Top 10 Things To Do Traveling in Thailand
A Two week Itinerary
If you’re dreaming of a Southeast Asian escape, Thailand is the perfect travel destination. With its mix of ancient temples, tropical beaches, delicious food and friendly locals, it’s perfect for solo adventurers.
This guide combines a 2-week Thailand itinerary with the top 11 must-do experiences. It offers something for every kind of traveler, whether you’re planning your dream vacation or traveling solo, this is a destination not to miss.
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Overview: Your 2-Week Thailand Itinerary
- Days 1–3: Bangkok
- Days 4–6: Chiang Mai
- Days 7–9: Phuket
- Days 10–11: Ko Phi Phi
- Days 12–13: Krabi
- Day 14: Khao Lak
Let’s break it down with top activities in each location
*Days 1–3: Bangkok – Temples, Street Food & Urban Adventure
Start your journey in the capital, where traditional culture and modern city mix together.
1. Visit the Grand Palace and Wat Pho in Bangkok
No trip to Thailand is complete without seeing Bangkok’s Grand Palace, a large complex of sacred temples and royal halls. This has to be on your list of top things to do. The architecture is amazing, it doesn’t really compare to other temples I’ve seen, it also may be because it was my first time in an Asian temple. Either way, I found it stunning. Also, remember to wear temple appropriate clothing if you’re going inside.
Just a short walk away is Wat Pho, home to the majestic Reclining Buddha and a world-renowned traditional massage school. Then hop on a river taxi or a long-tail boat for beautiful views of Bangkok from the Chao Phraya River.
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2. Eat Your Way Through the Bangkok Streets
Bangkok is a food paradise and trying dishes like pad thai, green curry and mango sticky rice from Chinatown’s food stalls is a rite of passage. It was my first time trying sticky rice while in Thailand and it did not disappoint. It was fresh, sweet and delicious.
Join a walking tour for the full history of this amazing city. If you’re interested in shopping, head to the mega malls like MBK or experience the chaotic charm of the Chatuchak Weekend Market. Don’t forget to take a tuk-tuk ride for a true Bangkok city experience.
*Days 4–6: Chiang Mai – Culture, Cooking & Elephants
Fly or take an overnight train to Chiang Mai for a change of pace and elevation. I took a flight to save time, it was about an hour. Easy and quick. Cheap too.
3. Climb to Wat Doi Suthep in Chiang Mai
Start by wandering the Old City, where ancient temples like Wat Chedi Luang and Phra Singh offer some quiet moments to yourself . One of the most iconic temples, Wat Doi Suthep sits on a hilltop above the city. The climb is 306-steps, but it has a breathtaking view from the top and is totally worth it. It’s a great place to watch the sunset. Chiang Mai also has an iconic Sunday Night Market to check out during your stay.
4. Spend a Day at an Ethical Elephant Sanctuary
Top of my list of things to do was to visit an elephant sanctuary. In northern Thailand, near Chiang Mai, there are many ethical elephant sanctuaries that care for rescued elephants. You can spend the day feeding, walking and bathing the elephants without riding or performances. I took a day trip from my hostel in Chiang Mai, to one of these sanctuaries. Here, many of the elephants were retired from tourist carrying centers. It was an unforgettable experience and I would recommend not to miss this experience during your trip. Make sure it’s an ethical sanctuary because there are still some which do elephant rides during the day.
Solo Tip: Chiang Mai is known to host a lot of solo travelers, so it’s a great way to meet some people along your trip if you want some company.
5. Take a Thai Cooking Class with a Local Chef
Want to take a taste of Thailand home with you? Learn to cook traditional dishes in Chiang Mai or Bangkok. Most classes include a market visit, hands-on instructions and a meal you’ll enjoy with new friends.
Popular Dishes: Tom yum soup, pad thai, papaya salad, and green curry.
*Days 7–9: Phuket – Island Vibes & Ocean Views.
From Chiang Mai, fly down to Phuket, Thailand’s largest island and explore the southern coast. While it can be touristy in some areas, Phuket offers a wide range of experiences depending on where you stay.
6. Visit Big Buddha and Wat Chalong Temple
You can spend your days lounging on tranquill Kata or Kamala Beach, which provide a chill, relaxed environment while Patong Beach gives you a more lively, nightlife vibe. Be prepared for more people along this beach as it’s a popular tourist spot. I had the opportunity to go parasailing for the first time on Patong Beach, the views were well worth the $30 I paid for the excursion.
You can try zip-lining through the jungle or take a day trip to the nearby James Bond Island where there are stunning limestone cliffs. End your days in Phuket by visiting the Big Buddha and Wat Chalong temple which give a great insight to Thai Buddhism.
*Days 10–11: Ko Phi Phi – Beaches, Boats & Viewpoints
7. Hike to the Phi Phi Viewpoint
You can take a ferry from Phuket to the Phi Phi Islands. It’s about two hours. A nice relaxing boat ride on the sea. Ko Phi Phi is famous for its turquoise water and limestone cliffs, but one of the best views is from above. Hike to Viewpoint 2 for a panoramic look over the twin bays, it’s magical at sunrise or sunset.
The Maya Bay was made famous by the movie, The Beach. The beach is stunning with the crystal clear water, but be prepared for a herd of people. You are walking long wooden planks to the beach with hundreds of people. They are rushing you in and out, just enough time to take photos on the beach. I wanted to get out of there because it was so crowded.
Thailand has some beautiful beaches so if you’re not set on seeing this beach because of the movie, I would skip it. As an alternative, you can book a long-tail boat to explore Maya Bay, Viking Cave and snorkel or kayak in Pileh Lagoon.
Another country with amazing beaches is Croatia. Check out the pictures and posts here.
Solo Tip: Hostels here are sociable, but if you want peace, stay on the quieter east side of the island.
*Days 12–13: Krabi – Limestone Cliffs & Hidden Beaches
From Phi Phi, hop a ferry to Krabi, which will take about an hour and a half
8. Explore the Cliffs and Beaches of Krabi
When in Krabi don’t miss Railay Beach, which feels like a hidden paradise. Limestone cliffs make it perfect for rock climbers, while soft sand and clear water draws beach lovers. This was my favorite island during my trip. Quieter, less people, slower pace and amazing beaches. You can kayak around the waters or just relax by the beach to soak up some sun.
Ao Nang is a great starting point, with plenty of restaurants, markets, and easy access to nearby natural wonders. Then walk to Phra Nang Cave Beach, known for its beautiful caves and sacred shrine inside a cliffside cavern.
From Ao Nang you can easily take the 4 islands tour from Krabi and visit Poda, Chicken, Tup and Phra Nang.
Solo Tip: Railay is peaceful and friendly—perfect for solo reflection or meeting others at beach bars.
9. Island Hop Around the Andaman Sea
Other boat tours leave from Phuket, Ko Phi Phi and Krabi to the Andaman Sea. Visit places like James Bond Island, Hong Island or the 4 Islands Tour. Island-hopping tours are popular around these areas. Sunsets from the beach here are worth it.
*Day 14: Khao Lak – Slow Down Before You Go
End your Thai journey with a final day of relaxation in Khao Lak, a quiet beach town about 2–3 hours north of Phuket. Far less crowded than other southern beach areas, Khao Lak is perfect for a peaceful last night.
If you have the time and energy, consider a day trip to the Similan Islands, known for some of the best snorkeling and diving in Thailand. You can visit the Bang Niang Market or Ton Chong Fa Waterfall. Otherwise, enjoy your last sunset on a quiet beach and enjoy one final Thai meal by the sea.
10. Shop the Night Markets and Support Local Artisans
Thailand’s night markets are more than just shopping—they’re a cultural experience. From handmade jewelry to custom leather bags and delicious street food, they’re a great place to wander solo.
Must-visit markets:
- Chiang Mai’s Sunday Night Market (Old City)
- Bangkok’s Chatuchak Market or Asiatique
- Phuket’s Chillva Market
Travel Tips
- Best time to visit: November to March (cool and dry season) I went in December, although I still found it to be hot, a quick dip in the water usually cooled me off.
- SIM card: You can buy one at the airport or 7-Eleven or, for me, even easier to buy an eSIM
- Transport: Domestic flights, trains, and buses are well-organized.
- Safety: Thailand is one of the best countries for solo travel. Use common sense, watch your belongings and avoid walking alone late at night in unfamiliar areas, as in all countries when you’re solo traveling.
- Meet people: Use apps like Meetup, Bumble BFF or join hostels/tours.
- Packing: Lightweight clothes, a temple-appropriate outfit, bug spray and good walking sandals
- Local Friendliness: Thai people are welcoming and respectful. A smile goes a long way.
Final Thoughts: The Travel Dream
Thailand is more than a destination—it’s a journey into culture, nature, flavor and self-discovery. With this 2-week itinerary and top 11 must-do experiences, you’ll see the best of Thailand while feeling free, safe and inspired every step of the way. Thailand is often ranked among the best countries for solo travel, and it’s easy to see why.
Thailand is in the top three of my favorite destinations. The others, Italy and Croatia. I can’t specifically rank them in order from one to three, that’s too difficult. With food, easy travel, weather, sights and experiences you can’t go wrong in any of these countries.
If you’re looking for some more destinations with amazing beaches, I recommend checking out my Costa Rica post.
