Introduction
Two weeks in Thailand sounds like plenty of time. Until you open a map.
Thailand is enormous. It stretches over 1,500km from north to south, has hundreds of islands, ancient jungle temples, mountain towns, buzzing cities, and beaches that look like they were designed by someone who had never seen anything ugly. You cannot do all of it in two weeks. And honestly? You shouldn’t try.
The worst thing you can do in Thailand is spend your entire trip on a bus or a plane, rushing from Phuket to Bangkok to Pai to Koh Samui, ticking boxes and never actually arriving anywhere.
We spent two weeks in Thailand and visited exactly two places: Koh Chang and Chiang Mai. It was the best travel decision we made. We slowed down, went deep, found things that aren’t on any tourist map, and left Thailand feeling like we’d actually been somewhere — not just passed through it.
This is that itinerary. The honest version.
Before You Go — Quick Essentials
Visa: Most European passport holders get a 30-day visa on arrival for free. Check the current rules for your nationality before you travel.
Currency: Thai Baht (THB). 1 CHF ≈ 40 THB (roughly). ATMs are everywhere. Carry some cash — smaller restaurants and markets are cash only.
Getting there: Fly into Bangkok Suvarnabhumi (BKK) — this is the main international airport and your starting point.
eSIM: Get one before you leave home. You’ll need data the moment you land for maps, transport apps, and finding your hotel.
Travel insurance: Non-negotiable in Thailand. Scooter accidents, food poisoning, hospital visits — all very real possibilities.
The Overview: Why Koh Chang + Chiang Mai?
These two destinations give you the two best sides of Thailand:
Koh Chang — a jungle island in the Gulf of Thailand with quiet beaches, incredible food, a hidden mountain bar built by hand, and a pace of life that genuinely slows your heart rate.
Chiang Mai — a culturally rich city in northern Thailand surrounded by mountains, famous for its temples, night markets, handmade crafts, and if you time it right, the most incredible festival in Southeast Asia.
Together they cover beach life, jungle adventure, city culture, local food, and authentic experiences — without the chaos of trying to rush through ten destinations.
Getting from Bangkok to Koh Chang
You fly into Bangkok. Koh Chang is about 4-5 hours east. You have three options:
Option 1: Private Taxi (What We Did)
A private taxi from Bangkok to the Koh Chang ferry costs around 3,000 THB (≈ 80 CHF) one way. Your driver handles the ferry — no stress, door to door. If you’re travelling as a couple this is excellent value for the convenience.
Option 2: Bus Transfer (Most Affordable)
A shared bus transfer that takes you all the way from Bangkok directly to your hotel on Koh Chang. The ferry is included. This is the most budget-friendly option and very popular with backpackers. 👉 Book your bus transfer here: Transfer BANGKOK – KOH CHANG
Option 3: Fly to Trat + Transfer
Fly from Bangkok to Trat Airport (the small airport closest to Koh Chang), then get a transfer to the ferry. Quickest option but more expensive. Good if you’re short on time.
Our recommendation: Option 1 if you’re two people and want zero hassle. Option 2 if you’re budget-conscious. Both work perfectly.
Koh Chang — 5 Days
Koh Chang is Thailand’s second largest island and somehow still feels like a secret. There are no infinity pools full of influencers here. No overpriced beach clubs. No queues for a “hidden” waterfall that 10,000 people visited last week.
Just jungle, quiet beaches, genuine Thai hospitality, and one of the most magical hidden bars you’ll ever find.
Where to Stay on Koh Chang
Option 1 — Santhiya Tree Hotel (mid-range/splurge) One of the most beautiful hotels either of us has ever stayed in. Stunning design, incredible breakfast, right on the beach. Worth every baht if your budget allows. 👉 Booking Link
Option 2 — The Drifter’s Anchor Accommodation (budget/unique) The hidden mountain bar we fell in love with also has a small number of rooms. Waking up above the jungle with that view? Unforgettable. Book ahead — rooms are limited. 👉 Booking Link
Getting Around Koh Chang
Rent a scooter. There are plenty of rental shops along the main road near the Santhiya Tree Hotel area — you’ll find good options there. The whole island can be driven in an afternoon. Note: roads can be steep and winding — ride carefully, especially if it’s been raining.
What to Do on Koh Chang
Visit The Drifter’s Anchor A hidden bar built entirely by hand by two Canadian brothers, up in the mountains of Koh Chang. Everything — every plank, every bottle, every chair — was carried up on foot. The sunset view from here is unlike anything you’ll see on the beach. Walk up (5-10 minutes, steep — don’t attempt by scooter). Go late afternoon. Budget-friendly drinks. 👉 Read the full guide: The Drifter’s Anchor: Koh Chang’s Most Magical Hidden Bar (And How to Find It)
Explore the waterfalls Several waterfall trails on the island. Important: visit during wet season (May–October) — during dry season the falls can be completely dry. Don’t make the mistake of hiking up expecting a cascade and finding nothing.
Muay Thai There are Muay Thai fights held on the island — a proper local experience, not a tourist show. Worth going for at least one evening.
The beaches White Sand Beach is the main one and gets busiest. For quieter options, head further south. Lonely Beach lives up to its name outside peak season.
Where to Eat on Koh Chang
Sol Beach Restaurant — on the pricier side for Koh Chang but absolutely worth it. We had sushi and tacos there that we still talk about. Stunning setting right on the beach.
Ta and Yay — classic Thai food, incredible prices, and they make some of the best fresh fruit shakes on the island. This is your go-to for everyday eating.
The Night Markets — two to know about. One is located near the Santhiya Tree Hotel (it’s not easy to find online — just look for the lights at night and the gate entrance). The other is on the rural road and is easier to locate. Both are excellent for cheap, authentic Thai food.
Koh Chang Budget
Expect to spend around 400 THB per person per day (≈ 10-11 CHF) covering food and local transport. Accommodation is on top of this. Overall Koh Chang is excellent value — you can eat well, explore freely, and not spend much at all.
Getting from Koh Chang to Chiang Mai
This is the most logistically interesting part of the trip and actually very straightforward if you plan it right.
Step 1 — Koh Chang to Bangkok Airport Book a private transfer agency that picks you up directly from your hotel on Koh Chang. The driver handles the ferry crossing — no need to worry about tickets or timings. You’ll make a couple of 10-15 minute stops along the way for toilets and food (the coach has snacks). You’ll be dropped directly at Bangkok airport. 👉 Book your transfer: Transfer KOH CHANG – BANGKOK
Step 2 — Fly Bangkok to Chiang Mai Domestic flights in Thailand are incredibly cheap — often under 30-40 CHF if booked in advance. Airlines to look for: AirAsia, Thai Lion Air, Nok Air. 👉 Search flights: Skyscanner Link
The whole journey takes roughly a day but it’s easy and stress-free if you book the transfer in advance.
Chiang Mai — 5 Days
Chiang Mai is everything Bangkok isn’t. Slower, cooler, more cultural, surrounded by mountains, and home to some of the most interesting markets, temples, and local experiences in all of Thailand.
The old city is built in a perfect square shape, surrounded by a moat. Almost everything you need is within walking distance.
Where to Stay in Chiang Mai
Kodchasri Thani Hotel Chiang Mai — right in the heart of the old city, excellent location, comfortable rooms, great value. 👉 Booking Link
There are also excellent hostels all around the old city square for budget travellers.
Getting Around Chiang Mai
The old city is very walkable. We did almost everything on foot. For longer distances, grab a red songthaew (the shared red truck taxis) — cheap and easy.
Note on scooters in Chiang Mai: We rented one and it’s a great way to explore. However — if you’re visiting during Songkran, do not ride a scooter. The roads are chaos, you’ll be completely soaked within seconds, and visibility is terrible. Walk or take taxis during the festival days.
What to Do in Chiang Mai
Jing Jai Market — one of the best markets in Thailand. A beautiful handmade market with local crafts, art, clothing, and food. More expensive than the night markets but worth it for quality. A great daytime activity.
The Artisan Quarter (near the airport) — if you’re leaving from Chiang Mai airport, plan to arrive early and spend time in the artisan quarter nearby. Excellent local crafts and a very different vibe from the tourist markets.
Night Markets — everywhere in Chiang Mai and excellent for food. Wander, eat, repeat.
The Silver Temple (Wat Sri Suphan) — one of the most stunning temples we visited. Entirely covered in silver. Inside the old city square there are several other temples that are equally worth visiting — just wander and you’ll find them.
Songkran — Thai New Year Water Festival — if you can time your visit for mid-April, this changes everything. 👉 Read the full Songkran guide: [Internal link to Songkran Chiang Mai post]
Where to Eat in Chiang Mai
Krabi Muang — right in front of the Kodchasri Thani Hotel. Exceptional Thai food at very honest prices. This was our go-to for almost every meal and it never disappointed.
Night markets — for everything else. Pad thai, mango sticky rice, fresh juices, grilled meats — all outstanding and very affordable.
Chiang Mai Budget
Expect around 600 THB per person per day (≈ 15-16 CHF) including food and a couple of beers. Everything is on foot so no transport costs. Accommodation is on top of this.
2 Week Thailand — Day by Day Overview
| Day | Where | What |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Bangkok → Koh Chang | Arrive BKK, taxi/transfer to Koh Chang |
| Day 2 | Koh Chang | Settle in, explore beaches, rent scooter |
| Day 3 | Koh Chang | Drifter’s Anchor sunset, night market |
| Day 4 | Koh Chang | Waterfalls, Muay Thai evening |
| Day 5 | Koh Chang | Sol Beach lunch, explore south of island |
| Day 6 | Koh Chang → Bangkok → Chiang Mai | Transfer + domestic flight |
| Day 7 | Chiang Mai | Arrive, explore old city, Krabi Muang dinner |
| Day 8 | Chiang Mai | Jing Jai market, temples |
| Day 9 | Chiang Mai | Songkran Day 1 — street parade + bars |
| Day 10 | Chiang Mai | Songkran Day 2 — bamboo rafting with locals |
| Day 11 | Chiang Mai | Songkran Day 3 — mall area stages + parties |
| Day 12 | Chiang Mai | Silver Temple, night market |
| Day 13 | Chiang Mai | Artisan quarter, last food tour |
| Day 14 | Chiang Mai → Home | Fly home from Chiang Mai |
Honest Tips for 2 Weeks in Thailand
- Don’t try to do everything. Pick two or three places and go deep. You’ll have a much better trip.
- Carry cash. Markets, small restaurants, tuk tuks — cash is king.
- Bargain respectfully. Especially for scooter rentals, taxis, and markets. It’s expected.
- Respect the temples. Cover your shoulders and knees. Many temples will turn you away otherwise.
- Download maps offline. Google Maps works well in Thailand but download your areas before you go out.
- The heat is real. Especially in April. Carry water everywhere.
Is 2 Weeks in Thailand Enough?
Honestly? It depends entirely on how you travel.
If you try to see Bangkok, Koh Samui, Phuket, Pai, and Chiang Mai in two weeks — no. You’ll be exhausted and you won’t have seen any of them properly.
If you pick two destinations, slow down, and actually live in them for a few days each — yes, two weeks is perfect.
Thailand rewards the travellers who stay long enough to find the things that aren’t in the guidebooks. The bamboo rafting with locals during Songkran. The mountain bar that nobody has written about. The fruit shake spot that doesn’t have an Instagram page.
That’s the Thailand we found. And it’s the one we’d go back to in a heartbeat.
More Thailand Guides
👉 Koh Chang: Thailand’s Best Kept Secret (And How to Do It in Style)
👉 The Drifter’s Anchor: Koh Chang’s Most Magical Hidden Bar (And How to Find It)
👉 Songkran in Chiang Mai: The Complete Guide — [internal link to Songkran post — coming soon]