Thailand in 12 days: Bangkok, Chiang Mai & Phuket
Temples and street food in Bangkok, the mountains of the north and the Andaman Sea to finish. Short domestic flights keep the travel days easy.
When to go
November to February is the cool, dry season and the best time for this route. March to May is very hot; the Andaman coast gets rough seas and heavy rain from about May to October.
Flights: into Bangkok, home from Phuket
Search a multi-city (open-jaw) ticket: arrive in Bangkok and fly home from Phuket. Recent round-trip fares Aviasales travellers found to Bangkok; tap a route for today's price.
Day-by-day plan
Bangkok 3 nights
Arrive and take a river boat on the Chao Phraya; dinner in Chinatown.
The Grand Palace, Wat Pho and Wat Arun across the river.
A floating market or Chatuchak (weekends), then a rooftop bar.
🚆 Flight Bangkok → Chiang Mai: about 1 h 15 min (or the overnight train, about 11 to 13 hours).
Chiang Mai 4 nights
The temples of the Old City; the night market in the evening.
Wat Phra That Doi Suthep on the mountain above the city.
An ethical elephant sanctuary (no riding) in the hills.
A cooking class, or a day trip to Chiang Rai's White Temple.
🚆 Flight Chiang Mai → Phuket: about 2 hours.
Phuket 4 nights
Settle in at Kata, Karon or a quieter beach.
A boat trip through the limestone islands of Phang Nga Bay.
A day trip to the Phi Phi Islands.
Phuket Old Town and a slow last beach afternoon.
✈️ Day 12: fly home from Phuket.
Tips for this trip
- Cover shoulders and knees at temples and the Grand Palace.
- Grab and Bolt apps make city rides simple and fairly priced.
- Choose an elephant sanctuary that does not offer rides or shows.
Prefer a guided tour?
The same route with hotels, transport and a guide arranged for you. Live prices and reviews; you book and pay on TourRadar.
More Thailand trips ›FAQ
Is 12 days enough for Thailand?
For Bangkok, Chiang Mai and one beach area, yes. Two weeks lets you add Krabi or Koh Samui.
Fly or take the train to Chiang Mai?
Flying is quickest; the overnight sleeper train is a fun experience if you have time.
Phuket or the islands of the Gulf?
Phuket and the Andaman coast are best from November to April; the Gulf islands (Koh Samui) have a different rainy season.