In as few as five days, you can experience authentic Thai culture on a trip to the southern bays or trekking around the villages in the country's north. With a week, there's enough time to go on an immersive tour of Chiang Mai or hit the trails on a multi-day hike of the northern mountains and rice paddies. And with 10 or 12 days, you can embark on a grand tour that includes Bangkok, the northern temples, and the sun-kissed southern beaches.
January is one of the best times of the year to visit Thailand. High season is in full effect with perfect weather in just about every part of the country. It's cooler than other times of the year, especially up north around Chiang Mai where January ties with December for lowest average temperatures. The Chinese New Year often falls in January, and when this happens, it brings all sorts of delightful festivities and celebrations (the only downside being larger crowds and pricier hotels—book in advance!).
Bangkok is a tropical metropolis where centuries-old temples sit alongside sleek skyscrapers. The same contrast can be found in the city's boutique accommodations—heritage properties and futuristic hotels rub shoulders, with each architectural style representing a radically different side of this dynamic capital. Check out Bangkok's best boutique hotels with this list.
Most travelers will find that 11 to 12 days is perfect for a well-paced Thailand trip with stops in Phuket, Krabi, and Ko Phi Phi. Travelers with less time can hit the route's highlights in 10 days, which makes for a fast-paced journey. With more time, you can enjoy extra activities at each stop or a few days in another region like Khao Lak or Bangkok. See more ideas for Phuket, Krabi, and Ko Phi Phi itineraries below.
Travelers to Thailand typically plan a trip for nine to 12 days when combining Chiang Mai with Bangkok and Phuket. If you're only headed to Chiang Mai, you can enjoy a comfortably paced trip in five to seven days. Read on for the best itineraries, including Chiang Mai and beyond.
December is one of the best months to visit Thailand. The temperatures have cooled down so it's not miserably hot, and the rains have stopped just about everywhere (although some of the beaches still get storms, especially on the Gulf of Thailand). It's hot but not scorching and everything is open again. The only drawback: stellar weather draws lots of tourists, so you'll contend with more lines and crowds—still, it's a fantastic time to plan a visit.
Ten to 11 days is a great length for a Thailand trip, with stops in Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and Khao Lak. Travelers with less time can hit the route's highlights in nine days, which makes for a fast-paced journey. Travelers with more time can enjoy extra sights and activities at each stop or explore more of the country—some of our favorite itinerary extensions include Kanchanaburi. Get inspired with our Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and Khao Lak trip ideas below.
Travelers to Thailand typically plan a trip for 12 to 14 days when combining Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and Chiang Rai with Phuket and Siem Reap in Cambodia. If you're not interested in Phuket, seven to nine days is enough for your Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and Chiang Rai trip. Even travelers with limited time can see the highlights in as few as six days. Read on for the best itineraries, including Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, and beyond.
Most people visiting Bangkok spend about nine to 12 days in Thailand, which usually includes some time in Chiang Mai and Phuket as well. If you're only headed to Bangkok, you can enjoy a comfortably paced trip in five to six days. Even travelers with limited time can see the highlights in as few as four days. Read on for the best itineraries, including Bangkok and beyond.