I am putting together my Thailand itinerary, and it’s shaping up to be the perfect blend of adventure, culture, and pure relaxation. My Thailand trip covers three perfect stops: Krabi for nature, Bangkok for culture, and Pattaya for beachside fun & nightlife.
My focus for this Thailand itinerary will be on capturing the experience with stunning photoshoots, especially dressed in traditional Thai clothing at beautiful temples. If you love the idea of island hopping, luxury shopping, and creating unforgettable memories in front of the camera, this guide is for you.
Part 1: Krabi – Tropical Paradise & Island Adventures
Krabi is our first stop, and it’s all about embracing the raw beauty of Thailand’s Andaman Coast.
I plan to spend my days here, island hopping, snorkeling, and simply soaking up the sun on some of the world’s most beautiful beaches. If you’re a beach lover, you’ll love my guide to the Best Beaches in Sri Lanka for another dose of tropical inspiration!
Luxury Stays in Krabi
Rayavadee Resort: An iconic property set on a private peninsula between three beaches. Their two-story pavilions are a dream.
Price Range: $800 – $1,500+/night
Phulay Bay, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve: Known for its breathtaking infinity pool and stunning views of the Phang Nga Bay.
Price Range: $600 – $1,200+/night
For my stay, I’m considering two incredible luxury resorts… I’m a huge fan of unique stays, much like the Heritage Hotels I stayed at in India.
Krabi’s Must-Do Activities & Tours
Phi Phi Islands & Maya Bay Snorkeling Tour: A full-day boat trip to one of the world’s most famous archipelagos.
Price Range: $60 – $120 USD
Hong Islands Lagoon Tour: A more intimate island-hopping experience, perfect for kayaking through serene lagoons.
Price Range: $50 – $100 USD
Railay Beach & Phra Nang Cave Beach: Accessible only by boat, it’s famous for rock climbing, stunning views, and crystal-clear water.
Long-Tail Boat Price (Ao Nang to Railay): $5 – $10 USD per person one-way
A Phi Phi Islands and Maya Bay snorkeling tour is at the top of my list… Snorkeling here is supposed to be incredible, though it has some competition with the Amazing Marine Life I saw in Australia.
Top Cafes in Krabi
The Hilltop: The best spot for a romantic sunset dinner with panoramic views of Krabi.
Price Range (Mains): $15 – $30 USD
Café Cantina: A cozy, rustic spot in Ao Nang for a great coffee, smoothie bowl, or casual lunch.
Price Range (Coffee/Mains): $3-$5 / $8-$15 USD
Part 2: Bangkok – Temples, Skyscrapers & Shopping
From Krabi, we’ll take a short, 1.5-hour flight to Bangkok (approx. $50 – $100 USD) for a complete change of pace.
Luxury Stays in Bangkok
Capella Bangkok: Offers unparalleled luxury with its riverfront location and private pool villas.
Price Range: $500 – $1,000+/night
The Peninsula Bangkok: A timeless classic, known for its impeccable service and stunning Chao Phraya River views.
Price Range: $400 – $900+/night
Kimpton Maa-Lai Bangkok: A trendy, pet-friendly hotel in the heart of the city with an incredible food hall.
Price Range: $200 – $500/night
Bangkok’s Must-Do Activities
Temple Tours & Photoshoot Planning:
This is a core part of my Thailand itinerary. I’ve researched the most photogenic temples and the best way to get a photoshoot done.
The Grand Palace & Wat Phra Kaew: The home of the Emerald Buddha. It’s the most opulent and sacred temple complex in Thailand.
Entry Fee: ~$15 USD
Wat Arun (The Temple of Dawn): Its spires, covered in porcelain, look incredible, especially during golden hour. A top choice for photos.
Entry Fee: ~$3 USD
Wat Pho: Houses the magnificent Reclining Buddha and is also a great place for a photoshoot with its numerous chedis and statues.
Entry Fee: ~$3 USD
How to Arrange a Traditional Photoshoot:
I’ve found that the best way is to book a package with a professional studio. They provide hair, makeup, and a stunning selection of traditional Thai outfits (like Chut Thai). They then take you to the temples for the shoot.
Recommended Studio: Studio Eng near Wat Arun is highly rated.
Photoshoot Package Price Range: $150 – $400 USD (includes rental of 1-2 outfits, makeup, and a photographer for 1-2 hours).
Top Cafes & Bars in Bangkok
Factory Coffee: Often called the best coffee in Bangkok, known for its inventive brewing methods.
Price Range (Coffee): $5 – $8 USD
NANA Coffee Roasters: Beautiful cafes set in stunningly restored heritage buildings.
Price Range (Coffee): $4 – $7 USD
Sky Bar at Lebua: The legendary rooftop bar from The Hangover Part II, offering 360-degree city views.
Price Range (Cocktails): $25 – $35 USD
Bangkok’s cafe scene is incredible… I love finding the best coffee in every city I visit, just like I did in my Vietnam trip.
Part 3: Pattaya – Beaches, Cabarets & Coastal Fun
Pattaya is just a 2-hour drive or bus ride from Bangkok (approx. $20 – $40 USD for a private taxi), making it a perfect addition to this Thailand itinerary.
Luxury Stays in Pattaya
InterContinental Pattaya Resort: A stunning cliffside property with private balconies overlooking the Gulf of Thailand.
Price Range: $150 – $400/night
Hilton Pattaya: Located right over the Beach Road shopping mall, offering direct beach access and amazing pool views.
Price Range: $120 – $300/night
Pattaya’s Must-Do Activities
Sanctuary of Truth (Prasat Sut Ja-Tum): This is an absolute must for your photoshoot! This entirely wooden temple is covered in intricate carvings and is breathtakingly photogenic.
Entry Fee: ~$15 USD
Tiffany’s Show: One of the most famous cabaret shows in the world, known for its incredible costumes and performances.
Ticket Price: $20 – $50 USD
Coral Island (Koh Larn): A quick boat trip from Pattaya for a day of sunbathing, swimming, and water sports.
Speedboat Price (round trip): $15 – $25 USD
Essential Practical Info for Your Thailand Itinerary
Staying Connected: SIM Cards
The best option for a 10-15 day trip is a tourist SIM, available at all international airports (BKK, DMK, KBV).
Provider: AIS or DTAC
Package: 15GB-30GB of 4G/5G data with unlimited social media for 15 days.
Price Range: $10 – $20 USD
Money Matters: Where to Exchange
Avoid exchanging large sums at the airport; the rates are poor.
Best Places: SuperRich Thailand (green or orange logo) counters in Bangkok.
Tip: Always have your passport for currency exchange. USD and EUR get the best rates.
Getting Around
Bangkok: Use the BTS Skytrain and MRT subway to avoid traffic. Use the Grab app (like Uber) for taxis.
Krabi: Taxis and tuk-tuks are available, but renting a scooter is a popular option for the adventurous.
Pattaya: Songthaews (shared pickup truck taxis) are the most common and cheapest way to get around.
My Proposed 12-Day Thailand Itinerary
Days 1-4: Krabi (Island hopping, beach time, and exploring Railay)
Days 5-8: Bangkok (Temple tours, photoshoot, luxury shopping, and rooftop bars)
Days 9-11: Pattaya (Sanctuary of Truth, Koh Larn island day, Tiffany’s Show)
Day 12: Departure from Bangkok
This Thailand itinerary promises an incredible mix of everything that makes this country so special. I can’t wait to experience it and share my photos with you all!
Have you been to any of these places? Let me know your tips in the comments below!