A good 14 day Thailand itinerary for a first trip is 4 days in Bangkok, a day trip to Ayutthaya, 4 days in Chiang Mai, 3 days in Phuket and 2 days on the Phi Phi Islands. You start with temples and city life, go north for Lanna culture, then end on the beaches of the Andaman Sea. Below you get the plan day by day, the top things to do at each stop and what to sort out before you fly.
Thailand Itinerary 14 Days at a Glance
- Days 1 to 4: Bangkok (Grand Palace, Temple of the Emerald Buddha, Wat Pho, Wat Arun, the canals)
- Day 5: Ayutthaya day trip from Bangkok (the old capital and its temple ruins)
- Days 6 to 9: Chiang Mai (Old City, Wat Phra Singh, Wat Chedi Luang, night markets)
- Days 10 to 12: Phuket (beaches, Old Phuket Town, Big Buddha)
- Days 13 to 14: Phi Phi Islands (Koh Phi Phi Don, Maya Bay on Koh Phi Phi Leh, island boat trips)
You fly from Bangkok to Chiang Mai and from Chiang Mai to Phuket, then take a boat to the Phi Phi Islands. There is no airport on Phi Phi, so plan the boat back to Phuket or Krabi in time for your flight home on day 14.
Before You Go: What to Sort Out
Entry rules
Thailand changed its visa exemption rules on 15 September 2026. The old 60 day exemption ended, and visitors from 60 countries and territories, including the UK, the USA, Canada, Australia and all EU countries, can now stay up to 30 days without a visa for tourism. Other passports fall under a 15 day exemption, a visa on arrival, bilateral agreements or need a visa, as the Tourism Authority of Thailand explains. Check the rule for your own passport before you book.
Every foreign visitor also has to fill in the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) before arrival. You can submit it up to three days before you land, on the official TDAC website, which charges no fee. Immigration officers can also ask to see proof of funds and onward travel, so keep those documents at hand, as the TAT reminder on proof of funds sets out.
Temple dress code
Thailand's big temples are sacred places, so cover your shoulders and knees. The Grand Palace, for example, does not allow sleeveless shirts, see-through tops, shorts, mini skirts or torn and tight trousers, according to its official practical information page. Take off your shoes where you see others do it. For more manners tips, read our 27 travel etiquette tips.
Staying online
You will use maps, ride apps, boat and train tickets and translation all day. Roaming from your home plan can get expensive, and hotel Wi-Fi does not help you on a boat or at a night market. A Thailand eSIM gives you mobile data from the moment you land. Install it at home before you fly, as the steps are in our eSIM installation guide. Your phone needs to support eSIM and be unlocked, which you can check in our list of eSIM compatible devices.
For 14 days, pick a plan that lasts at least 14 days. One eSIM covers the whole route, from Bangkok to the islands. If you stream, share photos or work on the road, the unlimited plan saves you from counting gigabytes.
These plans are data-only and work across Thailand. More options on our Thailand eSIM page and all other regions on our destinations page. Not sure which plan fits you? See our guide to the best eSIMs for Thailand.
Days 1 to 4: Bangkok
Bangkok is where most long haul flights land, so it is the natural first stop. Use day 1 to arrive and get over the flight, then spread the big sights over the next three days. River boats are an easy way to move between the temples near the Chao Phraya.
- The Grand Palace: The former royal residence is a complex of halls and temples in the old city. It opens daily from 8:30 a.m. and tickets are sold until 3:30 p.m., as the official Grand Palace site shows. Go early, before the heat and the tour groups.
- Temple of the Emerald Buddha (Wat Phra Kaew): It stands inside the palace grounds, so you see it on the same visit. The Emerald Buddha has three costumes, one for summer, one for the rainy season and one for winter, according to the Grand Palace website.
- Wat Pho: A short walk south of the palace, this temple is home to the famous Reclining Buddha. Check visiting times on the official Wat Pho site.
- Wat Arun: The Temple of Dawn sits on the other bank of the river. Its pagoda is about 67 metres high and decorated with seashells and pieces of Chinese porcelain, as the Tourism Authority of Thailand describes. Cross by ferry and stay for the view at sunset.
- Thonburi canals: A long-tail boat ride through the canals on the Thonburi side shows you houses on stilts and a slower side of the city.
Day 5: Ayutthaya
Ayutthaya lies north of Bangkok and makes an easy day trip by train or car. It was once the capital of Siam and its historic ruins are a UNESCO World Heritage Site, as the Tourism Authority of Thailand notes. The temples are spread over a wide area, so rent a bicycle or hire a driver for the day.
- Wat Mahathat: Home to the well known Buddha head held in the roots of a tree. Stand or crouch lower than the head when you take a photo, as a sign of respect.
- Wat Phra Si Sanphet: A row of tall chedis makes this one of the most photographed views in Ayutthaya.
- Wat Chaiwatthanaram: A large riverside temple ruin that is worth a stop late in the afternoon.
Want more time here? Stay one night in Ayutthaya and take the train on to Chiang Mai instead of flying from Bangkok.
Days 6 to 9: Chiang Mai
Fly from Bangkok to Chiang Mai, the main city of the north. From the 13th to the 18th century, the north made up the kingdom of Lanna, with its own art, architecture and language, as the Tourism Authority of Thailand explains. You still see that in the temples of the walled Old City.
- The Old City: A square of old walls and a moat holds dozens of temples, cafes and guesthouses. It is easy to explore on foot or by bicycle.
- Wat Phra Singh: One of the best known temples of Chiang Mai, at the western end of Ratchadamnoen Road inside the Old City.
- Wat Chedi Luang: Known for its huge, partly ruined brick chedi in the middle of the Old City.
- Wat Chiang Man: A quieter temple in the north of the Old City and a nice break from the crowds.
- Elephants: If you want to see elephants, choose a sanctuary that does not offer riding or shows, and read recent reviews before you book.
- Night markets: The Sunday market on Ratchadamnoen Road and the Night Bazaar are good for street food and souvenirs. Plan your days so that you are in town on a Sunday evening.
Days 10 to 12: Phuket
Fly from Chiang Mai to Phuket for the beach part of the trip. Phuket has busy resort towns on the west coast and an old town full of character in the middle.
- Patong Beach: The liveliest beach on the island, with plenty of restaurants, shops and nightlife.
- Kata and Karon: Two beaches south of Patong that are a bit calmer and good for swimming and sunsets.
- Old Phuket Town: Colourful shophouses, Chinese shrines and cafes along Thalang Road and the streets around it. Come back in the evening for dinner.
- Big Buddha: A white statue on a hilltop with wide views over the south of the island. It is a religious site, so dress as you would for a temple.
- Phang Nga Bay: A day trip by boat among limestone islands, including the rock often called James Bond Island.
Days 13 to 14: Phi Phi Islands
Take a boat from Phuket to Koh Phi Phi Don, where the hotels are and where you sleep. From there, day trips by long-tail boat or speedboat take you around the other islands.
- Koh Phi Phi Don: Walk up to the viewpoint for the classic view over the two bays, then spend the afternoon on Long Beach or snorkelling.
- Maya Bay on Koh Phi Phi Leh: The bay became famous after the 1999 film The Beach and is part of Hat Noppharat Thara Mu Ko Phi Phi National Park. Boats now land at a jetty on the other side of the island, visitor numbers are controlled and swimming is only allowed in a set area, as the Tourism Authority of Thailand explains. Check the latest park rules before you book a tour.
- Bamboo Island: A small island with white sand and clear water, a good stop on a half day boat trip.
Want more islands? Our list of the best islands in Southeast Asia gives you ideas for a longer trip.
Tips for Your 14 Days in Thailand
- Book flights and boats early: Domestic flights and island transfers fill up in the busy months, and prices go up close to the date.
- Leave a buffer day: Boats can be delayed by weather, so do not plan your flight home from Phuket on the same morning you leave Phi Phi.
- Plan your money: Cash is still handy at markets and small stalls, and fees on your home card can add up. See how to avoid international ATM fees.
- Going on to other countries? See our guide to the best eSIMs for Southeast Asia. Adding Cambodia to your route? Our Cambodia trip guide helps you plan it.
FAQ
Is 14 days enough for Thailand?
It is enough for a first trip that mixes Bangkok, the north and the islands. You will not see everything, so pick one island area in the south and leave the others for another trip.
What is the best route for 14 days in Thailand?
This plan goes Bangkok, Ayutthaya, Chiang Mai, Phuket and the Phi Phi Islands, in one direction. Two domestic flights and one boat trip avoid long trips back and forth.
How many days should I spend in Bangkok?
Three to four days is enough for the main temples, the river and a few markets, plus a day trip to Ayutthaya. If you prefer beaches over cities, cut Bangkok to three days and add a day in Phuket.
Do I need a visa for Thailand?
It depends on your passport. Since 15 September 2026, visitors from 60 countries and territories can stay up to 30 days without a visa, and others have different rules. Everyone has to complete the free Thailand Digital Arrival Card before arrival.
How do I get mobile data in Thailand?
The easiest way is a Thailand eSIM that you install before you fly. It is data-only, so you use WhatsApp, FaceTime or other apps for calls. You can also compare options in our overview of eSIM providers in Thailand.
