📊👀 Quick Glance Summary
Bangkok 🏯
Grand Palace 🏛️, Street Food 🍜, Wat Arun ⛩️
Khao Sok 🛶
Rainforest Trekking 🥾, Cheow Lan Lake 🌊
Krabi (Ao Nang) 🏖️
Railay Beach 🏝️, Four Islands Tour 🛥️
Phi Phi Islands 🏝️
Maya Bay 🌊, Snorkeling 🐠, Viewpoint 🌅
Phuket 🌴
Old Town 🏘️, Big Buddha 🧘, Island Hopping 🚤
Chiang Mai ⛰️
Elephant Sanctuary 🐘, Night Bazaar 🛍️
1. Day-by-Day Itinerary 🌍💼🕒
📝 Extended Activity Notes
- Day 5 (Cheow Lan Lake): This is a full-day commitment involving a longtail boat ride through towering limestone karsts. There is limited cell service on the lake.
- Day 17 (James Bond Island): A full-day excursion into Phang Nga Bay. Includes canoeing through sea caves and visiting the Koh Panyee stilt village.
- Day 20 (Elephant Nature Park): A full-day ethical experience. Wear clothes you don't mind getting dirty. Includes round-trip transport from Chiang Mai.
- Day 21 (Doi Inthanon): A 2-hour drive each way from Chiang Mai. The summit can be significantly cooler than the city (10-15°C lower).
🌐🔄 Alternatives You Can Consider
Visa & Entry Requirements 🛂
Thailand
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⚠️🚨 Safety & Geopolitical Risks
| Destination | Risk Level | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Thailand 🇹🇭 | Low ✅ | Safe for tourists; watch for minor tourist scams. |
6. Restaurants & Nightlife Recommendations 🍽️🌙
This section provides destination-level dining and nightlife guidance based on quality, reputation, and local relevance.Bangkok
Sorn
3-Michelin Stars (⭐); hyper-seasonal Southern Thai. Book months in advance.
Gaggan at Louis Vuitton
Michelin Selected; a collaboration between chef Gaggan Anand and LV at Gaysorn Amarin.
Jaan by Khun Jim
2026 Bib Gourmand substitute; authentic recipes using freshly squeezed coconut milk.
The Cassette Coffee Bar
(Siam Square) 1950s pink aesthetic with high-quality pastries and specialty brews.
Jay Fai
1-Michelin Star (⭐); iconic crab omelet. Famous for the "goggled" chef Raan Jay Fai.
Tichuca Rooftop Bar
Iconic LED "tree" installation with panoramic views of Sukhumvit.
Sing Sing Theater
Immersive 1930s Shanghai-themed design with live performances and house music.
BKK Social Club
Ranked among the world's best; sophisticated Buenos Aires vibe at the Four Seasons.
Khao Sok
Thaiherb Restaurant
(Village) Farm-to-table focus; uses fresh jungle herbs and locally sourced vegetables.
Pawn's Restaurant
Michelin Recommended Substitute; famous for Massaman curry and local fish dishes.
Bamboo Gold
Authentic jungle flavors in a rustic bamboo setting near the park entrance.
Khao Sok Bistro & Bar
Best spot in the village for a cocktail with views of the Sok River and jungle cliffs.
Chao Lan Lake Raft Bars
Quiet, starlit drinks on the floating decks of the lake’s premium raft houses.
Krabi (Ao Nang)
Reeve Beach Club
Michelin Selected; contemporary beachside dining with refined Andaman seafood plates.
Nampetch
2026 Bib Gourmand substitute; freshly pounded curry pastes and tamarind-scented prawns.
The Grotto
(Railay) High-end dining inside a natural limestone cave overlooking the beach.
Kodam Kitchen
A local favorite for family-style Southern Thai dishes tucked away from the main strip.
Boogie Bar
Famous 70s-style bar with a split-level floor and high-energy live rock/funk bands.
Bamboo Beach Club
Upscale vibes with fire shows and DJ sets directly on the sand.
Phi Phi Islands
Mama Ping
Michelin Selected Substitute; known for the freshest grilled catch-of-the-day in Tonsai.
Jasmin Restaurant
(Laem Tong) Relaxed feet-in-sand dining specializing in lemon-steamed fish.
Sunflower Beach Bar
Laid-back "old Phi Phi" vibe with excellent Massaman curry and sunset views.
Phi Phi Reggae Bar
Iconic venue featuring nightly Muay Thai matches where travelers can participate.
Carlito’s Beach Bar
Best fire shows on the island with a high-energy dance floor after 10 PM.
Phuket
PRU
1-Michelin Star & Green Star (⭐); farm-to-table excellence at Trisara resort.
One Chun
Bib Gourmand; (Old Town) Vintage house serving heritage recipes like crab meat curry.
Go Benz
Bib Gourmand; legendary dry rice porridge with crispy pork. Very popular local late-night spot.
The Tree House
(Blue Tree) Multi-level treehouse café with immersive views over the crystal lagoon.
Roti Thaew Nam
Bib Gourmand; iconic charcoal-grilled roti and beef curry. Arrive before 10 AM.
Illuzion Phuket
Mega-club on Bangla Road with world-class light shows and international DJs.
Café Del Mar Phuket
(Kamala) Chic Balearic beats, sunset pool parties, and premium mixology.
The Library
(Old Town) Sophisticated cocktail bar themed around a vintage library; hidden and quiet.
Chiang Mai
Euang Kam Sai
2026 Bib Gourmand substitute; specializes in Khao Bai (rice wrapped in leaves) and beef brisket curry.
CHAWEE
Michelin Selected (⭐ Substitute); intimate seasonal dining inspired by old family recipes.
Gongkham
2026 Bib Gourmand; traditional classics like Kaeng Khae and Nam Prik Num.
Carp Café
(Hang Dong) Surreal dining experience surrounded by thousands of swimming koi fish.
Meena Rice Based Cuisine
Bib Gourmand; famous for their colorful five-color rice and rustic garden setting.
The North Gate Jazz Co-op
Legendary institution for live jazz; the crowd often spills out onto the street.
The Riverside Bar & Restaurant
Classic Ping River hangout with live cover bands and a great local atmosphere.
Tha Chang Cafe
High-energy "Thai-style" partying; popular with local university students.
7. Instagram-Trending & Viral Places 📸🔥
Bangkok
MOCA Bangkok
Symmetric wide-shot in the galaxy-themed cosmic hallway
King Power Mahanakhon
Top-down reel looking through the glass floor at 314m height
Space & Time Cube+
Slow-motion reel amidst shifting neon digital flowers
SIAMSCAPE Sky Garden
Portrait framed by the modern metal fins and city backdrop
EmSphere
Motion-heavy reel through the red neon escalators
Wat Arun
Low-angle shot from the steps in traditional Thai dress
Ancient City (Muang Boran)
Drone-style wide shot of the temple reflected in the pond
Maeklong Railway Market
Video of the train inches away from the market fruit
Wat Samphran (Dragon Temple)
Aerial or long-lens shot capturing the dragon’s head at the top
Talad Noi
Candid street portrait next to the abandoned orange car
Bubble in the Forest
Aerial view of the walkway or a table-side floating breakfast
Tichuca Rooftop
Vertical video looking up as the LED lights change color
FO SHO BRO
Posed shot by the circular pool or the arching doorways
After the Rain Café
Mid-paddle action shot from the bridge above the canal
Flat+White Cafe
Portrait on the white staircase with an aesthetic latte
Khao Sok
500 Rai Floating Resort
Sunset swim shot overlooking the emerald water
Our Jungle Camp Eco-Lofts
Silhouette shot against the jungle morning mist
Khao Sam Kloe (Three Brothers)
Bow of the longtail boat pointing toward the three peaks
Cheow Lan Lake Mist
Time-lapse of the mist lifting off the emerald lake
Khao Sok Jungle Bridge
Mid-bridge walking shot with mountain peaks in the frame
Krabi (Ao Nang)
The Grotto
Low-light dinner shot with the beach in the background
Andamana Beach Club
Swing shot over the water with the iconic Krabi islands
Phra Nang Cave Beach
Candid beach shot framed by the hanging stalactites
Tiger Cave Temple (Viewpoint)
Victory shot at the summit with the 360-degree sea view
Mountain View Restaurant
Posed breakfast shot on the balcony with cliff backdrop
Phi Phi Islands
Phi Phi Cliff Beach Resort Pool
"Floating" shot in the pool overlooking Loh Dalum Bay
Maya Bay
Walking on the white sand without a boat in sight
Pileh Lagoon
Jump-shot from a longtail boat into the lagoon
Phi Phi Reggae Bar
Action video of the ring under neon lights
Phuket
Blue Tree Lagoon
Mid-air action shot from the "slip n fly" slides
Carnival Magic
Reel of the "River of Lights" tunnel
Soi Romanee
Walking shot down the center of the empty morning street
Big Buddha
Perspective shot from the stairs looking up at the Buddha
Ma Doo Bua
Drone shot of you standing in the middle of a giant lily pad
Café Del Mar
Sunset silhouette with a cocktail by the infinity pool
Chiang Mai
Dantewada Land of Angels
Standing on the stone bridge with waterfall mist behind
Air Diamond Café
Portrait in the cockpit or walking on the wing
Wat Samphao / Sunday Market
Candid shot holding a northern Thai snack amidst the crowds
Tha Phae Gate
Reel of pigeons taking flight as you walk through the gate
Carp Café
Posed on the wooden walkway surrounded by fish
Early Owls
Flat-lay of the picnic spread on the green grass