore Wat Pho, the Temple of the Reclining Buddha.
• Admire Wat Arun, considered one of the most impressive Buddhist temples.
• Take a cruise on Bangkok's canals.
• Visit a night market and taste delicious Thai cuisine. If you're in Bangkok over the weekend, head to the Chatuchak Weekend Night Market.
• If you have time, visit the Maeklong Railway Market (keep in mind that it's more than an hour's drive from Bangkok) or a floating market.

AYUTTHAYA (1 NIGHT)

• Take a minivan or a train or a bus to Ayutthaya, an ancient capital of the Kingdom of Siam.

           **I booked most of my transport between cities with 12go.asia

• Rent a bike and explore the UNESCO-listed temples and ruins of Ayutthaya Historical Park.
• Visit the Night Market.
• Take a boat ride on the rivers surrounding the historic district.

NIGHT TRAIN (1 NIGHT)

• Spend the day visiting other temples and the city.
• In the evening, go to Ayutthaya train station and take the night train to Chiang Mai. 

      **My advice: opt for an air-conditioned car. Good night!

CHIANG MAI (1 NIGHT)

• Visit Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, a temple located on a mountain with panoramic views of the city.
• Explore Chiang Mai Old Town.
• Take a Thai cooking class.
• Eat at Ploen Ruedee Night Market.
• Visit the Chiang Mai Night Bazaar.
• Watch a Ladyboy Cabaret Show at Anusarn Market.
• Take an hour to receive a REAL Thai massage.

CHIANG RAI (1 NIGHT)

• Take a minivan or bus to Chiang Rai.
• Visit the White Temple (Wat Rong Khun).
• Visit the Blue Temple (Wat Rong Suea Ten).
• Visit the Night Market.

BANGKOK

• Take a plane or bus back to Bangkok and catch your return flight (ideally departing in the evening).

ARRIVE IN KOH SAMUI

DEPART FROM KOH SAMUI

KOH SAMUI (2 NIGHTS)

• Rent a scooter to explore the island.
• See the Big Buddha.
• Relax on one of the island's beaches like Chaweng Beach.
• Explore Fisherman's Village in Bophut.

**KOH PHANGAN

If you turn out to be around when one of the island's Full Moon Parties happens, I recommend going for at least one night (two nights if you don't want to have to get up at 10 a.m. the morning after the party to check-out from your hostel).

If there is no Full Moon Party at the time of your trip, go directly to Koh Tao.

KOH TAO (3 NIGHTS)

• Take a ferry from Koh Samui to Koh Tao.

           **I have often booked my transport from one city to another with 12go.asia, but on the islands several kiosks offer tickets for the same price or less.

• Book a scuba diving or snorkeling tour.
• Visit Koh Nang Yuan, an island with crystal clear waters on which a small strip of sand connects three small islands.
• Explore the island's beaches, such as Aow Leuk Beach (my favorite), Sairee Beach, Shark Bay or Freedom Beach.
• Enjoy the nightlife at Sairee Beach or Mae Haad.
• Party at a Jungle Party or another party happening on the island.

KOH SAMUI (1 NIGHT)

• Take a ferry back to Koh Samui.
• Take your return flight from Koh Samui Airport.