Phi Phi Don
Known by the sobriquet “Land of Smiles,” no nation better lives up to that name. From the uber-friendly locals to the contrast between ancient art and culture to the vibrant, at times seedy modernity, Thailand will elate you and change you. The most popular cities to visit in Thailand are undoubtedly Bangkok, Phuket, and Chang Mai. If you are thinking of visiting more than one city, below a Thailand itinerary for Bangkok and Phuket that will be sure to please, and here is an itinerary for 10 days in Thailand.
Bangkok
The first place most tourists head to is the Grand Palace and its surrounds — and for good reason. The Palace and numerous Wats deserve some time for exploration. Be sure to be dressed appropriately or you could be denied entrance.
Imperial Palace
Reclining golden Buddha
I think shop ’til you drop was first coined in Bangkok. The cacophony of color and noise is mesmerizing. I loved the outdoor (not for children!) Patpong market, Suan Lum night market, Silum and Sukhumvit Roads, the Floating Market, and the crazy Mahbonrong shopping center. Shopping is as much a cultural as a consumer experience and bargaining is a must! I brought along an extra suitcase, which was easily filled with treasures. I have never done so much shopping in such a condensed time, and I have to admit, at one point I was overtaken by my own child-like overstimulation episode. 🙂
Driving through the traffic-jammed streets is not recommended. The Skytrain transit is excellent, inexpensive, and easy to use. And do take a tuk-tuk ride through the city! A tuk-tuk is a brightly-colored small, three-wheeled, noisy, open-sided vehicle. The drivers dash in and out of city traffic. It’s great fun for short rides, but not during rush hour.
A short drive from Bangkok are the ruins of Ayutthaya. This magnificent site was the seat of the Southeast Asia empire from 1350 until the bloody overtake by Burma in 1767. This day trip to see the architecture and hear the history should be near the top of any trip to Bangkok.
Ayutthaya
Bangkok Accommodation
I stayed at the Bangkok Marriott Resort and Spa and loved it. It’s located on the banks of the Chao Praya River, just across from the city proper. The Marriott has their own large shuttle that goes back and forth throughout the day and night. You are close to the action but in a quiet, beautiful retreat. The best of both worlds.
Monks in training
There is just one thing I don’t recommend, contrary to popular sentiment — a Thai massage. Can you say T-O-R-T-U-R-E?
Ready for the next stop on your Thailand itinerary?
Phuket and the Islands
Phuket is a great place to set up a base for adventures in southern Thailand. From here, you can easily get to the Patong nightlife (not for kids!), sail out to the amazing Phi Phi Islands, go white water rafting, hike through the jungle, or go on a guided sea kayak tour in Phangnga Bay.
Phangnga Bay
Sea kayaking on Phangnga Bay was one of the highlights of the trip. The myriad limestone “islands” that jut out of the jewel-green sea are surreal. This was the backdrop for the James Bond film Man with the Golden Gun. Along the way, you can stop to swim in the warm waters of a deserted beach, see monkeys at the edge of the formations, and weave in and out of caves, some of which you’ll have to lie flat in your kayak to pass through. Our guide brought his sweet little daughter along (it was a school holiday, and no daycare), which I absolutely loved! It made the tour so much more personal — even though her English was limited, signs, gestures, and laughter are universal.
Click here for more adventurous things to do in Thailand.
A sail to Phi Phi took us to the remote cove where the Leonardo DeCaprio film The Beach was filmed. I couldn’t get enough of the deep blue-green of the water juxtaposed against the craggy rock cliffs; it’s hard to believe this most stunning of beaches was devastated by the tsunami of 2004 We had a nice buffet lunch on Phi Phi Don, the sister island before heading back and sailing through a thunderstorm and rough waters — not the best scenario for someone prone to motion sickness.
Koh Phi Phi
Phuket Accommodation
I stayed at the JW Marriott Phuket Resort & Spa on Mai Khao Beach, very luxurious with excellent service, and even had an adorable baby elephant that strolled the beach with its young owner. My very large, the zen-like suite had a wall of windows with ocean views beyond exquisite Japanese-style gardens Like a lot of JW Marriotts, this one is a little remote, so if you like being in the middle of the action, you’d probably want to head further south. I also must mention, the Pad Thai at the Marriott is the best I’ve ever had, much different than how it is prepared back in the U.S. — more savory, less sweet. I ordered it several times!
If you like this Thailand itinerary and want to see even more of Thailand, here are the top things to do in Chiang Mai!
Beyond Thailand’s Temples: 10 Things to Do in Phuket
Adventures in Phuket, Thailand
About the Author
Patti Morrow is a freelance travel writer and founder of the award-winning international blog Luggage and Lipstick and southern travel blog Gone to Carolinas. TripAdvisor called her one of “20 Baby Boomer Travel Bloggers Having More Fun Than Millennials.” Patti is the author of the book “Girls Go Solo: Tips for Women Traveling Alone,” and has over 150 bylines in 40 print and online publications, including The Huffington Post, International Living Magazine, Washington Post Sunday Travel, Travel Girl, Travel Play Live Magazine, and Ladies Home Journal. She has traveled six continents looking for fabulous places and adventure activities for her Baby Boomer (and Gen X!) tribe.
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