Welcome to Thailand—Siam of old—where gilded temples meet sizzling woks and river currents carry stories from Ayutthaya to today. Bangkok thrums with energy along the Chao Phraya, Pattaya opens to the Gulf with day trips to coral-fringed islands, and Chiang Mai exhales cool mountain air beneath Lanna-era stupas.

Across two weeks, you’ll step inside Bangkok’s Grand Palace, taste late-night noodles in Chinatown, jet to Pattaya for island-hopping and gardens, then fly north to Chiang Mai for pagodas, craft villages, and a splash beneath jungle waterfalls. Expect warm hospitality, easy transport, and flavors that run from tangy papaya salad to coconut-rich curries.

Practical notes: dress modestly for temples (shoulders/knees covered), carry cash for markets, and use Grab or metered taxis. The cool/dry season (Nov–Feb) is ideal, hot season (Mar–May) is steamy, and rains fall May–Oct, often in brief afternoon bursts. Street food is safe when cooked fresh; follow the queues.

Bangkok

Thais call it Krung Thep, “City of Angels,” and its skyline is a tapestry of palace spires, Chinese shophouses, and rooftop bars. Longtail boats still ply hidden klongs, while modern BTS/MRT lines whisk you to art spaces, night markets, and riverfront promenades.

Bangkok rewards curiosity: peek into monk-quiet courtyards one minute, then join the neon swirl of Yaowarat the next. Tastes range from Michelin-star street stalls to century-old coffee houses and refined royal cuisine.

Days 1–4: Golden spires, river life, and street food

• Historic core: Start with the Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew (Emerald Buddha), then cross to Wat Arun’s porcelain prang and recline with the colossal Buddha at Wat Pho. Consider a guided trio for context:
  Bangkok Royal Road – Top 3 Major Monuments

  

• On the water: Glide through quiet canals to see stilt houses, shrine piers, and daily life, ending at the riverside Big Buddha. It’s a fast way to grasp Bangkok’s “Venice of the East” roots.
  Hidden Bangkok Longtail Boat Tour

  

• Night energy: Catch a classic bout under bright lights:
  Muay Thai Boxing at Rajadamnern Stadium

  

• Culture shot: Dress in traditional Thai attire for photos at Wat Arun or Wat Pho—memorable and surprisingly informative about textiles and symbolism.
  Thai Costume Photography Experience

  

• Eat & drink like a local: Breakfast at On Lok Yun (old-school kaya toast and Thai coffee) or Sarnies (hearty sourdough, house roasts). Midday pad thai at Thip Samai (order the “Superb Pad Thai” wrapped in egg) or a spicy seafood feast at Soei (famous mackerel heads and herbs). After dark, roam Yaowarat Road for peppery kuay jab, oyster omelets, and mango sticky rice. Coffee heavyweights: Factory Coffee (award-winning signatures) and Roots (Thai single-origin).
• Where to stay: Riverside icons and stylish bases close to sights:
  - Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok (heritage riverside legend)
  - Anantara Riverside Bangkok Resort (resort feel on the Chao Phraya)
  - The Siam Hotel (art-deco sanctuary, Dusit)
  - Lub d Bangkok Siam (budget-smart by National Stadium BTS)
  - Niras Bankoc Cultural Hostel (Old Town charm)
• Book transport: Fly into Bangkok with Trip.com flights or Kiwi.com. In-town, ride BTS/MRT, river boats, or Grab.
• Bangkok hotel/VRBO search: VRBO Bangkok | Hotels.com Bangkok

Pattaya

Pattaya grew from a 1960s fishing village into a Gulf-side playground, but look closer and you’ll find serene temples, a world-class botanical garden, and a scattering of offshore isles with translucent water. It’s your beach-and-boat chapter—easy days, golden sunsets.

Base near Wongamat or Jomtien for calmer shores, then day-trip to Koh Larn (Coral Island). Add a cabaret night, a hilltop viewpoint, or the intricate, all-wood Sanctuary of Truth for a dash of wonder.

Days 5–9: Islands, gardens, viewpoints, and nightlife

• Island time: Zip to Koh Larn for beaches like Tawaen or Samae; swim, snorkel, and lunch on grilled squid and som tam. Streamlined option:
  Pattaya Coral Island Tour

  

• Gardens & culture: Wander Nong Nooch Tropical Garden—orchids, topiary, and cultural shows—ideal for families and plant lovers.
  Nong Nooch Tropical Garden Ticket

  

• Full-day cruising & snorkeling: Settle onto a 73-ft catamaran for multi-island swimming, paddle boarding, and a Thai buffet—an easy-going way to see the coast.
  Pattaya 3 Tropical Island Snorkeling Cruise

  

• Evening sparkle: Choose your spectacle—either a high-energy Muay Thai night or a sequined cabaret institution.
  Max Muay Thai Pattaya VIP Night Show

  

  
  or
  Alcazar Cabaret Show (VIP Ticket)

  

• Local gems: The Sanctuary of Truth (hand-carved wooden complex), Pattaya Viewpoint (Khao Pattaya) for sunsets, Wat Phra Yai’s hilltop Big Buddha, and Ramayana Water Park (Thailand’s largest) for a family day. Thepprasit Night Market (Fri–Sun) is your snack-and-souvenir stroll.
• Eat & drink: Breakfasts at La Baguette (Naklua; flaky croissants) or Bake n’ Brew (eggs, smoothies). Lunch on the pier at Mum Aroi Naklua (live tanks, tom yum with sea breeze) or Leng Kee (Teochew classics, roast meats). For dinner by the sea, Surf & Turf Beach Club (sunset cocktails, grilled prawns) or Rimpa Lapin down in Na Jomtien (Thai dishes on a cliffside deck). Coffee pit stops: The Library Pattaya and Loaf Bakery (Jomtien).
• Where to stay: For a broad selection near the beach or with family-friendly pools:
  - VRBO Pattaya
  - Hotels.com Pattaya
• Getting there from Bangkok (morning departure): Car/van is ~2 hours via motorway. Trains take ~2.5–3 hours; check schedules and book with Trip.com trains. Expect 150–300 THB by bus/van, more by private car.

Chiang Mai

Former capital of the Lanna Kingdom, Chiang Mai is a city of moats, teak houses, and gilded parasols. The hills carry coffee farms and waterfalls; the Old City tucks away saffron-robed monks and lantern-strung lanes.

Days here are gentle and sensory: khao soi for lunch, a temple bell at dusk, and a night market ramble. Add a day in the wild—ATV tracks, bamboo rafts, or the kingdom’s highest peak.

Days 10–14: Lanna temples, mountain parks, craft villages

• Roof of Thailand: Climb to 2,565 m at Doi Inthanon—twin pagodas in the clouds, village markets, and waterfalls on forested trails.
  Doi Inthanon Waterfall & Royal Project

  

• Old City orientation: Make sense of moats, markets, and hidden lanes with a local guide—shortcuts and stories included.
  Highlights & Hidden Gems With Locals

  

• Adventure day: Kick up mud on forest trails, cool off at a secret waterfall, then float through bamboo-arched streams—an all-in-one adrenaline-and-nature combo.
  ATV, Secret Waterfall & Bamboo Rafting

  

• Bonus excursion: If you fancy a long day out, visit Chiang Rai’s trio of modern temples and artistic landmarks.
  Chiang Rai: Discover 7 Must-See Spots

  

• Local gems: Doi Suthep at sunrise (ring the bells after the climb), Bua Tong “Sticky” Waterfall for a natural grip-and-climb, and the Sunday Walking Street for handicrafts and snacks. If visiting elephants, choose ethical sanctuaries with no riding and hands-off policies when requested.
• Eat & drink: Start with khao soi at Khao Soi Khun Yai (tiny, beloved) or Khao Soi Mae Sai (spicy northern curry noodles). Lanna plates at Huen Phen (sausage, nam prik ong), Isaan grills at Tong Tem Toh (Nimman), and charcoal roast chicken at SP Chicken. Coffee temples: Ristr8to (world champion pours), Akha Ama (community-driven), and Graph (minimalist, inventive signatures).
• Where to stay:
  - 137 Pillars House (boutique colonial elegance)
  - Shangri-La Hotel, Chiang Mai (resort pool, near Night Bazaar)
  - Green Tiger House (vegetarian-friendly, peaceful)
  - Green Sleep Hostel (budget, social vibe)
  Browse more: VRBO Chiang Mai | Hotels.com Chiang Mai
• Getting there (morning departure from Pattaya via Bangkok): Drive ~2 hours to Bangkok, then fly ~1h10 to Chiang Mai. Compare fares with Trip.com flights or Kiwi.com. Prefer rail? The overnight sleeper Bangkok–Chiang Mai takes ~11–13 hours; book with Trip.com trains.

Suggested pacing and travel days

• Days 1–4: Bangkok (arrive, temples, canals, street food, Muay Thai).
• Day 5 (AM travel): Bangkok to Pattaya (~2 hours by car; 2.5–3 by train).
• Days 5–9: Pattaya (Koh Larn, Nong Nooch, cruise, viewpoint, market).
• Day 10 (AM travel): Return to Bangkok, fly to Chiang Mai (~1h10 flight).
• Days 10–14: Chiang Mai (Doi Inthanon, Old City, adventure day, markets). Depart from CNX or connect via Bangkok with Trip.com flights.

Two weeks in Thailand gives you Bangkok’s royal road, Pattaya’s beaches and island breezes, and Chiang Mai’s mountain calm. You’ll leave with a camera full of sunsets and a palate permanently tuned to lime, chili, and holy basil.

From canal boats to night markets and forest pagodas, this itinerary layers culture, cuisine, and nature into one memorable arc—ready to revisit again and again.