My Absent-Minded 14-Day Thailand Itinerary (After 12 Years of Forgetting Hostel Names & Missing Buses)
Hey fellow wanderers! 👋 I’ve been bouncing around Thailand since 2012 (and somehow still forget to pack sunscreen). Here’s my chaotic-but-charming 14-day itinerary for first-timers, refined after years of getting lost in night markets, missing ferries, and befriending way too many street cats.
Days 1-3: Bangkok – Temples, Tuk-Tuks & “Wait, Where’s My Wallet?”
- Day 1: Land at BKK/Suvarnabhumi. Pro tip: Skip the taxi queue—book a Klook airport transfer (trust me, your jetlagged brain will thank you). Crash at a hostel in Khao San Road (RIP your sleep schedule).
- Day 2: Temple hop like a pro: Grand Palace, Wat Pho (giant reclining Buddha!), Wat Arun (sunset = magic). Forgot your modest clothes? Vendors rent elephant pants (aka Thai pajamas).
- Day 3: Floating market day trip (Damnoen Saduak or less-touristy Amphawa). Got scammed by a tuk-tuk driver? Welcome to the club.
Days 4-7: Chiang Mai – Mountains, Monks & “Why Did I Eat All That Khao Soi?”
- Fly north (1.5 hrs, ~$30). Stay in the Old City (I recommend Stamps Backpackers… or was it Stamps Hostel? 🤷).
- Day 4: Doi Suthep Temple + hike the Monk’s Trail. Buy a “same same but different” shirt.
- Day 5: Elephant Nature Park (ethical sanctuary—no riding!). Forgot to book ahead? Panic, then find a last-minute tour on Airbnb Experiences.
- Day 6: Cooking class! Learn to make pad thai, then realize you’ll never replicate it at home. Night market crawl: Saturday/Sunday Walking Street if timing works.
Days 8-11: Islands Time – Beaches, “Bucket” Drinks & Lost Flip-Flops
- Fly to Phuket (or Krabi). Debate Phi Phi vs. Koh Lanta for 3 hours. Settle on Phi Phi because FOMO.
- Day 8-9: Snorkel Maya Bay (RIP pre-2018 crowds), hike to the Phi Phi viewpoint, lose your flip-flops in a tide pool.
- Day 10-11: Ferry to Railay Beach (Krabi). Climb limestone cliffs or nap in a hammock. Forgot your Advil after that climb? 7-Eleven to the rescue.
Days 12-14: Bangkok Redux – “Wait, Did I Already Buy Souvenirs?”
- Fly back to Bangkok. Stay near Siam Square for mall therapy.
- Day 12: Chatuchak Weekend Market (get lost in Section 23, buy a wooden elephant you’ll regret carrying home).
- Day 13: Ayutthaya day trip (ancient ruins + Instagram envy). Return to devour mango sticky rice at Mae Varee.
- Day 14: Cry because you’re leaving. Panic-buy Thai tea mix at the airport.
Why This Works for Forgetful Souls Like Me:
- Balances chaos (street food adventures) with chill (beachin’).
- Uses cheap flights (Nok Air, AirAsia) to save time.
- Avoids overpacking days—your brain needs buffer time for “where’s my passport?” moments.
PSA: If you want my LONGER 3-week version (with exact routes, where to find the best massaman curry, and how to avoid my 47 rookie mistakes), I wrote a 3-Week Thailand Itinerary Ebook. It’s like having me as your caffeine-deprived travel buddy, minus the panic attacks when trains are late.
If this helped, consider supporting my crippling iced coffee addiction by grabbing the ebook! Questions? Ask below—I’ll reply between naps. 🙏
P.S. I forgot to mention: Thailand’s rainy season is July-Oct. Pack a poncho (or just buy one there like I always do).
