If you want to plan a 1 month Thailand Itinerary, you’ve made it to the right place! Here’s our in-depth guide on how to explore Thailand in 1 month and the best places to visit the country.

From the beautiful beaches in the south to the green mountains in the north, not forgetting about Thailand’s bustling capital city, Bangkok – we’re so excited to share our 1 month Thailand itinerary.

We’ll show you how to get around Thailand, where to stay and what to do in each destination! This travel guide is full of tips based on our experience and we want to help you plan your Thailand 1 month itinerary!

Thailand is one of the most popular countries in South East Asia and it’s easy to see why – breathtaking islands, incredible food and a beautiful culture. Plus there are so many places to explore!

With 1 month in Thailand, you’ll have enough time to visit both the South and North of Thailand with a stop in Bangkok. You also have the choice to get buses, trains or flights around the country!

Our first trip to Thailand was back in 2019, and since then we’ve spent a total of 4 months in the country! We’re already planning our next trip back to Thailand to visit our favourite places in the country.

For now, we’ll show you everything you need to know about backpacking Thailand in 1 month.

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How to Plan a 1 Month Thailand Itinerary

Table of Contents (Skip to a section!)

If this is your first time visiting Thailand and you have a one-month trip planned, we recommend exploring both the North and South.

The best way to plan your Thailand trip is to see what there is to do in each of the destinations. After this, you can either fully follow this itinerary or spend longer in your favourite places along the way!

Do you want to see the Canyons in Pai? Do you want to learn how to dive on the Thai islands? Maybe you want to spend longer in the North and fewer islands! It’s honestly up to you! But, we’re here to help!

This is why we’ve created this guide for the best Thailand 1 month itinerary. Here’s a few tips to get you started for your one month Thailand adventure!

Need a packing list for Thailand? Here’s our Southeast Asia packing list guide full of the essentials you’ll need for this trip. We’ve spent almost a year in Southeast Asia now and we’ve learnt a lot!

Find out how much your Thailand trip could cost in our Southeast Asia budget guide. Froom research and asking other travellers we’ve created an up-to-date list of the cost of travel in Southeast Asian countries, including Thailand!

Best Time to Visit Thailand

The best time to visit Thailand is from November to March which is the dry season in Thailand. You can expect showers at any time, but generally, it’s a lot less than the wet season.

Thailand has a tropical climate and March to May is the hottest and driest time of year before the wet season arrives from May to October. If you’re travelling throughout these rainy months, ferries can be cancelled due to the weather.

From February to March, the North of Thailand has a ‘burning season’. Farmers will burn their leftover crops as a way to save money. It’s best to avoid these months if possible due to the bad air quality. The sky turns an eery orange due to all the burning!

How to get around Thailand

Thailand has multiple options for transport and the best way to find times and prices is on 12.Go! You can fly from Bangkok to the north and south of the country, such as Chiang Mai, Phuket, Krabi and Koh Samui.

Buses are the best way to get around Thailand on a budget, apart from the islands, the buses will take you almost anywhere. Trains are also a great option taking you across the country!

Ferries can be slightly more expensive than buses and they are the only way to get around the islands unless you take private boats (which are even more expensive anyway) and there’s also the option of day trips. Book your ferries in advance on 12.Go!

Ultimate 1 Month Thailand Itinerary: Best Places to Visit (2024)

Here’s our detailed 1 Month Thailand Itinerary with all the best things to do in each destination! We’re starting this trip in Bangkok, however, you can start in Phuket, Koh Lanta or Chiang Mai depending on where you are arriving from.

Bangkok (Days 1-4)

Bangkok is the perfect place to start your Thailand itinerary and the heart of the country! Spend 3 nights in Bangkok to recover from jetlag, visit the highlights and try some authentic Thai food.

The capital city can’t be missed on your Thailand trip. The hustle and chaos of the city will help ease you into the culture of Thailand very fast and you’ll get to experience incredible temples spread out all over Bangkok. Book a Temple Hopping Walking Tour to see the highlights!

Don’t let yourself get too overwhelmed though, Bangkok is a huge city! Use Grab, local Tuk-tuks and the MRT (metro) to get around and take regular breaks in 7/11 for the air con as Bangkok is hot all year round!

We have a 3-day Bangkok itinerary packed with information and recommendations, for now here are some of the best things to do in the city!

Things to do in Bangkok

  • Grand Palace – visit the palaces and temples of Thailand
  • Wat Pho – see the large golden Buddha and beautiful temples
  • Chinatown – get lost in the streets of Chinatown, try new food and shop in markets
  • Bangkok Canal Tour – adventure through Bangkok by longtail boat
  • Rooftop bars – relax at one of Bangkok’s affordable rooftop bars surrounded by skyscrapers
  • Lumpini Park – explore the greenery of the city
  • Khao San Road – the place to be if you love parties
  • Chatuchak Market – eat and shop through the large markets of Bangkok
  • The Floating Market – visit the floating & railway market on a guided tour
  • Ayutthaya Temples Day Trip – journey outside of Bangkok on a day trip
Wat Pho in Bangkok
Wat Pho in Bangkok
Khao San Road in the day time!
Khao San Road in the daytime!

Where to stay in Bangkok

As we’ve visited Bangkok a few times now, we’ve stayed in multiple different places and loved almost all of them. On your Thailand 1 month itinerary, the best places to stay for a first-time visit are Banglamphu, Siam Square and Chinatown!

Budget: Sawatdee Guesthouse $ – a cosy hostel with a modern feel and great location – Find here on Booking.com!

Hostel: Once Again Hostel $ – an affordable modern hostel with a Rooftop! – Find here on Hostelworld!

Luxury: Skyview Hotel Bangkok $$ – a luxury hotel with a rooftop pool and views of Bangkok! A great price for what you get! Find here on Booking.com!

Browse more guesthouses & hostels in Bangkok.

Rooftop bars in Bangkok
Rooftop bars in Bangkok

Check out our 11+ Best Thailand Travel Tips: Things to Know Before Visiting Thailand (2024)!

Krabi (Days 4-7)

Krabi is a beautiful region in the South of Thailand. The region is home to the famous Koh Phi Phi island and Koh Lanta, however, we’re keeping them separate in this itinerary as the Krabi area is huge!

For this part of your 1 month Thailand trip, stay in Ao Nang or Krabi Town for a few nights. Ao Nang is more touristy and it has better access to Railay Beach, but Krabi Town is worth a visit too!

Ao Nang always blows us away, the limestone cliffs, gorgeous sand beaches and viewpoints impress us every time we visit. Railay Beach is a must-visit when visiting Thailand!

How to get to Krabi from Bangkok

The quickest way to get from Bangkok to Krabi is by flight. It will take around 1 hour and you’ll have to get a minivan or taxi to and from the airport in both places.

A night bus is one of the best ways to get to Krabi, although it may not be the most comfortable. We’ve taken this route before and it’s okay if you can sleep on transport!

You can also get the train to Surat Thani and change to a bus to reach Krabi, as Krabi doesn’t have a train station. Find times and prices for buses and trains here on 12.Go!

Check out our 3 Day Krabi itinerary for how to get around Krabi and recommendations on where to eat!

Krabi Town Markets in Thailand
Krabi Town Markets in Thailand
Railay Beach in Krabi
Railay Beach in Krabi

Things to do in Krabi

  • Railay Beach – one of the most picture-perfect beaches in Thailand
  • Tiger Cave Temple – a hike of 1260 steps to reach the temple with impressive views
  • Ao Nang – the main hub of accommodation, restaurants and bars
  • Emerald Pool – in Thung Teao Forest Natural Park
  • Krabi Hot Springs – hot pools of water a short journey from Krabi
  • Krabi Night Market – an evening food market in Krabi Town
  • Wat Kaew Korawaram – a temple in Krabi Town

You can also visit the Phi Phi Islands on a day tour from Krabi – check out this tour if you’re trying to save time in the Thai islands!

Where to stay in Krabi

We’ve listed our recommendations for staying in Ao Nang and Krabi Town! There’s many amazing accommodations here and you can even stay on Railay Beach.

Hostel: Pak-Up Hostel $ – one of the best-rated and most popular hostels in Krabi – Find here on Hostelworld!

Luxury: Centara Ao Nang Beach Resort & Spa Krabi $$$ – a beautiful beachfront hotel with a variety of amenities – Find here on Booking.com!

Krabi Town: Chanchalay Hip Hostel $ – great location to get around Krabi Town – Find here on Booking.com!

Browse more guesthouses & hostels in Krabi.

The limestone cliffs in Ao Nang, Krabi
The limestone cliffs in Ao Nang, Krabi

Interesting fact: Thailand was known as Siam until 1939.

Koh Phi Phi (Days 7-9)

The Phi Phi Islands are the most famous in all of Thailand and Southeast Asia! You would have already seen photos of those longtail boats, crystal turquoise water and limestone cliffs.

Ko Phi Phi Don is the main island with accommodation, restaurants, bars and locals. Ko Phi Phi Leh is where you’ll find the beautiful Maya Bay and fairly untouched limestone cliffs and beaches.

An island hopping day tour is a must when visiting these islands, to experience the incredible surroundings and underwater life! If you don’t have enough time on your 1 month Thailand route, you can also visit the islands on a day trip from Phuket or Krabi.

How to get to Koh Phi Phi from Krabi

The best way to get to Koh Phi Phi is by ferry! There are no major vehicles on the island as it’s surrounded by water! Book your ferry on 12.Go in advance or head down to the ferry port on the day to buy a ticket to Koh Phi Phi!

Things to do in Koh Phi Phi

  • Maya Bay – the most famous beach in Thailand
  • Viewpoints on Phi Phi Don – there are multiple viewpoints all over the island
  • Ton Sai Beach – the main area on the island
  • Long Beach – another beautiful sandy beach
  • Kayak to Monkey Beach – take a trip out on the water to see monkeys from a distance
  • Snorkelling day trip – explore underwater via a longtail boat on a Phi Phi Islands day tour!

Where to stay in Koh Phi Phi

Anywhere on Ko Phi Phi Don is where you’ll want to stay when visiting Koh Phi Phi for 2 nights. Here are some recommendations for your 1 month in Thailand:

Budget: P2 Wood Loft $-$$ – lovely rooms in the heart of Phi Phi Don – Find here on Booking.com!

Hostel: Blanco Beach Bar $ – join the best nightlife and pub crawls at Blanco Beach Bar! – Find here on Hostelworld!

Luxury: Phi Phi Villa Resort $$$ – Incredible luxury resort overlooking the Andaman Sea – Find here on Booking.com!

Browse more guesthouses & hostels in Koh Phi Phi.

The viewpoints of Koh Phi Phi
The viewpoints of Koh Phi Phi

Also, take a look at our 3 Month Southeast Asia Itinerary (2024) if you’re planning a trip to more wonderful countries in Southeast Asia!

Koh Samui (Days 9-12)

Spend a few days on the largest island in the Gulf of Thailand, Koh Samui. Koh Samui completely surprised us when we visited! The island is filled with amazing viewpoints, cultural temples and breathtaking beaches. It felt a lot more laid back than Krabi and Phi Phi.

We based ourselves in Lamai, rented a scooter and explored the island all over. There’s never enough time to see everything but with 2/3 days you can see the main highlights!

Alongside walking streets and markets, take the time to visit traditional Thai temples and eat amazing Thai food throughout your few days. Check out these Vegan-Friendly Restaurants in Koh Samui!

How to get to Koh Samui from Koh Phi Phi

This will be a fairly long travel day, but it’s worth it to visit this set of islands in the Gulf.. Start with a ferry to Krabi, followed by a bus to Donsak Pier and then another ferry to Koh Samui.

Book your ferries and journey on 12.Go or speak to a local travel agent on Koh Phi Phi.

Things to do in Koh Samui

  • Na Muang Waterfalls – two waterfalls in the hills of Koh Samui
  • Wat Ratchathammaram – a beautiful red temple
  • Hin Ta and Hin Yai Rocks – rocks shaped like parts of a human
  • Wat Plai Laem & Big Buddha – incredible statues on a lake (our favourite!)
  • Angthong National Marine Park Day Trip – explore a new nature-filled island
  • Chaweng Beach & Market – a busy market area next to a popular beach on the island
  • Night Market Fisherman’s Village – a market full of food and shops
  • Silver Beach (another favourite!)
  • Mae Nam Beach – on the north of the island
  • Lipa Noi Beach – the best beach for sunsets
Mae Nam Beach, Koh Samui
Mae Nam Beach, Koh Samui
Exploring Koh Samui during our 1 month Thailand trip
Exploring Koh Samui during our 1 month Thailand trip

Check out our 3 Day Koh Samui itinerary for more tips and recommendations on the best places to eat!

Where to stay in Koh Samui

There are a few great areas to stay in Koh Samui and we recommend the eastern side of the island during your 1 month in Thailand! Anywhere near Lamai, Chaweng and Maenam will be the perfect area’s to spend a few days.

Here’s a few places we recommend to stay in Koh Samui:

Budget: Private Lodge Beachside $ – a peaceful and quiet accommodation in Lamai – Find here on Booking.com!

Hostel: Lub d Koh Samui Chaweng Beach $ – the best hostel in Koh Samui! – Find here on Hostelworld!

Luxury: Deva Beach Resort Samui $$$ – a beachfront hotel with luxurious outdoor pools – Find here on Booking.com!

Browse more guesthouses & hostels in Koh Samui.

Exploring Wat Ratchathammaram in Thailand
Exploring Wat Ratchathammaram

Need to save for your trip? Here’s our top tips on how to save extra money for travelling.

Koh Pha Ngan (Days 12-15)

A short ferry from Koh Samui is Koh Pha Ngan, slightly smaller in size and more hilly! Koh Pha Ngan is famously known for throwing the best full moon parties and travellers from all over will flock to the island for the party every month.

What a lot of people don’t know is the island is full of jungle nature, incredible viewpoints and beautiful beaches. There are beaches and viewpoints all over the island, you’ll be spoiled for choice!

Whether you take it easy or party hard, a stop at Koh Pha Ngan will be perfect for your one month Thailand itinerary.

How to get to Koh Pha Ngan from Koh Samui

The only way to get to Koh Pha Ngan from Koh Samui is by ferry or private boat! Buy a ticket in advance with GetYourGuide! Head back to Thong Sala Pier and take one of the ferries heading to Koh Pha Ngan!

Sadly we fell pretty sick when we visited Koh Pha Ngan! We saw a few cool spots but spent most of our time there feeling sorry for ourselves at our guesthouse! Here’s a variety of cool things to do in Koh Pha Ngan besides the full moon party. We’d love to visit again in the future, the vegan food is amazing!

Things to do in Koh Pha Ngan

  • Haad Rin Beach – the full moon party beach!
  • Ko Ma Beach – a strip of sand in between the ocean connecting to a small island
  • Secret Beach – not very secret, but a beautiful beach
  • Bottle Beach Viewpoint – hike to the top for incredible views
  • Go diving or snorkelling – the perfect island for snorkelling
  • Thong Sala Night Market – the best place to go for food! 
Viewpoints in Koh Pha Ngan
Viewpoints in Koh Pha Ngan
Getting lost in the jungle of Koh Pha Ngan
Getting lost in the jungle of Koh Pha Ngan

Where to stay in Koh Pha Ngan

There are loads of incredible places to stay in Koh Pha-Ngan dotted all around the island. Here’s a few that we can recommend:

Budget: Thai Terrace Bungalow $ – feel the nature in Thong Nai Pan Yai – Find here on Booking.com!

Hostel: Puk’s Palace $ – a beachfront haven near Thong Sala, stay in private rooms or dorm rooms – Find here on Hostelworld!

Luxury: Zama Resort Koh Phangan $$ – near Secret Beach, this spot is perfect for your stay in Koh Pha Ngan – Find here on Booking.com!

Browse more guesthouses & hostels in Koh Pha Ngan.

Koh Tao (Days 15-20)

We highly recommend staying on Koh Tao for 5 or 6 days if you want to learn how to dive! Learning how to scuba dive was one of our favourite experiences in Thailand, Koh Tao is the most popular place to learn. It’s a bucket list experience on your 1 month Thailand route.

The island is covered in Dive Shops all offering great deals to get a PADI Open Water. We recommend booking with Ocean Sound Dive + Yoga!

We managed to get our PADI Open Water and PADI Advanced Open Water Certification with Ocean Sound Dive and spent a week on the island exploring the underwater world and more!

Not into diving? Don’t worry, there are some incredible snorkel spots around the island and places to relax. As the island is small, it doesn’t take long to get around by scooter.

How to get to Koh Tao from Koh Pha Ngan

The best way to get to Koh Tao from Koh Pha Ngan is by ferry. It will be the same type of ferry you take to get to Koh Pha Ngan, but now heading for Koh Tao. Check prices on 12.Go!

John-Suwan Viewpoint in Koh Tao
John-Suwan Viewpoint in Koh Tao
Scuba Diving in Koh Tao, Thailand
Scuba Diving in Koh Tao, Thailand

Things to do in Koh Tao

  • Learn how to scuba dive – with Ocean Sound Dive + Yoga!
  • John-Suwan Viewpoint – beautiful views of Koh Tao
  • Shark Bay – it’s a little rocky, but a great place to see black-tip reef sharks and turtles whilst snorkelling
  • Koh Nang Yuan – visit the island just off of Koh Tao
  • Freedom Beach – a lovely place to chill
  • Tanote Bay – amazing for snorkelling
  • Sairee Beach – the main beach in Koh Tao

Where to stay in Koh Tao

Budget: Budchui Village2 $ – great location and modern rooms! We stayed here for 6 nights on our recent visit – Find here on Booking.com!

Hostel: Taco Shack Diving Hostel $ – Free accommodation when you book a dive course here – Find here on Hostelworld!

Luxury: View Point Resort $$ – stay in a beautiful cottage near Chalok Baan Kao Beach – Find here on Booking.com!

Browse more guesthouses & hostels in Koh Tao.

Check out our 3 Day Koh Tao Itinerary for the best restaurants, how to get around and more tips!

John-Suwan Viewpoint in Koh Tao, Thailand
John-Suwan Viewpoint in Koh Tao, Thailand

Bangkok / Travel Day (Days 20-21)

Now it’s time to say goodbye to the islands and adventure up to the north! In this 1 month Thailand itinerary, there’s more time spent in the south than in the north. Simply skip out an island to see more of the north!

How to get from the South to the North of Thailand

Option 1 – Take an overnight ferry from Koh Tao to Chumphon and get a bus or train to Bangkok. Once in Bangkok either take a bus, train or flight to Chiang Mai!

Option 2 – Catch a ferry back to Koh Samui and take a flight direct to Chiang Mai. You can also get flights from Surat Thani

Koh Tao doesn’t have an airport and the closest one to the island is on Koh Samui. We recommend booking a ferry and then a bus or train to Bangkok from Koh Tao. There are a few overnight journeys or you can spend the day getting to the capital.

As it’s quite a long travel day on this 1 month Thailand itinerary, it’s best to spend the night in Bangkok before making your way up to the north of Thailand either by flight or another bus. Check times and prices on 12.Go!

Where to stay for 1 night in Bangkok

Budget: Sawatdee Guesthouse $ – a cosy hostel with a modern feel and great location – Find here on Booking.com!

Browse more guesthouses & hostels in Bangkok.

The huge Reclining Buddha at Wat Pho, Bangkok, Thailand
The huge Reclining Buddha at Wat Pho in Bangkok

Chiang Mai (Days 21-24)

After 3 incredible weeks in Thailand so far, you’ve finally made it to the North. Known as the central hub of the North, Chiang Mai is a very popular city to visit in Thailand. There’s something for everyone here!

Spend 3 days in Chiang Mai soaking up all the highlights and don’t forget to try a Northern speciality, Khao Soi. We absolutely love Khao Soi! Angels on Koh Lanta makes a very tasty one but we can’t wait to get back to the North and try it again!

You’ll also notice the prices are slightly lower in the north than in the South. Generally, the Thai Islands are more popular with more visitors so the prices are slightly more expensive.

Things to do in Chiang Mai

  • Get lost in the Old City – the main area of Chiang Mai
  • Wat Phra Singh – the beautiful Golden Temple in the Old City
  • Wat Chiang Man – another Buddhist temple
  • Wat Phra That Doi Suthep – another golden Buddhist temple in Chiang Mai
  • Doi Inthanon National Park – spend the day hiking (or trek with gibbons)!
  • Grand Canyon Water Park – spend a few hours playing on inflatables
  • Join a Thai Cooking Class – an incredible experience making authentic Thai food
  • Chiang Mai Night Bazaar – fill yourself up with tasty food

A Thai cooking class was one of our favourite activities in Thailand! We’ve done them in Chiang Mai and Koh Lata!

Where to stay in Chiang Mai

Budget: Daizy House $ – a peaceful stay in the city – Find here on Booking.com!

Hostel: Family Home 2 Chiang Mai $ – a homely and social hostel in Chiang Mai – Find here on Hostelworld!

Luxury: Pingviman Hotel $$$ – a beautifully decorated hotel with an outdoor pool – Find here on Booking.com!

Browse more guesthouses & hostels in Chiang Mai.

Temples in Chiang Mai during a 1 month Thailand itinerary
Temples in Chiang Mai during a 1 month Thailand itinerary

Planning to visit more countries in the region? Here’s our 3 Month Southeast Asia Itinerary (2024)|!

Pai – (Days 24-27)

The next stop on your one month Thailand itinerary is Pai! Pai is a laidback town in the North of Thailand and worth a visit for the relaxed atmosphere and interesting canyons. Similar to Chiang Mai, it’s also a haven for vegan food!

We visited Pai in May and sadly the weather was too dry to appreciate the waterfalls! It was also way too hot, so we recommend visiting between November and March.

Pai has a very chilled vibe and it’s a small town surrounded by nature and waterfalls. Due to the winding journey, it’s best to spend 2 or 3 nights here taking it easy!

How to get to Pai from Chiang Mai

The journey from Chiang Mai to Pai is on a long windy road through the mountains. The best way to get there is by minivan or you can rent a scooter yourself to do the journey.

Some travellers in Chaing Mai told us to take a motion sickness tablet before the journey, so we did, and fell asleep most of the journey! From memory, there were a lot of turns to get over the hills. Have a look on 12.Go for times and prices!

Things to do in Pai

  • Pai Canyon – watch the sunset and explore this unique area of Thailand
  • Tham Lod Cave – explore one of the many caves in the region
  • Pai Night Market – shop, eat and relax at Pai’s famous night market
  • Bamboo Bridge – walk along the beautiful fields in Pai
  • Big Buddha (Wat Phra That Mae Yen) – a huge Buddha with amazing viewpoints
  • Visit Hot Springs – take a dip in the warm mineral-rich water
Pai Canyon at sunset in Thailand
Pai Canyon at Sunset in Thailand

Where to stay in Pai

Budget: Kalm Pai $ – stay in a peaceful cottage surrounded by nature – Find here on Booking.com!

Hostel: Common Grounds Pai $ – a cosy hostel in the heart of Pai – Find here on Hostelworld!

Luxury: Pai Village Boutique Resort $$$ – stay in a boutique cottage with a pool – Find here on Booking.com!

Browse more guesthouses & hostels in Pai.

Chiang Rai (Days 27-30)

We’ve now reached the last destination on our Thailand 1 month itinerary. Chiang Rai is the perfect place to be if you love the temples in Thailand.

The famous Wat Rong Khun attracts visitors from all over and it’s becoming one of the most famous temples in Thailand.

By spending 3 days in the city, you can also explore the luscious tea plantations, go hiking and go to the night markets!

How to get to Chiang Rai from Pai

The journey to Chiang Rai from Pai can take around 7 hours which may take up most of your day. Although you can take a private taxi to speed up the time!

Things to do in Chiang Rai

  • Choui Fong Tea Plantation – explore the fields of tea
  • Singha Park – take a visit to see the Golden Lion
  • Wat Rong Khun – visit the famous white temple
  • Wat Rong Suea Ten – explore the beautiful blue temple
  • Wat Ming Mueang – another temple in Chiang Rai
  • Khun Korn’s Waterfall – visit the nature around the city

You can also visit Chiang Rai as a day trip from Chiang Mai if you’d rather visit on a day tour!

Where to stay in Chiang Rai

Budget: Backpack Hostel $ – an affordable, no-frills hostel – Find here on Booking.com!

Hostel: Baan Mai Kradan Hostel $ – a lively and social hostel built in an old Thai house – Find here on Hostelworld!

Luxury: Le Patta Hotel Chiang Rai $$ – a lovely hotel with a pool and amenities – Find here on Booking.com!

Browse more guesthouses & hostels in Chiang Rai.

The mountainous North of Thailand
The mountainous North of Thailand

Bangkok (Days 30 / 31)

Make your way to Bangkok to catch your flight home (if you have one) and say one last goodbye to Thailand!

You may need to get a bus back to Chiang Mai and then catch a train, flight or another bus to Bangkok.

This is the complete 1 month Thailand itinerary! We have a few more alternative itineraries if you’d like to mix and match.

Check out these 11+ Best Thailand Travel Tips: Things to Know Before Visiting Thailand (2024) before your 1 month Thailand route.

1 Month Thailand Itinerary Overview

Days 1-4: Bangkok. Start your 1 month Thailand itinerary in the capital city exploring the incredible temples, trying Thai food, wandering through malls and visiting the bustling night markets.

Days 4-7: Krabi. Make your way down to the Thai Islands and start in Krabi. Visit Railay Beach, climb to the top of Tiger Cave Temple and admire the limestone cliffs.

Days 7-10: Koh Phi Phi. Catch a ferry to the famous Koh Phi Phi to snorkel with the fish, relax on the beaches and climb to amazing viewpoints.

Days 10-13: Koh Samui. Head over to the Gulf of Thailand to explore the Buddhist temples of Koh Samui, relax under the palm trees at Silver Beach and wander around the walking street markets.

Days 13-16: Koh Pha-Ngan. Visit Koh Pha-Ngan to see the hilly viewpoints, spend the night at the Full Moon Party and spend some time exploring the island.

Days 16-20: Koh Tao. Hop on the next ferry to Koh Tao to learn how to scuba dive, snorkel with sharks and watch the sunset on Sairee Beach.

Days 20-21: Bangkok. It’s a long travel day to get from the Thai Islands to the North so spend the night in Bangkok to break up the travel.

Days 21-24: Chiang Mai. Once you arrive in Chiang Mai, head out to explore the beautiful temples in the Old City and surrounding area. Rent a scooter and explore the forests, splash around at Grand Canyon Water Park and eat the best food at the night markets.

Days 24-27: Pai. Take the windy minivan to Pai to fully relax in the laidback town. Visit waterfalls, the big Buddha, caves and hot springs.

Days 27-30: Chiang Rai. Head to Chiang Rai to visit the incredible Wat Rong Khun, Singha Park and the rich tea plantations.

Days 30/31: Bangkok. Say goodbye to the North and head back to Bangkok to finish your 1 month in Thailand!

1 Month Thailand Itinerary Breakdown

And here’s a little breakdown for you to see how many nights to stay in each place! Use this to create your travel itinerary based on our recommendations of what to do in the 1 Month Thailand itinerary above.

Bangkok: 3 nights
Krabi: 3 nights
Koh Phi Phi: 3 nights
Koh Samui: 3 nights
Koh Phangan: 3 nights
Koh Tao: 4 nights
Bangkok: 1 night
Chiang Mai: 4 nights
Pai: 3 nights
Chiang Rai: 3 nights
Bangkok: 1 night

Catching a ferry to Koh Phi Phi
Catching a ferry to Koh Phi Phi

Alternative Itineraries for 1 Month in Thailand

As there are so many incredible places to see during a 1 month Thailand itinerary, here are a few more alternative options with other destinations or a different change of pace.

Here are a few of our in-depth travel guides that can help you plan your Thailand trip even further:

1 Month Thailand Itinerary (Slow paced)

Here’s our recommended itinerary if you prefer to travel slowly during your month in Thailand. You get to experience the highlights of the country with some options of day trips to Phi Phi and Chiang Rai.

Bangkok: 4 nights
Krabi: 4 nights
Koh Lanta: 4 nights
Koh Samui: 4 nights
Koh Tao: 4 nights
Chiang Mai: 4 nights
Pai: 4 nights
Bangkok: 2 nights

When visiting Koh Lanta, we highly recommend checking out Lanta Animal Welfare, we volunteered here and loved it! We also have a 3 Day Koh Lanta Itinerary to help plan your trip.

1 month in Thailand Island Hopping

This Thailand itinerary is for the beach lovers out there! Spend a month hopping through the beautiful Thai islands. Check out our 2 week Thai Islands itinerary!

Phuket: 4 nights
Ko Yao Yai – 2 nights
Koh Phi Phi: 3 nights
Koh Lanta: 3 nights
Koh Lipe: 3 nights
Krabi: 3 nights
Koh Samui: 4 nights
Koh Phangan: 3 nights
Koh Tao: 5 nights

There’s never enough time to spend on the Thai Islands, by extending your trip to 1 month, you can truly experience so much! Check out our 4 Day Phuket Itinerary if you’re planning to visit.

Central & North Thailand in 1 Month

If you love culture and you’re not into beaches – here’s a one month Thailand route dedicated around the central and north of the country.

Bangkok: 5 nights
Ayutthaya: 2 nights
Kanchanaburi: 2 nights
Sukhothai: 2 nights
Lampang: 2 nights
Chiang Mai: 4 nights
Pai: 4 nights
Mae Hong Son: 3 nights
Chiang Rai: 3 nights
Chiang Mai: 2 nights

Koh Lanta, Thailand
Koh Lanta, Thailand
The animals during our 1 month Thailand trip
The animals during our 1 month Thailand trip

Where to stay in Thailand

During our Thailand itinerary, we used Booking.com to book our accommodation in Thailand. We’ve used Agoda in the past and Airbnb once or twice to find unique stays in the country. Here’s our list of recommended places to stay in each destination in Thailand:

Thai Islands Accommodations:

Krabi – Pop-In Aonang $
Koh Phi Phi – P2 Wood Loft $-$$
Koh Samui – Private Lodge Beachside $
Koh Phangan – Puk’s Palace $
Koh Tao – Taco Shack Diving Hostel $
Koh Lanta – Mook Lanta Eco Resort $
Koh Lipe – Castaway Resort $

Central and North Accommodations:

Bangkok – Sawatdee Guesthouse $
Chiang Mai – Daizy House $
Pai – Kalm Pai $
Chiang Rai – Baan Mai Kradan Hostel $

How long to spend in Thailand

We highly recommend spending one month in Thailand to experience the whole country. With 1 month in Thailand, you can see a variety of jaw-dropping islands, experience the capital city without rushing and see the mountains and waterfalls in the north.

However we know it’s not easy to get a month off of work, so 2 weeks is also a great amount of time to spend in Thailand. With 2 weeks, it’s best to choose Bangkok and the North or South or spend 2 days in Bangkok, 4 days in Phuket and 4 days in Chiang Mai.

Internet & SIM cards in Thailand

The wifi in Thailand is pretty stable and we’ve never had any major problems during our total of 4 months in the country.

The easiest way to get a SIM card in Thailand is to head to your local 7/11 and pick up a SIM card for 30 days! You can also find E-sims online via Airlo, they are so convenient but cost a little more.

We’ve noticed that sometimes in accommodations the wifi doesn’t perfectly work in all of the rooms as it’s too far away from the router. This can happen anywhere in the world though!

Buses often say they have wifi onboard, but then it doesn’t work. We’ve always had a SIM card, so it’s never affected us too badly.

Wat Ratchathammaram
The beaches in Koh Lanta, Thailand
The beaches in Koh Lanta, Thailand

Budget for 1 Month in Thailand

You might be wondering how much to budget during your one-month Thailand trip. There’s no easy ‘one fits all’ figure, so it really depends on what you like to do.

A good base is at least £1000 (or $1250), with a budget like this you can travel around the country, stay in mostly budget accommodation and eat mostly Thai food. You’ll get to do amazing activities, have a few nights out and a some Western meals here and there.

This budget doesn’t include flights in or out of Thailand and doesn’t include vaccinations or travel insurance. Before you begin your 1 month Thailand trip, make sure you have extra money for splurges or emergencies!

The Thai islands are slightly more expensive than the North, especially if you’re island hopping regularly. A scuba diving course alone will cost at least £250. Accommodation can range from £7 – £30+ and food is around £2 – £4 for Thai food and £5 – £8 for Western food.

  • The more transport you take, the more money you’ll spend.
  • Use beach days as low-cost days. Sometimes we only spend £10 each a day when we’re chilling at a beach with a cheap snorkel, some food and budget-friendly accommodation,
  • Cut back on alcohol to stretch your budget further
  • Eat mostly Thai food

More tips for a 1 Month Thailand Itinerary

  • Thailand Currency – Thai Baht (Compare the currency here)
  • Cash or card – A lot of places are cash-only
  • Thailand Power Voltage – Plugs A & C (220 V)
  • Simcard – True Move at 7/11

Here’s a list of things you can check before your trip to Thailand!

Also, check out 11 + Thailand Travel Tips!

Use our Southeast Asia budget guide to figure out how much money you need to save for your travel trip. We also have a Southeast Asia packing list so you can be fully prepared for Thailand!

Where to go after spending One Month in Thailand

Cambodia – One of Thailand’s neighbouring countries. Head to Bangkok and catch a bus or a flight into Cambodia to continue the Southeast Asia loop.

Laos – If you end your trip in the North you can go straight into Laos to continue your South East Asia adventures!

Malaysia – A great country to explore after 1 month in Thailand! Head to Koh Lipe and catch a boat to Langkawi for a smooth way to enter the country. Otherwise, fly from Bangkok to Kuala Lumpur and explore the country!

International – Thailand’s airports are very well connected, we’ve flown from Bangkok – Tokyo, Krabi – Singapore – Manila, Sri Lanka – Phuket and Hanoi – Chiang Mai. Bangkok is the best airport to get longer international flights and it will likely be the airport you enter the country.

More Thailand Posts:

Thailand is one of our favourite countries in the world and we can’t wait to visit again in the future! Have fun browsing thorough our Thailand travel guides.

Have an incredible month in Thailand! We hope you have all the information you need to travel the country. Find us on Instagram (@thesunrisedreamers) or leave a comment below!

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1 month Thailand itinerary pinterest guide with four images showing the food in Thailand, two showing the temples in Thailand and the last showing the beaches in Thailand
1 month Thailand itinerary pinterest guide with four images showing the food in Thailand, the sunsets in Thailand, the canyons in the North of Thailand and the islands in Thailand

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