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.

How many days do you need in Bangkok, Chiang Mai & Khao Lak?

  • Most travelers spend 10-11 days in Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and Khao Lak combined
  • Visiting Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and Khao Lak in 9 days is possible, but it will feel rushed
  • With 12 or more days, most travelers choose to add more stops to their trip
  • The most common extension is Kanchanaburi

How Many Days to Spend in Thailand

Plan your trip to Thailand
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.

Recommended Itineraries for Bangkok, Chiang Mai & Khao Lak

Recommended Itinerary for 15 Days

Relax on the glorious beaches of southern Thailand

 

Day Highlights Overnight
Day 1 Arrive in Bangkok, Explore Bangkok
Day 2 Full-Day Tour of Bangkok Bangkok
Day 3 Bicycle Tour, Thai Cooking Class Bangkok
Day 4 Day Trip to Ayutthaya Bangkok
Day 5 Fly to Chiang Mai, Explore Chiang Mai
Day 6 Day Trip to the Golden Triangle Chiang Mai
Day 7 Visit an Elephant Sanctuary Chiang Mai
Day 8 Fly to Surat Thani, Transfer to Khao Sok National Park, Canoe Trip Khao Sok National Park
Day 9 Day Trip to Cheow Lan Lake Khao Sok National Park
Day 10 Khao Sok Bamboo Rafting Adventure Khao Sok National Park
Day 11 Transfer to Khao Lak, Nature Hike Khao Lak
Day 12 Snorkeling Tour in the Similan Islands Khao Lak
Day 13 Day Trip to Takua Pa Khao Lak
Day 14 White Water Rafting & Zipline Adventure Khao Lak
Day 15 Transfer to Phuket, Depart  

Get ready for 15 action-packed days of culture and outdoor adventures in Thailand. Start the journey in exotic Bangkok where guides will show you around the city and the UNESCO-listed ruins of Ayutthaya. Then head north to Chiang Mai to see temples, step foot in Laos, and spend a day with elephants. The last leg of the trip is in the south, where you'll unwind in Khao Lak, the Similan Islands, and other peaceful corners of this tropical paradise. Read more

Extended Itineraries

12-Day Itinerary Including Kanchanaburi

Spend a day in Kanchanaburi, home of the historic River Kwai
Day Highlights Overnight
Day 1 Arrive in Bangkok, Self-Guided Day Bangkok
Day 2 Bangkok Temples & Canals Tour Bangkok
Day 3 Transfer to Kanchanaburi, Explore Erawan National Park, Hellfire Pass & Death Railway Kanchanaburi
Day 4 Visit Ayutthaya, Train to Chiang Mai Chiang Mai
Day 5 Self-Guided Day in Chiang Mai Chiang Mai
Day 6 Visit Doi Inthanon National Park & Mae Klang Luang Nature Trail Chiang Mai
Day 7 Explore the Beauty of Mae Wang Chiang Mai
Day 8 Fly to Khao Lak, Leisure Day in Khao Lak Khao Lak
Day 9 Explore the Phang Nga Bay & James Bond Island Khao Lak
Day 10 Full-Day Similan Island Tour Khao Lak
Day 11 Beach Day at Khao Lak Khao Lak
Day 12 Transfer to Phuket, Depart  


From cruising around James Bond Island to relaxing on Khao Lak's beaches, this 12-day tour is a great choice for those wanting to sample some of Thailand's greatest hits. Start by exploring Bangkok's canals and temples before learning about the tragic history of the Thai-Burma Railway in Kanchanaburi. Then it's on to Chiang Mai, where you'll trek and visit an elephant camp. The end of your tour is centered around the island of Khao Lak, discovering the beauty of its beaches and surrounding sites. Read more

Map

Map of Bangkok, Chiang Mai & Khao Lak: Best Itinerary Ideas
Map of Bangkok, Chiang Mai & Khao Lak: Best Itinerary Ideas