Thailand itinerary: Thailand in 4 weeks

Thailand Itinerary: Thailand in 4 Weeks

Thailand is a popular destination for both backpackers and travelers with a holiday package. Since the country has so many different and beautiful destinations to offer, it is not easy to set a perfect travel route for Thailand.

Do you want to experience the north with culture and landscape or the beautiful beaches in the south? Popular are combinations from the north and south for an itinerary in Thailand. Furthermore, Thailand offers a delicious and varied cuisine, which is a must try. We think it's one of the best in the world.

Thailand itinerary for 4 weeks

In this article we would like to give you some inspiration and introduce you to an itinerary for 4 weeks in Thailand. Of course you can still vary the route yourself, but maybe it will help you deciding where to go in Thailand.

Beforehand, we would like to share the following article with you for your trip to Thailand:


How to get to Thailand and onward journey

There are several ways to get to Thailand. Bangkok, with its two airports, Suvarnabhumi (BKK) and Don Mueang (DMK), is the first destination for most travelers in Thailand. But you can also travel to Thailand via places like Phuket, Krabi, Chiang Mai, etc. An overview of the airlines, times and destinations can be found on Skyscanner.

If you want to travel from one destination to the next within Thailand, there are also several ways of transportation. These include domestic flights, trains, buses and also the ferries, which are the only way to reach some islands. The various options can be found at our partner 12go.asia, including tickets, prices and times.


1. Bangkok (3 days)

The capital of Thailand is usually the first place travelers to the Land of Smiles see. Either you love it or hate it, in this point opinions differ a lot.

I love the city because it has so much to offer, from mesmerizing temples, awesome sky bars, river cruises, to bustling markets and a lavish nightlife.

I would advise you to spend a few days in the city at the beginning of your trip and just get yourself into Bangkok. It's crazy, but completely different than Europe. In addition, from there you have lots of convenient ways to travel to various other locations in Thailand.

Bangkok at sunset

Wat Phra Kaew, Bangkok
Inside Wat Phra Kaew, one of the most famous temples of Bangkoks

Do you still need a some impressions of the city, then check out our Bangkok video. I also recommend our guide about 20 things you should do in Bangkok. There you will definitely find the right activities for you.

If you don't want to explore the city on your own, there are also many exciting guided tours of Bangkok or the surrounding area.

Our hotel tip for Bangkok: Chatrium Riverside

2. Ayutthaya (1 day)

Ayutthaya was the capital of the ancient kingdom of Siam and shines today through some well-preserved temples and ruins. The Historical Park of Ayutthaya is located about 70 kilometers north of Bangkok and is a beautiful place to explore. You can either visit it on a day trip from Bangkok or take the train from Bangkok to Ayutthaya and spend a night there.

A particularly beautiful temple with large Chedis and Buddha statues is the Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon. In addition, the Wang Luang, the old royal palace, the Wat Ratchaburana with its walk-in crypt or the Wat Mahathat with the famous into a fig tree grown Buddha head are interesting. You can discover many beautiful ruins here and get an insight into the culture of Thailand.

Buddha head in the tree, Ayutthaya

Our hotel tip for Ayutthaya: Baan Bamai Boutique Hotel

3. Chiang Mai (5 days)

Chiang Mai is one of the most popular travel destinations next to the beautiful beaches of Thailand. The city offers visitors a great deal of culture with its countless temples and markets.

Chiang Mai is well-visited, especially for the Thai Festival of Lights Loy Krathong as there are parades and many other festive activities for visitors. The Doi Inthanon, the highest mountain in Thailand, is also nearby and is a popular destination for day trips.

Yi Peng, Loy Krathong, Chiang Mai

You should plan enough time for your stay in Chiang Mai, because you can discover a lot and let yourself be fascinated by the city. We've spent a few months in Chiang Mai and got to know the sights and activities. Furthermore, the city is great for meeting other travelers and a favorite place in the ever-growing digital nomad scene.

By the way, the overnight train from Bangkok is a good way to get to Chiang Mai. You will even save an overnight stay and arrive in the city the next morning.

Our hotel tip for Chiang Mai: Villa Sirilanna

4. Chiang Rai (2 days)

Further north of Chiang Mai, you can visit the town of Chiang Rai. While many travelers just stop by to see the Wat Rong Khun, also know as the White Temple, the place has much more to offer.

Wat Rong Khun, Chiang Rai

These include e.g. Baan Dam, the black house, which is the equivalent of the White Temple, the Wat Phra Kaeo, where the original statue of the Emerald Buddha was found, the daily night market or the impressive golden clock tower. If you take a closer look, there is no lack of sights in Chiang Rai.

You can reach Chiang Rai from Chiang Mai with the company Greenbus in about 3 hours. On site, we recommend renting a scooter to explore the city on your own.

Our hotel tip for Chiang Rai: Sleepy House

5. Krabi Town (1 day)

Krabi Town is often visited only as a transit town on a trip to the many beautiful islands of the Krabi region. Of course, island hopping in Krabi is more popular than in another Thai places. But Krabi Town has at least one real highlight to offer!

The Wat Tham Suea, or simply known as the Tiger Cave Temple, is a temple complex with a huge Buddha statue perched high on a mountain. You have to climb 1237 steps to the top. Although this is a sweaty activity, in the end you will be rewarded with an amazing view and a fascinating temple.

The Tiger Cave Temple, Wat Tham Suea, Krabi Town

If you spend a day in Krabi Town you should definitely visit the night market, too. In addition it is a good base to travel popular islands such as Koh Phi Phi.

Our hotel tip for Krabi Town: River Front Hotel

6. Koh Phi Phi (3 days)

Koh Phi Phi is one of the most popular islands, even if it is partly overcrowded. Of course, this is because the legendary movie The Beach was filmed here and the scenery attracts many travelers. Koh Phi Phi actually consists of two islands, Koh Phi Phi Don, the main island, and Koh Phi Phi Leh.

You could definitely call Koh Phi Phi Don a backpacker stronghold. There are plenty of hostels and nightly entertainment in the bars and the beach is always provided. But there is much more to discover on Koh Phi Phi Don. From the popular viewpoints to the gorgeous Long Beach with views of Koh Phi Phi Leh.

Koh Phi Phi Leh is the smaller of the two islands and doesn't have any accommodation, but the famous Maya Bay. You can do day trips from Koh Phi Phi Don to the neighboring island. It's best to start very early in the morning so that the beach is not overcrowded. Additionally, Koh Phi Phi Leh offers other highlights like the smaller but beautiful Lo Sama Bay or the Viking Cave.

Koh Phi Phi Viewpoint
The view at the two islands from the Koh Phi Phi viewpoint

From Koh Phi Phi there are also boats to other islands or back to the mainland. From there you can go to Phuket, Koh Lanta, back to Krabi Town or Ao Nang. This route continues to Ao Nang for island hopping.

Our hotel tip for Koh Phi Phi: ChaoKoh Koh Phi Phi Hotel & Resort

7. Ao Nang (4 days)

Ao Nang is the main resort of the Krabi region and is not that far from Krabi Town. While there are many mainland beaches in Ao Nang, restaurants, bars and various shopping options, many travelers mainly visit the town for the gorgeous surrounding islands.

Popular are the beaches of Railay, Tonsai or the Phra Nang Cave Beach. Those beaches are all situated on the mainland, but you still have to take a boat, as there is currently no road connection. Just as taking a boat to the offshore islands, this is very easy in Ao Nang. On the beach there are small ticket booths that sell trips to the beaches and islands.

Some of the beautiful islands are Koh Poda, Chicken Island, which is connected to Tub Island by a sandbank, or the further off located Hong Island. They all have white sandy beaches and a turquoise clear sea in common as well as they are perfect for a day trip.

Chicken Island, Ao Nang, Krabi
View from the Chicken Island viewpoint

From Ao Nang we continue by bus and then by ferry into the Gulf of Thailand to Koh Samui. Tickets are available from 600 baht in many travel agencies along the main street of Ao Nang or online on 12go.asia.

Our hotel tip for Ao Nang: Deevana Krabi Resort

8. Koh Samui (4 days)

Koh Samui is the third largest island in the country and is located in the Gulf of Thailand. While many visitors with a package holiday come to Samui, still many individual travelers find their way to the diverse island.

The Coconut Island, as Koh Samui is also called, offers countless beaches, fascinating temples such as the Big Buddha or Wat Plai Laem, many activities and attractions like the Grandfather and Grandmother Rock or the Tarnim Magic Garden and a thrilling nightlife.

In addition, there are many tours over the island and you can also use Koh Samui as a base for tours to the surrounding islands. One of the most popular tours takes you to the Ang Thong Marine National Park. An insiders' tip is the tour to Koh Madsum and Koh Taen.

Big Buddha, Koh Samui
The famous Big Buddha of Koh Samui

From Koh Samui you can take a boat from different piers starting at 200 baht to Koh Phangan. The main pier in Nathon offers good opportunities, but also the Lomprayah Pier in Maenam or the Seatran Pier in Bangrak are options to get to Koh Phangan in about 30 minutes.

By the way, if you want to book your tickets conveniently in advance, you can easily do that on 12go.asia.

Our hotel tip for Koh Samui: Amari Koh Samui

9. Koh Phangan (4 days)

Koh Phangan is the closest island to Koh Samui in the Gulf of Thailand. Of course it is especially known for the monthly Full Moon Party. Many visitors only travel to Phangan to participate in that very party and just stay a few days on the island. But Koh Phangan is more than just Full Moon Party.

When you arrive outside the Full Moon Party dates, or stay longer afterwards on the island, then you can explore a lot of places calmly. There are beautiful viewpoints and waterfalls, fascinating temples, some great sunset bars and much more.

But Koh Phangan doesn't just have a few attractions to offer. You can do many activities while staying on the island like visiting the Ang Thong Marine National Park, hike to Khao Ra, kitesurfing, attend a cooking class, slip-and-fly or visit some of the island's fabulous beaches.

Than Sadet Beach, Koh Phangan
The beautiful Than Sadet Beach

Our hotel tip for Koh Phangan: Sea Love Bungalows


Do you have any questions or comments about our Thailand itinerary? Just leave it in the comments.


Ayutthaya and the Hindu temple in Bangkok

Ayutthaya and the Hindu Temple in Bangkok

It was our third day in Bangkok, which started this time with a day trip. We went to Ayutthaya, the old capital of Siam - that's how Thailand was formerly called.

Travel report about a day trip to Ayutthaya from Bangkok

In this article we tell you about our experiences and the schedule of the day trip from Bangkok to Ayutthaya, which we did for the first time in 2012. You can find more tips and newer experiences from Ayutthaya here.


How to get to Bangkok

Traveling to Bangkok is relatively easy, as there are direct flights and stopovers from all the surrounding countries, as well as from Europe or the Emirates. Flights from neighboring countries arrive at Don Mueang International Airport (DMK) and flights from Europe etc. arrive at Suvarnabhumi International Airport (BKK).

Cheap flights to Bangkok can be found at Skyscanner for example. There you can compare the prices by days, see the flight duration and stopovers. Everything is very clear and absolutely recommended for a first comparison.

If you are traveling to Bangkok from other cities in Thailand or from neighboring countries such as Cambodia, then there are more possibilities. In addition to the airplane you can choose long-distance buses and trains (within Thailand) to Bangkok. Prices and times can be found at our partner 12go.asia.

Accommodation in Bangkok – our hotel tip

We have been to Bangkok many times and have tried many hotels. The Chatrium Riverside is one of our favorites. Directly on the Chao Phraya River with boat access to the Sathorn Pier, where the express boats leave, and the BTS station Saphan Taksin.

Furthermore, the hotel offers an extensive breakfast buffet, a swimming pool and large modern rooms with views over Bangkok. Just the perfect place for a bit of luxury on vacation. Find more hotels in Bangkok here.

View from the balcony of the Chatrium Riverside

The trip to Ayutthaya

After crossing the Chao Praya River by ferry from our hotel, the Hilton Millennium, we immediately looked for a means of transport to the train station.

The Millennium Hilton in Bangkok at the Chao Phraya river

It didn't take us long to find a Tuk Tuk (or did it find us?). We briefly negotiated a price to the station and then got on straight away. After a few minutes of driving, the driver suddenly started mumbling something in English that none of us really understood. We could only hear the word "suits". Please don't take us to the tailor, was the first thing that came to our minds. We acted as if we didn't understand anything, smiled friendly and just let him go on.

At first, that worked quite well, until he was apparently annoyed, made a u-turn and asked us to leave the vehicle: "I have no time, I have no time." What it is about "suits" and tailors we'll tell you another time. But probably everyone knows that who got into a Tuk Tuk in tourist areas for the first time in Bangkok.

Tuk Tuks in Bangkok on the way to the train station

The next Tuk Tuk finally brought us to the train station. At the entrance we were caught off by a young woman with whom we spoke briefly about our plans. She gave us the tip to take a taxi for the whole day instead of the train and then called us one. Air-conditioned taxi and a personal chauffeur who knows his way around. Did not sound bad. And for the equivalent of only 60 euros. Highly recommended for day tours in general in Thailand. Also for Ayutthaya's temple, as they are sometimes a bit apart (you can also rent a bike or scooter on site).

The first 20 minutes with Mr. Jomron, our driver, were not particularly exciting. In order not to fall asleep, we asked about music. He nodded and immediately put in his favorite CD - and turned it up! The genre was something like a mix of traditional Thai music, pop and hip-hop. Insane! And the singer laughed loudly into the microphone every few minutes: "Ha ha ha, ha ha!"

Visiting the temples in Ayutthaya

This was how the rest of the trip went until we finally arrived in Ayutthaya. The first stop was Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon, which is still outside the old city walls and where we spent some time.

The Buddha in front of the Great Chedi (Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon), Ayutthaya
The Buddha in front of the Great Chedi (Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon), Ayutthaya

Many of the temples in Ayutthaya are now ruins or badly damaged due to a Burmese campaign in 1767. However, the Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon is mostly well-preserved and offers huge Chedis and many Buddha statues that you can see. Very fascinating.

Buddha statues in the Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon of Ayutthaya

Garden and main Chedi of the Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon
Garden and main Chedi of the Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon

Then we went back to the taxi, where Mr. Jomron was waiting for us and we drove to the next Wat (= temple/temple complex). The main temple Wat Mahathat was next. It is one of the most visited temples and was built in 1374. The highlight there is the fig tree, in which a Buddha head has ingrown.

The ingrown Buddha head of Wat Mahathat, Ayutthaya
The ingrown Buddha head of Wat Mahathat, Ayutthaya "

So we went from "Wat" to "Wat" in the Historical Park of Ayutthaya. Wat Ratchaburana, Wat Phra Si San Phet and many more. On the first visit, the amount of temples can be quite overwhelming.

View of the Wat Ratchaburana in Ayutthaya
View of the Wat Ratchaburana
The Wat Phra Si Sanphet
The top of the Chedis of Wat Phra Si Sanphet

After hours and visiting some of the temples, we decided to end the tour and back to Bangkok. We only saw a fraction of the entire complex and temples and could easily have spent a few more hours here in Ayutthaya! But the time was unfortunately too short, because we still wanted to go to the Hindu temple in Bangkok.

The Sri Maha Mariamman Hindu temple in Bangkok

At arrival at the Sri Maha Mariamman, which is located in the Silom district in Bangkok, we were approached directly by a Thai. He explained to us that at Wat Khaek, as the temple is also known among the locals, we are not allowed to take photos inside.

Gopuram (entrance tower) of the Sri Maha Mariamman in Bangkok
Gopuram (entrance tower) of the Sri Maha Mariamman

Immediately after entering the temple we felt like in another world. The smell of incense came immediately to us, it was very intense throughout the courtyard. At the same time, we heard a mantra all the time, which was being recited and has an absolute catchy tune. Very fascinating!

Sri Maha Mariamman in Silom, Bangkok

Tourists are hardly found here. We took a tour around the temple, past statues and images of many Hindu gods such as Ganesha, Vishnu, Kali etc. But there were also images of the Buddha. If you want to see something other than Buddhist temples in Bangkok, this place is highly recommended. While walking along Silom Road back to the pier (and past the Lebua Hotel) we still heard the mantra in our heads all the time.

In the streets of Bangkok
In the streets of Bangkok

Plan your trip to Bangkok now

More hotel recommendations for Bangkok:


Bangkok: Tours and tickets

Did you visit Ayutthaya on a day trip from Bangkok? How did you like the trip? What was your experience like? We look forward to your comment.

Photos: Photo 1 courtesy of Chatrium Hotel Riverside Bangkok - Photo 3 (Tuk Tuks): pr_camera/shutterstock.com