Traveling Within Thailand
Where to go, how long to stay, and how to string it together. Start with the map, see where each place shines, then borrow a ready-made route and sort the travel between stops.
Four Regions, One Country
From city life to mountain landscapes to blue seas, Thailand falls into four broad moods: the cool, cultural north, the temple-and-jungle central plains around Bangkok, the beach towns and Isaan plateau out east, and the beach-and-island south on two coasts. Browse a region below to jump into its guides.
Where Each Place Shines
What each destination is best for, and how many nights to give it. Tap through for the full guide, itinerary, and where to stay.
Sample Itineraries
Four routes that string the best places together. Mix and match, or stretch and trim the nights to fit your trip. See all sample itineraries.
The classic first-timer
Highlights in a hurry
Islands & beaches
Temples & the north
How to Move Around
Thailand is easy and cheap to get around once you know the options.
Domestic flights
Budget airlines (AirAsia, Nok, Thai Lion, Thai Vietjet) hop between Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket, and the islands for often under 1,500 baht. Book ahead for the best fares.
Trains
The state railway is cheap and characterful. The overnight sleeper to Chiang Mai is a rite of passage; southern lines reach the Gulf ferry ports.
Buses & minivans
Comfortable long-distance buses and quick minivans connect nearly everywhere. Book VIP buses for overnight legs; minivans are fastest between nearby towns.
Ferries & speedboats
Ferries link the mainland to the islands: Andaman boats from Phuket and Krabi, and Gulf boats from Surat Thani to Samui, Phangan, and Tao. Rougher May to October.
Official & Useful Sources
Routes, transport schedules and park details change through the year. Plan with the official government and tourism sources before you set off.
More First-Timer Guides
Written by Belle, a Thai American who travels to Thailand every other year and has family in Bangkok. Everything here comes from my own visits unless the text says otherwise. Prices and journey times are typical cases rather than quotes, so recheck anything time-sensitive before you pay. Brand mentions are never paid placements, and the guide is reader-supported: some links may earn a commission, at no extra cost to you.
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