Where to go after Bangkok – Thailand travel plan

Can’t decide where to go after Bangkok?

Going to Thailand is an amazing and memorable experience that will most likely stick in your head for a long time. While being there is fun and all, planning the whole trip can be overwhelming.

So you land in Bangkok. Great. It’s fun there. Besides all the great street-food and temples, there’s a surplus of things to do. But now, where to go after Bangkok? Thailand is a big country and everything is so spread out. There’s lush landscapes around Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai in the north. The ancient city of Ayutthaya and historic Kanchanaburi are nearby. And then all the beaches and islands in the south.

Yaowarat road – Chinatown

Deciding where to go next can be stressful to say the least. But it doesn’t have to be. I’m assuming this may be your first time in Thailand, or one of the first. Hopefully, as many tend to do, you have a 2 weeks in Thailand itinerary. Maybe more. This will be enough time to explore Thailand and get to know what this amazing Kingdom has to offer. Sure, you could easily spend more time in Thailand, but 2 weeks is just about right.

So now you want to know what to do after Bangkok? Below I will explain your options and a route that encapsulates some of the most exciting and interesting places to visit and things to do.

So where to go after Bangkok?

There are as many places to go after Bangkok as there are answers. That is just the truth. And everyone has their own travel style and interests, so the places you go and routes you take, often come down personal preference and taste.

But for the sake of this article, and to really simplify the answer, I will lay out a route to take in Thailand. This won’t just answer the burning question of where to go after Bangkok, but also you’ll have an overview for your 2 week (or more) itinerary in Thailand.

A common route in Thailand is ⤵

The above is a common route because it incorporates the best destinations that offer some of the most interesting things to do in Thailand.

Related → Best time to visit Bangkok

How to plan your next destination

After spending 2 or 3 days in Bangkok, which is enough time to see the temples, go to a rooftop bar and experience the street food (→which I recommend doing with a tour) on the first day. And with hopefully 2 more days to spare also learn about Kanchanaburi‘s gruesome history, wander through the temples in Ayutthaya and possibly even visit a floating market and the Maeklong train market (→also best done with a tour if you want to fit in as much as possible), now it’s time to move on to next destination – Chiang Mai.

The plan below follows the route mentioned above. Here I will explain how to plan the logistical aspect of this route. And go into some detail about each destination.

Chiang Mai – North Thailand

The journey takes you Thailand’s northern regions. Chiang Mai is the main destination known for its temples intertwined with the city life that isn’t quite as hectic as Bangkok. Use Chiang Mai as base to visit other places such as Chiang Rai’s gorgeous colorful temples and the lush rice paddies in Pai.

The fastest way to get to Chiang Mai is →by air. Another option is to take the night train from Bangkok. It’s the slowest option as the journey takes around 13 hours. However it’s an experience in itself and since you’ll travel at night, you won’t be losing much time anyway. There are sleeper trains which are very popular and I suggest →booking seats in advance.

Koh Samui – Island in East Thailand

Thailand’s east coast is famous for it’s islands which include Koh Tao, Koh Phangan and Koh Samui which is the largest of the trio. The island caters to various tastes and budgets. With it’s gorgeous beaches, restaurants and accommodation for any budget and various activities both on land and at sea. Do an ATV adventure in Koh Samui’s jungle, experience the wild nightlife in Chaweng or the tamer fisherman’s village, go on a boat tour to the stunning Ang Thong Marine park.

To get there take a direct →flight from Chiang Mai to Surat Thani. And then →ferry to Koh Samui. Bangkok airways may also offer →direct flights in peak season. This are often expensive due to the airline having a monopoly since they own Koh Samui airport.

Krabi – West Thailand

Book an all inclusive ferry and bus joint ticket. Flying from Koh Samui to Krabi is a rather expensive option and ultimately isn’t much faster. Instead, book an all inclusive ferry and bus joint ticket. Krabi is really unbelievable. You’ll be met by a dramatic landscape with its limestone cliffs covered in jungle and towering over gorgeous beaches. Visit Railay beach by boat, because thats the only way. Trek for 2 hours to Dragons Crest, there’s an unbelievable view from the ledge of a protruding rock. You could even go on a boat trip to →Phi Phi island and the famous Maya Bay.

Phuket – West Thailand

Phuket is the largest island in Thailand and also the most diverse. There’s gorgeous beaches, stunning viewpoints, high-end resorts by the sea and also budget accommodation. Phuket’s old town is also a charming place with its old buildings and wooden houses. Getting there from Krabi only takes around 3 hours which can be done by bus or taxi if cost is not an issue.

Questions and answers

Where to go after Bangkok?

Chiang Mai or Koh Samui are probably the most popular places that tourists go after Bangkok. But the truth is that where you go after Bangkok will depend on various factors including what you want to do and what interests you most.

Where to go after Bangkok by train?

Both Kanchanburi and Ayutthaya can easily be reached by train from Bangkok and the ride takes about 3 hours. Kanchanaburi holds the dark WWII history of the Bridge over the river Kwai. Ayutthaya is the capital of the Kingdom . It’s possible to visit these places as a day trip. But tourists that want to learn more usually spend an extra day, maybe 2.

How do I get to my next destination?

Thailand is a country that’s very easy to navigate and Bangkok is the main hub with various transport going all over the country. Buses and trains are perfect for anyone on budget, but are often slow. Popular destinations like Chiang Mai, Koh Samui, Krabi and Phuket can all be reached via direct flight.

The best way to find transport in Thailand is to search on the →12Go website. Just enter your origin and destination and you’ll have all options in one place. If you are going to the islands there is also joint tickets that include a bus ride that connects to the ferry.

Conclusion

Choosing where to go after Bangkok is subjective as everyone has their own preference. I have referenced the places that I did because they are places that shouldn’t be missed in Thailand. Yes they are also the most popular, but for anyone visiting Thailand the first time, I think they should be on the itinerary.

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