We did this trip with three kids and I can tell you honestly: Thailand is one of the best destinations we have ever chosen for a family. The beaches alone would be enough, but then you add in the food, the temples, the elephants, the markets, two weeks goes fast.
This 14-day Thailand itinerary covers the route we took as a family of five: Phuket, the Phi Phi Islands, Krabi, Chiang Mai, and Bangkok. It is a route that gives you the south (beaches and islands) and the north (culture and adventure) without spending half your trip in transit. We have broken it down day by day so you can see exactly what fits where.
Looking for a longer trip? Check out our 30-day Thailand itinerary for families.
Looking to talk a longer trip? Check out our 30-day Thailand itinerary here.
For the full packing breakdown, see our Thailand packing guide here.
Check out our complete guide for what to pack for Thailand here.
Overview of the 14-Day Thailand Itinerary
Starting in Phuket for your Thailand trip with kids, soak up the sun on pristine beaches while immersing yourselves in the rich local culture. From interacting with rescued elephants at the Phuket Elephant Sanctuary to exploring the vibrant streets of Phuket Old Town, each day promises a new adventure.
Next, venture to the stunning Phi Phi Islands, where turquoise waters and limestone cliffs create a picturesque backdrop for family fun. Dive into the crystal-clear waters for snorkeling adventures, go on island-hopping excursions, and indulge in delicious beachside picnics. Then, head to Krabi for more natural wonders, including the famous Railay Beach and its iconic limestone formations. Whether it’s rock climbing, hiking, or simply lounging on the beach, Krabi offers something for everyone.
Book Your Four Islands Sunset Boat Tour in Krabi or a Seven Island Tour and Snorkeling.
Continue your journey to Chiang Mai, a charming city nestled in the mountains of northern Thailand. Explore ancient temples, interact with elephants at ethical sanctuaries, and immerse yourselves in the local cuisine with a family cooking class. Finally, conclude your adventure in the bustling metropolis of Bangkok, where modernity meets tradition. Discover the grandeur of the Grand Palace, shop till you drop at bustling markets, and have a blast on thrilling tuk-tuk rides through the city streets.
With each destination offering its own character, this 14-day route is one we would do again. For the full breakdown of what we spent, see our Thailand travel cost post. For flight tips, read our guide to the best airlines to fly to Thailand.
Thailand 14-Days Itinerary
Day 1-3: Phuket
Learn everything you need to know before visiting Phuket here.
Day 1: Arrival in Phuket
Once you arrive in Phuket, check into your family-friendly hotel or resort. Relax and unwind from your journey by spending the afternoon at one of Phuket’s beautiful beaches like Patong Beach or Kata Beach. Then enjoy a delicious Thai dinner at a local restaurant.
Kata Beach is a good choice for families with younger kids, calmer water than Patong and easier to manage after a long travel day. If your group has more energy, Patong has more happening. Either way, keep the first evening low-key. You have two full days ahead.
Day 2: Explore Phuket
Visit Phuket Elephant Sanctuary where kids can interact with rescued elephants ethically. Then explore Phuket Old Town with its colorful Sino-Portuguese architecture, quaint cafes, and vibrant markets. In the evening, experience the Phuket Fantasea Show, a cultural extravaganza featuring Thai traditions, music, and dance.
The Phuket Fantasea Show runs in the evening, so this day works well as a split: sanctuary in the morning, Old Town in the afternoon, show after dinner. Kids who loved the elephants in the morning will be fully on board for the cultural performance at night.
Day 3: Adventure Day
Take a family-friendly snorkeling or diving trip to nearby islands like Coral Island or Racha Island. If snorkeling isn’t your thing, visit Phuket’s attractions like the Big Buddha, Wat Chalong, or the Phuket Aquarium. End the day with a relaxing sunset cruise around Phang Nga Bay.
Coral Island is the easier and more affordable choice for families. Racha Island is a bit further and pricier, but the snorkeling is better. If you have older kids who are comfortable in the water, Racha is worth it.
Book family-friendly Phuket accommodation here.
For more about the best of Phuket, check out our family travel guide here. Check out the best family-friendly hotels and resorts and villas in Phuket.
Day 4-5: Phi Phi Islands
Read about everything you need to know before planning your trip to the Phi Phi Islands here.
Day 4: Travel to Phi Phi Islands
Take a ferry from Phuket to Phi Phi Islands. Check into your accommodation and spend the day relaxing on the beach or exploring the island. Then wind down by enjoying a sunset dinner on the beach with stunning views of the Andaman Sea.
One thing to know before you arrive: there is a 20-baht cash entry fee collected at the pier. Have small bills accessible. The ferry from Phuket takes about two hours and includes gorgeous views of the islands as you approach. We strongly recommend staying overnight rather than day-trippin. You will have more time, better prices on boat tours, and the evenings on the island are worth experiencing.
Day 5: Island Exploration
Take a family-friendly boat tour around Phi Phi Islands, visiting famous spots like Maya Bay, Monkey Beach, and Bamboo Island. You can book at speed boat to Maya Bay and go snorkeling to discover the colorful marine life and coral reefs. For lunch, enjoy a beach picnic or seafood on one of the secluded beaches. Then spend the evening strolling around the lively streets of Phi Phi Don, filled with shops, restaurants, and bars.
If you book a private longtail boat for the day rather than a group tour, you can customize your stops and spend as long as you like at each one. For families, that flexibility makes a real difference.
Day 6-7: Krabi
Day 6: Arrival in Krabi
Travel from Phi Phi Islands to Krabi by ferry and check into your hotel and relax for a bit. Then head out to explore Ao Nang Beach and its surroundings, where you can enjoy water sports like kayaking, paddleboarding, or simply swimming.
Ao Nang Beach is walkable and easygoing, which is exactly what you want after the ferry crossing. Water sports rentals are right on the beach and very affordable. Kayaking is a hit with kids who have any interest in being active on the water.
Day 7: Adventure in Krabi
Visit the famous Railay Beach, known for its stunning limestone cliffs and clear turquoise waters. You can reach Railay by long-tail boat from Ao Nang. Go rock climbing or hiking with the family to explore the viewpoints and caves around Railay. Then enjoy a beachside barbecue dinner while watching the sunset over the Andaman Sea.
Railay is only reachable by longtail boat from Ao Nang, roughly 15 minutes each way. The boats run regularly from the beach. Go early, it gets crowded by midday and the morning version is much more peaceful.
Check out our complete family travel guide for Krabi Thailand here or book your stay in Krabi here.
Day 8-10: Chiang Mai
Day 8: Travel to Chiang Mai
Fly from Krabi to Chiang Mai and check into your hotel. Spend the afternoon exploring Chiang Mai’s old city area, including its temples and markets. Attend a traditional Khantoke Dinner Show, featuring Northern Thai cultural performances.
Book Your Stay in Chiang Mai Here
Day 9: Cultural Day
Visit the Doi Suthep Temple, located on a mountain overlooking Chiang Mai. You can reach the temple by car or by hiking up the stairs. Explore the Chiang Mai Zoo, which offers a variety of animal exhibits and shows suitable for kids. For dinner, take a cooking class together as a family to learn how to make delicious Thai dishes.
Doi Suthep Temple is a mountain temple with sweeping views over Chiang Mai, you can drive up or hike the Naga staircase. The zoo is large and well-maintained and genuinely enjoyable for kids. The cooking class in the evening means everyone eats what they made, which is a reliable hit for children of all ages.
Day 10: Nature and Adventure
Visit an elephant sanctuary outside of Chiang Ma where kids can learn about and interact with elephants in a responsible and ethical way. Then explore the lush countryside around Chiang Mai with activities like zip-lining, bamboo rafting, or visiting a local hill tribe village. Enjoy a relaxing evening at one of Chiang Mai’s night markets, where you can shop for souvenirs and try local street food.
The ethical elephant sanctuary experience is one of the highlights of the entire 14-day trip. If you only book one activity in Chiang Mai, make it this one. Look specifically for sanctuaries where elephants are rescued and cared for rather than performing or giving rides. We visited the Elephant Freedom Project and it was extraordinary.
Interested in extending your stay in Chiang Mai? Check out our 7-day Chiang Mai itinerary here. For everything you need to know about visiting Chiang Mai, read our Chiang Mai family travel guide.
Day 11-14: Bangkok
Day 11: Arrival in Bangkok
Fly from Chiang Mai to Bangkok. Check into your hotel and spend the afternoon relaxing by the pool or exploring the hotel’s amenities. In the evening, take a dinner cruise along the Chao Phraya River, admiring Bangkok’s famous landmarks illuminated at night.
A dinner cruise on the Chao Phraya River is a great first-night activity in Bangkok. The city’s landmarks light up at night and seeing them from the water is one of those moments the kids will remember. It is also a calm way to arrive in a city that can feel overwhelming at first.
Book Your Stay in Bangkok Here
Day 12: Bangkok City Tour
Visit the Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew, home to the Emerald Buddha, Thailand’s most sacred temple. Explore the bustling markets of Bangkok, such as Chatuchak Weekend Market or Damnoen Saduak Floating Market. Take a tuk-tuk ride through the streets of Bangkok, an exciting experience for kids and adults.
Arrive at the Grand Palace early, by 8am if possible. The complex gets very crowded and the heat builds through the day. Dress code is strict: covered knees and shoulders required for entry. Wraps are sold at the entrance if you need them. Tuk-tuk rides are exciting and affordable; negotiate the price before you get in.
Book Your Bangkok Small Group Temple Tour Here
Day 13: Family Fun Day
Spend the day at Siam Park City, one of Southeast Asia’s largest amusement and water parks, with rides and attractions suitable for all ages. Visit SEA LIFE Bangkok Ocean World, located in Siam Paragon Mall, to see a variety of marine animals and enjoy interactive exhibits. Indulge in a traditional Thai massage or spa treatment to relax and rejuvenate after a busy day.
Siam Park City is a full day. SEA LIFE Bangkok is better for a half day or for families with younger kids who might find a full amusement park day too long. The Thai massage suggestion is genuinely excellent for parents who have been walking for two weeks straight.
Get your Andamanda Water Park Tickets Here
Day 14: Departure
Depending on your flight schedule, you may have time for some last-minute shopping or sightseeing in Bangkok. Transfer to the airport for your departure flight, bringing an end to your unforgettable family Thailand 2 week trip.
For everything you need to know about visiting Bangkok, Thailand with kids, check out our Bangkok family travel guide.
We hope you’ve found this Thailand itinerary 2 weeks families guide to be a helpful guide to experiencing the best of what Thailand has to offer. If you can stay longer or just want more ideas, check out our 30-day Thailand family travel guide here!
We also have a 3-week itinerary here that highlights our Thailand travel costs.
Getting Between Cities on This Route
One of the most common questions we get about this itinerary is how to handle the travel between destinations. Here is the quick breakdown:
Phuket to Phi Phi Islands: Ferry, roughly two hours, approximately $20 per person. Book a round-trip ticket that includes hotel pickup. Any hotel desk or tour counter in Phuket can arrange it for you. The ferry is the right choice for families; speedboats are faster but can be rough, especially with kids who get motion-sick.
Phi Phi Islands to Krabi: Ferry to Ao Nang, roughly 90 minutes. Book the same way.
Krabi to Chiang Mai: Domestic flight, approximately two hours. Budget airlines like AirAsia and Thai Lion Air connect Krabi International Airport to Chiang Mai International Airport. Book in advance for the best fares.
Chiang Mai to Bangkok: Domestic flight, just over an hour on budget carriers. The overnight train is also an option if your family enjoys that kind of adventure — it is a full night on a sleeper train and either sounds amazing or terrible depending on your kids.
For tips on international flights into Thailand, read our guide to the best airlines to fly to Thailand.
Best Time to Do This 14-Day Thailand Route
November through March is the best overall window for this itinerary. The Andaman coast (Phuket, Phi Phi, Krabi) is in its dry season, seas are calm for boat tours and snorkeling, and temperatures in Chiang Mai are comfortable for exploring temples and doing outdoor activities.
If you are visiting in shoulder season (May through October), be aware that the Andaman coast gets its heaviest rain during these months. We traveled during rainy season and had almost no rain at all, but seas can be rougher for ferry crossings and boat tours. Chiang Mai in shoulder season is actually lovely. Bangkok works year-round.
One thing to avoid for Chiang Mai: March and April can have significant smoke from agricultural burning in the surrounding hills. Families with kids who have asthma or respiratory sensitivities should be aware of this.
FAQ: 14-Day Thailand Itinerary for Families
Is 14 days enough for Thailand?
Yes, and it is genuinely close to ideal for a first trip. Two weeks gives you enough time to see both the south (beaches and islands) and the north (Chiang Mai, culture, elephants) without rushing any single destination. If you only have 10 days, we would suggest focusing on two or three destinations rather than trying to fit in all five.
What is the best 2-week Thailand route for families?
The route in this post (Phuket, Phi Phi, Krabi, Chiang Mai, Bangkok) is one that works reliably well for families. You get beach time in the south, a quieter island stop, a dramatic coastline destination, a cooler mountain city with rich culture, and a full city experience at the end. The logistics between each destination are manageable.
Is Thailand good for a family vacation?
It is one of the best. Thailand is warm, welcoming toward children, affordable by Western standards, and genuinely interesting for kids of all ages. The food is approachable (you can always find mild options), temples and markets are interactive, and activities like elephant sanctuaries and cooking classes are built for participation.
Is Thailand safe for kids?
Yes. The main practical things to be aware of: road safety (take taxis and Grab rather than motorbikes with kids), sun exposure, and drinking bottled water rather than tap. We traveled with three kids across five destinations and never felt unsafe.
How much does a 2-week Thailand trip cost for a family?
It depends significantly on your accommodation choices and activity spending, but a family of four or five can do this route for roughly $5,000 to $8,000 not including international flights. Thailand is much more affordable than comparable beach destinations. For our full detailed breakdown, read our Thailand travel cost post.
What is the best age to take kids to Thailand?
Five and up is a comfortable starting point, but Thailand works well with younger kids too. The country is genuinely accommodating for families at every age. Older kids get more out of the cultural elements; younger kids love the beaches, the animals, and the markets just as much.
