14 days in the Thai paradise - the perfect itinerary for your first visit to Thailand
A fascinating country, a real paradise and a perfect vacation destination in the cold season - this was Thailand for us. With its relaxed atmosphere, tropical landscapes and rich culture, Thailand impressed and conquered us from the first visit!
If you are on your first trip to Thailand and are in the process of documenting this destination, then you have come to the right place!
Here you will find a complete two-week itinerary, based on our experience, where we reached the most sought-after, attractive and popular places in Thailand.
Content
- What to do in Thailand - daily itinerary
- Days 1-3 – Bangkok
- Days 4-9 Phuket
- Days 10-11 Phi Phi Islands
- Days 12-14 Krabi
- Where to stay in Thailand
- Where we ate in Thailand
- How much did our trip to Thailand cost
About Thailand
Thailand is gorgeous! Anyone who has already been to this country will tell you, and we confirm it as well.
It is helped by the geography and climate, but also by the good sense and respect of the locals, who exude an extremely good and positive energy, always smiling and open with tourists. Thailand is also called the Land of Smiles!
For us, Thailand was the first country we visited in Southeast Asia, and I admit that we went with some fear, because we didn't know what we were going to find there: what are the people like, how safe is the country, how clean it is, and most importantly, what will we eat for so many days?
But all our fears turned out to be unfounded: the people are extraordinary, the country is safe, we never felt in danger, cleanliness, even if maybe not at the level of Europe, was present in cities, resorts, places of accommodation or restaurants, and the food was exceptional!
We chose Thailand as our New Year's holiday destination, mainly for its beaches and exotic islands, but the country offers much more than a spectacular coastline.
You only need to know that the country is quite big, there are many beautiful places and activities you can do here, and at the beginning it may seem overwhelming to organize your vacation by yourself: what to visit, where to stay, what activities can we do, how do we get from one destination to another, etc.?
What you need to know before going to Thailand
If you have decided to plan a vacation in Thailand, before you set off, it is good to do a bit of research about this destination. I invite you to read this travel guide about the most important things you need to know about Thailand: how to get around in Thailand, what are the costs, about the internet, food, accommodation or other travel tips that you should know: Beginner's Guide to Thailand - Everything You Need to Know Before Going to Thailand.
In Thailand, the official currency is baht – THB, and 100 THB = 2.6 euros (exchange rate valid in January 2024).
For internet, we opted for the easiest and most convenient option for us: an eSim from Airalo - for 50 GB of internet valid for 10 days, we paid 10 dollars. If you don't have the application, I leave you here a referral code, with which you receive $3 upon installation: DENISA1254..
The applications most often used by us in Thailand were:
- Klook and GetYourGuide for day trips. I noticed that the Klook app works better in Asia than GetYourGuide, the prices are lower for excursions
- Airalo for internet
- 12go.asia for ferry timetables
- Bolt and Grab for ride sharing
How to get to Thailand
Transportation to Thailand is usually the most expensive purchase of your entire vacation here. From Europe, the road is long, there are many hours of flight, and plane tickets are quite expensive, so if you come this far, I would recommend you to stay here at least for two weeks.
If you want to look for plane tickets on your own, some of the airlines you can fly with from Europe would be Turkish Airlines, Qatar, KLM, Lufthansa or Air France.
We chose to fly with Turkish Airlines, departing from Cluj-Napoca, with layover in Istanbul. Because we flew during the winter holidays, the price of the tickets was quite high - 1200 euros/return ticket.
But the price of a plane ticket differs depending on the period chosen, the offers found or how early you start your search. You can try different flight options, until you find the right one for you, but expect an average price of the plane ticket of 1000 euros, round trip.
What to do in Thailand - daily itinerary
And now, comes the interesting part - What to do in Thailand for two weeks, so that you can have the most wonderful exotic vacation? I propose here a complete list of activities and places to visit, perfect for your first visit to Thailand, and all the points presented below are based on our own experience.
Being the first trip to Thailand, we wanted to reach the most attractive and sought-after tourist spots in Thailand. So we divided our vacation between several locations and accommodations, we started from Bangkok, we arrived in Phuket, Phi Phi and Krabi, and then we returned to Bangkok, for our return flight.
Days 1-3 – Bangkok
We spent the first days in Bangkok, the capital of Thailand. Bangkok was our gateway to the country, here we found the most convenient prices for plane tickets, and thus we took advantage of the opportunity to visit the huge metropolis and the capital of the country.
We loved Bangkok, it was our first meeting with the Asian world and we were pleasantly surprised by the city - a city full of life, vibrant, crowded, but which combines tradition, local authenticity and modernity in an unique way.
If you come to Thailand, put Bangkok on your list. Even if the purpose of your trip to Thailand is to relax on a wild beach or on a tropical island, I guarantee that a visit to Bangkok will amaze and delight you.
I recommend you to read this article, if you want to find out more information about how to organize a 3-day visit to Bangkok: 3 Days in Bangkok - The perfect itinerary for your first visit in Bangkok.
For the time spent in Bangkok, we chose a nice accommodation, in a good tourist area, on the well-known Sukhumvit boulevard, for which we paid 50 euros/night: Rezt Bangkok.
Day 1 - King Power Mahanakhon, Lumphini Park, Chinatown
On the first day in Bangkok we had a more leisurely schedule, due to the fatigue accumulated after the long 16-hour flight and the change of time zone, so the first landmarks visited on our trip were Lumphini Park, Chinatown and the famous King Power Mahanakhon Tower.
Lumphini Park
Lumphini Park is the most famous park in Bangkok, an oasis of greenery right between the skyscrapers in the city center.
The park is beautifully landscaped, with a lake surrounded by palm trees in the middle. It's a real pleasure to walk around here, it relaxes you and offers you a bit of coolness on a hot day, as it usually is in Bangkok. But be careful of the monitor lizards, the park is famous for the large reptiles that make their home here.
Chinatown
One of the oldest districts of Bangkok is Chinatown. It is an atypical neighborhood compared to the others in Bangkok, a place with a special charm, where you feel the Chinese influence at every step. It is a place visited by tourists, thanks to the markets, the street food and the atmosphere, in general.
If you get here, put on your list the temple Wat Traimit, the Sampeng Lane Market and Yoawarat Road, the street with street food that comes to life during the evening.
King Power Mahanakhon
In the King Power Mahanakhon tower, you can go up to the terrace on the 78th floor, from where you have a splendid view of the entire city. Moreover, there is also a platform on which you can climb and see the city directly below you,
There are two types of tickets to climb the tower: an entry ticket for the first part of the day, until 3:30 PM, or for the second part of the day, after 4 PM. I would recommend you to go there around sunset, as it is one of the most beautiful views you can have over Bangkok.
The price of a ticket starts from 22 euros, and can be bought in advance, online, here: Bangkok: Mahanakhon SkyWalk Entry Ticket with Options.
Day 2 – Temples in Bangkok
Rested and with fresh strength, we spent the second day in Bangkok visiting the most representative cultural and religious sites, namely the main Buddhist temples, so beautiful, elegant and majestic. The three most important temples, the Grand Palace with the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, Wat Pho and Wat Arun are located at a short distance from each other, so they can all be visited together on the same day.
The Grand Palace & The Temple of Emerald Buddha
The grandest complex of temples, statues and official buildings can be found at the Grand Palace, where is also located the famous Emerald Buddha statue.
The Grand Palace is one of the most impressive and visited tourist attractions in Bangkok. Built in 1782, the palace was the official seat of the Thai monarchy. In addition to the royal residence, the complex also houses a number of government buildings and the Temple of Emerald Buddha.
The Temple of Emerald Buddha, or Wat Phra Kaew, is a sacred Buddhist temple located inside the Royal Palace complex. Here the emerald Buddha statue is exhibited, one of the most famous and revered Buddha statues in the country.
Dress code: visitors are asked to wear decent clothing. Women must have their shoulders and legs covered, and men must wear long pants. If you don't have such clothes with you, you will find them at the entrance to buy, at fairly low prices. For example, a pair of long pants costs 100 baht (2.6 euros). When entering the temple, it is mandatory to take off your shoes.
The entrance ticket to the Grand Palace costs 500 baht (13 euros). It is open daily between 8:30-15:30.
The Grand Palace can also be visited as part of a guided tour:
- Bangkok: Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew Guided Walking Tour
- Bangkok: City Highlights Temple and Market Walking Tour, where you will visit all three main temples in Bangkok
Wat Pho Temple – Reclining Buddha
Our favorite temple, or rather the temple complex that we liked the most in Bangkok was the one at Wat Pho, or the temple of the reclining Buddha.
With buildings and statues as beautiful as the Grand Palace, Wat Pho seems less crowded and with more space to walk and get lost among all the imposing monuments.
Famous here is the statue of the Buddha lying down, a remarkable statue that impresses with its dimensions, 46 meters long and 15 meters high, and represents the Buddha entering Nirvana. The statue is covered with gold leaves, and the sole of the foot is meticulously decorated.
The entrance ticket to Wat Pho costs 200 baht (5.5 euros). It is open daily between 8-18:30.
Here is the link to a guided tour of these temples: Bangkok: City Highlights Temple and Market Walking Tour.
From Wat Pho, to get to the next temple on the list, Wat Arun, you will have to cross by boat the Chao Praya river. The crossing is done at the Tha Tian station, it takes a few minutes, and the ticket costs only 5 baht (0.13 euro).
Wat Arun Temple
Wat Arun is one of the most remarkable temples and buildings in Bangkok. Located on the banks of the Chao Praya River, it is visible from any high point of the city, such as the rooftop bars or the King Power Mahanakhon tower, especially in the evening, when it is spectacularly illuminated.
The architecture and decorations of the temple are stunning, with colorful ceramics and porcelain, and it is approximately 82 meters high.
The price of an entrance ticket is 100 baht (2.6 euros) and the temple can be visited daily between 8-18.
If you want to participate in a guided tour of these temples, go here: Bangkok: City Highlights Temple and Market Walking Tour.
After visiting all these wonderful temples, it is your choice if you want to continue the day with a one-hour walk on the Chao Phraya River. You can rent a boat directly from the ferry station where you crossed the river, and a one-hour tour can cost around 1000-1500 baht / boat.
Day 3 - Floating Market & Railway Market Day Trip, Khao San Road
On the third day we went on a day trip to some of the most authentic places near Bangkok, the Damnoen Saduak floating market, and the famous market along the Maeklong Railway Market.
You can reach the two destinations on your own, but with a day trip you could check both locations on the same day, it is more comfortable and not very expensive.
The excursion we chose was this: Daytrip to Damnoen Saduak Floating Market & Maeklong Railway Market, at the price of 25 euros/person. The price included transportation from the accommodation, the boat ride in the floating market and an English-language guide.
Maeklong Railway Market
Maeklong Railway Market is the last market of its kind in Thailand, an improvised market along a train track, where trains pass daily.
The place is genuine, an unique market, with local products, such as different types of fish or seafood, but the interesting part here is when the train passes: you hear the whistle that the train is approaching, the traders hurry to gather their stalls, and the visitors all huddle on the edge so as not to be touched by the train. Today, there are only 4 trains a day, the last one at 3 p.m.
Damnoen Saduak Floating Market
Floating markets are other points of attraction in Bangkok, and the most famous market is Damnoen Saduak Floating Market. The market is located about an hour and a half from Bangkok, and nowadays has a strictly touristic purpose.
In the market there are traditional boats that navigate the river channels, and various traders, directly from their boats, stop at you and try to sell you different products. Walking on the canals takes, on average, about half an hour.
The experience itself is wonderful! But the prices are not necessarily among the lowest. That is if you are not a good negotiator and manage to get a better price. But, by comparison, the prices in the Railway Market are better than here.
Khao San Road
As an evening activity, I propose something different, namely to experience the night atmosphere on Khao San Road.
It has long been known that Bangkok is one of the capitals of entertainment, and Khao San Road is its central point. A pedestrian street, with many bars and clubs, with deafeningly loud music, with smells of cannabis and scantily clad women, with drinking contests and a lot of stalls selling strange food, such as cockroaches, scorpions or crocodiles... This is basically Khao San Road.
If you come to Thailand for fun and nightlife, then this is the first place you put on the map. But even if you are not interested in such nocturnal and promiscuous activities, it is worth coming on this street, just out of curiosity.
I recommend you come here by Bolt/Grab or Taxi, especially at night, because the area is not very well connected to public transport.
Days 4-9 Phuket
After 3 full days spent in the capital of Thailand, it's time to head to the real paradise of Thailand!
From Bangkok to Phuket we flew domestically, with Thai Airways. The trip lasted an hour and a half, and the ticket price was 80 euros/person, with checked luggage included. Prices for such flights start from 50 euros/person, depending on the period.
We stayed in Kata Beach resort, at OK Phuket, where we paid 50 euros/night, in the first week of January. We chose to stay in Kata Beach because we wanted a quieter resort suitable for those who are not looking for fun and night clubs on their holiday.
From the airport to Kata Beach we took the local bus, Phuket Smart Bus. It is not necessarily the most confortable and fastest option, but if you are not in a hurry, we recommend it, especially since it is very cheap, only 100 baht / person (approximately 2.6 euros). The bus runs daily, between 6am and 9pm, and passes through all the resorts on the island: Surin, Kamala, Patong, Karon, Kata or Rawai beach.
I invite you to also read this article, where I wrote about Phuket and what you can do there: Top 12 Activities In Phuket - What To Do In Phuket, Thailand.
Day 4 - Kata Beach
We spent the fourth day of our trip traveling from Bangkok to Phuket. We flew in the first part of the day, and the second part of the day we spent on the beach in Kata Beach.
Here we were introduced for the first time to the sunsets on the beaches of Thailand, which are absolutely gorgeous. Many such sunsets followed during our trip, every day from a different beach.
Day 5 - James Bond Island Day Trip
The next day we chose to do a very popular day trip, to one of the most emblematic islands in Thailand, namely James Bond island, made famous by the James Bond movie, filmed here in 1974.
In addition to James Bond, the trip also included a kayak ride in Phang Nga Bay, and the experience was wonderful and I recommend it to anyone. We had lunch in a very interesting village on the water.
This is the trip we booked to get to James Bond: James Bond and Phang Nga Bay Tour from Phuket, for which we paid 40 euros/person.
Day 6 – Elephant Sanctuary, Karon Beach
After a busy day, a more relaxing one followed. In the first part of the day we went to an elephant sanctuary to visit the beautiful animals, and the rest of the day was about sunbathing and swimming in the sea in Karon Beach, the resort neighboring Kata Beach, where we were staying.
Elephant sanctuary
A beautiful experience and a nice activity for us was to visit the elephants in an elephant sanctuary.
In Thailand, and in Phuket, for that matter, there are several elephant sanctuaries that shelter and care for old or sick elephants, unable to survive on their own in the wild.
Visitors have the opportunity to pet the beautiful animals, feed them, take pictures of them, and in some sanctuaries they are allowed to bathe with them.
However, avoid the elephant parks where the animals are still ridden!
You need to book beforehand your visit to the elephants, from the resort, from the accommodation, or online:
Karon Beach
In Karon Beach we really liked the beach. Long, wide, with fine sand and blue, clear and very warm water. The entire beach was surrounded by a curtain of palm trees, which offered a perfect place of shade.
And the sunset, amazing, of course!
Day 7 - The Big Buddha & Kata Noi Beach
The Big Buddha
An impressive place in Phuket, which we also wanted to visit, is the Big Buddha Statue, located high up on a hill.
The monument is 45 meters high and was built quite recently, in 2004.
You can reach the base of the statue simply with a Bolt or Grab, or you can choose the more difficult option, namely through a hike starting from Kata Beach. If you choose the second option, take plenty of water with you, because the effort and heat can be unbearable. And pay attention to the insects on the trail, we were a bit scared by the tarantulas we encountered here.
Entrance to the Big Buddha Statue is free.
Kata Noi Beach
In the afternoon we chose to go to the beach of another neighboring resort, in Kata Noi Beach. It is a quiet resort and connected to Kata Beach, with a smaller but equally beautiful beach.
And the sunset seen here left us, once again, speechless.
Day 8 - Freedom Beach & Patong
Freedom Beach
Freedom Beach is definitely one of the most beautiful beaches in Phuket. With white sand and turquoise blue sea, Freedom Beach is one of the isolated beaches on the island, which gives you the feeling of that paradise and tropical place.
The location is not the most accessible, it is south of Patong, but you can reach it either by boat on the sea or by going down a steep slope. And on the way down (and back, on the way up), you have two possibilities: either at the entrance where the taxi drivers usually drop you off, where you have to pay a 100 baht ticket to be able to go down the stairs to the beach (I don't know how legal or how cheap this ticket is), or at the main entrance, where you have to go down a rather steep slope. When going up this slope, there are cars that, for a fee of 100 baht, can bring you back to the top.
Patong Beach
After Freedom Beach, we quickly arrived with a Bolt in Patong, the busiest resort in Phuket, the favorite destination for those who want to have fun. Here you will find the most active nightlife, Bangla Road being the center of night parties in Phuket.
The beach in Patong is long, with fine sand, but very crowded, especially in high season. It is not a resort that I would recommend to the pretentious, or to those who want a quiet and relaxing vacation, but more to the young and full of energy party people, who don't mind the loud music and the crowds.
Day 9 - Similan Islands Day Trip
The favorite excursion of our entire stay in Thailand was by far the Similan islands. It was the longest and most expensive trip (60 euros/person), but it was so well organized and the islands were so beautiful, that I encourage everyone not to look at money when it comes to going on this day trip.
The day trip booked by us was this: Similan Islands Speedboat Snorkeling Tour from Phuket. And the conditions were excellent: a modern catamaran, snorkeling kit, tasty and refreshing lunch throughout the day.
And the Similan islands are from a completely different story! Such a paradisiacal landscape, turquoise sea and fine sand that we hadn't seen for a long time.
Days 10-11 Phi Phi Islands
Day 10 - Phi Phi Islands
After 6 wonderful days spent in Phuket, it was time to change the location, and we decided to go to one of the most famous and popular islands in Thailand, namely Phi Phi island.
From Phuket to Phi Phi we arrived easily with a ferry, booked directly from the accommodation, for which we paid 600 baht/person, with transfer from the accommodation included.
But you can find different transport options, either in the resorts or online, on the website 12go.asia.
We slept on the island for two nights, which I recommend you to do the same, if you plan to visit the famous islands, together with Maya Bay.
Most tourists choose a day trip from Phuket or Krabi to visit the Phi Phi islands, but we believe that such a trip is too rushed to discover and explore all these beautiful locations.
Staying directly in Phi Phi, during the day you can visit the surroundings by boat, and in the evening enjoy the unique atmosphere on the island.
The only downside to staying in Phi Phi can be the loud music at night, which can be heard on most of the island. But, if you get used to this idea (and have earplugs with you), you can enjoy the authentic experience of this place.
Day 11 - Maya Bay & Pi Leh Lagoon Day Trip
Phi Phi Islands - Maya Bay & Pi Leh Lagoon Day Trip
We all know that the most Instagrammable place in Thailand is Maya Bay, the famous beach where Leonardo DiCaprio starred in the movie "The Beach". Maya Bay is located on the Phi Phi islands and is the place that every tourist puts on their Thailand bucket list.
Whether you leave from Phuket, from Krabi or directly from Phi Phi Don island, the trip to the Phi Phi islands is one of the most popular trips in Thailand.
We could not miss this place either. We took an early bird trip departing from Phi Phi Don, through which we visited the most beautiful places around: Maya Bay, Pi Leh Lagoon, Monkey Beach and Bamboo Island, with two stops for snorkeling.
Tips & Tricks for visiting Phi Phi Islands
- When you choose a day trip to Phi Phi, pay attention to the stops it includes and how much time they are staying at each stop.
- I recommend you to go with a speed boat if you want to spend less time on the road and have more time on the islands, and the tour should definitely include the island of Bamboo, because it is absolutely wonderful.
- If the pictures taken here are important to you, then it is more spectacular to go with a longtail boat.
- It is possible to rent a boat trip just for yourself, but the price is higher than if you went with a larger group.
- Visit the tourism stands in the resort and decide on the most suitable tour for you: by speed boat, by longtail boat, private boat, 4, 6 or 7 hour tour, early bird (early morning departure) or sunset tour.
- I recommend you to go with an early bird tour - there are tours that start from the first hour of the morning, so that you arrive at 7 AM in Maya Bay, the time when the beach officially opens. You will be there before the arrival of the other tourists, so you will feel that the entire beach is only yours.
- On Maya Bay it is forbidden to go in the water, so here no tour will stop for more than an hour, enough time for taking some pictures,
Days 12-14 Krabi
After Phi Phi, followed Krabi, the last destination on our list.
From Phi Phi to Krabi we arrived quickly by ferry, for which we paid 450 baht/person. Here you can check the frequency of the boats that travel between Phi Phi and Krabi and you can buy tickets online: 12go.asia.
In Krabi we stayed at this lovely hotel in Ao Nang, the main resort in Krabi, which we recommend: Baan Ban Dalay. The room was 40 euros/night, during the New Year's period (January 2024), and the conditions were very good: quiet, clean, restaurant on the ground floor, and the room very chic. Close to the beach, but still far away from the hustle and bustle of the resort.
If you want to know more about what you can do in Krabi, I invite you to read this article: Krabi, Thailand – TOP 10 Things You Can Do in Krabi.
Day 12 - Railay Beach, Monkey Trail
Railay Beach
The favorite beach for many tourists visiting Krabi is Railay Beach, an absolutely charming place, and quite isolated, by the way.
The beach is not accessible by land, you can only get here by long-tail boat from Ao Nang. For that, you have to go to the taxi boat station in Ao Nang and buy a ticket to Railay Beach, which costs 20 baht round trip, you get on the boat, and in 10 minutes you are there. If you don't stay overnight in Railay, just be aware that the last boat leaves back to Ao Nang at 6 p.m.
The boat will drop you off at Railay West beach, but I advise you not to stop there. Go through the small resort until you reach Railay East, and from there, on a beautifully landscaped, tropical path, frequented by monkeys and under some interesting rock formations, you will reach the most beautiful beach in Krabi – Phra Nang Cave Beach.
The beach is called so because of the Phra Nang Cave or Princess Cave, which hosts a sacred space, quite strange I might say. I'll let you discover from the pictures what kind of offerings and amulets are brought here - we, personally, were amazed and fascinated, somewhat, by what we found in the cave.
Further from the cave, the beach is absolutely wonderful, and the complete picture, of the fine sand, the turquoise sea and the calcareous rocks, is worth framing! It is a place you should not miss.
If you don't manage to get here on your own, by taxi boat, you should know that the day trip to the 4 islands also stops at this beach.
Monkey Trail and Tonsay Beach
The most interesting place in Krabi is the Monkey Trail - this is a small path through the forest, which connects Ao Nang beach to another beautiful beach, Tonsay Beach. Tonsay Beach.
But what is surprising about this path is that it is full of monkey! The route is not long, nor complicated, you cover it in about 5-10 minutes, but it becomes difficult when you meet dozens of monkeys on the road - you feel like in a game where you have to avoid the obstacles, the obstacles being the monkeys, in this case.
It's an unique activity and experience. Monkeys, in general, are not dangerous, and they seem to be familiar with people, but even so, I recommend you to be careful! They are wild animals and you cannot predict how they will react if they feel threatened.
It is recommended not to feed them, and to be careful, because they are quite thieves. If they try to steal from you, or climb on top of you, it is important not to resist, they are more interested in your objects, not in attacking you. And a tip I learned in Thailand - don't smile at them with your mouth open. If they see your teeth, they have the impression that you are attacking them, and therefore they will fight back.
Day 13 - 4 Islands Day Trip
A very popular trip in Krabi, which we also booked, was the one to the 4 islands.
It is a group of islands in the Andaman Sea located next to each other, such as Ko Kai (the Chicken Island), Ko Poda or Ko Morvery spectacular and beautiful.
You can book such a daytrip directly from the tourist agencies in the resort, or online: 4 Islands Day Tour from Krabi.
Day 14 - Hong Island Day Trip
The trip to Hong Island was one of the most beautiful trips we did in Thailand.
We had the chance to go on a really splendid island, with a gorgeous, wild beach, with a fascinating landscape. On the island you can stay at the beach, or, if you are more sporty, you can climb up to the viewpoint to enjoy the view of the entire island.
One such day trip is this: Koh Hong Day Tour by Speed Boat and Longtail Boat from Krabi.
Personally, we recommend speed boats in such trips, spend less time on the road, in the boat, and more time on the beaches.
In addition to Hong Island, during this trip you will have other stops: Hong Lagoon, Koh Pakbia island and Koh Lao Lading island, also beautiful places.
Where to stay in Thailand
From exclusive hotels to hostels for backpackers, in Thailand you have plenty to choose from in terms of accommodation options, depending on budget, location and needs.
Prices can vary from 10-20 euros/night to over 100 euros/night, depending on everyone's needs and demands.
I recommend you book your accommodations directly on Booking.com or Agoda, after checking the reviews beforehand, both on the booking platforms and on Google.
Our accommodations in Thailand were:
- Bangkok: Rezt Bangkok – a nice accommodation, decent for the price, in a good area, close to the mall and the stations, but quiet at the same time, being behind the main street.
- Phuket, Kata Beach: OK Phuket – clean room, in a good and quiet location in Kata Beach.
- Phi Phi: Sea View Bungalow - an authentic accommodation on the island of Phi Phi, in an interesting bungalow-type house.
- Krabi, Ao Nang: Baan Ban Dalay - the room was 40 euros/night, during the New Year's period (January 2024), and the conditions were very good: quiet, clean, restaurant on the ground floor, and the room very chic. Close to the beach, but still far away from the hustle and bustle of the resort.
Where we ate in Thailand
Thai food is world famous and deserves all the praise. It is so tasty, healthy and special that you will fall in love with the taste of Thai cuisine. Thai street food is known all over the world, and it is a unique experience that you must try.
Some of the dishes you should not miss here are:
- Phad Tai: traditional Thai food, noodles with vegetables and chicken or seafood, with a slightly sweet-spicy taste
- Tom Yum: a soup with coconut milk and shrimp or chicken
- Sticky rice with mango: the most popular dessert in Thailand
But besides that, you will find a lot of interesting foods, or some more strange ones, such as crocodile meat. If you want to be on the safe side and not take any risks, then try chicken dishes and avoid eating street food from places that don't seem very clean.
And don't forget to eat tropical fruits every day, because they are sensational! Papaya, passion fruit, dragon fruit, mango, pineapple, coconut - you can try them all and they are extremely affordable.
It would be difficult for me to give you a list of restaurants where you can eat well, because we ate well everywhere we went. And the prices are more than decent. I only recommend that you open Google Maps first and choose restaurants with a score above 4-4.5, and I guarantee that you will not be disappointed.
However, I would like to mention a small restaurant, not very attractive in terms of appearance and design, but with extraordinary food and impeccable service. It's called Kalika Restaurant, it's on the border between Karon and Kata Beach in Phuket, and the lunch in the picture, with two main courses, a large beer, a coconut smoothie, an aperitif from the house and a plate of fruit and sticky rice all from the house, it cost us 12 euros.
How much did our trip to Thailand cost
And now it's the turn of a topic that many people are hiding about - How much did such a trip cost us?
I'll start by saying that prices are very subjective - it depends on how "lucky" you are with the plane tickets, what kind of traveler you are, and maybe how good a negotiator you are.
- Flight - plane tickets are the biggest expense in a vacation in Asia. We paid 1200 euros for a return ticket/person from Romania, giving the fact that we flew in the peak season, 3 days before New Year's
- Transport - in addition to the plane with which we arrived in Thailand, we had 2 more domestic flights, for which we paid a total of 170 euros/person, and two ferry trips to and from Phi Phi, which cost 30 euros/person
- Accommodation - this is the place where you can save on the budget, if you choose lower-rated accommodations or farther from the popular areas. For 14 days, we paid a total of 700 euros for accommodation, with an average of 50 euros / night, provided that we chose only well-rated accommodation in good areas: Bangkok: Rezt Bangkok , Phuket: OK Phuket, Phi Phi: Sea View Bungalow, Krabi: Baan Ban Dalay
- Day trips - these were the activities that increased the cost of the vacation. Although the price per trip did not seem high, varying from 20 euros to 60 euros, depending on the distance, conditions or visited places, having 7 such trips, the costs added up. We paid around 220 euros/person on the trips. These were our excursions: Floating Market and Railway Market, James Bond, Similan Islands, Phi Phi Islands, Hong Islands, 4 Islands, Elephant Sanctuary.
- Food - I wouldn't have an exact amount for food, sometimes we ate at a restaurant, other times only a toastie from 7/11 was enough. The idea is that the food is not very expensive here, we paid between 10 and 20 euros for a meal for two people in the city, with drinks included.
- Other expenses - here I could add souvenirs and gifts bought, and transport with Bolt or Grab. They weren't expensive, but they added up in the end.
The final cost of our two-week vacation in Thailand, in peak season, was 2000 euros per person, without food expenses or souvenirs/gifts.
This was our itinerary for 14 days in Thailand. It was two full, beautiful and unforgettable weeks, which we will always remember fondly. What do you think, did we visit everything that was important, or did we miss something? We are waiting for your impressions and opinions in the comments.
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