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Bangkok, Thailand
Start your journey in the vibrant capital. Explore the Grand Palace, wander Chinatown's Yaowarat Road for street food, and take a boat along the Chao Phraya River. The Chatuchak Weekend Market is a must for souvenirs and local snacks.
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Kanchanaburi, Thailand
A historically significant town known for the Bridge on the River Kwai and its WWII history. The surrounding jungle is beautiful in the rainy season, with Erawan National Park's turquoise tiered waterfalls at their most spectacular. Stay in a floating raft house on the river for a unique experience.
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Chiang Mai, Thailand
Thailand's cultural capital in the north offers stunning temples like Doi Suthep and a thriving Sunday Walking Street market. July and August bring lush green landscapes perfect for jungle trekking and elephant sanctuary visits. The Old City moat area is great for exploring on foot or by bicycle.
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Chiang Rai, Thailand
Home to the iconic White Temple (Wat Rong Khun) and the Blue Temple (Wat Rong Suea Ten), Chiang Rai is a gem of northern Thailand. The Golden Triangle area nearby marks the border of Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar. Don't miss the Night Bazaar for local hill tribe crafts and northern Thai cuisine.
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Sukhothai, Thailand
Sukhothai is the ancient capital of Thailand, home to a magnificent UNESCO World Heritage historical park filled with Buddhist temples and ruins. Cycling through the park at sunrise or sunset is an unforgettable experience. The green season keeps the lawns lush and the stone ponds full of water lilies.
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Koh Samui, Thailand
The Gulf of Thailand side is your best beach bet during July and August when the Andaman coast is hit harder by monsoon. Chaweng Beach is lively and well-equipped, while Fisherman's Village in Bophut is charming for evening strolls. Don't miss the Big Buddha temple and a Thai cooking class.
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Koh Phangan, Thailand
Famous for the Full Moon Party but equally great for quieter beach life on the northern and western shores. Haad Yao and Haad Salad beaches are calm and beautiful in summer. The jungle interior hides waterfalls and yoga retreats for a more tranquil side of island life.
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Koh Tao, Thailand
One of the world's best and most affordable places to get a SCUBA diving certification. The Gulf side conditions are generally good in July and August with warm clear water. Sairee Beach has a buzzy strip of cafés and bars, while the southern bays are quieter and more scenic.
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Khao Yai, Thailand
Thailand's oldest and most celebrated national park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site teeming with wildlife including elephants, gibbons, hornbills, and even leopards. The rainy season brings dramatic waterfalls and lush green forest at their absolute best. Several good tour operators run wildlife night safaris from the nearby Pak Chong town.
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Ayutthaya, Thailand
The ancient former capital of the Kingdom of Siam is a short train ride from Bangkok and packed with breathtaking temple ruins and headless Buddha statues. Rent a bicycle to explore the island city at your own pace and visit Wat Mahathat's famous tree-root Buddha head. A perfect final stop before flying home from Bangkok.
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Bangkok, Thailand
Return to Bangkok for your final days to pick up any remaining shopping and revisit favourite meals. Explore neighbourhoods you may have missed like Thonglor, Ari, or the old Rattanakosin Island area. The rooftop bar scene and world-class dining options make for a great send-off at the end of your Thai adventure.