Planning 2 weeks in Thailand and looking for the perfect itinerary with an blend of both culture and nature? Looking to visit the amazing Elephant Hills? Look no further, you have come to the right place!
Being our first trip to Asia we packed in everything from culture trips, outdoor activities, good food and plenty of nature.
When to Visit Thailand
The weather in Thailand is defined by 3 main seasons; the wet season (May to October), the cool season (November to February) and the hot season (March to May). Based on these seasons the most ideal time to visit is between November and February when the weather is dry and temperatures are lower.
That said being tied to school holidays, we visited in July/August. This is officially monsoon season but it did not rain all day every day. During out 2 weeks in Thailand, we had a number of short sharp showers and some that lasted a few hours. The weather didn’t stop us doing anything and we saw plenty of sunshine.
An advantage of travelling at this time is it is less busy and accommodation is cheaper than it would be during peak season.
Read on for how to spend the perfect 2 weeks in Thailand.
2 weeks in Thailand – Phuket (3 Nights)
We kicked off our 2 weeks in Thailand itinerary in Phuket (having flown from Heathrow via Doha), staying in Karon Beach at the Wekata Luxury Hotel. This is a lovely base for exploring the southern coast. One of the highlights of our time here was a James Bond Island tour, which we booked via GetYourGuide. This full-day trip included a visit to the Monkey Temple, kayaking through lush mangroves, ta longboat trip with a stop at the floating village of Koh Panyee (with its famous floating football pitch), and finally the iconic James Bond Island itself, rising dramatically from the sea.
The next day, we opted for a private tour to some of the island’s most scenic and cultural highlights. Stops included Karon Viewpoint with its sweeping ocean panoramas, the Big Buddha (currently closed due to storm damage restoration), and the serene Wat Chalong. We also popped into a cashew nut factory for some tasty snacks and ended the day wandering the colorful colonial streets of Phuket Old Town.
Food-wise, we found some gems in Karon. We especially loved Ska Bar for beachfront vibes, Eightfold and Sugar & Spice for great meals.
Elephant Hills Experience (2 Nights)
Next, we were picked up by Elephant Hills and taken deep into Khao Sok National Park for a luxury glamping adventure. Our first day we arrived for lunch and then we were gently paddled along a jungle river in a kayak (our guide did the work!). Next it was all about the elephants – we fed and observed them up close in a completely ethical, no-riding environment. After dinner we settled into our gorgeous jungle camp tent, surrounded by rainforest sounds.
The next morning, we woke to the sounds of the jungle and after breakfast, we were transferred to the floating Lake Camp. On the way, once in the longboat we spotted monkeys in the trees and surrounding islands. After lunch, we hiked into the jungle, spotting more wildlife, before spending the afternoon swimming in the lake or paddling in kayaks. After a peaceful night on the water, our final morning included a guided kayak trip – and we were lucky enough to spot gibbons swinging through the treetops!
Elephant Hills was the highlight of our 2 weeks in Thailand itinerary.
For more information on this amazing experience click here.
Khao Lak (3 Nights)
From Elephant Hills, we transferred to Khao Lak where we stayed at the La Flora Hotel. Our first day we enjoyed pool time, local market browsing, and exploring the laid-back coastal town. The following day we took a customised excursion with Khao Lak Tour Plan. This visited Takua Pa’s market (where we tried exotic fruits), the Boon Soong iron bridge, the temple of Wat Khongkha Phimuk, and Takua Pa’s old walking street, where we stopped at a local coffee shop. Next stop was the Ban Nam Khem Tsunami Museum, followed by a delicious lunch at the Happy Restaurant. The day ended at the Turtle Conservation Centre and finally Tong Pling Waterfall.
During our stay, we dined at Give Me Five, Green Pepper, and Rabeang. All these servied up tasty local as well international dishes.
Chiang Mai (3 Nights)
After a flight from Phuket, we arrived in the north of Thailand and stayed at the charming Pastell Hotel in Chiang Mai.
On our first day, we explored some of the city’s beautiful temples: Wat Sri Suphan (with its silver details), Wat Chiang Man, and the majestic Wat Phra Singh. For lunch, we tried the Michelin-recommended restaurant The House by Ginger, which did not disappoint! That evening, we took a songthaew (red pickup trucks acting as shared taxis) to the bustling night market for shopping and street food.
The next day, we booked a trip through getyoutguide to Doi Inthanon National Park, home to Thailand’s highest point. We walked among the twin pagodas, visited the Wachirathan Waterfall, and spent time in a Karen Hill Tribe village, learning about their customs and crafts.
On our final morning, we visited a local organic farm along the Mae Ping River, where we had a delicious lunch before flying to Bangkok.
Thailand’s Capital – Bangkok (2 Nights)
The final stop on our 2 weeks in Thailand itinerary was the buzzing capital, Bangkok. We stayed at the Siam Champs Elysees Hotel, which was cheap and convient. Day one included this visit booked with getyourguide, to the iconic floating market, where we took a boat ride through colorful canal-side stalls. This was followed by a visit to the Maeklong Railway Market, where vendors quickly pull back their stalls as a train rolls through. We ended the day at the Siam shopping centre. Later on we had one of our favourite meals at The Family a riverside restaurant with delicious, affordable food.
In the evening, we explored the lively Bangla Road Market, full of lights, music, and street vendors.
On our last day, we toured the majestic Grand Palace, which is worth a visit for its shheer beauty. We then took a Chao Phraya River boat past famous riverside temples including Wat Arun and Wat Pho. We stopped at ICONSIAM, a stunning modern mall with amazing views from the 7th floor Starbucks. On a hot summers day it is a good place to cool off! Catching the boat across the river, we then wandered through Chinatown before hopping in a tuk-tuk back to the hotel – an absolute must-do for the true Bangkok experience.
Final Thoughts on 2 weeks in Thailand
Our 2 weeks in Thailand were unforgettable – from kayaking with gibbons in the jungle to exploring ancient temples and bustling markets. Elephant hills was the absolute highlight and should not be missed!
Whether you’re after relaxation, adventure, culture, or food, this country has something for everyone. Thailand’s mix of warmth (from both the people and the weather!), diversity, and natural beauty left us already planning our return.
Why not fly home via Singapore? Read our blog on how to spend 48 hours in Singapore!
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