Thailand itinerary · 12 days / 11 nights
Bangkok & Northern Thailand Culture – 12 Days
This route works well if you want to understand everyday life in Thailand, not just see the highlights. You mix big-city energy in Bangkok with ancient ruins in Ayutthaya and lantern-lit evenings in Chiang Mai. Each stop gives you guided context plus free time so you can explore at your own pace.
Why this itinerary works
- See Bangkok’s Grand Palace and temples with a local guide
- Cruise the Chao Phraya River at sunset
- Visit Ayutthaya’s ruins on a relaxed day trip
Best for
- Culture seekers
- First-time visitors
- Food lovers
When to go: Comfortable from November to February, with cooler evenings in the north.
How this Thailand itinerary flows
The outline below shows you how your days are structured without locking you into rigid times. You can keep the overall shape of the trip while adjusting individual days to match your pace, interests, and energy levels.
Day-by-day plan
Day 1 · Overnight in Bangkok
Arrive in Bangkok
You arrive in Bangkok, transfer to your hotel, and take the evening as slowly as you like. A short walk to a nearby night market is usually enough for day one.
Day 2 · Overnight in Bangkok
Grand Palace & Old Bangkok
Join a guided tour of the Grand Palace, Wat Pho, and nearby temples. You learn how to navigate Bangkok and where to come back later on your own.
Day 3 · Overnight in Bangkok
Canals & Markets
Take a longtail boat through Bangkok’s canals or visit a floating market if it fits your dates. The rest of the day stays flexible for shopping or café hopping.
Day 4 · Overnight in Bangkok
Day Trip to Ayutthaya
Travel by road or rail to Ayutthaya. You wander among red-brick ruins and Buddha statues, then return to Bangkok in the early evening.
Day 5 · Overnight in Chiang Mai
Fly to Chiang Mai
A short flight takes you north to Chiang Mai. Once you check in to your Old City hotel, explore the narrow streets and sample northern Thai dishes for dinner.
Day 6 · Overnight in Chiang Mai
Temples & City Orientation
Spend the day visiting key temples such as Wat Phra Singh and Wat Chedi Luang. Your guide helps you understand local customs and suggests evening markets.
Day 7 · Overnight in Chiang Mai
Doi Suthep & Mountain Views
Drive up to Doi Suthep for morning views over the city. In the afternoon you might visit a craft village or enjoy a coffee shop with mountain scenery.
Day 8 · Overnight in Chiang Mai
Free Day in Chiang Mai
Keep a day completely open. You could take a cooking class, visit an ethical elephant sanctuary, or simply enjoy café time and massages.
Day 9 · Overnight in Chiang Mai
Countryside or Cycling
If you like being active, you can add a gentle cycling tour through nearby villages. Otherwise, use the day to explore more of the Old City at your own pace.
Day 10 · Overnight in Chiang Mai
Last Full Day in the North
Use your final day to revisit a favourite temple, market, or café. Many travellers enjoy a final evening at the Night Bazaar or a riverside restaurant.
Day 11 · Overnight in Bangkok
Fly Back to Bangkok
Fly back to Bangkok for a final night near the airport or in a central neighbourhood, depending on your flight schedule.
Day 12 · Overnight in Travel
Depart Thailand
Transfer to the airport for your flight home, ending your trip with a good sense of both Bangkok and northern Thailand.
What is typically included
Included
- 11 nights in boutique city hotels and guesthouses
- Private airport and train transfers
- Bangkok city highlights tour with guide
- Day trip to Ayutthaya
- Chiang Mai temple and market tour
- Daily breakfast
Not included
- International flights
- Street food and most dinners
- Optional elephant sanctuary visit