Thailand is a country of breathtaking diversity, from bustling cities and vibrant street markets to serene islands and ancient temples. For over one month, we explored everything from world-famous street food scenes to cultural landmarks, from an elephant sanctuary to one of the most beautiful beaches we’ve ever seen. A lot of our time was in the South, enjoying the tropics of Thailand. Below, we break down our recommendation for 26 activity-filled days, including must-visit spots, where we stayed, and how much we spent in each location. At the end, we’ll reveal the total cost of our trip.
Now you might be wondering, why are there only 26 days and yet, we titled this “How to Spend 1 Month in Thailand.” Well, we actually spent over five weeks hopping around and to make it the ultimate guide, we’re sharing our 26 best days. We assume you’ll have travel days at the beginning, end, and possibly between cities—so when you factor it all in, it rounds out to about a month of exploring Thailand!
So grab a cup of (thai iced) tea, get comfy, and get excited for the Ultimate trip to Thailand!
OVERVIEW (CITY BREAKDOWN; Detailed itineraries for each city are linked below)
You can re-order the cities as you wish (or eliminate some if you are short on time)! It’s super easy to customize and get to each of these places. Just keep in mind, you’ll be taking all types of transportations including Grabs, buses, ferries, planes, and tuk tuks!
Days 1-2 & Days 8-9: Bangkok
Days 3-6: Chiang Mai (including an overnight stay at an Elephant Sanctuary)
Day 7: Chiang Rai
Day 10-13: Koh Tao
Days 14-15: Koh Phangan
Days 16-18: Koh Samui
Days 19-21: Ao Nang, Krabi
Days 22-23: Koh Phi Phi
Days 24-26: Phuket
Days 1-4 & Days 8-9: Bangkok (4 Days)
Our trip began in Bangkok. The first time, we spent 5 full days here (mostly to reset from a wild month in India). The second time, it was because we wanted to come back and see more of the laid back side of Bangkok. Here’s what we would do a city famous for its food and entertainment.
– What we did (and what we highly recommend you don’t miss):
Day 1: Chatuchak Market, The Grand Palace & Khao San Road Madness
Day 2: Temple-Hopping & a Chinatown Feast (The real Bangkok) – Definitely check out the blog where we tell you about all the places we stopped at during our paid foodie tour (so you can save your $$$$)
Day 3: Mall Madness & Shopping Spree
Day 4: Relax & Celebrate with Self Care and a Rooftop Bar
– Where we stayed: Silom Forest Exclusive Residence, cheap and close to the MRT
– Total spent (Approximate CAD, 2 people): As we mentioned, we stayed in Bangkok for more than 4 days, so these prices are inflated compared to whar you might spend in only four days.
SIM Cards (for the entire 5 weeks we spent in Thailand): $43
Activities (temples, massages, excursions, day tours, tips): $546
Accommodations (7 nights): $381
Food: $259
Transportation (Grabs, BTS): $113
Souvenirs (clothes, tote bag): $36
TOTAL: $1,378
More details including Pro Tips in our Bangkok blog.
Days 3-6: Chiang Mai (4 Days)
We then hopped on a plane and ventured to Northern Thailand, where the landscapes are more lush, the temples get wilder, and one of the most AMAZING experiences of our lifetime: Staying over at an Elephant Sanctuary.
– What we did (and what we highly recommend you don’t miss):
Day 1: Cooking Class at Grandma’s Home Cooking School and the Night Market
Day 2: Temples & More Temples
Days 3-4: Elephant Nature Park
– Where we stayed: 33 Poshtel, cheap and close to city center (old city)
– Total spent (Approximate CAD, 2 people):
Activities (Cooking Class, Elephant Sanctuary, Tips): $520
Accommodations (3 nights): $110
Food: $69
Transportation (Grabs, Tolls, Flight from Bangkok to Chiang Mai): $167
Souvenirs (clothes): $11
TOTAL: $878
More details including Pro Tips in our Chiang Mai blog.
Days 7: Chiang Rai (1 Day)
While a day trip can be done from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai, it will be a long day! We recommend stay for at least a night if you can squeeze it into your itinerary. The temples here are like nothing you’ve ever seen!
– What we did (and what we highly recommend you don’t miss):
Wat Rong Khun (White Temple) – Go first thing in the morning!
Wat Rong Suea Ten (Blue Temple) – A stunning and peaceful contrast.
Baan Dam Museum (Black House) – A dark and intriguing art museum.
– Where we stayed: Grand Vista Hotel 185 – conveniently located right across Central Chiang Rai mall. Comfortable stay, incredible breakfast, and great service.
– Total spent (Approximate CAD, 2 people):
Activities (Temple Fees): $17
Accommodations (2 nights, but keep in mind we redeemed $100 CAD worth of points): $70
Food: $43
Transportation (Grabs, Bus from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai): $48
Souvenirs (clothes): $4
TOTAL: $183
More details including Pro Tips in our Chiang Rai blog.
Days 10-13: Koh Tao (4 Days)
Are you ready to hit the beaches?! You’re going to spending the next ~2weeks exploring some of the most beautiful islands in the world (in our opinion). Philippines is also one of our favourite island destinations. Koh Tao is specifically for you to scuba or learn how to scuba (it’s one of the cheapest scuba destinations in the world!)
– What we did (and what we highly recommend you don’t miss):
Day 1: Unless you’re coming from another island, this will be a long travel day for you! Check in at your hotel, then grab a few drinks and enjoy them by the beach while you watch the sun set!
Day 2: Explore Sairee Beach, book your dive or dives (we did two days of diving), and enjoy smoothie bowls at Shaka’s.
Day 3: Practice dive with Rocktopus (not sponsored); visit Mango Bay and White Rock; dinner at Pooh’s.
Day 4: Dive day with Rocktopus; Chumphon and No Name Pinnacle; lunch from Pad Thai to go.
– Where we stayed: Wyh Hotel – modern, quiet, and walkable to everything.
– Total spent (Approximate CAD, 2 people):
Accommodations for 5 nights: $235
Activities: (4 dives) $323
Food: $91
Transportation: $55
Souvenirs (we did not shopping here, leaving that for other islands): $0
TOTAL: $705
More details including Pro Tips in our Koh Tao blog.
Days 14-15: Koh Phangan (2 Days)
We happened to be here for Songkran, which is a day of water gun fights to celebrate the New Year! We imagine Full Moon parties are probably wilder, which is why most people come to this island. Ready to party?
– What we did (and what we highly recommend you don’t miss):
Day 1: Arrival in the morning: lunch at GAIA Cafe, explore Thong Sala Beach and Lime N Soda pool, dinner at Auntie’s.
Day 2: Get ready for your Full Moon party OR celebrate Songkran all day long with water fights, music, and sunset on the beach. End the day with spicy pad kra pao at a local noodle shop.
– Where we stayed: Lime N Soda Beachfront Resort (budget-friendly, prime location).
– Total spent (Approximate CAD, 2 people):
Accommodations for 2 nights: $165
Activities: $0
Food: $72
Transportation: $34
Souvenirs (we did not shopping here, leaving that for other islands): $0
TOTAL: $271
More details including Pro Tips in our Koh Phangan blog.
Days 16-18: Koh Samui (3 Days)
After all that partying, it’s time to take it easy. Koh Samui is one of the biggest islands in Thailand and that means, it has a bunch of amenities and shops. Time to restock on the basics and RELAX!
– What we did (and what we highly recommend you don’t miss):
Day 1: Visit Big Buddha Temple and Wat Plai Laem. End the day with dinner at the Fisherman’s Village Night Market (pricey but fun!).
Day 2: Grab to Chaweng Beach for some sun, followed by shopping at Central Samui Mall. Cap the day with a heavenly massage at Baan Thai Massages.
Day 3: Relax at Maenam Beach and finish with a local dinner at Ma Yom’s.
– Where we stayed: We stayed at a local Airbnb near Maenam beach. It was quiet, secluded, and really for just resting! If you can, stay close to Central Samui so it’s easier to restock on all the goodies!
– Total spent (Approximate CAD, 2 people):
Accommodations for 3 nights: $237
Activities: $0
Food: $83
Transportation: $38
Massages (and tip): $31
TOTAL: $389
More details including Pro Tips in our Koh Samui blog.
Days 19-21: Ao Nang, Krabi (3 Days)
Now, this is where the beaches get more and more beautiful. Head south to Krabi and enjoy the beauty of Railay Beach!
– What we did (and what we highly recommend you don’t miss):
Day 1: Arrive, have lunch at Sawasdee Restaurant (Pad Thai and Pad Kra-Pow), chill by the pool, watch the sunset, and enjoy dinner at Family Restaurant.
Day 2: Take a shared long-tail boat to Railay Beach and explore Phra Nang Cave Beach. Relax, swim, and soak in the stunning views.
Day 3: Hire a private driver to visit Wat Tham Sua (Tiger Cave Temple), the Emerald Pool, and the Blue Pool. Return to Ao Nang for a well-deserved dinner.
– Where we stayed: Centara Anda Dhevi Resort and Spa. We were lucky to use hotel reward nights and there was a deal too!
– Total spent (Approximate CAD, 2 people):
Accommodations for 4 nights: $129
Activities (including the private driver for the day): $115
Food: $92
Transportation: $115
Souvenirs (hair clip): $1
TOTAL: $452
More details including Pro Tips in our Ao Nang, Krabi blog.
Days 22-23: Koh Phi Phi (2 Days)
Phi Phi islands – a MUST visit! Maya beach is absolutely spectacular and that’s because the Thai government has actually restricted access to preserve its natural beauty! Maya Bay, made famous by The Beach movie, was once overrun by tourists, but the Thai government took action by closing it for several years to allow the ecosystem to recover.
– What we did (and what we highly recommend you don’t miss):
Day 1: Hike to Phi Phi Viewpoint, relax at Loh Dalum Bay, and enjoy a beachside fire show with a cocktail in hand.
Day 2: Ko Phi Phi Leh & Maya Bay snorkeling tour, featuring stops at Monkey Beach, Viking Cave, Maya Bay, Bamboo Island, and a magical plankton snorkeling experience under the stars.
– Where we stayed: Panmanee Hotel—clean, central, and comfy despite being pricey. Expect island prices on this tiny island!
– Total spent (Approximate CAD, 2 people):
Accommodations for 2 nights: $208
Activities (Day 2’s tour + tips): $110
Food: $40
Transportation: $37
Souvenirs (we did not shopping here, leaving that for other islands): $0
TOTAL: $396
More details including Pro Tips in our Koh Phi Phi blog.
Days 24-26: Phuket (3 Days)
Phuket is the perfect blend of vibrant nightlife, stunning beaches, and rich cultural experiences, making it a must-visit destination in Thailand. It was also where we ended up trip before heading to our next country, so we did a lot of relaxing and trip planning poolside!
– What we did (and what we highly recommend you don’t miss):
Day 1: Relax on Patong Beach, sip coconuts, and enjoy watersports.
Day 2: Explore Bangla Road’s nightlife and feast at Patong Beach Night Market.
Day 3: Treat yourself to a Thai massage, shop for souvenirs, and indulge in authentic Thai dishes to end the best month in Thailand!
– Where we stayed: Deevana Patong Resort & Spa: a luxury resort that offers deals from time to time. Book early!
– Total spent (Approximate CAD, 2 people):
Accommodations for 3 nights: $268
Activities (we did no excursions, leaving that for Phi Phi island): $0
Food: $82
Transportation: $26 (includes the transportation to Phuket airport)
Souvenirs (we did not shopping here, leaving that for other islands): $0
TOTAL: $376
More details including Pro Tips in our Phuket blog.
Helping You See the Best of Thailand 🇹🇭
Oh boy, here comes the toughest part... picking the must-visit cities! If you don’t have a full month to explore Thailand, these are our top picks based on our travels:
#1. Bangkok (for eating until you can't anymore)
#2. Chiang Mai (especially Elephant Nature Park)
#3. Koh Tao (for scuba diving)
#4. Koh Phi Phi (for Maya Bay - the nicest beach in Thailand)
Overall Expenses for ~30 Days in Thailand (CAD, 2 people):
- Technology & Gear (Airalo [You can use our referral code “CELINA4205” to save $4.50 CAD OFF your first purchase]): $43
- Activities: $1,631
- Accommodations: $1,805
- Food (we never cooked for ourselves): $831
- Transportation (domestic flights, local buses/trains, long distance buses, Grabs, ferries, tuktuks): $634
- Souvenirs/Essentials (clothes, hair clips, toothpaste, floss, etc): $83
Total Cost: $5,026 ($84 per person, per day)
Let us know if you have any questions in the comments below!
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