Thailand, dubbed the "Land Of Smiles," was the eighth most visited destination in 2023. Renowned for its vibrant cuisine, lively nightlife, and breathtaking landscapes, it's a must-visit country for anyone. If you're planning a trip to Thailand soon, here’s what to include on your one month travel itinerary.

An Overview of How To Spend One Month In Thailand:

5 Days In Bangkok

4 Days In Chiang Mai

3 Days in Chiang Rai

3 Days in Pai

5 Days in Koh Tao

4 Days in Krabi

3 Days in Koh Phi Phi

4 Days in Phuket

5 Days In Bangkok

Begin your one-month Thailand trip in the vibrant capital, Bangkok.

Bangkok recently topped the list as the world's most visited city and rightfully so! This dynamic hub blends rich cultural heritage with bustling commercial trade, making it the perfect starting point for your adventure.

Here are some ideas for how to spend five days in Bangkok:

Shop small businesses at Chatuchak Market
Visit the Grand Palace and go temple hopping (Wat Pho, Wat Phra Kaew, and Wat Arun just to name a few)
Take a tour to one of the floating markets
Enjoy street food, rooftop bars and cultural creative parks
Visit one of the many museums in the city
Witness the chaos that is Khaosan road
Take a day trip to Ayutthaya

4 Days In Chiang Mai

Next on your itinerary is Chiang Mai, Thailand's second-largest city. An ancient city and former capital of the independent Lanna Kingdom until 1558, Chiang Mai is renowned for its intricate temples, vibrant full moon lantern festivals, hill tribe villages, bustling night markets, and emerging digital nomad scene.

Here are some ideas for how to spend four days in Chiang Mai:

Enjoy the Yi Peng Lantern Festival if you’re visiting during the full moon in November
Grab groceries and eats at the Chiang Mai Gate Morning Market
Enjoy dinner and shopping at the Chiang Mai Night Market
Take a trip to Doi Suthep and hike The Monk’s Trail
Visit an elephant sanctuary (but make sure to do your research!)
Take a tour to Doi Inthanon National Park

3 Days In Chiang Rai

If you're on social media, you're likely familiar with Chiang Rai's White Temple (Wat Rong Khun). While some prefer a day trip from Chiang Mai, I believe Chiang Rai itself is worth a visit.

Here are some ideas for how to spend three days in Chiang Rai:

Go temple hopping: White Temple (Wat Rong Khun), Blue Temple (Wat Rong Suea Ten), Wat Huay Pla Kang to begin with
Rent a scooter and enjoy the countryside
Visit the Baan Dam Museum (Black House)
Enjoy street food at the Chiang Rai Night Bazaar
Check out the Golden Triangle Park

3 Days In Pai

Pai was my destination favorite on this itinerary. With charming scenes of local farm animals in the fields and a laid-back, hippie vibe, the city was a refreshing contrast to the chaos of Bangkok and Chiang Mai.

To get from Chiang Rai to Pai, you’ll have to transfer buses in Chiang Mai. It’s up to you on whether or not you want to make a day trip out of it, but I just stacked the itinerary and got on with the transport. (I booked all my tickets through 12Go.)

Here are some ideas for how to spend two days in Pai:

Hike Pai Canyon at sunset
Rent a scooter and enjoy idyllic views of the countryside
Take a soak in some of the surrounding hot springs
Take a tour to Tham Lod Cave
Enjoy the nearby waterfalls (Mo Paeng Waterfall and Pam Bok Waterfall)

Five Days On Koh Tao

It’s time to go island hopping in the Gulf of Thailand! You can opt to stay on Koh Tao, Koh Samui, or Koh Pha Ngan for the next few days. As a quick disclaimer, I chose Koh Tao because I wanted to do my open water diving certification. If you’re not interested in diving, Koh Samui or Koh Pha Ngan might be better alternatives.

Here are some ideas for how to spend five days on Koh Tao:

Go scuba diving, take an open water diving course, or learn to freedive
Hike the coast from Mae Haad to Chalok
Snorkel and/or enjoy a beach day
Visit John Suwan Viewpoint and Freedom Beach
Catch the sunset at Mango Bay Viewpoint

4 Days In Krabi

Now we’ll explore some islands on the other side of the country. Krabi is a port town in southwestern Thailand located on the Andaman sea. I chose this town because it had a more local vibe (and was budget-friendly) but you can choose to stay in Ao nang if you’d like.

Here are some ideas for how to spend two days in Krabi:

Explore Krabi town and enjoy night market eats
Take a day trip to the beach town of Ao Nang
Visit Tiger Cave Temple (Wat Tham Suea)
Soak up the rays or go rock climbing at Railay Beach
Visit the Emerald Pool and Blue Pool

Gi Shieh sitting on long tail boat in front of Maya Beach, Thailand

3 Days On Koh Phi Phi

Imagine pristine white sand beaches, stunning limestone rock formations, and crystal-clear turquoise waters. If your primary aim for visiting Thailand is to unwind and bask in the beauty of unspoiled beaches, Koh Phi Phi is a must-visit destination.

Here are some ideas for how to spend two days on Koh Phi Phi:

Take a boat tour of Koh Phi Phi Leh and Maya Bay
Go shopping at Tonsai Village Market
Explore the underwater world with snorkeling or diving
Relax on one of the beaches (Loh Dalum Beach, Ao Poh Beach, or Laem Tong Beach to name a few)
Hike to Koh Phi Phi Viewpoint

Traffic in Phuket, Thailand with sunset in background

4 Days In Phuket

Conclude your month-long Thailand adventure with Phuket, the largest and most popular island, renowned for its stunning beaches, vibrant nightlife, and exquisite temples. If there’s anything else that you haven’t seen or tried, this is your opportunity to do so!

Here are some ideas for how to spend three days on Phuket:

Explore Old Town on foot and enjoy all the delicious eats
Soak up the rays at one of Phuket’s famous beaches (Freedom beach, Kata beach, and Patong beach to start with)
Dine at one of the floating restaurants at Laem Hin Pier
If you’re there during the full moon, attend a full moon party
Visit the big buddha

Is One Month Enough In Thailand?

Thailand is a huge country and one month just barely scratches the surface. With only four weeks to travel, you’ll likely only be able to see the most popular tourist towns which are plenty of fun, but can be a little superficial in some ways. I found myself wishing that I had one or two additional weeks to travel at a slower pace and explore some off-the-beaten-path destinations. But for a first-timer visiting Thailand, this one month itinerary covers a comprehensive introduction to the diverse experiences the country has to offer.

How Much Does A Month In Thailand Cost?

The minimum you can expect to spend in one month in Thailand is $30 - $40 a day or $930-$1240 a month. I will say that this is on the low end of the budget and if you plan on taking tours, staying in more luxurious accommodations, and eating in restaurants, it can all add up quite quickly. I will be sharing a more extensive breakdown of my budget in Thailand so hold tight! This budget also does not include airfare.

When Is The Best Time To Travel In Thailand?

The best time to travel to Thailand largely depends on the region you plan to visit. In general:

Cool and Dry Season (November to February): This is considered the best time for most of Thailand, as the weather is relatively cool and dry. It's ideal for exploring the northern and central parts, including Bangkok and Chiang Mai.

Hot Season (March to May): This period can be quite hot, especially in the central and northern regions. The southern islands, however, can be a good option during this time.

Monsoon Season (June to October): The southwest monsoon brings rain to most of Thailand during these months. While the rain can be heavy, it often comes in short bursts, and the landscapes are lush and green. The Gulf of Thailand islands (such as Koh Tao and Koh Samui) may experience different weather patterns during this time.

Ultimately, the best time to visit depends on your preferences and the specific activities or regions you have in mind.

Please note that the dry season is also high season so if you plan on visiting during that time, you can expect to encounter A LOT of tourists. Also, burning season in the north runs from mid January to mid April and the islands around the Andaman Sea have very different climate patterns than the islands in the Gulf of Thailand.

Beyond Thailand:

In love with white sand beaches and clear blue waters? You might want to check out some additional destinations in (South) East Asia! Consider taking it next door to Vietnam or hop on a three-hour plane ride to Taiwan!

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