46-Day Itinerary in Thailand

Good evening, I had written a long message, but it just crashed and everything disappeared again. I won’t start over. I’ll just ask a quick question to sum it up. Is two weeks in Nan and its surroundings too much, or is there plenty to explore and see interesting things? Or should I keep Phrae and Loei in my plans? Or the route you mentioned, Thierry? Thanks

Two weeks in Nan might feel a bit long if you’re only using it as a base. In that case, one week would be enough—for example, 4 days in town + 3 day trips with a driver. With two weeks, you could add something like Thung Chang* and explore the area on foot. In the province, Doi Phu Kha National Park, which I don’t know personally, is apparently worth seeing.

*Accessible from Nan by minivan, a few resorts nearby for accommodation, but nothing in town if the Siam Garden Bungalow hasn’t reopened.

Keeping Phrae and Loei is an option, but if I understand correctly, Loei would be your only detour into Isan for roughly 3-4 days? I don’t think such a short trip is worth the detour.

Doing route 211 in one week (if I understood you right) is possible, but it’ll only be interesting if you plan small stops along the way—though it seems you’re not too keen on that... You won’t be able to connect Nan and route 211 (to Chiang Khan or Pak Chom) by public transport in one day. You’ll need an overnight stop somewhere (Phitsanulok or Loei) due to timing and connections. That leaves you with 5 nights to stop in at least 2 villages, plus one last night on a bus or train to Bangkok.

If you're independent with a car or scooter, it makes sense to stay 4 to 5 days in Nan—any longer isn’t really worth it. Otherwise, you’ll be relying on taxis all the time, or even bikes (though you’ll miss a lot).

Personally, I’d spend more time in Chiang Rai province—a mix of the city itself and chilling in Chiang Khong. There’s way more to see than in Nan

If you're independent with a car or scooter, it makes sense to stay 4 to 5 days in Nan—any longer isn’t really worth it. Otherwise, you’ll be relying on taxis all the time, or even biking (though you’ll miss a lot).

Personally, I’d spend more time in Chiang Rai Province—a mix of the city itself and chilling in Chiang Khong. There’s way more to see than in Nan.

Thanks so much for your input! The issue with this kind of question is that you get *everything and its opposite* in response. It’s really hard to decide when the answers aren’t detailed or well-explained.

But because everyone has different tastes and expectations. Plus, the same person might see things differently depending on whether they have ten days or two months of vacation. The most remarkable thing is how some people have this fascinating ability to give completely wrong advice—something you only really understand once you're there.

2 weeks in Nan might feel a bit long if you’re only using it as a base. In that case, one week would be enough—for example, 4 days in town + 3 day trips with a driver.

Keeping Phrae and Loei is fine, but if I understand correctly, Loei would be your only stop in Isan for roughly 3-4 days? I don’t think such a detour is worth it for such a short time.

New update—just finalized this! Latest version, and I *really* hope this is the last one.

Feb 17–22: NAN (5 days/6 nights) Feb 23–26: PHRAE (3 days/4 nights) Feb 27–Mar 2: LAMPANG (3 days/4 nights) Mar 3–4: PHIMAI (1 day/2 nights) Mar 5: Phimai → Bangkok (overnight in Bangkok) Mar 6: DEPARTURE

Alternative option: I skip Phimai and redistribute those two nights by adding one night each to Phrae and Lampang. So:

Feb 17–22: NAN (5 days/6 nights) Feb 23–27: PHRAE (4 days/5 nights) Feb 28–Mar 4: LAMPANG (4 days/5 nights) Mar 5: Lampang → Bangkok (overnight in Bangkok) Mar 6: DEPARTURE

Final solution: The first option but skipping Phimai and heading to Bangkok on Mar 3 to spend the last two days chilling (shopping?) in Bangkok to avoid departure stress.

But here you’ve only listed a 3-week itinerary...?

It’s all over the place Phrae, Lampang, Phimai

Ideally, if you’re going for 46 days, I’d leave a big part to improvisation—because you’ll sometimes feel disappointed, or on the contrary, want to stay longer.

At least he’s not grilling us on the classic BKK - Lopburi - Sukhothai - Chiang Mai - Golden Triangle route 😉

But you only listed a 3-week itinerary here...?

Yeah, so? The rest is already sorted—I just needed the end of the trip.

Two weeks in Nan might feel a bit long if you're only using it as a base. In that case, one week would be enough—for example, 4 days in town + 3 day trips with a driver.

Keeping Phrae and Loei is fine, but if I understand correctly, Loei would be your only detour into Isan for roughly 3-4 days? I don’t think such a short trip is worth the detour.

New update—just finalized! Here’s the latest version, and I hope it’s the last one.

Feb 17–22: NAN (5 days/6 nights) Feb 23–26: PHRAE (3 days/4 nights) Feb 27–Mar 2: LAMPANG (3 days/4 nights) Mar 3–4: PHIMAI (1 day/2 nights) Mar 5: Phimai → Bangkok (overnight in Bangkok) Mar 6: DEPARTURE

Another option: I skip Phimai and add those two nights to Phrae and Lampang instead. That’d look like:

Feb 17–22: NAN (5 days/6 nights) Feb 23–27: PHRAE (4 days/5 nights) Feb 28–Mar 4: LAMPANG (4 days/5 nights) Mar 5: Lampang → Bangkok (overnight in Bangkok) Mar 6: DEPARTURE

Final solution: Stick with the first option but skip Phimai and head straight to Bangkok on Mar 3. I’d spend the last two days chilling (shopping?) in Bangkok to avoid departure stress.

What’s left to figure out is how to get between these stops using public transport: Chiang Mai → Nan Nan → Phrae Phrae → Lampang Lampang → Phimai *or* Lampang → Bangkok

get some help from an AI app

I get that the best ones are paid, but hey, it’s not a massive yearly expense

... The problem with this kind of request is that you get absolutely everything and its opposite in response.

Hi there,

That’s exactly why I kinda gave up on "the case"—too much info kills the info, to the point where some posts get completely lost in the overload.

You’d decided to take your time, just like you said you liked to do, and now here you are chasing after it again.

But if you’re still able to sleep, that’s great.

You’re looking for perfection you’ll never find, at least I think so, but if you find happiness with it, then enjoy!!!

Best,

Partirdeloin

The most remarkable thing is how some people have a fascinating ability to give completely wrong advice, which you only realize once you're there.

Hi,

And you're still being kind—some don’t hesitate to shoot down others' ideas just because they don’t like them, or even claim them as their own if they weren’t the "first to mention it"...

Best regards,

Partirdeloin

Get help from an AI app

I get that the best ones are paid, but hey, it’s not a huge yearly cost

😏 😏 😏

New, it just came out! Latest version and I’d really like this to be the last one.

Feb 17–22 NAN (5 days/6 nights) Feb 23–26 PHRAE (3 days/4 nights) Feb 27–Mar 2 LAMPANG (3 days/4 nights) Mar 3–4 PHIMAI (1 day/2 nights) Mar 5 Phimai → Bangkok Overnight in Bangkok Mar 6 DEPART

-In my previous reply, I didn’t think it was wise to detour to Isan just for 3–4 nights. Yet today you’ve included Phimai, which is even farther than Loei (coming from the north), and for even less time... I think you’d be better off saving Isan for your next trip (or the third or fourth...) to spend a more serious amount of time there—like 3–4–5 weeks. -The northern part will force you to backtrack. To minimize that, it’d be better to do it in the order Lampang-Nan-Phrae.

Another option: I skip Phimai and add the two nights by extending Phrae and Lampang by one night each. So:

Feb 17–22 NAN (5 days/6 nights) Feb 23–27 PHRAE (4 days/5 nights) Feb 28–Mar 4 LAMPANG (4 days/5 nights) Mar 5 Lampang → Bangkok Overnight in Bangkok Mar 6 DEPART

So yes, skip Phimai. But 5 nights in Phrae and 5 in Lampang? Ouch!... Here’s what I’d do: Nan stays as is. Phimai: scrapped! Lampang and Phrae get 3 nights each. Chiang Mai: 10 nights (which is already a lot—2.5 times longer than what most travelers do) instead of 15. With the nice little stash of 9 nights now (but temporarily!) unassigned, I’d spend 5–4 in Chiang Rai* and 4–5 in Mae Salong**. (Suggestion inspired by your initial post:

Chiang Mai → Chiang Rai CHIANG RAI (7 days/8 nights): Fang – Tha Ton – Chiang Saen – Doi Tung – Chiang Khong – Doi Ang Khang PHU chi Fah, etc..

) * Chiang Rai: The most interesting spots are outside the city—the White Temple, the Blue Temple, and farther out, the Doi Tung Royal Villa and Garden (plan to rent a car for half a day), Chiang Saen, the vibe at the Mae Sai border crossing...

**Mae Salong (accessible by bus + songthaew; I can explain how if needed): A little off-the-beaten-path town and a great base for day or half-day hikes to nearby ethnic villages.

What’s left to check is the feasibility of public transport between my different stopovers: Chiang Mai → Nan Nan → Phrae Phrae → Lampang Lampang → Phimai or Lampang → Bangkok

I’ll get back to you on that in a bit...

A huge thank you to everyone who gave me concrete answers. You’ve helped me way more than you might think in building my own travel plan. Now I know where I’m going. When I first asked my questions, I had no idea at all. I’m sorry if I surprise you, but after so many years, I know I’m a bit of an oddball who doesn’t do things like everyone else. Especially as a traveler. That might throw some people off.

I want to sincerely thank you again. You’ve shed light for me when I was in total darkness. Now I’ll move forward at my own pace, following my tastes and desires, and if needed, I’ll make changes along the way. I might cut something here to add something there. I’ll shorten or extend certain stops if I feel it’s the right thing to do.

I’ll reply to each of you individually tomorrow. THANKS! !

Hello,

And you're still being kind—some don’t even hesitate to torpedo others’ ideas if they don’t like them, or even claim them as their own if they weren’t the "first to mention it"...

Best regards,

Partirdeloin

You little rascal! 😉

When you get a chance, share your full itinerary in one go so we can start fresh with something clear.

You little rascal!! 😉

Darn!!! You noticed... I was using all my ingenuity to make sure it didn’t show... I’m disappointed, really disappointed... 😎😛

I’m sorry if I surprise you

It takes a lot more than that to surprise me...

but after so many years, I know I’m a bit of a weirdo who doesn’t do things like everyone else. Especially as a traveler. It can throw some people off.

Well, now there are two of us—imagine, I’m probably the only Earthling (who doesn’t live in India) who’s been to Agra and *didn’t* visit the Taj Mahal.

Truth is, I’m just not interested in all the monuments the masses feel *compelled* to immortalize—just so they can say over the coffee machine, "I was there." And you’ve already seen every angle of them online and on social media, down to the tiniest detail, which kills all the magic of discovery.

Even what you’re about to see in Bangkok—I haven’t set foot there in 10 years.

I once decided to visit that island someone highly recommended in another thread, just because I was passing through for other reasons. Total letdown. And the thought of people spending hours in transit for *that* when, often just a few hundred meters from where they’re staying, there’s something surprising, unusual, or even unique… it leaves me baffled sometimes.

But hey, if it makes their day, more power to them.

Now I’ll just go at my own pace, following my tastes and whims

In my book, the best way to travel…

Partirdeloin

Indeed, I’m absolutely not interested in all the monuments that the masses feel compelled to immortalize just to say at the coffee machine, among other things, "I was there." And which you find, on the internet and other social networks, photographed from every possible angle, stripping away all the charm of discovery.

I find this statement quite pretentious. Are you so special that you place yourself outside of "the masses"? And are the members of this same "mass" just contemptible people gathered around the infamous coffee machine, sharing their contemptible visits? And since when do photos seen "from every angle" diminish the charm of a place? 🤪 It’s your choice to avoid the world’s beauties under such a strange pretext, but don’t look down on those who are different. Isn’t the main quality of a traveler tolerance and open-mindedness?

Hello,

Out of context, you can make words say whatever you want.

For my part, I was responding to someone who apologized for being "a bit of an oddball who doesn’t do things like everyone else."

After that, I’ll let you draw whatever conclusions help you sleep better...

Best regards,

Partirdeloin

So there we are, two of us—imagine, I’m probably the only Earthling (who doesn’t live in India) who’s been to Agra and *hasn’t* visited the Taj Mahal.

Truth is, I’m just not interested in all the monuments the masses feel they *have* to immortalize just to say at the coffee machine, "I was there." And you find photos of them online and on social media—every angle, every detail—so there’s no charm left in discovering them for yourself.

Even what you’re about to see in Bangkok—I’ve never set foot there in 10 years.

Now *that’s* something I can relate to! I’ve sometimes been disappointed by "mythical" places and found real joy off the beaten path. It reminds me of all those people swarming in front of the Mona Lisa, which leaves the amazing paintings next to it blissfully quiet to enjoy.

Mass tourism’s reheated dishes? Not my thing either. Sometimes you’ve seen so much in the teaser that you don’t even want to watch the movie anymore. Just saying, I totally get the opposite point of view—like how the Eiffel Tower affects me every time.

Even what you’re about to see in Bangkok—in 10 years, I’ve never set foot there.

One day, I wanted to visit the island everyone raved about in another thread because I was passing through for other reasons. It was a huge letdown, and thinking about people spending hours in transit for *that*—when often just a few hundred meters from where they’re staying, there’s something surprising, unusual, or even unique—sometimes leaves me baffled...

But hey, if it makes their day, more power to them...

Partirdeloin

This place is one of many mentioned on VF that makes me wonder why they’re such a big deal (like some hotels or guesthouses). Most of the time, it’s not a great tip. Ah, the "good taste" of the masses.

Alright, I’ll just bring my own tea. It’s not heavy. The essential thing is the kettle.

Hi there, I’m the same way, but with coffee—I need my coffee as soon as I open my eyes. Since a kettle is too bulky to carry, I use what’s called a *thermo-plunger* (immersion heater). I bought one in Bangkok for 200 baht ("electro thermal tube"), and I boil water in a metal cup. Be careful—the metal container gets burning hot, so don’t grab it with your bare hands. I’ve been doing this for years. *Note:* It still has a flat Thai plug. They do exist in France, but they’re bulkier and come with a 3-prong French plug. If you search "thermoplongeur" on Google, you’ll find options at Darty or Amazon. https://www.darty.com/nav/achat/petit_electromenager/petit_dejeuner-bouilloire_theiere/thermoplongeur/riviera_et_bar_tpl_350.html

When you get a chance, post your full itinerary in one go so we can start fresh with something clear.

Thanks Joël, I personally don’t think there’s any need to "start fresh" with anything, and for me, apart from the transport 😉, everything is clear. You’ve helped me out so much, especially with Bangkok and the Chiang Mai area, and I can’t thank you enough.

I’m probably the only Earthling (who doesn’t live in India) who’s been to Agra and didn’t visit the Taj Mahal.

Not quite the only one... I went there, but I hated the vibe, the place, and even... the monument, which looks like a giant cream puff to me and, in my eyes, doesn’t justify all the hype from the entire planet.

Indeed, I’m absolutely not interested in all the monuments that the masses feel compelled to immortalize just to say over the coffee machine, "I was there."

Me neither! (Sorry, Kate)

One day, I wanted to visit the island that was highly recommended in another thread because I was passing through for other reasons—it was a huge letdown. And thinking that people spend hours traveling for that, when often just a few hundred meters from where they live, there’s something surprising, unusual, or even unique... It sometimes leaves me skeptical...

The photos I’ve seen of it make me really want to go—they match the kind of tourist-free spots I love. But if, as Joël mentions later, every traveler rushes there, then that changes everything.

All good, I'll just bring my own tea. It's not heavy. The essential thing is the kettle.

Hello! I'm the same, but when it comes to coffee—I need my coffee as soon as I open my eyes. Since a kettle is too bulky to carry, I use what’s called a "thermo plunger" (immersion heater). I bought one in Bangkok for 200 baht ("electro thermal tube"), and I boil water in a metal cup. Be careful—the metal container gets burning hot, so don’t grab it with your bare hands. I’ve been doing this for years. Note: mine still has a flat Thai plug. They also exist in France, but they’re bulkier and have a 3-prong French plug. If you search "thermoplongeur" on Google, you’ll find options at Darty or Amazon. https://www.darty.com/nav/achat/petit_electromenager/petit_dejeuner-bouilloire_theiere/thermoplongeur/riviera_et_bar_tpl_350.html

Thanks so much! I’ve been thinking about this for my travels for a while, but I already lug around so many electrical and electronic gadgets that I haven’t done it yet. For this trip, I’ve made sure there’s a kettle in the room at all the accommodations I’ve booked.

What remains to be seen is the possibility of connections between my different stopover cities using public transport (...) - 1 week in Bangkok - 4 nights in Kanchanaburi - 3 nights in Ayutthaya - 2 weeks in the Chiang Mai area - 4 nights in Lampang - 6 nights in Nan - 4 nights in Phrae - Last 4 days in Bangkok

For the Bkk-Kan-Ayutthaya-Bkk-Chiang Mai part, you already have the explanations. For the Chiang Mai area, it's impossible to answer without more details about your visits, but you can always ask us from there once you know more about your plans for exploring the area.

-Chiang Mai-Lampang: trains or very frequent buses. Lampang-Nan: about half a dozen a/c buses per day. They come from Chiang Mai and also stop in Phrae*. Another a/c1 bus from the same company takes the Chiang Mai-Nan route via a different itinerary passing through Phayao. Nan-Phrae: numerous minivans and buses. Phrae-Bangkok: several a/c buses during the day and overnight. Another possible option: reach Den Chai station in 45 minutes by songthaew to catch a train, like the morning Express DRC or a night train. If taking a night train, the Rapid from Den Chai is the only one that starts there—it arrives in Bangkok at 4:30 AM (plus delays) and doesn’t have first-class sleeper berths. Apart from this one, the other trains come from Chiang Mai. In that case, I’d advise booking early (I trust you’ll do that...) because they’re also used by countless organized tours after their ultra-quick "visit" of the North.

Just in case: Chiang Rai-Nan: only one a/c2 bus per day, leaving around 9 AM for a 5.5-hour trip. For the second half of the journey, it follows the Lao border through some of the most beautiful mountain scenery I’ve seen in the country. Plan B: take one of the many buses or minivans to Phayao, where 2 buses per day (1 a/c1 and 1 ordinary) leave for Nan. Chiang Rai-Phrae: minivans or buses.

* Phrae: pronounced "prêê" with a rolled ‘r,’ or even "plêê."

The photos I’ve received make me really want to go and match the kind of tourist-free places I love. But if, as Joël says later, every traveler rushes there, then that changes things.

Don’t worry—it’s only crowded, mostly with Thai people, on weekends in the village. As soon as you leave it, you’ll be on your own. During the week, you’ll be alone everywhere.

Out of context, you can make words say whatever you want. For my part, I was responding to someone who apologized for being "a weird guy who doesn’t do things like everyone else." After that, I’ll let you make all the wild interpretations that help you sleep better...

Without going too far, you who don’t consider yourselves lacking in intelligence—something quite common among those who share their favorite spots here—would you agree that your response is not only shallow but also dishonest? No need to wish me a good night, I’ve got my herbal tea.

At least he was inspired enough not to restart the machine? 😉

Let’s give him credit—on this thread, he did his part to inform future travelers.

To me, PDL’s and Kate’s opinions are two sides of the same reality, and some of my visits would make me lean toward one or the other at different times. A discussion that would’ve fit perfectly in the Travelers’ Reflections section.

Some of my visits made me lean sometimes toward one opinion, sometimes toward the other.

Nothing really original, Jojo :/

Bangkok Art Biennale 2024 January – 25 February 2025. 11 sites, 76 artists, 240 artworks at Bangkok. International art festival on the theme "Feeding Gaia," the biennale showcases over 200 exceptional contemporary artworks by 76 leading artists from 39 countries, displayed across 11 iconic venues in Bangkok.

Flora Festival 2024 in Chiang Mai January to February 2025, from 08:00 to 18:00. Royal Park Rajapruek, Chiang Mai.

Bangkok Art Biennale 2024

You mean 2025, I assume, given the dates mentioned below.

January – 25 February 2025. 11 sites, 76 artists, 240 artworks at Bangkok. An international art festival on the theme “Nourishing Gaia,” the biennale features over 200 exceptional contemporary artworks by 76 leading artists from 39 countries, displayed across 11 iconic venues in Bangkok.

That’s awesome info! Thanks so much, Joël!

Flora Festival 2024 in Chiang Mai January to February 2025, from 08:00 to 18:00. Royal Park Rajapruek, Chiang Mai.

And this is another fabulous announcement! Thanks! It’s weird I haven’t seen it anywhere, even though I’ve been researching online for ages.

Hi Joël, I’m not replying to a specific message of yours here, but rather to a question you’ve asked me before on the public forum, as well as personally via email or WhatsApp. Specifically, whether I’d write a travel journal after my trip to Thailand. I’m sorry I haven’t answered yet. The truth is, I honestly don’t know—I haven’t even left yet. I can’t say no in advance without knowing how I’ll feel about it when I get back. But I can’t say yes either, pretty much for the same reason. You seem worried that I won’t share my trip... But one thing’s for sure: if I have things to share, I’ll do it with pleasure. That said, it’ll most likely be a personal account of my joys and sorrows, my excitement and disappointments, my emotions, and my discoveries—not a list of hotel or restaurant addresses. I’m not going to step in where others do it better than me. What I’ve loved in your travel journals is when you talk about your experiences—like the emotion you felt when you saw your wife collapsed on the steps, bleeding, the camera flying, the critter that really messed up your calf, the hospital visit, your encounters (like that amazing Thai woman who set up an incredible itinerary with a driver and everything), or what you ate in restaurants rather than just listing prices. I laughed so much reading about your restaurant stories. I was chuckling to myself: *What foodies, you two...* In short, what I love reading in a travel journal is real, lived, personal stories—not just numbers and addresses. There are guides and dedicated forum threads for that. See you soon...

Hi everyone, I really liked Bangkok despite everything I’d read here and elsewhere, and despite what I’d been told about it. I didn’t regret sticking to my original plan to stay there for two weeks. Except for the fiasco of the so-called Chinese New Year dragon dance!!! I’ll expand on this if I write a travel journal... But... The complete opposite for Chiang Mai... I’ve been here for two days, and if Booking.com hadn’t already charged my card for my 20-night stay, I’d be thinking of leaving as soon as possible. It’s "Tourist City." Where are the Thais? Apart from the shopkeepers, guides, drivers, and others who live off tourism? All you see everywhere, everywhere, everywhere are tourists... You have to go out at 6:30 or 7 AM if you want to take photos and you’re not the type to just take selfies in front of a temple, statue, or landscape... I’m wondering where I can go to see the real life of Chiang Mai... The temples I’ve seen so far are stunning, but I don’t want to risk overdosing on them, same with the markets. Whether they’re day or night markets, it’s always the same... I saved money during my stay in Bangkok, so I think I have enough baht to rent a vehicle and take day trips (or even 2-day trips with one night elsewhere) in the surrounding area (within a 50 to 70 km radius) to places without (too many) tourists... I’m open to any suggestions... Thanks