This 50-day Thailand itinerary will cover absolutely everything you need to do In Thailand! From beaches and scuba diving in the south to temples and ricefields in the north. This itinerary begins in Phuket in the south and finishes in Chiang Rai in the north, but it can also be done reversely. Both Phuket and Chiang Rai have international airports, so will be easy to fly in and out of. 50 days in Thailand will require you to extend your tourist visa, as the initial visa on arrival is only 30 days. I have a full guide on extending your visa here (don’t worry; it’s fairly simple!). If you have less time, check out my 30-Day Thailand Itinerary, 14-Day Southern Thailand Itinerary or 14-Day Northern Thailand Itinerary.
Day 1- Phuket
Arrive in Phuket in the South of Thailand at any time on the first day. Spend the day exploring the Patong Beach area, haggling at local markets and enjoying the general chaos of the area.
For sunset, head to Patong Beach to watch paragliders and street performers before catching the sunset. Grab dinner at one of the night markets around the area (I highly recommend the market outside Big C Shopping Mall). Hit the ground running of an evening and jump on a pub crawl of the infamous Bangla Road.
Day 2- Phuket
Wake up (potentially a little hungover) and grab brunch at Uncle Joe’s Cafe. Afterwards, get in a Grab or Tuk Tuk and head to Freedom Beach to spend the afternoon relaxing on the beach and swimming.
For dinner, head back to Patong Beach and choose from one of the area’s many night markets. If you fancy another night out, head back to Bangla Road and bar hop.
Day 3- Phuket
Wake up and grab a quick 7/11 breakfast before getting picked up for the Phuket Boat Foam Party.
Spend the day drinking, dancing, eating, going down waterslides and diving boards and making friends on the party boat.
Grab a burger from the best burger shop in Patong (Prime Burger) to soak up the alcohol before heading back to Bangla Road for another crazy night.
Day 4- Phuket
After another slow, slightly hungover Phuket morning, grab brunch at Uncle Joe’s Cafe. Afterwards, go to the Big Buddha to marvel at the impressive white statue. Spend the remainder of the afternoon taking a surf lesson on Kata Beach.
Then, head to After Beach Bar to watch the one last Phuket sunset. Grab dinner at the night market in Patong before an early night.
Day 5- Phuket- Phi Phi
Grab a quick 7/11 breakfast before heading to the port in Phuket Town, bound for Phi Phi Island.
After checking into your hostel, spend the afternoon shopping and exploring the tiny island. Grab lunch at Dow (warning: the portion sizes are huge!).
Just before sunset, rent a kayak from the shack on the main beach and head out for a sunset kayak. Head to the bay’s west for the best views and calmest waters.
After your sunset, head to Pad Thai Phi Phi to try one of Thailand’s famous cuisines. After dinner, head to Reggae Bar to watch the informal backpacker Muay Thai fights. Make sure you grab a bucket from Paddy’s Shack near Reggae Bar before heading back to the main beach to enjoy the nightlife.
Day 6- Phi Phi
Grab brunch at Patcharee Bakery (the best breakfast spot on the island) and prepare for a big day of walking.
Begin the scenic hike to Phi Phi Viewpoints 1, 2 and 3. After spending the afternoon taking in stunning panoramic views of the island, head to Loh Dalum Beach to cool off and watch the sunset.
For dinner, head to Papaya Restaurant to enjoy great Indian cuisine. Afterwards, grab a pre-drink from Paddy’s Shack before heading back to the main beach for the night. Head to Slinkys to watch the nightly fire shows and naked bull riding (participating if you dare!).
Day 7- Phi Phi
Wake up and enjoy another Patcharee Bakery breakfast before heading to the Pier for a day trip around the island. Depending on your budget and how rough your liver is by this stage, either book the Blanco Party Boat or jump on a regular boat. Spend the day visiting the famous Maya Bay, snorkelling at Phi Leh Lagoon, getting robbed by monkeys at Monkey Beach and seeing the impressive Viking Cave.
Head to Tom Yam’s for dinner to enjoy some delicious Thai food. After dinner, grab your compulsory pre-drink from Paddy’s Shack before heading to Blancos Beach bar to dance the night away barefoot on the beach.
Day 8- Phi Phi- Railay
Grab one last breakfast at Patcharee Bakery before jumping on a ferry heading to your next destination- Railay Beach.
Spend the afternoon exploring Pranang Cave (more commonly known as the Penis Cave) and relaxing on Pranang Cave Beach.
For dinner, head to Coco Restaurant (make sure you get a table in the upstairs section for the vibe). After dinner, go swimming at night to see the famous Plankton light up.
Day 9- Railay
Wake up refreshed and grab a smoothie bowl at Summer Fresh Cafe.
After breakfast, begin the hike to Railay Viewpoint and then continue on to the hidden lagoon. After a tough hike, grab dinner at Mangrove Restaurant.
Enjoy a few drinks at Blancos Hostel and participate in their nightly event. Make sure you get an early night ahead of a big day of activities tomorrow.
Day 10- Railay
Wake up and grab breakfast at Summer Fresh again, ready for a big day of rock-climbing.
Spend the day enjoying world-famous rock-climbing at Railay.
Freshen up at your hostel before joining the Blanco Hostel Pub Crawl.
Day 11- Railay- Ao Nang
Enjoy a slow morning, recovering from the pub crawl last night. Head to the beach to relax for as long as you need. In the late afternoon, jump on a local longboat heading to nearby Ao Nang.
After arriving via longboat, check into your hostel in Ao Nang. Head to the Ao Nang Night Markets for dinner before jumping on a Pub Crawl around Ao Nang.
Day 12- Ao Nang
Wake up and grab a quick 7/11 breakfast before getting picked up for your day trip- the 7-island tour. Enjoy the day on the boat, snorkelling, exploring the islands and enjoying a full seafood feast for dinner. After dinner, enjoy a night swim with plankton before getting dropped back at your hostel.
Have a much-needed night in before another big day of activities tomorrow.
Day 13- Ao Nang
Have breakfast at your hostel before getting picked up for a Tiger Temple and Mangrove Kayak Tour.
Spend the day hiking to the famous Tiger Temple and kayaking through the surrounding mangroves.
Grab dinner at the Ao Nang Night Markets upon your return. Spend the evening bar hopping down the main street of Ao Nang.
Day 14- Ao Nang- Khao Sok
Grab a quick 7/11 breakfast before boarding your van transfer to head to Khao Sok National Park.
Arrive in Khao Sok in the late afternoon and book yourself on a 3-day, 2-night tour of the National Park and Floating Bungalows leaving tomorrow.
Grab a quick dinner at Nung House Restaurant before being picked up for your Night Safari Tour (included in the National Park Tour). Have an early night in preparation for a big day tomorrow exploring the National Park!
Day 15- Khao Sok
Depart early for your tour of Khao Sok National Park. Once you arrive at the Floating Bungalows, spend the afternoon swimming, kayaking and enjoying the stunning views.
Enjoy your included family dinner at night, then play card games and get to know other backpackers on this popular tour.
Day 16- Khao Sok
Spend the day enjoying boat trips around the National Park and spotting much wildlife. Followed by a waterfall hike and exploring some nearby caves.
In the late afternoon, you will be dropped back at your hostel in Khao Sok. Grab dinner at Pawn’s Restaurant, then head for a drink at Blue Tiger Bar and Restaurant
Day 17- Khao Sok- Koh Phangan
Grab breakfast at Coco Hostel and Bakery before making your way to the bus terminal to board a van headed for your next destination- Koh Phangan.
Arrive at Koh Phangan in the late afternoon/ early evening and grab dinner at Mama Restaurant. Head to Phangan Arena for pre-drinks before heading to the pre-Full Moon Party that evening.
Day 18- Koh Phangan
After a very long night of partying, spend the day relaxing at Thong Nai Pan Beach. Order food from one of the many beach bars and cafes and swim in the crystal-clear water.
Head to Amsterdam Bar (one of the best sunset spots on the island) for sunset. Then grab dinner at Thong Sala Night Market. Return to your hostel for more pre-drinking in preparation for another Pre-Full Moon Party night out.
Day 19- Koh Phangan
Wake up and grab a hearty breakfast at your hostel to prepare you for a big day and night of drinking at the official Full Moon Party. Most people will start drinking in the pool around midday, and the drinking games and body paint usually kick off just after dark.
Spend the whole night partying on Haad Rin Beach (try and make it for sunrise; you won’t regret it!).
Day 20- Koh Phangan
Have a slow day recovering from your hangover and catching up on sleep. Head to the local night market in Ban Tai called Night Market Cafe Vintage. After lining your stomach, head to Phangan Arena for pre-drinks before heading out to the post-Full Moon Party party.
Day 21- Koh Phangan
Wake up and grab a late breakfast at your hostel. Spend a chill day recovering by the hostel pool before another night of partying at the final post-Full Moon Party party.
Day 22- Koh Phangan
Now that the Full Moon Party is over and done with (and most people have left the island), it’s time to start exploring. Start the day with a smoothie bowl from Bliss Cafe & Brunch. Afterwards, head to “Bottle Beach Scooter Parking” on Google Maps to start the 3-hour hike to Bottle Beach.
After sweating out all the alcohol from the Full Moon Parties, head to Paprika in the Haad Rin Beach Area to enjoy amazing Israeli food. Have a much-needed early night in, before another day of exploring.
Day 23- Koh Phangan
Grab another breakfast at Bliss Cafe & Brunch before a morning of chasing waterfalls. Tick Paradise, Prawet and Sawet Waterfalls off your bucketlist. After you’ve spent time swimming in waterfalls, head to the famous Mae Haad Beach for lunch.
Spend the rest of the afternoon swimming, snorkelling and enjoying gorgeous views.
For dinner, head to Thong Sala Night Market before returning to your hostel for another early night (your liver probably needs it).
Day 24- Koh Phangan- Koh Samui
Grab a quick breakfast at your hostel before jumping on a ferry to your next destination- the beautiful Koh Samui.
Arrive mid-afternoon and spend the afternoon relaxing on Chaweng Beach. For dinner, head to the Chaweng Beach Night Market before heading to Lub D Chaweng to watch the nightly fireshows on the beach.
Day 25- Koh Samui
Grab a quick 7/11 breakfast before heading out on a busy day of sightseeing around the island. Whether renting a scooter or booking Mr Ung’s Magical Safari, visit the sights: Grandmother and Grandfather Rocks, Secret Buddha Garden, Big Buddha Temple, The Mummified Monk, Wat Plai Laem and Nam Muang Waterfall.
After a massive day of sightseeing, grab a hearty Indian curry dinner at Curry Pot Restaurant in the Chaweng Beach area. If you fancy checking out the nightlife on Koh Samui, head to the bar strip in Chaweng Beach (the street near Green Mango Bar).
Day 26- Koh Samui- Koh Tao
Grab a quick breakfast on your way to the port before heading to your next destination: Koh Tao.
Grab a smoothie bowl or other brunch food from Coconut Monkey near the pier before checking into your accommodation in Koh Tao. Spend the afternoon choosing a dive school and signing up for a scuba diving course starting tomorrow.
Head to ChuChu Pizza for dinner to try their famous Thai curry-inspired pizzas. After dinner, head to the Koh Tao Cabaret Show before getting a reasonable early night.
Day 27- Koh Tao
Grab a quick breakfast at your hostel before starting the theory portion of your scuba diving certification.
Spend the afternoon going on your first dives before returning back to your hostel for dinner. Go to one of the best local restaurants, Duck 999, for dinner, then head to The Local for their happy hour mojitos and fun night-time activities like trivia and karaoke. If you fancy a later night, head to Fishbowl for dancing and beer pong.
Day 28- Koh Tao
Wake up (maybe slightly hungover) and grab a hearty brunch at Cafe Culture right on Sairee Beach.
After brunch, head back to your dive school for your next two skill dives as a part of your certification.
Returning to your hostel around dinner time, head to another local gem, Pork Leg, for dinner. Get an early night tonight ahead of early morning dives the next morning.
Day 29- Koh Tao
Grab a quick breakfast at the pier before starting your last two dives of your scuba diving certification.
After your final dives, head to Zest Bakery and Coffee House for lunch. Spend the afternoon studying, completing your exam and finally being certified as a scuba diver!
To celebrate tonight, treat yourself to American-style burgers at Hippo Burger. Afterwards, join the Koh Tao Pub Crawl, finishing at Fishbowl for more dancing. If you fancy a later night, head to Leo Evolution Bar for afters, where you can drink and party until sunrise.
Day 30- Koh Tao
Grab a hearty breakfast at Factory Cafe before renting a scooter to explore Koh Tao.
Start with hiking John Suwan Viewpoint to enjoy one of the best views on the island! Afterwards, spend the afternoon relaxing on Freedom Beach and Taa Toh Bay Lagoon Beach. Just being sunset, jump on your scooter and head to Secret Bar for sunset.
Head to a traditional Thai restaurant called Mama Restaurant before getting an early night.
Day 31- Koh Tao
Wake up early and grab breakfast at New Heaven Cafe before jumping on a snorkelling tour of the island. Spend the day exploring gorgeous beaches, snorkelling and relaxing on the longtail boat.
Make your way back for dinner, heading to Milk and Honey, a great Israeli restaurant near the port. Afterwards, head to The Local and then Fishbowl if you fancy another night out.
Day 32- Koh Tao- Bangkok
Wake up and grab breakfast at one of your favourite Koh Tao cafes. After, spend the morning and early afternoon relaxing on bean bags on Sairee Beach. In the mid-afternoon, get a ferry back to Surat Thani Port in time to get a sleeper train heading to Bangkok.
Day 33- Bangkok
Arrive in Bangkok at around mid-morning and grab brunch at H Cafe near Khao San Road. Spend the afternoon exploring the Khao San Road area during the day and stopping at local markets.
For dinner, head to I Love Thai Food, a famous street food vendor just near Khao San Road. Afterwards, head to the infamous Khao San Road for a wild Bangkok night out.
Day 34- Bangkok
Wake up (maybe slightly hungover) and go to Chatuchuk Weekend Market. Spend the better part of your day exploring the massive markets, eating plenty of street food and practising your haggling skills.
For dinner, head to a Michelin-starred restaurant called Krua Apsorn (don’t worry, it’s surprisingly affordable!). After dinner, head to Rajadamnern Stadium to watch a Muay Thai fight. Afterwards, head back to your hostel for an early night ahead of a big day of sightseeing.
Day 35- Bangkok
Grab a quick 7/11 breakfast before being picked up for a tour of the Floating Markets of Bangkok. Spend the day travelling to the markets, exploring the markets by local boat, shopping and eating all the market foods.
Make your way back to the centre of Bangkok for dinner and grab some street food on Khao San Road before another big night out in Bangkok.
Day 36- Bangkok
Grab breakfast at Konnichipan Bakery before a big day of temple hopping around Bangkok. Take the local boat to Wat Arun to explore this stunning temple. After, jump on another boat heading to IconSiam to witness the most impressive shopping mall you might ever see (it literally has a floating market inside it).
After you’ve eaten at the floating markets and explored the super illustrious mall, catch another local boat across the river to the Grand Place. Explore (or take a guided tour) the Grand Palace and Wat Pho to end a big day.
Afterwards, head to one of the best Thai restaurants in Bangkok called The Sixth for delicious Thai curries.
Day 37- Bangkok
Wake up early and grab breakfast from Konnichipan Bakery before jumping in a Tuk Tuk heading to the Flower Markets. Spend the morning exploring the Flower Markets of Bangkok before heading to Old Siam Plaza for lunch. Afterwards, walk around Chinatown and the market alleyways, which span endless blocks.
After exploring Chinatown, head back to Ilovethai food for another delicious dinner. Come back down to Khao San Road at night if you fancy a night out.
Day 38- Bangkok- Kanchanaburi
Grab a quick 7/11 breakfast before jumping in a van transfer heading for the next stop: Kanchanaburi. After checking in to your hostel, grab a quick lunch at one of the street food stalls. Then, head to the JEATH Museum to learn about the dark war history of Kanchanaburi. Once you appreciate and understand the history, make your way to the Death Railway to walk the tracks. On your way back to your hostel, stop at the War Memorial Cemetary to pay respects.
For dinner, grab some street food at the local Kanchanaburi night market before getting an early night before a big day of hiking tomorrow.
Day 39- Kanchanaburi
Grab a quick to-go breakfast before jumping on a bus heading for Erawan National Park. Spend the day hiking the National Park, swimming in the multiple-tiered waterfalls and getting free fish pedicures.
Make your way back to town on the mid-afternoon bus, then head to one of the river-side restaurants for dinner. Enjoy dinner with a view at restaurants like Taraburee before heading back to your hostel for an early night.
Day 40- Kanchanaburi- Ayutthaya
Grab another quick breakfast to-go before making your way via a private taxi to the ancient city of Ayutthaya. Grab lunch at Brick Wall Cafe before heading to your hostel to check-in.
After an afternoon at your leisure, head to the night markets for dinner. Afterwards, if you fancy a few drinks, head to Coffee House for live music, cocktail specials and good vibes.
Day 41- Ayutthaya
Wake up early and grab breakfast at the most Insta-grammable cafes in Ayutthaya: Chirp. Afterwards, spend the day cycling around the Ancient City, exploring all the temples and other religious sights dotted around the city. Explore temples such as Wat Mahathat, Wat Ratchaburana, Wat Phra Si Sanphet, Wihan Phra Mongkhon Bophit, Wat Phra Ram, Wat Loyaka Sutharam, Wat Na Phra Meru Rachikaram and Wat Thammikarat.
After a big day riding around the city and feeling like Lara Croft Tomb Raider, grab an early dinner from the night market before jumping on the sleeper train heading for the city of Chiang Mai.
Day 42- Chiang Mai
After getting off the sleeper train, head to Hideout Cafe for a wholesome brunch before a day of exploring the Old Town of Chiang Mai. Start by heading to Wat Chiang Man, then Wat Phra Singh. Afterwards, spend the afternoon at the Chiang Mai Museum and Lanna Arts Museum, learning about the history of the city and the local cultural group, the Lanna people. Finish up the day by heading to Wat Chedi Luang for a monk chat.
After a big day of walking, head to Kat’s Kitchen for dinner to try the most famous dish of Chiang Mai- Khao Soi. Head back to your hostel for an early night before an early start the next morning.
Day 43- Chiang Mai
Grab a quick 7/11 breakfast before getting picked up for a must-do activity in Chiang Mai. Today, you’ll spend the day at an ethical Elephant Sanctuary called Elephant Nature Park. You’ll get to learn about elephants, elephant abuse in Thailand, get to feed elephants and see many elephants roaming around free and happy.
After a full day at the sanctuary, head to the night bazaar for dinner and drinks. Afterwards, head to the famous Lady Boy Cabaret in the markets.
Day 44- Chiang Mai
Get picked up early for another full-day tour, this time for the famous Thai Secret Cooking School cooking class. Spend the morning enjoying a traditional Thai market tour (where you can grab some breakfast as well). Afterwards, you’ll head to a picturesque house in the surrounding rice fields to learn to cook several Thai dishes.
You’ll return to the city for dinner, but after eating delicious Thai food you’ve cooked all day, you probably won’t need dinner. If you’re not too tired from a big day, head out for bar hopping and dancing at Zoe in Yellow and the surrounding bars.
Day 45- Chiang Mai- Pai
Have a leisurely morning stroll around the Old Town of Chiang Mai before stopping at Stories for Brunch and to do some people-watching.
In the early afternoon, jump on a shared van transfer heading to one of the most popular towns in Northern Thailand: Pai.
Arrive in Pai by late afternoon, just in time to grab dinner at the popular Pai walking street night market. Afterwards, enjoy your first bar hop around Pai. Head to Paizy, Boom Bar, Whats So Not and Yellow Sun, or whichever of the many bars tickles your fancy.
Day 46- Pai
Have a leisurely morning grabbing brunch at Om Garden Cafe. In the afternoon, rent a scooter and head out to the Pai Hot Springs for a chilled afternoon.
On your way back, head to Sunset Bar to watch the sunset in the rice fields and enjoy the chilled bar vibes. After, make your way back to the Pai walking street for dinner. If you fancy going out again, you can choose from one of the many bars around Pai.
Day 47- Pai
Grab breakfast at Lemon Thyme Cafe before a big day of sightseeing around Pai. Either book a half-day tour or rent a scooter to visit the following sights: White Buddha, IlovePai viewpoint, Chinese Village, Pai Canyon, Bamboo Bridge and Ban Luk Khao Lam Viewpoint.
Afterwards, return to town and treat yourself to a bougie Italian dinner at Witching Well.
Day 48- Pai- Chiang Rai
Grab one last breakfast at Om Garden Cafe before heading to your final destination, Chiang Rai, via a private taxi transfer.
Spend the afternoon exploring the sights in Chiang Rai town on foot, such as the Blue Temple and Black House.
After, head to the Chiang Rai walking street for dinner. Make sure you get an early night before a big day of sightseeing tomorrow!
Day 49- Chiang Rai
Wake up early and grab breakfast at your hostel or on the go before a big day of sightseeing either by private taxi or by scooter. Start by visiting the famous White Temple (a must-do in Chiang Rai). Then make your way north to Choui Fong Tea House for lunch and to take in the stunning views of the tea fields. After lunch, head to the Hall of Opium Museum to learn about the dark but fascinating history of the Golden Triangle.
Return to Chiang Rai town and grab dinner at the Chiang Rai Walking Street Night Market again.
Day 50- Chiang Rai
Spend the morning at your leisure exploring markets around Chiang Mai or getting one last Pad Thai or Thai Iced Tea before you depart Thailand.
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