Thailand: North to Islands
Temples. Mountains. Markets. Islands. One unforgettable Thailand adventure.
Why We Chose This Thailand Route
We wanted a Thailand trip that felt like more than a beach vacation. The itinerary deliberately combines the energy and history of Bangkok, the temples and mountain scenery of northern Thailand, and a final stretch of island life in Phuket and Phi Phi.
The route gives each region a different job: Bangkok introduces the culture and history, Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai take us deeper into northern Thailand, and the Andaman coast provides the beaches, boats and slower finish.
It is a busy itinerary, but that variety is exactly what makes it work.
The Route We Took
Vancouver → Bangkok → Chiang Mai → Chiang Rai → Phuket → Phi Phi → Bangkok → Vancouver
Stop 1: Bangkok
Temples, palaces, markets and Bangkok after dark
Where we stayed: Alley and Pier — 3 nights
Bangkok is the perfect high-energy opening to this trip. We arrived late on October 26 after leaving Vancouver on October 25, then gave ourselves a full day to experience the city's temples, royal landmarks, museums, riverfront and famous street-food culture.
Bangkok's Big Cultural Day
The October 27 itinerary starts at 8:00 a.m. and packs in many of the city's most important sights: Ananta Samakhom Throne Hall, Wat Benchamabophit, Bangkok National Museum, the Grand Palace, Wat Phra Kaeo and Wat Pho.
The afternoon continues at Wat Arun, Wang Lang Pier and the Royal Barge Museum before the evening changes completely with a Bangkok-by-night tuk-tuk experience through temples, markets, Chinatown and local food.
The evening tour includes the 24-hour flower market, street food, dinner and desserts — a very different side of Bangkok from the grand temples of the daytime.
Ayutthaya: A Day Among Thailand's Ruins
October 28 begins with a 7:30 a.m. pickup for a full-day visit to Ayutthaya Historical Park. The itinerary includes Bang Pa-In Palace, Wat Mahathat, the historic city, Wat Phra Sri Sanphet, Wat Chaiwatthanaram and Vihara Phra Mongkhon Bophit.
This day provides an important contrast to Bangkok. Instead of the modern capital, the focus is on Thailand's former royal capital, temple ruins and historic landscapes.
Stop 2: Chiang Mai
Ancient temples, mountain views and northern Thai atmosphere
Where we stayed: Moondragon Hotel — 3 nights
Chiang Mai slows the pace slightly while adding mountains, temples and a very different atmosphere from Bangkok.
A Full Day of Chiang Mai Temples
October 30 starts at 9:00 a.m. with Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, followed by Wat Umong, the Magical Garden and Wat Suan Dok.
The afternoon continues through Wat Ched Yot, Wat Phra Singh, Wat Chedi Luang, Wat Phan Tao and Wat Chiang Man before finishing at Warorot and the Night Bazaar.
Doi Inthanon National Park
October 31 is the major nature day in Chiang Mai. A 7:30 a.m. pickup starts the trip to Doi Inthanon, including Wachirathan Falls, a hilltribe village, a Hmong market featuring Royal Project products, lunch at a local restaurant, Thailand's highest point, a nature trail and the Twin Royal Stupas.
The itinerary expects a return to the hotel around 6:00–6:30 p.m., making this one of the longest days of the trip.
Stop 3: Chiang Rai
White Temple, Blue Temple, tea country and the Golden Triangle
Where we stayed: Nak Nakara Hotel — 3 nights
November 1 begins with a 7:00 a.m. bus from Chiang Mai, arriving in Chiang Rai around 11:00 a.m. The afternoon is intentionally open for independent exploration before the Night Bazaar.
The Big Chiang Rai Day
November 2 starts at 7:30 a.m. with a sightseeing tour covering Wat Rong Khun — the White Temple — followed by Wat Rong Suea Ten, the Blue Temple, Baan Dam Museum, Union Hilltribe Villages, Choui Fong Tea, the Golden Triangle and the House of Opium.
It is one of the most varied cultural days of the itinerary, moving from contemporary temple art to northern landscapes, tea country and the history surrounding the Golden Triangle.
A Slower Chiang Rai Day
November 3 is intentionally left flexible: explore Chiang Rai independently and inquire about a massage through the hotel. After several intensive sightseeing days, the breathing room is welcome.
Stop 4: Phuket
Old Town, local food, temples and Phang Nga Bay
Where we stayed: Burasari Phuket — 3 nights
November 4 moves the trip south. The flight from Chiang Rai leaves at 10:20 a.m. and arrives in Phuket at 4:30 p.m., leaving the evening for the night market.
Old Phuket Town & Island Highlights
November 5 starts at noon and combines Phuket's history, food, culture and viewpoints. The itinerary includes Old Phuket Town, a local street-food market, a traditional A-Pong tasting, Bukit Elephant Park, Wat Chalong, Big Buddha and Windmill Viewpoint.
It is a deliberately varied day — historic streets and food at the beginning, then wildlife, temples and panoramic scenery.
Phang Nga Bay by Kayak & Loy Krathong
November 6 is one of the most memorable experiences of the southern portion. A noon pickup begins an afternoon and evening in Phang Nga Bay, including a powerboat ride, sea-cave kayaking, emerald lagoons and wildlife viewing.
After the daytime adventure, the itinerary continues into the evening with a Loy Krathong experience and seafood dinner.
Stop 5: Phi Phi
Longtail boats, Maya Bay, snorkelling and a slower island finish
Where we stayed: ChaoKoh Phi Phi Hotel & Resort — 3 nights
November 7 begins with the 1:30–3:30 p.m. ferry from Phuket to Phi Phi. After checking in, the island becomes the final beach chapter of the trip.
Phi Phi's Seven-Island Adventure
November 8 starts at 9:15 a.m. near Ao Ton Sai Pier. The full-day longtail boat itinerary includes Monkey Beach, Bamboo Island, Pi Leh Lagoon, Shark Point and other famous Phi Phi locations.
The day is designed to stay on the water into the evening, with sunset views followed by a night swim with luminous plankton.
A Day With Nothing Planned
November 9 is deliberately simple: beach and pool time. After a full day on the water, having nothing scheduled gives the trip room to breathe.
The Journey Home
November 10 brings the trip back toward Bangkok. The speedboat leaves Phi Phi at 1:30 p.m. for Phuket, followed by the 5:10 p.m. flight to Bangkok, arriving at 6:40 p.m.
The final night is at Gold Airport Suites, making the early departure straightforward. The JAL flight to Vancouver leaves Bangkok at 8:05 a.m. on November 11 and arrives in Vancouver at 10:45 a.m.
How We Structured the 18 Days
Temples, palaces, Ayutthaya and food
Temples and Doi Inthanon
White Temple, Blue Temple and Golden Triangle
Old Town, food and Phang Nga Bay
Island tour, beach and pool
Easy final departure
What We Loved About the Route
The variety
Few Thailand itineraries offer this much contrast in 18 days: royal landmarks, ancient ruins, mountain temples, waterfalls, tea country, historic streets, sea caves and tropical islands.
The northern half
Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai add depth to the trip. The itinerary is not just about famous beaches; it gives northern Thailand several days of dedicated exploration.
The beach finish
Ending with Phuket and Phi Phi means the trip gets progressively more relaxed. After the early starts and sightseeing days, the final stretch is built around boats, beaches, sunsets and a completely open day.
Trip Cost Breakdown
Our actual Thailand trip cost was CAD $4,387 per person, based on the spending breakdown below. This gives a realistic picture of what we spent on this 18-day trip, excluding travel insurance and any expenses not listed here.
| Category | Cost per person |
|---|---|
| Flights | CAD $1,258 |
| Hotels | CAD $1,208 |
| Food | CAD $500 |
| Nightlife | CAD $450 |
| Activities | CAD $470 |
| Interflights | CAD $322 |
| Transportation | CAD $100 |
| Boats | CAD $79 |
| TOTAL PER PERSON | CAD $4,387 |
Final Thoughts
Thailand works beautifully when you give yourself time to experience more than one side of the country. This route starts with Bangkok's energy, moves through the temples and mountains of northern Thailand, and ends with the islands and beaches of the Andaman Sea.
The itinerary is ambitious, but every stop has a purpose. Bangkok delivers the big cultural introduction. Chiang Mai brings mountain temples and Doi Inthanon. Chiang Rai adds the White Temple, Blue Temple, tea country and Golden Triangle. Phuket shifts the focus to food, history and the sea. Phi Phi lets the trip finish slowly.
From Bangkok's temples to Phi Phi's turquoise water, this is Thailand as a complete journey — not just a beach vacation.