u/Glaucos86

Hi everyone. I’m looking for opinions, suggestions and advice from this community about the itinerary I’ve put together for my 29-day trip to Thailand, which will take place from mid-November to mid-December.

A little about me: I’m a 40-year-old man travelling solo. I’m very interested in history and culture, I love music, and I really enjoy exploring neighbourhoods and cities.

I’ve planned this trip around exploration: I’d like to experience the different neighbourhoods, visit temples and historical monuments, and generally soak up the atmosphere of each place. For this reason, I’ve mostly kept museums and indoor attractions as optional activities or alternatives in case of bad weather. I also really enjoy nature.

I’ll also be taking part in the HOKA Chiang Mai Thailand by UTMB, specifically the Inthanon 20.

I’ve tried to plan a trip without rushing from place to place, leaving enough time to enjoy the destinations and whatever situations arise. For this reason, many of the days are deliberately flexible, and I can easily add or remove visits depending on how I feel.

13 November: Departure from Milan.

14 November: Arrival in Bangkok at around 12:30 pm, check-in at my hotel near Lumphini Park and a short exploration of the surrounding area.

15 November: Visit to the Rattanakosin area, including the Grand Palace, Wat Phra Kaew, the Amulet Market, Wat Arun and Wat Pho.

Evening at a jazz club.

16 November: Visit to the Banglamphu area, including Wat Saket and Wat Suthat, followed by exploring the neighbourhood as far as Phra Sumen Fort.

Evening in the Banglamphu area.

17 November: Day trip to Ayutthaya.

Evening at some bars around Soi Nana.

18 November: Visit to Chinatown, including Wat Traimit, Talat Noi and Yaowarat Road, continuing as far as the Indian Market area.

Evening in Chinatown.

19 November: Travel by train, via Phitsanulok, to Sukhothai.

20 November: Visit to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Sukhothai.

Evening dedicated to Loy Krathong and the “Light & Sound Show” at Wat Mahathat.

21 November: Visit to Si Satchanalai Historical Park.

22 November: Bus transfer to Chiang Mai. Hotel in the Old Town.

Evening at the Sunday Walking Street.

23 November: Visit to an ethical, hands-off elephant sanctuary.

24 November: Exploration of the Old Town, including, for example, Wat Chiang Man, Wat Chedi Luang and Wat Phra Singh, with plenty of time for wandering around freely.

Evening dedicated to experiencing Yi Peng in the city itself, without attending any private organised event.

25 November: Bus transfer to Chiang Rai and exploration of the city centre.

26 November: Tour including the White Temple, Blue Temple, a tea plantation and the Golden Triangle.

27 November: Visit to Wat Huay Pla Kang.

Return to Chiang Mai around midday.

Evening dedicated to jazz.

28 November: Relaxed morning visiting cafés and shops, perhaps with a visit to Kalm Village.

Transfer to Doi Inthanon National Park Headquarters to collect my race bib, followed by an overnight stay in Chom Thong.

29 November: Trail running race.

30 November: Half or full day of relaxation.

If I’m feeling good, I may visit Wat Pha Lat and Wat Phra That Doi Suthep in the afternoon.

1 December: Flight from Chiang Mai to Phuket. Hotel in Patong. Beach time and exploration of Patong.

2 December: Phi Phi Islands tour.

Evening in Patong.

3 December: Phang Nga Bay and James Bond Island tour.

Evening at a jazz venue in Phuket.

4 December: Visit to Phuket Old Town, the port area and Cape Panwa.

Evening in Patong.

5 December: Exploration of the south-western part of Phuket, including Karon Beach, Kata Beach and continuing down to Cape Promthep.

6 December: Flexible day. I’ll decide what to do the day before.

7 December: Relaxed morning followed by a flight to Bangkok. Hotel in the Sukhumvit area.

8 December: Day trip, for example to Kanchanaburi, or alternatively a visit to the Ancient City and the Erawan Museum.

Evening in the Sukhumvit area.

9 December: Shopping and an evening at a club that I haven’t chosen yet.

10 December: Souvenir shopping in the morning and afternoon/evening at the Tribe Sky Beach Club or somewhere similar.

11 December: Flight back to Italy.

Thank you in advance to anyone who would like to share their opinion, suggestions or advice.