10 Thailand Itineraries for 15 Days (with budgets and routing)
Fifteen days is the sweet spot to sample several sides of Thailand without turning the trip into a sprint. This guide collects 10 tested itineraries — from the classic Bangkok → Chiang Mai → southern islands to quieter loops — with pacing, per-person budget and the most efficient internal routing.
How much does a 15-day trip to Thailand cost?
Budget around €1,500–€2,200 per person all-in from Europe, flights included, for a comfortable trip (mid-range hotels, local restaurants, a few outings). Backpacker style is doable from €1,000 including flights.
Round-trip flights from Paris to Bangkok run €600–€900 depending on the season. On the ground, a dorm bed starts at €8, a comfortable private room is €30–€50, and a local meal is €2–€6.
The 10 itineraries
- Bangkok (3d) → Chiang Mai (4d) → Pai (2d) → Phuket or Krabi (6d) — the balanced classic: temples, mountains, beaches.
- Bangkok (2d) → Ayutthaya (1d) → Sukhothai (2d) → Chiang Mai (4d) → Chiang Rai (2d) → Bangkok (4d) — history and north loop.
- Bangkok (3d) → Krabi (3d) → Koh Lanta (4d) → Koh Phi Phi (3d) → Bangkok (2d) — Andaman-focused.
- Bangkok (2d) → Koh Samui (3d) → Koh Phangan (3d) → Koh Tao (3d) → Bangkok (4d) — Gulf trio, diving on Koh Tao.
- Bangkok (2d) → Kanchanaburi (2d) → Chiang Mai (3d) → Chiang Dao (2d) → Mae Hong Son (3d) → Bangkok (3d) — deep north, culture and trekking.
- Bangkok (3d) → Phuket (2d) → Khao Lak (3d) → Similan Islands 2-night liveaboard → Khao Sok (2d) → Bangkok (3d) — diving and jungle.
- Bangkok (2d) → Hua Hin (2d) → Chumphon (1d) → Koh Tao (3d) → Koh Phangan (3d) → Bangkok (4d) — southward descent by train.
- Bangkok (2d) → Chiang Mai (3d) → Pai (3d) → Mae Hong Son (3d) → Chiang Mai (1d) → Bangkok (3d) — full northern loop by scooter.
- Bangkok (2d) → Koh Chang (3d) → Koh Kood (3d) → Trat (1d) → Bangkok (2d) → Chiang Mai (4d) — east islands plus north.
- Bangkok (4d) → Ayutthaya (1d) → Chiang Mai (3d) → Luang Prabang (Laos) (3d) — class Mekong excursion — → Chiang Rai (2d) → Bangkok (2d) — cross-border variant.
Which routes between cities should you pick?
Domestic flights (AirAsia, Thai Lion Air, Nok Air) are cheap — often €20–€40 for Bangkok ↔ Chiang Mai or Bangkok ↔ Phuket. The night train Bangkok → Chiang Mai is still a recommended experience (10–13 hours, second-class sleeper from €25). For the southern islands, look at combined bus + ferry offers by Lomprayah or Songserm.
When is the best time to go?
The dry season from November to March is the best trade-off of rain vs. heat (28–32°C, low humidity). April–May is stifling in Bangkok (up to 40°C), though Songkran (Apr 13–15) is worth the detour. The monsoon from June to October is manageable on the Gulf (Samui, Phangan) and rougher on the Andaman side (Phuket, Krabi).
Do you need a visa for Thailand?
EU and French citizens get a 60-day visa exemption for tourism since July 2024 — the stamp is issued on arrival, no paperwork needed. A return ticket may be requested.