Low season travel itinerary for Thailand 

You may have heard of ‘Couch to 5k’, the fitness program from the NHS aimed at promoting better health and getting people active. It’s a great idea and one which inspired us to come up with our own ‘Couch to 5k’ Thailand itinerary. Don’t worry, there’s no running involved! But it is an active itinerary that is healthy for body and soul, and includes ‘5 K’s’ in the form of the destinations you visit: 

• Krungthep (the Thai name for Bangkok)
• Khao Yai
• Korat (aka Nakhon Ratchasima)
• Khao Sok
• Khanom

Sit down on your couch while you read through this itinerary, and hopefully it will inspire you to visit some less well-known destinations in Thailand. Although you could travel this route at any time of the year, it’s ideal for Thailand’s low season travel period (May to October). We suggest three weeks for this itinerary. Although it’s possible to fly on some legs of the route, consider taking the train for a more immersive travel experience. You can adapt the itinerary to suit your preferred style, but for a three-week trip, use this as a starting point:  

• Bangkok: 3 days
• Khao Yai: 3 days
• Nakhon Ratchasima (Korat): 3 days
• Khao Sok: 3 days
• Khanom: 7 days

Bangkok

Some travellers prefer to finish their holiday in Bangkok, while others like to dive into the Thai capital as soon as they arrive. For this itinerary, you could get the best of both worlds and have a few days at the start of your trip and then another couple at the end.  Whichever way you decide to do it, don’t miss Bangkok. If you’re a repeat visitor to Thailand, you’ve probably already got your favourite things to do and go-to dining spots. For more Bangkok ideas and inspiration, check out these links: 

• Best ways to travel around Bangkok
• 15 of the best museums and art galleries in Bangkok
• 30 of the best rooftop bars and restaurants in Bangkok
• 16 of the best views in Bangkok
• 6 of the best areas to stay in Bangkok

Khao Yai

Easily reached from both Bangkok and Nakhon Ratchasima (Korat), Khao Yai has long been a popular escape for Thai holidaymakers. Situated around 160 kilometres (100 miles) from Bangkok, it’s the most accessible National Park for those visiting the capital. Its proximity makes Khao Yai an excellent addition to any Bangkok-based itinerary. Recognised by UNESCO for its rich biodiversity, the park offers a refreshing change of pace and a chance to reconnect with nature.

Start your journey with a scenic morning train ride from Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal, Bangkok’s modern rail hub. The trip to Pak Chong (the main gateway to Khao Yai National Park) takes about four to five hours. Pak Chong serves as a convenient base, with many local guesthouses providing station pick-up. Upon arrival, adventurous travellers can jump straight into an afternoon tour of the park or join a night safari and camp under the stars. If you prefer a slower start, unwind in the laid-back town of Pak Chong and prepare for your park adventure the following day.

• Responsible Thailand: Khao Yai National Park

Nakhon Ratchasima (Korat)

An interesting town in its own right, it’s worth spending a few days in Nakhon Ratchasima to see the main sights and experience life in a provincial capital away from tourism. 

Located in the heart of town, the Thao Suranari Monument is a good place to begin your exploration. This statue honours the legendary Khun Ying Mo (affectionately known as Ya Mo or Grandmother Yo), who famously led the defence of Korat against invading Lao forces in the early 19th century. Her bravery has made her a revered figure, and her legacy is celebrated each year with a lively festival held between March and April.

Next, travel to the town of Phimai for the Phimai Historical Park, where the ruins of a majestic Khmer temple complex await. Local buses make the one-hour journey from Nakhon Ratchasima to Phimai town, and while the Historical Park can be visited on a day trip, staying overnight gives you the chance to enjoy the peaceful charm of this area.

Reflecting the architectural grandeur of the ancient Khmer Empire, the temple structures at Phimai date back to the 11th century and are older than Cambodia’s Angkor Wat. Walking through the site offers a powerful sense of history and a deeper understanding of the region’s cultural heritage.

Beyond the ruins, don’t miss Sai Ngam, a mystical banyan tree grove nestled along the banks of the Mun River. Covering more than 1,300 square meters, the grove features walkways that wind beneath the tangled canopy of roots and branches. The entire grove is believed to have grown from a single ancient tree thought to be over 350 years old. Thai folklore holds that banyan trees are inhabited by female spirits, and a small shrine beneath the original tree continues to receive daily offerings in their honour.

Khao Sok

From Nakhon Ratchasima, take the train (or fly) back to Bangkok. From the Thai capital, you can then either fly south to Surat Thani or continue your railway adventures and take the overnight sleeper train there. On arrival in Surat Thani, travel inland by bus to the magnificent Khao Sok National Park.

Khao Sok National Park is one of Thailand’s most breathtaking natural wonders, known for its dramatic limestone cliffs, dense rainforests, and serene waterways. This stunning landscape offers a sense of remote wilderness while still being accessible to travellers seeking adventure and tranquillity.

As a protected area, Khao Sok is a haven for biodiversity. The park is home to a wide array of wildlife, including wild elephants, sun bears, marbled cats, dusky langurs, and colourful hornbills. One of the best ways to take in the park’s scenery is by gliding across the emerald waters of Cheow Larn Lake on a traditional longtail boat. You can also enjoy bamboo rafting along the Sok River or hike through some of the oldest evergreen forests on Earth.

For those wanting to stay close to nature, Khao Sok offers exceptional eco-accommodation. Spend a night at 500Rai Floating Resort, which sits serenely on Cheow Larn Lake, or choose the sustainable Anurak Community Lodge, where jungle views and responsible tourism go hand in hand.

Another unforgettable option is Elephant Hills, an award-winning glamping experience offering two locations within Khao Sok: the land-based Elephant Camp and the water-based Floating Rainforest Camp. Guests stay in custom-designed luxury tents and have the chance to engage in ethical, non-riding experiences with rescued elephants in a natural, respectful setting.

Exploring the park by bicycle is another rewarding way to experience the region’s lush beauty. Local guided cycling tours can be arranged through most hotels and lodges. 

• Responsible Thailand: Anurak Community Lodge
• Responsible Thailand: Elephant Hills, Khao Sok

Khanom

A 90-minute drive from Khao Sok brings you to Khanom. Tucked away in the northern part of Nakhon Si Thammarat province, Khanom lies just across the water from Ko Samui but offers a completely different experience. Far less developed and with fewer crowds, Khanom attracts seasoned travellers looking for a quieter, more authentic slice of coastal Thailand. Its unhurried pace and long, uncrowded beaches provide a peaceful contrast to the busier resort islands.

Stretching along a scenic coastline, Khanom is dotted with a series of tranquil beaches and hidden bays, all retaining a refreshingly low-key charm. With little commercial development, this is the perfect place to enjoy leisurely walks on empty sands or to relax with a book in hand while soaking in the sea breeze. While the accommodation options here may not match the variety found on Ko Samui, visitors will still find several appealing beachfront stays, including boutique resorts like Aava Resort, Margarita Beach, and the more upscale Racha Kiri Resort & Spa.

One of Khanom’s most unique draws is the chance to see the rare pink dolphins that inhabit its coastal waters. These rosy-hued albino dolphins are a regional highlight, and local boat operators, such as Khanom Tour, offer dolphin-watching excursions and trips to nearby islands. While sightings are never guaranteed, they are fairly common in the right conditions.

Transportation in Khanom is minimal, contributing to its off-the-beaten-path appeal. However, to fully explore the coastline and the surrounding countryside, hiring a car or scooter is an option. Dining options are mostly concentrated in hotels or along the beachfront, making Khanom a great place for slow, stress-free days where nature and simplicity take centre stage.

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

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