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2 Weeks in Thailand and Cambodia: 3 Perfect Itineraries (Insider Tips)

By RitaUpdated Dec. 28, 2023

Thailand and Cambodia is a popular combo for Southeast Asia trips. As the travel hub of Southeast Asia, Thailand offers the most diverse range of experiences, from its cultures to its islands. Meanwhile, Cambodia houses the splendid wonder, Angkor Wat, and offers rustic life experiences.

During a 2-week trip, most travelers spend 9–11 days in Thailand and 3–5 days in Cambodia to taste the best of both countries.

In this article, we aim to provide you some inspiration from the following three well-organized itineraries catering to different travel styles: classic, relaxing, and cultural...

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Itinerary #1. A Classic 2-Week Thailand and Cambodia Itinerary for First-Timers

For your first trip to Thailand and Cambodia, our 2-week itinerary is perfect, especially if you're traveling with family or for a special romantic occasion.

This adventure mixes culture, history, and beautiful landscapes, covering top spots like Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and either Phuket or Koh Samui in Thailand, as well as Siem Reap in Cambodia. The pace is relaxed, ending with a relaxing beach getaway. It's a great way to discover the best of these countries in an easygoing and enjoyable manner.

Brief Itinerary:

  • Days 1-3: Bangkok
  • Days 4-6: Siem Reap (Angkor Wat)
  • Days 7-9: Chiang Mai
  • Day 10-13: Island: Phuket or Koh Samui
  • Day 14: Departure
Thailand and Cambodia tour map

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Bangkok

Upon arrival in Bangkok, settle into your hotel and take some time to rest from your journey. Enjoy local cuisine for dinner.

Day 2: Bangkok City Tour

a long-tail boat ride in Bangkok

Start your day with listening to the monks chanting at the historic Wat Pho, which is one of the oldest temples in Bangkok. Then take a tuk tuk ride via Pak Khlong Talat flower market to the Grand Palace. Immerse in the splendid history of Thailand.

Follow this with a boat ride to Wat Arun, situated on the banks of the Chao Phraya River. Finally, head to Chinatown for a glance at Old Bangkok.

Day 3: Local Markets Exploration near Bangkok

The Royal Grand Palace

In the morning, you will visit Damnoen Saduak Floating Market, known for its size and fascinatingly chaotic vibes, and Maeklong Railway Market to see how locals shop even as trains pass by.

Day 4: Fly to Siem Reap (Cambodia)

Take a flight to Siem Reap and check into your hotel. Spend the afternoon relaxing or exploring the local area. Consider a visit to the vibrant Pub Street in the evening.

Day 5: Angkor Wat

Angkor Wat temple complex

Embark on a full-day exploration of Angkor Wat, Ta Prohm, and Bayon Temple. Capture the stunning sunset at Angkor Wat for a magical conclusion to your day.

Day 6: Angkor Temples and Local Life Experience

Banteay Samre

Explore the intricate beauty of Banteay Srei, a Khmer art masterpiece. Visit the Cambodian Landmine Museum to witness the nation's resilient efforts against life-threatening land mines.

Take a serene ox cart ride along a palm-lined country road surrounded by rice fields. Uncover the hidden treasures of the less-visited yet magnificent Banteay Samre temple complex.

Day 7: Fly to Chiang Mai with a Transit in Bangkok

Fly to Chiang Mai with a brief transit in Bangkok. Check into your hotel in Chiang Mai and explore the vibrant Night Bazaar, where you can shop for local crafts, souvenirs, and sample delicious street food.

Day 8: Day Trip to Elephant Sanctuary

Kanta Elephant Sangtuary

Embark on a heartwarming day trip to an ethical elephant sanctuary. Watch these amazing creatures in their natural habitat, observing behaviors like eating, playing, and socializing.

Insider Tips: Chiang Mai offers several elephant sanctuaries, each with its own approach to ethical and responsible elephant tourism. After our on-site visit, we recommend Elephant Rescue Park and Kanta Elephant Sanctuary for a half-day excursion. However, if you're planning an overnight stay, you might want to consider Elephant Nature Park for a more immersive experience.

Day 9: Chiang Mai City Tour

The Sacred Wat Phra That Doi Suthep

Embark on a day trip in Chiang Mai, starting with a vibrant food and flower market. Explore the serene Wat Suan Dok and the iconic Doi Suthep mountain in a famous national park. Return to Chiang Mai for a charming rickshaw ride through the old town streets.

Insider Tips: In Chiang Mai, if you want to experience some activities beyond the typical tourist attractions, you can consider taking a Thai cooking class to learn how to prepare traditional dishes. Experience the thrill of ziplining in the lush rainforest. Consider joining a meditation retreat for a peaceful and reflective experience.

Day 10: Fly to Phuket or Koh Samui

the wonderful beaches of Thailand

Fly to the tropical paradise of Phuket or Koh Samui.

Insider Tips: Phuket is often considered more family-friendly due to its diverse range of activities and amenities catering to various age groups. With its secluded beaches and romantic ambiance, Koh Samui is often a top choice for couples seeking a more intimate getaway.

However, the ideal choice may vary as the islands have different rainy seasons. Phuket experiences its primary rainy season from May to October, while Koh Samui's rainy season typically occurs from October to December.

Day 11-13: Free Time in Phuket or Koh Samui

Enjoy free time on the beautiful beaches, consider snorkeling or island hopping, and explore local markets. Experience the nightlife or attend cultural performances.

Day 14: Departure

Depending on your departure time, use the day for last-minute activities or relaxation. Depart from Phuket or Koh Samui, cherish the memories of your enriching 2-week journey in Thailand and Cambodia.

Want a more exclusive experience for your family or your partner? Simply leave your interests, and our experienced travel expert will personalize your trip within 24 hours!

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Itinerary #2. A 2-Week Thailand and Cambodia Tour: Culture and Relaxation

If you are more interested in Cambodia, this itinerary adds a stop in Phnom Penh to help with a better understanding of Cambodia.

Here is a more culture-filled itinerary that maintains a relaxing style: 5 days in Cambodia and 9 days in Thailand.

  • Days 1–2: Phnom Penh (cyclo trip in Phnom Penh, blessing ceremony by local monks, Visit The Killing Fields and Genocide Museum, Khmer Puppet Show)
  • Days 3–5: Siem Reap (Angkor Wat walking tour with a Khmer scholar, 1-hour sunset quad bike ride, Tonle Sap Lake)
  • Days 6–7: Bangkok (city tour with iconic temples, a long-tail boat ride, Railway Market, floating market, a foodie tour)
  • Days 8–10: Chiang Mai (elephant sanctuary, morning flower market visit, Doi Suthep walking tour, floating lantern making)
  • Days 11–14 Koh Samui (free beach time)

You'll have an in-depth cultural experience during your Cambodia trip. You'll come to understand the dark past of the Khmer in Phnom Penh, but also unveil the mysterious beauty of Angkor Wat with a Khmer scholar.

In Thailand, Chiang Mai is full of amazing exclusive experiences. Walking with elephants would bring you closer to this lovely species. Our customized floating-lantern-making activities would keep your family/partner engaged and making those magical memories.

If you're planning to travel in November, don't miss out on the breathtaking Yi Peng Lantern Festival. This enchanting event is a romantic dream for many couples with numerous twinkling sky lanterns flying away together.

Itinerary #3. A 2-Week Cultural Thailand-and-Cambodia Tour

Our clients are taking a Thai cooking class withtheir family in Chiang Mai. Our clients are taking a Thai cooking class with their family in Chiang Mai.

If you would like to explore Thailand more deeply and a beach vacation is not on your list of things to enjoy on your trip, have a look at this 2-week itinerary. It would take you on an in-depth cultural journey from the iconic attractions to the offbeat eye-openers in Kanchanaburi and Chiang Rai.

For more cultural discovery, see the following hand-picked itinerary: 11 days in Thailand, 3 days in Siem Reap…

  • Days 1–2: Bangkok (city tour with iconic temples, long-tail boat ride, foodie tour, ladyboy show, Muay Thai experience)
  • Days 3–4: Kanchanaburi (bridge over the river Kwai, Erawan Falls, overnight stay at a floating house)
  • Days 6–8: Chiang Rai (Long Neck Karen Village, White Temple, boat trip to the Golden Triangle)
  • Day 9–11: Chiang Mai (elephant sanctuary, morning almsgiving and flower market visit, Doi Suthep walking tour, Thai Massage)
  • Days 12–14: Siem Reap (Angkor Wat, Apsara Dance Show, 1-hour sunset quad bike ride, sunset cocktail on Tonle Lake)

On this trip, you'd be able to immerse yourself in diverse cultural experiences, from catching a ladyboy show and witnessing Muay Thai fights to participating in morning almsgiving.

Some of the best moments of your trip could be in hidden Kanchanaburi and quieter Chiang Rai.

In Kanchanaburi, you would take an hour's train ride along Death Railway on the River Kwai and spend a memorable overnight stay in a floating house.

And in Chiang Rai, you would have the opportunity to see the unique culture of a Long-Neck Karen Village, appreciate the architectural beauty of the White Temple, and take a boat trip to the Golden Triangle.

This suggested itinerary is not fixed. We're experienced in innovation and always ready to tailor-make your dream trip!

How Much Does a 2-Week Thailand and Cambodia Tour Cost?

Traveling in Thailand and Cambodia, a customized private tour would create exclusive and stress-free experiences for you, whether it's a family trip or couple's travel.

Generally, you would usually need to pay around US$200–250 per day per person for a private tour (including airfares within Thailand and Cambodia, 4-/5-star hotels, lunches, attractions, private guides, and private transfers). Kids below 10 would get around 30% to 50% discounts.

Thus, a typical private tour of Thailand and Cambodia usually costs US$9,500–12,000 for a family trip with 2 adults and 2 kids, while a couple can expect to spend around US$5,600–7,000, excluding the cost of international flights before and after the tour.

For cost-effective travel in Thailand and Cambodia, booking 3-6 months in advance secures the best deals and availability during the dry season (Nov.–Apr.). The rainy season (May–Oct.) has the lowest prices and still guarantees fun-filled explorations in Thailand and Cambodia with our private, flexible tours.

Whenever you go, more savings can be had in a larger group, for example, if you invite family and friends to come to share costs.

Tailor-Make Your Thailand-Cambodia Tour with Us

All our tours can be adjusted as much as you like. We aim to create an ideal itinerary based on your interests, group size, budget, and other requirements. Feel free to contact us.

You can find yet more travel itineraries on our Most Popular Southeast Asia Tours page.

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Get Inspired with Some Popular Itineraries

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