The hardest part about planning a 2 week Thailand itinerary is deciding what to skip and what to save for next time. While some recommend getting a taste of each region, we think this is the wrong approach. The clichéd route of Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and Phuket might tick a few boxes on paper but it doesn’t create a coherent journey. Rather, it’s a mishmash of places that feel disconnected culturally and geographically.

If you only have 7 days up your sleeve for a Thailand holiday, you might be wondering whether it’s worth the effort. We normally spend at least 30 days here because a) the main destinations are spread out and b) we’re coming all the way from NZ after all. That being said, we still think Thailand is suitable for a short trip. Perhaps you’re looking to escape the European or American winter, or visit on a wider backpacking trip across Asia.

Spend some time traveling through Asia and you’ll come to realize that the two best destinations are Thailand and Japan. No other countries on the continent can compete with the beaches of Thailand on the one hand and the seasonal charms of Japan on the other. You’ve also got two of the world’s most high-energy cities to choose from in Bangkok and Osaka - where neon lights, rooftop bars and exceptional cuisine await.

The new visa rules for Thailand - starting from September 15, 2026 - mean that visa-free stays are being reduced down from 60 days to the standard 30 days. As a New Zealander, Cam is one of the 60 nationalities and territories affected by these changes. We were sad to hear this news but after doing some research, we’re now confident that it won’t hamper our plans for longer trips.

Planning your first trip to Thailand can be overwhelming. There are so many incredible places to see, how do you choose? Plus there’s the challenge (and excitement) of traveling to a foreign country where you have to embrace a new language, culture and way of life. We know what it’s like to be a first time visitor - Cam first arrived in Thailand a decade ago and it’s safe to say he was unprepared for what was in store.

Excitement levels were high the first time we arrived in Bali. We flew in from Japan, the next phase of our six-month adventure around Asia, and made a beeline to Ubud. We spent the next few weeks chasing waterfalls, getting lost in rice terraces and temples, and gorging on the incredible food this part of Bali has to offer. Apart from the monkeys (more on that later), it was a magical experience and made us fall in love with the island.

Getting around Bangkok is a daunting task. The Thai capital has a massive population and sprawls for miles, across 50 different districts. We used to rely on taxis and tuk-tuks to get from A to B, but over the years we’ve matured a bit and realized that the public transport system is a godsend. Whether you prefer the BTS or the river boats, our guide equips you with the best ways to beat Bangkok’s notoriously bad traffic.

The first holiday we took together as a couple was to Vietnam in 2017. We were living in Australia at the time and stumbled upon some cheap flights, so we jumped at the opportunity. It was a short trip but we managed to squeeze in a handful of destinations such as Ho Chi Minh City, Hoi An and Cat Ba Island. This trip really cemented our relationship, and for this reason Vietnam will always have a special place in our hearts.

The question of what to eat in Thailand is a massive topic and an endless rabbit hole. Food is a way of life in this country and the people are incredibly resourceful, turning fresh local ingredients and whatever proteins they can find into creative, colorful, and ferociously spicy dishes. When you sit down with locals for lunch or dinner, plates are stacked across the table in what can only be described as a banquet.

We’ve spent the good part of a decade traveling back and forth to Thailand on a mission to discover its best destinations. After every trip, we leave with a new list of places to add to our ever-growing bucket list, whether it be a secret neighborhood in Bangkok or a remote region in Isan. The fact that Thailand is home to 77 provinces means it will take us an entire lifetime to explore it in detail, but we’re up for the challenge.

Coming up with a Bangkok itinerary can feel overwhelming for first-time visitors. The Thai capital is massive in scale and fast in pace with so many temples, neon-lit skyscrapers and bustling street food markets that it can make your head spin. But don’t let its size put you off. After visiting dozens of times over a decade, and falling in love with its energy, we can confidently say that it’s one of Asia’s most captivating destinations.