Thailand one month itinerary

Last Updated on February 24, 2023

Thailand is an amazing country with so many different places to explore. I spent there one month and already know that I’m coming back. One month is really not enough to see everything.
I had no exact plan during my time there and was traveling very spontaneous. In some places I spent more time, in others less.

This guide is what I personally did, you can always skip places or stay longer/shorter. And of course this guide doesn’t include everything. Like I said before one month is really not enough, especially if you don’t want to rush and run from one place to the next.

Start Bangkok: 3-4 days

I flew into Bangkok and arrived in the middle of the night. I would recommend to arrive during the day, but I had no other option.

I stayed there for 5 days, but I would recommend 3 to 4 days. The only reason why I stayed longer was to get used to the new culture and because the night train to Chiang Mai was fully booked the day I wanted to take it.

The city is perfect for the start and definitely worth visiting.
Click here to read my blog post about Bangkok.

Must-do:

  • party at Khao San Road
  • visit a floating market
  • eat street food in China Town

Northern Thailand

2. Stop: Chiang Mai (3-4 days)

I decided to take the night train up north to Chiang Mai. The best time to visit this city is definitely not March, but it was great anyways. In March farmers burn their fields, which causes a lot of smoke in the air and is really dangerous. While I was there, Chiang Mai had the biggest air pollution of the entire world.

It is also dry season in March, so the waterfalls don’t contain water and the jungle and rice fields are super dry. I would recommend to come to Chiang Mai in November.
Furthermore it’s best to visit Chiang Mai on the weekend, because the Saturday markets and the Sunday Markets are huge!

Must-do:

  • visit a elephant Sanctuary (click here for my blog post)
  • monk chat at Wat Chedi Luang
  • shop at the weekend markets
Elephant in Chiang Mai
Elephant in Chiang Mai
Wat Chedi Luang - Chiang Mai
Wat Chedi Luang - Chiang Mai
Weekend markets - Chiang Mai
Weekend markets - Chiang Mai

3. Stop: Pai (3-4 days)

Pai definitely stole my heart. I stayed there longer, but I really recommend 3-4 days. The town is located far north in Thailand and it takes 3 hours with a mini van from Chiang Mai.

It’s a little hippie town with mouthwatering street food and amazing spots to explore.
In Pai you have to rent a scooter to get around and explore, but you really have to be careful. There are so many accidents by inexperienced drivers.

Must-do:

  • eat street food on the Walking Street
  • walk over the Bamboo Bridge
  • have a drink at the Split
Rice Fields in Pai
Rice Fields in Pai
Bamboo Bridge - Pai
Bamboo Bridge - Pai
Bamboo Houses - Pai
Bamboo Houses - Pai

Southern Thailand

Read the detailed version about the south by clicking here.

4. Stop: Phuket (1-2 days)

Phuket is located in the south at the Andaman Sea. It’s really touristy and crowded. If you like to stay at a nice beach, you should spent less time in Phuket and move to Koh Phi Phi. Phuket is a good start for Island hopping though.

Must-do:

  • climb the Big Buddha
  • eat at the night market
  • chill at the beach
Big Buddha - Phuket
Big Buddha - Phuket

5. Stop: Phi Phi Islands (2-3 days)

From Phuket I took the ferry to the famous Phi Phi Islands. The ride is about 2 hours. Koh Phi Phi is a really small island and you’re able to walk everywhere. The island looks like the capital letter H with the beach in the middle. It’s very touristy as well, but it really looks like paradise.

Must-do:

  • party at the beach
  • island tour with a Longtail boat (snorkel with plankton)
  • climb viewpoint 3

6. Stop: Koh Lanta (3-4 days)

The ferry to Koh Lanta takes about two hours. The island is bigger and not that developed and touristy as the other places in the south. There’s a nice relaxing atmosphere just to hang out for a couple of days.

Must-do:

  • play with dogs at the Animal welfare center
  • explore the island with a scooter
  • watch the sunset at the beach

7. Stop: Ao Nang (2-3 days)

To get to Ao Nang you can either take the ferry or the bus, because the islands are connected through a bridge.
I chose the ferry and it took about two or three hours to get to Ao Nang, which is located on the mainland.

Must-do:

-kayak to Railay Beach
-climb the Princess Cave
-chill at the beach

Princess Cave - Krabi
Princess Cave - Krabi

8. Stop: Krabi Town (2- 3 days)

My last stop was Krabi Town. To get there from Ao Nang, the cheapest option is to take the local bus. It costs 45 Baht and takes about one hour.
Krabi Town has not that much to offer and I really recommend to go there on a weekend.

Must-do:

  • eat at the weekend markets
  • swim in the Emerald Pool
  • visit the Hot Springs
Emerald Pool - Krabi
Emerald Pool - Krabi
Rainforest- Krabi
Rainforest- Krabi
Blue Pool - Krabi
Blue Pool - Krabi

Thailand was awesome and I’m sure I’ll come back and explore more places. One month is not enough, but definitely a good start. I hope you liked this post and you check out my photos.

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