Itinerary

A 25-day backpacking trip through Thailand with friends sounds like an incredible adventure! Thailand is a vibrant country filled with stunning landscapes, rich culture, and delicious food. Here’s a fun and engaging itinerary that balances exploration, relaxation, and a bit of adventure. Let’s dive in!

## Day 1: Arrival in Bangkok

• Morning: Arrive in Bangkok. Check into a budget-friendly hostel in Khao San Road.
• Afternoon: Explore the bustling streets, grab some street food (try Pad Thai!), and visit the famous Khao San Road market.
• Evening: Enjoy a welcome dinner at a local restaurant and hit a bar for some drinks to kick off the trip!

## Day 2: Bangkok Temples

• Morning: Visit the Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew (Temple of the Emerald Buddha).
• Afternoon: Head to Wat Pho to see the Reclining Buddha, then take a boat ride on the Chao Phraya River.
• Evening: Dinner at a riverside restaurant and explore the night markets.

## Day 3: Bangkok to Ayutthaya

• Morning: Take a train to Ayutthaya (about 1.5 hours).
• Afternoon: Rent bicycles and explore the ancient ruins and temples.
• Evening: Enjoy dinner at a local eatery and stay overnight in a guesthouse.

## Day 4: Ayutthaya to Sukhothai

• Morning: Travel to Sukhothai by bus (around 6 hours).
• Afternoon: Check into your accommodation and relax.
• Evening: Explore the local night market for dinner.

## Day 5: Sukhothai Historical Park

• All ## Day: Rent bikes and spend the day exploring Sukhothai Historical Park, visiting the impressive ruins and temples.
• Evening: Chill at a local café and share stories about the day.

## Day 6: Sukhothai to Chiang Mai

• Morning: Take a bus to Chiang Mai (about 5 hours).
• Afternoon: Check into your hostel and explore the Old City.
• Evening: Visit the Chiang Mai Night Bazaar for shopping and street food.

## Day 7: Chiang Mai Temples

• Morning: Visit Wat Phra Singh and Wat Chedi Luang.
• Afternoon: Take a cooking class to learn how to make traditional Thai dishes.
• Evening: Enjoy your culinary creations for dinner!

## Day 8: Elephant Sanctuary

• All ## Day: Visit an ethical elephant sanctuary. Spend the day feeding, bathing, and learning about these magnificent creatures.
• Evening: Return to Chiang Mai and relax at a local bar.

## Day 9: Chiang Mai to Pai

• Morning: Take a minibus to Pai (about 3 hours).
• Afternoon: Check into a cozy guesthouse and explore the laid-back town.
• Evening: Enjoy a bonfire night at a local bar.

## Day 10: Explore Pai

• All ## Day: Rent scooters and explore Pai Canyon, waterfalls, and hot springs.
• Evening: Dinner at a local restaurant and enjoy live music.

## Day 11: Pai to Chiang Rai

• Morning: Head back to Chiang Mai and then take a bus to Chiang Rai (about 4 hours).
• Afternoon: Visit the White Temple (Wat Rong Khun).
• Evening: Explore the night market for dinner.

## Day 12: Golden Triangle

• All ## Day: Take a day trip to the Golden Triangle, visiting the border of Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar.
• Evening: Return to Chiang Rai and relax.

## Day 13: Chiang Rai to Bangkok

• Morning: Travel back to Chiang Mai and then fly to Bangkok.
• Afternoon: Check into your hostel and relax.
• Evening: Explore the vibrant nightlife in Bangkok.

## Day 14: Bangkok to Krabi

• Morning: Fly to Krabi.
• Afternoon: Check into your accommodation and hit the beach!
• Evening: Enjoy a beachside dinner.

## Day 15: Island Hopping

• All ## Day: Take a boat tour to the nearby islands (like Hong Island or the Four Islands Tour).
• Evening: Return to Krabi and enjoy a beach party.

## Day 16: Railay Beach

• All ## Day: Take a boat to Railay Beach. Spend the day rock climbing or lounging on the beach.
• Evening: Enjoy dinner with a view of the sunset.

## Day 17: Krabi to Koh Phi Phi

• Morning: Take a ferry to Koh Phi Phi.
• Afternoon: Check into your accommodation and explore the island.
• Evening: Enjoy a beach party and fire shows.

## Day 18: Koh Phi Phi

• All ## Day: Go snorkeling or diving at Maya Bay and Bamboo Island.
• Evening: Dinner at a beachside restaurant.

## Day 19: Koh Phi Phi to Koh Lanta

• Morning: Take a ferry to Koh Lanta.
• Afternoon: Check into your accommodation and relax on the beach.
• Evening: Explore the local night market.

## Day 20: Koh Lanta

• All ## Day: Rent scooters and explore the island, visiting beaches and the national park.
• Evening: Enjoy a beach BBQ.

## Day 21: Koh Lanta to Koh Samui

• Morning: Travel back to Krabi and take a flight or ferry to Koh Samui.
• Afternoon: Check into your accommodation and relax.
• Evening: Explore the Fisherman’s Village in Bophut.

## Day 22: Koh Samui

• All ## Day: Visit Ang Thong National Marine Park for kayaking and snorkeling.
• Evening: Enjoy a sunset dinner on the beach.

## Day 23: Koh Samui to Koh Phangan

• Morning: Take a ferry to Koh Phangan.
• Afternoon: Check into your accommodation and relax.
• Evening: Prepare for the Full Moon Party (if it coincides with your visit)!

## Day 24: Koh Phangan

• All ## Day: Enjoy the beach, relax, and get ready for the party!
• Evening: Full Moon Party time! Dance the night away!

## Day 25: Departure

• Morning: Recover from the party and enjoy a leisurely breakfast.
• Afternoon: Head back to Koh Samui for your flight home or onward journey.

Tips:

• Travel Insurance: Make sure to get travel insurance for peace of mind.
• Local SIM Card: Get a local SIM card for easy navigation and communication.
• Cash: Always have some cash on hand, especially in smaller towns.

This itinerary is packed with adventure, culture, and relaxation, perfect for a mochilero trip with friends! Enjoy every moment, and don’t forget to take lots of photos! Safe travels! 🌏✈️🌴