The Southeast Asian nation of Thailand sits atop many travelers’ bucket lists for good reason. On this 2,000-mile-long coastline—made up of the Gulf of Thailand to the east and a stretch flowing into the Andaman Sea on the western side—there’s no shortage of sandy spots to lay down a towel. It’s a winter sun favorite thanks to balmy temperatures across the smattering of picturesque islands, staying wonderfully warm while the northern hemisphere shivers between November and February. However, the rainier months are no deterrent to backpackers and gap year adventurers, who arrive in their millions each year. But where to start? Planning two weeks in Thailand can seem daunting with so many places worth visiting. From the bright lights of Bangkok to the jungle terrain of the wild north and Chiang Mai, down to the dazzling islands on two sides of the mainland, there’s enough to warrant a much longer stay. Here, we answer frequently asked questions ahead about traveling to the country, plus we’ve curated the ultimate two-week itinerary in Thailand.
Is two weeks enough in Thailand?
Naturally, the longer you spend somewhere, the more you can get under its skin. That said, you can still get a good feel for Thailand—and all it has to offer—in two weeks. You’ll just need to be canny with your time and unafraid to zip around on boats, buses, and planes.
Where is the best place to base yourself in Thailand?
It depends on what you’re looking for. If you want to dive into street food markets, restaurants, bars, galleries, and museums, then Bangkok is the place to be. The capital city is also a transport hub, with AirAsia operating affordable flights across Thailand—including Chiang Mai, Udon Thani, Trang, Phuket, and Krabi—and other Asian destinations.
For a taste of island life, Phuket, Thailand’s largest island, has beachfront resorts, wellness retreats, Muay Thai camps, and easy access to smaller islands in the Andaman Sea, like Koh Yao Noi and Koh Yao Yai.
Ao Nang and Koh Lanta are good jumping-off points for exploring all Krabi offers. Meanwhile, the creative city of Chiang Mai is the ideal base for exploring northern Thailand’s key destinations, including Chiang Rai and Pai.
Do I need vaccines for Thailand?
The CDC recommends that travelers to Thailand stay up to date with all primary courses and boosters for life in the United States, including MMR, seasonal flu, and Covid vaccinations. Other vaccines to consider include Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Typhoid, Tetanus, Malaria, and Rabies.
