2-Week Thailand Itinerary for First-Time Backpackers

Route Overview

Here’s the logic: Start in Bangkok (you’re flying in anyway), head north to Chiang Mai for temples and nature, then fly south for beach time before departing. This north-to-south flow minimises backtracking and lets you end the trip properly relaxed.

Days 1-3: Bangkok

Bangkok hits different. The heat, the smells, the sheer volume of everything—it’s sensory overload in the best way. Three days is enough to see the highlights without burning out.

Day 1: Arrival + Khao San Area

Land at Suvarnabhumi (BKK) or Don Mueang (DMK), grab a Grab to your hostel, and spend the afternoon recovering from the flight. Evening: wander Khao San Road. Yes, it’s touristy. Yes, you should still see it once. Grab a Chang beer, people-watch, eat pad thai from a street cart.

Day 2: Temple Run

Hit the big three: Wat Pho (reclining Buddha), Grand Palace, and Wat Arun across the river. Start early—by 10am it’s sweltering. The 4-baht ferry across the Chao Phraya is one of the best deals in travel. Afternoon: Chatuchak Weekend Market if it’s Saturday/Sunday, or explore Chinatown’s Yaowarat Road for evening street food.

Day 3: Your Pick

Flex day. Options: Jim Thompson House for Thai silk history, a canal boat tour, MBK Center for cheap electronics, or just wander and eat. Evening flight to Chiang Mai (book ahead—costs $30-60 AUD one way).

Days 4-7: Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai is Bangkok’s chill older sibling. Lower prices, cooler weather (especially Nov-Feb), and a walkable Old City packed with temples and cafes. Four days lets you actually relax here.

Day 4: Old City Exploration

Walk the Old City moat, pop into Wat Chedi Luang and Wat Phra Singh, and find a solid khao soi spot for lunch (try Khao Soi Khun Yai). Evening: Sunday Walking Street market if timing works, otherwise the Night Bazaar.

Day 5: Doi Suthep + Cooking Class

Morning songthaew ride up to Wat Phra That Doi Suthep—the views alone are worth the 309 steps. Afternoon: Thai cooking class (highly recommend). You’ll hit a market, learn 4-5 dishes, and eat everything you make. Costs around 1,000-1,500 baht.

Day 6: Day Trip Options

Pick your adventure: Doi Inthanon National Park (Thailand’s highest peak), Elephant Nature Park (the ethical one—no riding), or the white temple in Chiang Rai if you’re keen on a longer day. Most tours run 1,500-2,500 baht.

Day 7: Slow Morning + Fly South

Sleep in, grab brunch at a hipster cafe (Chiang Mai has loads), last-minute shopping at Warorot Market, then afternoon flight to Krabi.

Days 8-13: Southern Islands

This is where you recover from all that temple-hopping. The Andaman coast (Krabi side) has the dramatic limestone karsts you’ve seen on Instagram. The Gulf side (Koh Samui, Koh Tao) is better for diving. For a first trip, I’d stick to the Andaman.

Days 8-10: Krabi / Ao Nang / Railay

Base yourself in Ao Nang—it’s the transport hub with decent beaches and nightlife. Day trip to Railay Beach (longtail boat, 15 mins) is non-negotiable. The 4 Islands tour hits Poda, Tup, Chicken Island, and Phra Nang Cave Beach—usually around 1,000 baht including lunch.

Days 11-13: Island Time

Ferry to either Koh Lanta (chill, long beaches, good for couples) or Koh Phi Phi (party scene, Maya Bay day trips). Ferries run 400-600 baht. Spend three days doing absolutely nothing productive: snorkel, read, eat seafood, watch sunsets.

Day 14: Departure

Ferry back to Krabi, flight home from Krabi International (KBV) or connect through Phuket/Bangkok. Book an afternoon flight to avoid 5am ferry stress. If you have a late flight, squeeze in one more beach morning.

Budget Breakdown

Thailand is cheap, but costs add up if you’re not paying attention. Here’s what to expect on a mid-range backpacker budget:

14-day total: $1,100-1,750 AUD (excluding international flights). Add internal flights ($150-250 total for 2-3 flights) and you’re looking at $1,300-2,000 AUD all-in for two weeks.

Getting Around

Flights

Domestic flights are cheap if booked ahead. AirAsia, Nok Air, and Thai Lion Air run frequent routes. Bangkok → Chiang Mai and Chiang Mai → Krabi both run $30-80 AUD one way. Book on Skyscanner or direct 2-3 weeks out for best prices.

Trains & Buses

The overnight train from Bangkok to Chiang Mai is a classic backpacker experience (sleeper berths around 800-1,200 baht). Slower but scenic. Buses connect most places but add significant time. Book via 12Go Asia—it aggregates all operators.

Local Transport

• Grab: Essential. Works like Uber, prices fixed, no haggling.
• Songthaews: Red trucks in Chiang Mai, cheap fixed routes (20-40 baht).
• Longtail boats: For island hopping and Railay access.
• Scooters: Rent for 200-300 baht/day on islands. Only if you’re confident riding.

What to Pack

Thailand is hot and humid. Pack light, do laundry. Essentials: quick-dry clothes, reef-safe sunscreen, a packable rain jacket (monsoon season is real), power bank, and a dry bag for boat days.

Frequently Asked Questions