With rich history, lush jungles, stunning beaches, affordable yet unique and luxurious accommodations, and the nickname, The Land of Smiles, Thailand is an eco-adventure-travel destination that lives up to all of the hype.
We spent two weeks exploring Thailand for our honeymoon, and we could not have had a better time. While Aleah was busy wedding planning, Seth planned this trip in its entirety (and this itinerary earned him the title of Household Trip Planner), and we’re sharing all the details below.
First Stop: Bangkok
The busy, beautiful capital of Thailand lives up to all of the hype; I promise you that. After arriving in Bangkok, we made our way to Old City, where we stayed a few blocks from Khao San Road at Navalai River Resort situated on the Chao Phraya river. This hotel is about a 30 minute cab ride or 90 minutes by bus from the airport. Navalai picked us up at the airport as will most resorts/hotels in the area, so be sure to check out this option before hailing a ride. Do note that the best way by far to get around town is by tuk tuk, with drivers that are always eager to drop the price the minute you decline their service. So if you love to haggle, you’re in luck as far as transport goes. We spent three-and-a -half days in the city which proved to be a nonstop whirlwind of exploring, shopping, eating, and jaw dropping scenery.
Day 1: Exploring Bangkok’s Wats
-Walk the streets and check out all of the shops and food carts. Honestly you’ll want to do this everyday, and it will never get old.
-Visit as many Wats as physically possible. There are more than you could possibly hope to see in three days, but here are some iconic, must see temples:
- Wat Phra Kaew (Temple of the Emerald Buddha)- located on the grounds of the Grand Palace, and home to a 2 foot Buddha made of Jade discovered in the mid 1400’s when a Wat in Chiang Rai was struck by lighting, this is the most visited temple in Bangkok .
- Wat Pho (Temple of the Reclining Buddha) – the largest and oldest temple in Bangkok that is home to a large, horizontal, golden Buddha.
- Wat Arun – located on the Thonburi side of the Chao Phraya, you will need to catch the ferry to Maharaj pier to experience the beauty of this temple.
- Wat Intharawihan – home of a giant 100 foot golden Buddha statue.
- Wat Mahathat – another one of Bangkok’s oldest temples.
-After, hit Khao San Road and adjacent party streets at night for shopping, food, and some of the cheapest drinking you’ll ever do.
Pro tip: Get some “made to order” Pad Thai prepared right before your eyes at least once here. If you’re staying nearby, you will find yourself in this area night after night so timing isn’t crucial.
Day 2: Experiencing Unique Markets
-Book a tour for the Floating Market and Maeklong Railway Market. First, you will take a boat ride through a vibrant market floating atop a slow-moving canal, and then you’ll board a van or bus for a ride over to another iconic market situated on an active train track. There, every hour on the hour, vendors who are set up on either side of the tracks, pull their goods away from the rails and retract their canopies to let the train pass.
-If you have some time afterwards, pop into some more Wats, as I’m sure you still won’t have your fill of their grandeur.
Day 3: Biking Bangkok’s Green Lung
–Bike The Green Lung of Bangkok located in the Prapadaeng District. To do so, simply get yourself to the Khlong Toei Pier (go by cab and make sure your driver knows where they’re going), and catch a boat across the river where you’ll be greeted with a plethora of pedal bikes and a map.
-Give yourself plenty of time to check out the many temples and restaurants in this jungle-like space that hosts the Bangkok skyline in the distance.
-Return to the city before sunset. If you want the absolute best view of Bangkok upon your return, stop in at Sky Bar for a cocktail atop one of Bangkok’s tallest rooftop bars. Drinks are rather pricey compared to everywhere else but for good reason. Drink slowly and enjoy the view, after all, that’s what you’re paying for.
Day 4: Traveling to Chiang Mai
-Have a relaxed morning as this will be a travel day, or explore more of Bangkok before you head out. If you haven’t yet, check out the sweet street art that the city has to offer. You won’t regret the experience.
-Book a plane, train, or bus to Chiang Mai. We bought plane tickets to head north for about 1,900 THB a person or 60 USD. It’s roughly an hour flight, and in my opinion, worth the cost given the other, cheaper options will cost you more than half a day of travel time.
Stop 2: Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai is nestled in the northern mountains of Thailand and is the perfect transition from Bangkok’s big city life to smaller town living with just 131,000 residents. Within Chiang Mai lies a fortified section that still stands today; built in the 18th century after it was taken back from Burma and constructed to protect against future attacks. The once 15 foot deep moat and walls are still in place today, and the part of town that lies within is known as Old City. It is by far, the focal point of the city itself, and it’s easy access to the forests and mountains that surround it make it the ideal outdoor lovers dream. We spent 4 and half days at Bodhi Serene as we explored the beautiful location that is the largest city in northern Thailand. If you do decide to stay at Bohdi, don’t skip on the Khao Soi voucher you receive at check-in. This dish is mainly served in Myanmar, Laos, and Northern Thailand and is worth the trip up north alone. It is THE local dish of the region!
Day 5: Exploring Doi Inthanon National Park
-Make the hour and half drive to Doi Inthanon National Park. Here you can hike or drive to waterfalls, caves, and the highest peak in Thailand at 8,415 feet. While there, don’t miss the Twin Royal Stupas (Phra Maha Dhatu Nabha Metaneedol and Nabhapol Bhumisiri). The manicured gardens and view from atop this mountain are spectacular!
-Unwind in Chiang Mai and visit the shops, food stands, and little side street bars.
Day 6: Zip lining across Chiang Mai’s Treetops
-Go zip lining in the mountains of Chiang Mai. We used Flight of the Gibbon and the experience was absolutely phenomenal — lunch included. Hotel pickup is available at no extra cost.
-When you get back to town, check out one of Chiang Mai’s many markets
Day 7: Exploring Chiang Mai
-Stop by the terracotta garden. It is actually an art studio and cafe with seating among the creations.
-Walk the fort and the area surrounding. It is intriguing, gorgeous and quite the educational experience.
-Go to the Night Bazaar, a short walk outside of the fort, at the intersection of Tha Pae and Chang Klan Road.
Day 8: Experiencing an Elephant Sanctuary
–Spend the day with a rescue elephant. We participated in the elephant day care where we learned the day-to-day necessities in terms of caring for our rescue elephant, Tompect. You can find a list of ethical elephant sanctuaries here.
Day 9: Traveling to Phuket and then Ko Phi Phi
-Spend some time at Nong Buak Hard Public Park. It’s a beautiful little green space within the fort’s walls complete with benches, bridges, a pond, playground, and even exercise equipment.
-Catch yourself a taxi back to the airport, and take off for Phuket. Another short (approx. 2 hour) flight at an unbelievable price will land you at the location of Thailand’s best beaches. Depending on your arrival time, spend the night and catch the first ferry out to Ko Phi Phi or hope you can make the last one from Rassada Peir!
Stop 3: Ko Phi Phi
Days 9-14: Basking in Phi Phi Paradise
Ko Phi Phi is truly an adult playground floating in the middle of paradise that is the Andaman Sea. Tall karsts rise out of the sea as you approach the shore which evoke thoughts of Leo and his role as Richard in the 2000 film The Beach – which was actually filmed onsite in Maya Bay.
We spent five days on the island at Viking Nature Resort which I highly recommend due to its location, amenities (read: private beach), and hospitality. It may be a bit off the beaten path, but what’s a 10 minute walk into the heart of the island when you have a private beach?!!
I won’t break this one down like I have the others, but rather make a list of musts simply because you’re at the beach and it’s a small island. Relax and enjoy your lack of anywhere to be!
-Must Do’s-
–Beach, as if I have to say it. Absolute paradise.
–SHOP, SHOP, SHOP. There are endless shops throughout the little island town with some cool souvenirs.
-See a Fire Show on the beach a Slinky’s Beach Bar or any of the other bars on the east side of the island.
–Hike to the top of Ko Phi Phi for the most incredible view of the island. It’s not a very strenuous trek and the pay out is breath taking.
–Stay out late and party the night away with ex-pats, locals, and visitors alike. There’s fun to be had all night long!
-Hop on the Phi Phi Pirate Boat to visit monkey beach, snorkel, kayak and see some notable bays that are only accessible by boat (originally went to Maya Bay but recent searches show Maya is closed indefinitely in an attempt to reclaim the natural beauty of the bay)
–Take a cooking class at Pum Thai Cooking School with R2D2…. yes that’s his real name; His father was a huge Star Wars fan.
-Get yourself a Thai massage; you’ve earned it.
-If the stars align, hit the Full Moon Party that Phi Phi hosts. It may not be the infamous Ko Phangan, but Ko Phi Phi will show you a good time nonetheless.
