15-day Thailand itinerary with kids aged 7 and 9

hi everyone,

we’re heading to Thailand for 15 days at the end of February/beginning of March.

We haven’t booked our flight tickets yet, but we will soon... we’ve scoured quite a few sites to figure out where to start, but it’s still not clear.

We like to alternate between relaxation on beautiful beaches and sightseeing.

We’re thinking of landing in Bangkok and staying there for 2 or 3 days. Then, we’d spend a day visiting Ayutthaya. I’m skipping Chiang Mai on purpose—it’s too far north. After that, we’d head south (by plane?).

We love snorkeling, canoeing, kayaking, or any water sports. We won’t have any means of transportation—no car rental, or at most, a bike! We’ve looked at Koh Lanta, Koh Phi Phi, Koh Tao... and I’m already getting lost with all the options...

The kids might enjoy seeing elephants, but only if it’s done in a way that respects animal welfare.

That’s why I was thinking we could fly back from Bangkok instead of another city.

There are a lot of questions, but the biggest one is figuring out the route.

Thanks so much for your help!

Hi there, When you say "We visited Koh Lanta, Koh Phi Phi, and Koh Tao," does that mean you’ve already been there?

No, not at all! When I say that, it's mostly from looking at the forum and other travel journals...

With the kids, we only ever went to the sea, especially on islands. We visited the ones you mentioned (except Koh Lanta) about 30 years ago, and of course, they’ve probably changed a lot since then (crowds, construction, etc.). More recently (2016), as a couple, we went to Koh Lipe, Koh Tarutao, and Koh Muk. We started from Malaysia (Langkawi Islands), but you can just as easily go from Phuket. We really enjoyed these three very different islands. Tarutao is a bit like a "Robinson Crusoe" island—huge and almost untouched. There aren’t many people! Just one restaurant and only two beachfront bungalow spots on beaches over 3 km long. It’s a marine park run by the state. You’ll encounter monkeys, wild boars, monitor lizards, and turtles. You can rent kayaks and bikes or take a tour in the park rangers’ jeep. There’s an old prison to visit and the Crocodile Cave, among other things. With kids, two days are enough—unless you love solitude. Right next door is Koh Lipe, which is much livelier (maybe even a bit too much), but the beaches are beautiful and perfect for snorkeling and diving. Koh Muk is kind of a mix of the two, with the added bonus of a unique attraction: the Emerald Cave. You’ll find all the useful info about these islands online, but if you have any questions, don’t hesitate to ask! You can reach these islands by speedboat from Phuket and return by plane from the mainland (Hat Yai). ..

Our plan was to arrive in Bangkok and stay for a few days—say, 3 or 4 days—and do some excursions from there...

Bangkok to Phuket flight

2 or 3 nights on different islands, elephant encounters, snorkeling, Thai cooking class... Avoid mass tourism even though I realize it’s going to be tricky...

Then return flight from Phuket

Just so you know, there are overnight trains to Chiang Mai. Personally, I’d go to Chiang Mai. Take the overnight train from either Bangkok or Ayutthaya (sleeper trains leave around 8 PM and arrive the next morning). The climate is cooler there, and the city is way more pleasant than Bangkok! You’ll find tons of cultural visits and excursions. Spend a few days there, then take a direct low-cost flight to Phuket. From there, you’ve got plenty of options—the northern part of the island has quieter beaches. Fast ferries can take you to whichever islands you choose... I’d head back from Phuket by bus and spend the last 2 days of my trip exploring Bangkok.

Thanks for your feedback!

So, we’ll arrive in Bangkok and spend a day or two sightseeing (Ayutthaya). Then, we’ll leave Bangkok or Ayutthaya for Chiang Mai (overnight train). Chiang Mai: 3 days

Domestic flight: Chiang Mai – Hat Yai

After that, we’ll head to Tarutao Island and make our way up toward Phuket...

Anything else we should reconsider?

So I’m planning to arrive in Bangkok and spend a day or two sightseeing

In my opinion, it’s better to save Bangkok for the end. 1- It’s a city where you get really tired: noise, pollution, crowds... 2- At the end of the trip, it’s better for easing back into departure with less stress. Depending on your return flight time, you can also spend a whole morning in the city.

Depending on your arrival time in Bangkok (on the way there), you can head straight to the bus station (or train station?) to spend the night in Ayutthaya—a much more relaxing city—and enjoy it fully the next day. https://www.rome2rio.com/fr/s/Bangkok/Ayutthaya If the schedules work out, book your first night in Ayutthaya. Then (1 or 2 days later), Ayutthaya to Chiang Mai by sleeper train—I think there’s one around 8 PM.

Domestic flight: Chiang Mai - Hat Yai Then head to Tarutao Island and make your way up toward Phuket... Anything else to reconsider?

Yes, that’s a great option. Then make your way up to Phuket at your own pace, stopping in Koh Muk (kayak rental, Emerald Cave, diving or snorkeling...)

Hi again,

For the flight tickets, I didn’t have much choice since I got them for 300 € per person—my brother-in-law works for an airline...

Arriving in Bangkok on February 23rd Returning from Phuket on March 10th

February 23rd, arrival at 12:50 PM: check into the hotel, relax by the pool February 24th: Grand Palace, floating market... February 25th: Bangkok? February 26th: taxi to Ayutthaya, overnight sleeper train to Chiang Mai February 27th: Chiang Mai—temple exploration February 28th: Chiang Mai (elephants, bamboo rafting...) March 1st: mountain hike near Chiang Mai, hill tribes... March 2nd: morning flight to Hat Yai

March 3rd to March 10th: still undecided—gradually making our way back to Phuket...

What do you think?

We’re unsure if the 25th in Bangkok is worth it...

When you're in Hat Yai (almost zero interest) .... head over to stay 2 nights right next to Songkhla (gorgeous).

Otherwise, go to Phattalung Noi... and early in the morning around 5/6 AM, take a boat tour on the lake to observe the birds and life on the lake.

Then head along the Andaman Sea to make your way to Phuket