Traveling to Thailand: The Perfect Couples Escape

We heard how wonderful traveling to Thailand is from family and friends for so long, we finally had to see it for ourselves! So we packed our bags and planned a perfect two-week itinerary with truly unforgettable stops in Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket, and Koh Samui. In the end, two weeks still wasn’t enough to discover it all, but we promise we will be back again (with a follow-up blog post).

We arrived at BKK airport after a 23-hour flight from JFK with a layover in Tokyo. We didn’t stay long; however, as the very next day, we were off to Chiang Mai to start our adventure.

Trip Itinerary in Thailand

First Stop: Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai is considered Thailand’s cultural capital, close to some of the great attractions in northern Thailand, most within an hour or two’s drive from the old town. Chiang Mai was a great introduction to Thailand, offering a wonderful combination of culture, food, great weather, and friendly locals.

Where to Stay in Chiang Mai
We stayed at the incredible Pingviman Hotel situated within the walls of the Old City. The service was exceptional, and the Thai-style rooms were beautiful and spacious. Breakfast buffet was included during our stay, and it did not disappoint. Pingviman Hotel is a 10-minute walk from the Saturday and Sunday Night Markets, while Chiang Mai International Airport is a 15-minute drive away.

• Of course, it wouldn’t be Thailand without a day dedicated to temples. We booked a private tour in order to see a few of the most famous temples, including Wat Pha Lat and Wat Doi Suthep. Doi Suthep was a stunning display of opulence at the top of a 200 step stairway. Don’t worry, you can take a cable car if you don’t feel like climbing the stairs. We really wanted to see Wat Rong Khun (White Temple), but this required a 3-hour drive outside of Chiang Mai. Remember to wear appropriate clothing (long pants & covered shoulders) during your visit, and remember to remove your shoes before entering.

• After all this excitement and climbing all those stairs, now is a good time for a famous Thai massage. Our favorite spa in Chiang Mai was Fah Lanna Spa (book in advance!). Of course, this was a more luxurious experience, but the average spa costs ~ USD 30 for a traditional 2-hour Thai massage. You can’t beat that!

• Our favorite activity was a five-course cooking class at Grandma’s Home Cooking. They arrange transportation to and from your hotel, bringing you to a massive and beautiful farm. Upon arriving, we picked fresh herbs and vegetables straight from their garden to bring our recipes to life. We learned how to make authentic and traditional dishes with a local chef who took us through the culinary journey step by step.

• Last but not least, our trip to the elephant sanctuary was truly unforgettable. We spent the day taking care of, bathing, and feeding rescued elephants. We also learned how important it is to take care of these majestic creatures from abuse and extinction. Riding elephants is a big no-no in Thailand, so make sure to do your research to find an ethical sanctuary.

Second Stop: Phuket
Phuket is one of the beautiful islands located in the southern part of Thailand in the Andaman Sea, and it is also the largest island. Flights from Chiang Mai run daily with a few options. It is a short 2-hour flight to paradise.

Things To Do in Phuket
Phuket is all about sunshine, beautiful beaches, and thrilling adventures. To get the most out of your trip to Phuket, you’ll want to plan day trips to neighboring islands. We booked tours to Phi Phi and Hong Islands – and both were incredible!

• First, we booked a Phi Phi island sunrise tour through Simba Sea Trips, which took us on a speed boat to famous hotspots such as Maya Bay, Monkey Beach, and Koh Phi Phi Lee, with several stops for snorkeling along the way. Our favorite tour was John Gray’s Hong Seacave Kayaking, where a tour guide takes you on a kayak through winding caves and mesmerizing coves – all while surrounded by natural wildlife. A truly unforgettable experience and a must do!

• Phuket has plenty of great restaurants all around town, but you absolutely must make time to visit the Pad Thai Shop for lunch. This simple hole in the wall had the best Pad Thai we’ve ever had. Clearly, the locals agree – it was by far the most packed restaurant we saw on this trip.

• For vibrant bars and nightlife, head to Chaweng Beach in the east. For a quieter, more relaxed scene, stay near Chaweng Noi. For honeymoon vibes, choose Lamai Beach in the southeast.

Where to Stay in Bangkok
We stayed at the Sheraton Grande Sukhumvit Hotel in Bangkok, and the location was ideal. We were right across from Terminal 21 Shopping Mall which had a different countries theme on each floor. We also made a visit to one of the largest malls in Bangkok, MBK Shopping Center, and stocked up on goodies for our family and friends back home.

• Our next stop was the Maeklong Railway Market, also known as the “umbrella pulldown market” – which is exactly how it sounds. This market is situated along both sides of an active train line. It was remarkable to see how quickly the sellers were able to pack up their stalls seconds before the train rolled by, and even more fascinating to see how quickly they went back to business after the train left. The train is so close that you can almost touch it – but we don’t recommend it!

• Our last stop on our tour was the Wat Bang Kung. This temple was situated within the roots of a giant banyan tree! Now we’ve seen it all. This ancient tree and temple have been around since the 18th century, and its intertwined branches, roots, and vines make this historical temple a must-see.