Classic Thailand: Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket & Krabi
Head north from Bangkok to Chiang Mai, then fly to the Andaman Sea to experience historic temples, ancient cities, and tropical islands all in one trip.
This is the most popular route for first-time visitors to Thailand: Bangkok with a day trip to Ayutthaya, Chiang Mai for temples, an elephant sanctuary, and Doi Inthanon, followed by a flight to Phuket to cruise Phang Nga Bay, and ending in Ao Nang. Two domestic flights save you from long overland journeys. This itinerary skips the islands in the Gulf of Thailand. With a moderate pace, it is perfect for first-timers with about two weeks of vacation.
The Andaman Sea has calmer waves from November to April; some boat excursions are suspended during the rainy season.
Day by day
Day 1 · Arrive in Bangkok & Explore Chinatown
Bangkok（Yaowarat Road (Chinatown)）
Take the Airport Rail Link and transfer to the MRT, or take a taxi to the riverside area (approx. 1h). Explore Yaowarat Road on foot in the evening.
Stay: Riverside · Yaowarat
Day 2 · Old City Temples, Grand Palace & Wat Arun
Bangkok（Grand Palace & Wat Phra Kaew、Wat Pho、Wat Arun）
Take the Chao Phraya Express Boat to the Old City, walk between temples, and take a ferry across the river to Wat Arun (takes a little over half a day in total).
The Grand Palace has a strict dress code (shoulders and knees must be covered); arriving right at opening time is highly recommended.
Stay: Riverside · Yaowarat
Day 3 · Ayutthaya Ancient Capital Day Trip
Ayutthaya（Wat Mahathat、Wat Phra Si Sanphet、Wat Chaiwatthanaram）
Take a train to Ayutthaya (approx. 1.5–2h), hire a tuk-tuk to hop between the ruins, and return to Bangkok in the evening.
Stay: Riverside · Yaowarat
Day 4 · Fly to Chiang Mai & Explore the Old City Temples
Chiang Mai（Wat Phra Singh、Wat Chedi Luang）
Fly to Chiang Mai in the morning (approx. 1.2h), take a taxi from the airport to the Old City (approx. 15m), and explore the temples on foot in the afternoon.
Stay: Old City
Day 5 · Doi Suthep & Nimman Road
Chiang Mai（Wat Phra That Doi Suthep、Wat Umong、Nimmanhaemin Road）
Charter a songthaew up to Doi Suthep (approx. 40m), head down to Wat Umong and Nimman Road, and return to the Old City in the evening.
Stay: Old City
Day 6 · Elephant Nature Park Day Trip
Chiang Mai（Elephant Nature Park）
The sanctuary provides round-trip hotel transfers (approx. 1.5h one way). Spend the entire day at the park.
Choose ethical, no-riding programs and book several weeks in advance during peak season.
Stay: Old City
Day 7 · Doi Inthanon National Park Day Trip
Chiang Mai（Doi Inthanon National Park）
Charter a car up to Doi Inthanon (approx. 2h) to visit the summit, the twin pagodas, and waterfalls, returning to Chiang Mai in the evening.
Temperatures at the summit can be low; bring a jacket for winter mornings.
Stay: Old City
Day 8 · Fly to Phuket & Stay in Kata
Take a direct flight from Chiang Mai to Phuket (approx. 2h), travel from the airport to Kata (approx. 1h), and head to Promthep Cape in the evening.
Stay: Kata Beach
Day 9 · Phang Nga Bay Day Cruise
Join a speedboat or longtail boat tour from the pier (approx. 8–9h round trip, including hotel transfers).
Stay: Kata Beach
Day 10 · Phuket Old Town & Big Buddha
Phuket（Big Buddha (Phra Phutta Ming Mongkol Eknakiri)、Wat Chalong、Phuket Old Town）
Charter a car or rent one to tour the island. Driving between the Big Buddha, Wat Chalong, and the Old Town takes about 1 hour in total, allowing for leisurely stops.
Stay: Kata Beach
Day 11 · Ferry to Ao Nang & Railay
Krabi Ao Nang（Railay Beach、Phra Nang Cave Beach）
Take a morning boat from Rassada Pier to Ao Nang (approx. 2h), then take a longtail boat to Railay in the afternoon (approx. 15m).
The last longtail boat back from Railay departs early, so keep an eye on the time.
Stay: Ao Nang Beach
Day 12 · Krabi Four Islands Island Hopping
Krabi Ao Nang（Four Islands Tour）
Take a longtail boat or speedboat from Ao Nang Beach for island hopping (approx. 6–7h), returning in the afternoon.
Stay: Ao Nang Beach
Day 13 · Tiger Cave Temple & Fly out of Krabi
Krabi Ao Nang（Tiger Cave Temple (Wat Tham Suea)）
Take an early morning taxi to Tiger Cave Temple (approx. 30m), and head to Krabi Airport after descending (approx. 30m).
Climbing to the summit involves over a thousand steps; start early to beat the heat.
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