Our Itinerary Ideas series is aimed at repeat visitors to Thailand looking to explore new destinations and discover another side of Thailand that is off the beaten path. In this edition of the series, we provide a twist on the classic 2-week Thailand itinerary, which includes a combination of city, countryside and beach.
(Photo: Shutterstock)
This route covers four different regions of Thailand — Central, Northeast, North and South — so you get to experience the diversity of this amazing country. The itinerary starts in Bangkok before travelling (by train or plane) to the exciting city of Khon Kaen in the northeast Isaan region. Direct flights between Khon Kaen and Chiang Mai make it easy to travel onwards to North Thailand, where you can unwind in the peaceful countryside of Chiang Dao. To round off the itinerary, take a direct flight from Chiang Mai to Krabi and make the boat trip across to the tranquil island of Ko Jum.
For this 2-week itinerary, we suggest something like this:
- Bangkok: 1 or 2 days
- Khon Kaen: 3 days
- Chiang Dao: 3 or 4 days
- Ko Jum: 4 or 5 days
- Krabi Town: 1 day
- Bangkok: 1 or 2 days
Bangkok
For repeat visitors to Thailand, the Thai capital needs no introduction. You’ve probably already got your favourite area to stay in Bangkok and a list of go-to dining venues. If you do need any more travel inspiration for the Big Mango, check out some of our suggestions here:
- 30 of the best rooftop bars and restaurants in Bangkok
- 16 of the best views in Bangkok
- 12 of the best floating markets in and around Bangkok
Khon Kaen
Thailand’s Isaan region flies under the radar of most travellers, but this is a fascinating corner of the country to explore. If you’re visiting Northeast Thailand for the first time, Khon Kaen is the perfect introduction to the region and easy to reach by train or plane from Bangkok.
(Photo: Shutterstock)
The city of Khon Kaen is an excellent base to learn more about the culture of Isaan. Khon Kaen is a dynamic university city with a diverse food scene and a surprisingly lively music scene that ranges from mellow jazz to hip-hop to traditional Isaan molam.
Feast on local favourites like kai ke ta (pan-fried egg) for breakfast at the long-standing Thai-Chinese Baan Heng restaurant (Bib Gourmand Michelin Guide Thailand 2024), and gai yang khao niao (grilled chicken and sticky rice with som tam (spicy papaya salad) for lunch or dinner. Explore the city’s coffee culture with stops at Godfather Coffee and The Wall, with the latter home to some delightful street art.
(Photo: Roy Cavanagh)
Stay at the outstanding Ad Lib Khon Kaen Hotel (runner-up in the 2024 Responsible Thailand Awards in the Responsible Community Tourism category). Ad Lib’s ‘Explore Khon Kaen’ program is a wonderful way to learn more about the city and the culture of the region. The hotel offers guests authentic experiences while supporting the local economy and culture. This includes working with local guides to offer community-centric tours and gastronomic adventures. The hotel is centrally located and an ideal base to explore Khon Kaen’s attractions.
(Photo: Ad Lib Khon Kaen Facebook page)
When you visit Ad Lib, you can enjoy sampling Isaan products at the Food by Fire Grillhouse before heading up to KaenKaew Live House, a classy venue supporting local musicians.
How to get to Khon Kaen
Khon Kaen is a short one-hour flight from the Thai capital, with flights from Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang. Alternatively, travel by train from Bangkok’s main train station, Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal. The 08:45 train is scheduled to arrive in Khon Kaen at 15:30, and from the train station it’s a 15-minute walk or quick tuk-tuk ride to Ad Lib Hotel and the centre of town.
Chiang Dao
From Khon Kaen, you can fly direct to Chiang Mai in an hour and it’s then approximately 1.5 hours to Chiang Dao by bus or taxi.
No matter how many times you visit Chiang Mai, there always seems to be something new to see and do. However, for this itinerary, we are taking you away from the city and into the Chiang Mai countryside to experience the rural delights of Chiang Dao.
Nestled beneath the limestone peak of Doi Luang Chiang Dao (Thailand’s third-highest mountain), Chiang Dao is a peaceful retreat just 45 miles north of Chiang Mai city. Surrounded by jungle, hot springs, and hill tribe villages, it’s a destination that rewards those seeking nature, culture, and quiet exploration.
(Photo: Shutterstock)
Visit Chiang Dao Cave, a vast network of chambers filled with stalactites, shrines, and reclining Buddha statues. Local guides with lanterns can lead you deeper into the lesser-lit areas. Nearby, the Chiang Dao Hot Springs offer a chance to soak in natural thermal waters amid tranquil surroundings. For nature lovers, Doi Chiang Dao Wildlife Sanctuary is a paradise for birdwatchers and hikers, with the area home to rare flora and fauna.
Don’t miss Wat Tham Pha Plong, a peaceful forest temple built into the side of the mountain. A climb up the 500 steps rewards visitors with panoramic views and a serene meditation spot.
(Photo: Shutterstock)
The town itself is small and friendly, with a handful of local restaurants, cafés, and homestays. There are lots of good-value options for accommodation in and around town, including Chiang Dao Nest and Baan Porhdoi Goidao. Chiang Dao is also a great base for exploring nearby hill tribe communities and taking part in community-based tourism programs.
Whether you’re hiking in the highlands, soaking in a hot spring, or sipping coffee with mountain views, Chiang Dao offers a calm, authentic experience away from the tourist crowds. If you’d prefer to use a local guide to explore Chiang Dao and the surrounding area, check out what’s on offer from the responsible tour operator, Chiang Mai a al Carte.
How to get to Chiang Dao
Chiang Dao is easily reached from Chiang Mai. Buses and minivans depart regularly from Chang Phueak Bus Terminal, taking around 1.5 hours. Alternatively, rent a car or arrange a private transfer for a scenic and flexible journey along Route 107.
Ko Jum
After relaxing in the countryside of North Thailand, it’s time to fly direct from Chiang Mai to Krabi and then onwards by boat to Ko Jum.
The island of Ko Jum remains one of Krabi’s best-kept secrets. While Ko Jum may lack the dramatic cliffs of Phi Phi or the abundance of beaches found on nearby Ko Lanta, that’s part of its charm. This laid-back island is all about tranquillity, nature, and authenticity. With a population of under 2,000, most locals live in the villages of Ban Ko Jum, Ban Ko Pu, and Ban Ting Rai. Fishing, farming, and rubber tapping support the local economy, and tourism remains low-key.
If you travel to Ko Jum, respect local Muslim customs and dress conservatively, especially when away from the beach, and bring enough cash because ATMs are rare on the island.
The island is divided into two parts: the north, known as Ko Pu, is home to the jungle-covered Khao Ko Pu peak, a 400-metre-high trek best done with a guide. The southern end is flatter and where most of the island’s accommodation is located. Here, sunsets over the Andaman Sea — with the Phi Phi Islands on the horizon — are a daily highlight.
Ko Jum invites slow exploration. Hire a bicycle, kayak through east coast mangroves, or take a longtail boat for island hopping or snorkelling trips to Ko Haa, Ko Rok, or Bamboo Island.
For eco-conscious travellers, Koh Jum Beach Villas is a standout. A previous winner in the Responsible Thailand Awards, the resort uses natural materials, renewable energy, and thoughtful design to minimise its footprint, while actively involving guests in sustainability efforts.
How to get to Ko Jum
During the high season months (November to April), ferries between Krabi (Klong Jilad Pier) and Ko Lanta stop offshore with longtail transfers to Ko Jum. Out of season, travel is via Laem Kruat Pier on the Krabi mainland.
Krabi airport is a 30-minute taxi ride away from Klong Jilad Pier. Direct flights link Krabi with Bangkok and Chiang Mai.
Itinerary Ideas
This article is part of our Itinerary Ideas series. These particular itineraries are for anybody, but may appeal more to repeat visitors to Thailand looking to explore different destinations on their next trip or anyone seeking meaningful travel experiences. If you’re a first-time visitor to Thailand or looking for more ideas of where to go and what to do, check out these articles too:
2-week Thailand itinerary
3-week Thailand itinerary
4-week Thailand itinerary
You may also enjoy:
Fan Club Thailand
Tourism Thailand (UK & Ireland)
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