This is a pretty epic itinerary of Thailand, totally focused on wellness. It gives you a little taste of everything Thailand has to offer, as one of the best wellness destinations in the world!
This itinerary features:
- 2-Day Itinerary in Chiang Mai
- 2-Day Itinerary in Pai
- 3-Day itinerary in Koh Samui
- 3-Day Itinerary in Bangkok
Day 1 – Chiang Mai
Morning: Arrive in Thailand!
Lunch at Anchan Vegetarian Restaurant
The Anchan Vegetarian Restaurant is listed by PETA Asia amongst 6 vegetarian/vegan restaurants in the top ten ‘Vegan Cities’ in South East Asia! The motto of this restaurant is: Vegetarian food so delicious you won’t miss the meat! It’s one of my favorite meals in Thailand.
Recommended dish: Everything we ordered was delicious, but I especially loved the the Butterfly Pea Pad Thai and Green Curry.
Indigo Dye Workshop at Studio Naenna
Studio Naenna is a community of women weavers, embroiderers, designers and support
staff based in Chiang Mai, Thailand, who comprise the women’s group “Weavers For the
Environment” (WFE), bringing together craft makers from various ethnic groups to create
high quality, environmentally friendly and sustainable products.
During the Indigo Dye Workshop, you’ll learn a simplified form of tie dye with the founder and manager of the studio: Patricia and Lamorna Cheesman. You’ll be working with blue indigo dye, naturally occurring from leaves in Thailand.
Spa Treatment at The Veranda Spa
Get some much needed rest and rejuvenation at the Veranda Spa inside the Veranda High Resort. There are many treatments available but I recommend the 60-minute Signature Spa Experience at Veranda Spa. There’s also a shower available to freshen up before your massage.
Also a lovely choice would be the Jetlag Reviver Journey, it’s a 90 minute massage, including a 30 minute foot massage and the massage treatment features techniques that increase your circulation and get rid of excess fluids. Special attention is paid to reflex points on your feet and you’ll leave refreshed and balanced!
Check out the Full Spa Menu
Dinner at Rabiang Cha Restaurant
You can try delicious Northern Thai specialities at the Rabiang Cha restaurant along with a selection of Western favorites. There is open air sitting and private huts with air conditioning that can be reserved in advance. The setting is so gorgeous!
Recommended hotel: The Veranda High Resort Chiang Mai – MGallery
This hotel is pure Chiang Mai with fields of green rice terraces and lush floral colors. This resort has just 69 rooms, a definite boutique hotel in paradise!
Day 2 – Chiang Mai
Patara Elephant Farm
Join half-day Elephant Day Care Program. Make sure to bring a towel and wear comfortable clothing and shoes. Also bring an extra change of clothing and a swimsuit!
Patara’s “Elephant Day Care” is the ideal trip to learn about, and to care for our
elephants. The emphasis is care of our pregnant elephants and mothers with small
babies. You will have quality time with us to learn about our conservation philosophy
“Elephant Conservation in Action”
The founder is Theerapat “Pat” Trungprakan and he is deeply passionate about the welfare of his elephants.
Lunch at Brandnew Field Good
This photogenic homestay sits surrounded by rice fields! Located in Baan Pong, you can reach the restaurant by walking a long bamboo walkway surrounded be festive and photogenic streamers of every color.
The food at Brandnew Field Good is quite delicious, but be prepared for a long wait. I recommend enjoying the view and getting some Instagram photos in while you wait!
Fire Massage!
Visit with the local village of Baan Rai Kong Khing
Learn about local health and spirituality beliefs in the Lanna culture at Baan Rai Kong Khing and hang around with the happy village for dinner! Learn how to make an Thai herbal compress – used for Thai herbal massages and pain relief, how to fold pandanus flowers, and enjoy a “Yam Kang” (Thai fire massage) !
After all the activities, sit down to enjoy a traditional Khan Tok Lanna-style dinner with local music performances from the Baan Rai Kong Khing. Get up and dance with the villagers!
Night Market shopping at Nimmanhaemin
Nimmanhaemin is one of Chiang Mai’s trendiest neighborhoods. It’s known for its hip restaurants, shops, bars, galleries, artisan products and cafes. It’s kind of got a NYC vibe Madison/5th. It’s great for just window shopping or picking up souvenirs such as art, toiletries, and more. There are a wide variety of restaurant options also!
Here are some recommended shops
Day 3 – Pai
8AM Depart from Chiang Mai to Pai (3:30-4 hr. drive)
Get Coffee at 32 Coffee Hill
On the drive to Pai from Chiang Mai, there is a cafe called 32 Coffee Hill which not only has delicious coffee, but there are many gorgeous, Instagrammable corners throughout the area surrounding the coffee shop. The coffee here is made from locally sourced Arabica coffee beans and there are also villas available for rental as a hotel option!
Lunch at OM Garden Cafe
For a delicious, healthy and nutritious lunch, I recommend the OM Garden Cafe. This cozy little restaurant services a mix of Asian, Mediterranean, and Western foods with a wide array of delicious drinks, including smoothies, lassis, fresh squeezed juices, and coffees.
Make sure to try their locally grown avocado. There are fish and chicken options as well as a wide array of vegetarian options and super delicious desserts. The food here is so delicious and beautiful! I recommend the stunning cauliflower burger (huge portions) and I ordered the fresh fish of the day special.
Visit Pai Canyon
Address: ตำบลแม่ฮี้ Pai District, Mae Hong Son 58130, Thailand
(Attire: wear comfortable clothes/shoes) Ok so Pai Canyon is scary as hell! I consider myself a pretty brave person overall but when I walked over one of the thin ledges with no guard rails, I actually felt terror inside my heart.
It’s known locally as Thailand’s Grand Canyon but it is quite a bit smaller. It’s a quick easy hike to the top and if you can withstand heights, you’ll get some stunning Instagram photos. The entrance is free and there are plenty of snacks and drinks at the entrance. I only made it past the first viewpoint but if you are even braver….march on!
Dinner at Silhouette by Reverie Siam
I highly recommend dinner at the Silhouette Restaurant by The Reverie Siam Hotel
It’s a contemporary Mediterranean cuisine & tapas wine bar by the river and the design and style of the colonial style hotel is so elegant and stylish.
I recommend ordering the five course set menu from the female chef on site, nicknamed Fa Sky! They only have five of these set dinners available per night so make sure to order them in advance! It’s an elegant tasting menu which is utter comfort food and changes with each season. All the ingredients featured on the menu are sourced with a 50km radius. The most memorable dish from the set menu was a deconstructed Pork Khao Soi with the most meltingly soft pork belly ever!
View from my Bedroom 🙂
Recommended Hotel – Puripai Villa
Puripai Villa is one of the most stunning and gorgeous villa hotel properties in Pai. It’s located in the Mae Hong Son Province and is located on a lush green hillside with panoramic views of the mountainsides. The hotel is also owned by a Thailand celebrity of the same name.
I recommend the pool villa which is connected by a separated master bedroom and two other rooms in the main room. All rooms are accessible by a buggy!
Day 4 –Pai
Visit and Give Alms to Buddhist Monks at The Bridge of Merit
Make sure to dress modestly for this excursion, with arms and legs covered respectfully. At this one of a kind experience, give morning alms with the villagers to the Buddhist monks at “Ko Ku So Bridge”.
This raised bamboo walkway above rice paddy field was built by local villagers to allow
monks from remote temples to access the village. Walking along the bridge is very relaxing and offer scenic views of the forest as well as the rice fields along the walkway
Visit The White Buddha (Wat Phra That Mae Yen)
Get the best views of Pai at the top of the Wat Phra That Mae Yen. Hike up all the stairs to see up close, the huge white buddha that can be seen all over Pai. You can also opt to drive up if you don’t want to walk up the 353 steps. However, the best shot for your Instagram takes place walking up the stairs to the White Buddha!
Organic lunch at Earth Tone Vegetarian Cafe
You can actually walk to Earth Tone Vegetarian Cafe from the White Buddha so its super convenient for the itinerary. This is a mostly vegan menu with a huge amount of selections, also including raw food. I especially enjoyed the Buddha Bowl. This restaurant closes at 5pm so its only really available for lunch. There is also a cute little gift shop attached filled with organic products, great for souvenir shopping.
Visit The Tham Lod Caves
(1 hr. drive) Explore the “Tham Lod” caves, one of Thailand’s most impressive limestone formation caves. The Lang River flows through more than a third of the cave’s length, giving you an
opportunity to float through the darkness on bamboo rafts followed by a climb to visit the
coffin cave.
The bamboo rafts are quite an experience, especially if you purchase the fish food for very cheap at the entrance. There are masses of huge fish that come to eat when you drop the fish food in the water, recommend!
You might want to bring a face mask and gloves if you want to climb up to the highest coffin caves. It’s a bit difficult to get up there otherwise because the stair railings are covered in bat poop. Also the smell of bat poop didn’t bother me that much but some of my travel-mates found it quite unbearable! Also, don’t hike up to the highest caves if you are scared of snakes. We saw two rattlesnakes, luckily they were sleeping!
Dinner at The Barn
The Barn inside the Puripai Villa serves everything from Western dishes to Thai and fusion dishes. There is also a full bar and gorgeous cocktails. There are more formal seated options inside of the restaurant or you can take a more chill vibe by shacking up at one of the sofa beds with full views of the Pai mountains. If you make it here for dinner at sunset, that is ideal! I recommend the truffle fries and the Pad Ka Pow.
Shop at Pai Walking Street
Address: Along Chaisongkran Road and Rungsiyanon Road Pai, Pai
Opening Hours 6pm – 10.30pm
A night market shopping paradise, offering a wide range of souvenirs, unique handicrafts, handmade clothes direct from highland village, hand woven scarves and much more. And enjoy tasting street foods.
Pai Walking Street is a can’t miss experience at Pai! I was not too happy about the clothing that I brought along on the trip and I bought everything that I needed for the rest of the trip at Pai Walking Street. I found super stylish dresses that ranged from $5-$7 and received compliments on all the clothing the entire trip!
The street food is also delicious. There is a wide array of every kind of food that you can think of from authentic Thai food to pizza and Mexican food (?). I stayed with the traditional Thai food which was on point!
Day 5 – Koh Samui
6AM Check out and depart from Pai to Chiang Mai Airport (3 hours drive)
Recommended Airline: Bangkok Airways
Bangkok Airways: Chiang Mai Flight to Koh Samui
Dinner at The Four Seasons Koh Samui
There are a plethora of dining options at the Four Seasons Koh Samui, see their extension dining options here.
However, best case scenario is that you will be in Koh Samui on a Tuesday or a Saturday, in which case I highly recommended the Four Seasons Koh Samui’s Beach Barbecue Dinner at Resort’s Main Beach w/ Live Music & Fire Show. The barbecue starts at sunset around 6:45PM) and the dress is resort chic.
This is no ordinary beach bbq, it’s pretty much the most epic beach bbq that I have ever experienced. There are about 10 stations set up with all kinds of deliciousness like made to order ceviche, pineapple flambe, burgers, quesadillas, and pad thai. There are also all kinds of freshly made salads and delicious bites. The grill is fired up to cook lamb chops, steak, prawns, and lobster to order. Finally, the dessert selection is divine, I had some of everything from a decadent chocolate mousse to a perfect creme brûlée and a mango sticky rice. And it’s all you can eat! Best beach bbq everrrrrrrrr
Recommended Hotel: The Four Seasons Koh Samui
There is no other hotel that you should stay at while visiting Koh Samui. The Four Seasons Koh Samui is my favorite hotel in the world! The prices for the rooms are not cheap by any means but they are far from outrageous. I recommend visiting during low season and getting a deal on your room.
If budget is not an issue, definitely sign up for the pool villas, they are the ultimate in luxury. The grounds of The Four Seasons Koh Samui are sprawling but they have an awesome app that you can easily use to call a buggy to your room and head everywhere you like. There is much to see in Koh Samui but you don’t even need to leave the resort if you didn’t want to. There are tons of activities and multiple restaurants and everything that you need on-site.
Day 6 – Koh Samui
Wake Up to Morning Yoga
If you are staying at the Four Seasons Koh Samui, you can opt for morning yoga with instructor Sanya Tugman, right on the beach. Tugman teaches a very unique system that he called “The Foundation”. His explanation of his method resonated with me quite a bit, he trains his students bodies in preparation of more difficult positions like a handstand, for example. I have observed other yoga teachers simply instruct their students to get into a handstand, and I’m like how?? It makes total sense to teach the foundation first.
As another option, check out Vikasa Yoga for yoga classes in Koh Samui
Take a Muay Thai Class
The Four Seasons Koh Samui has it’s very own Thai boxing ring, and you can sign up for a class with the very charismatic Muay Thai Instructor, Khun Aun-Anuphong Deesamer at the Resort’s Boxing Ring. The Class will get you quite warmed up as he teaches you kicking and punching techniques and then each class member gets an individual session to try to beat him up with all your might! You’ll definitely get a good workout.
As another option, Lionheart Samui offers Muay Thai classes also.
Lunch at Vikasa Life Cafe
The Vikasa Life Cafe is and healthy restaurant with one of the best viewpoints in Koh Samui. The food at this restaurant is stunning. Their menu is vegan-friendly and features an international menu. Since the cafe is located inside the Vikasa Life yoga facilities, their food is definitely geared towards an up-scale yoga crowd. I recommend the mango salad with grilled tuna and the raw pizza.
Enjoy a Luxurious Spa Massage
There are countless places to get a massage in Koh Samui, but for the ultimate experience, I recommend going to the Four Seaons Koh Samui Spa. They have four signature treatments available, including the Lava Shell, Samui Fusion, Secret Garden, and the Kala Coconut. After a full day of yoga and muay thai, the 90-minute signature spa experience is a great way for you to recharge and rejuvenate!
Explore Fisherman’s Village Bophut in Old Town Samui
Open 5pm-11pm Monday through Friday
Fisherman’s Village Bophut 3 Borphud Sub-district Koh Samui District Amphoe Ko Samui, Chang Wat Surat Thani 84320
Fisherman’s Village is a historic bustling outdoor shopping & eating area in Bophut. Bophut used to be a bustling fishing community which is why this hipster shopping area is called the Fisherman’s Village. You can find anything from expensive souvenirs at boutique stores to cheap clothing deals and delicious street food, to finer dining options.
Dinner and Fire Show at Coco Tam’s
Coco Tam’s, a unique open-air beach bar in the heart of Bophut. It’s got a super fun beach vibe with swings for seats at the bar, cabanas, beanbags on the beach, and regular tables inside if you want more traditional seating. It’s one of the most popular spots in Fisherman’s Village. Make sure to stay on for the fire show, it’s one of the best in town!
Day 7- Koh Samui
Go Snorkeling at Koh Nang Yuan & Koh Tao
Explore paradise on the islands of Koh Nang Yuan and Koh Tao with this full-day
snorkeling tour. Travel by speedboat to the three islets of Koh Nang Yuan, where you can
hike to the viewpoint and snorkel around coral reefs around Koh Tao. Then continue to
your second destination for a beachside lunch and enjoy some of the best marine spots
in the Gulf of Thailand. For the combination of fantastic scenery above and below the
water, this tour is simply a must.
Lunch at Barracuda
Barracuda is located in Koh Tao, right in the heart of Sairee Beach. It’s a trendy but casual restaurant featuring tons of seafood and Thai dishes. Its Vegan friendly and has gorgeous views.
I’m obsessed with PLA PLA’s place settings
Dinner at PLA PLA
Is it just me? It’s just so much fun to say “pla pla”. Pla means “fish” in Thai and the Pla Pla restaurant is located inside the Four Seasons Koh Samui. It’s an upscale spot so make sure to dress up a bit. This restaurant features fish and seafood, Mediterranean style. Make sure to ask the chef to come out, he’s gorgeous! Ask for: Ivo Benidio.
I recommend the Burrata, Coconut Risotto, 72 Hours Cooked Beef Short Rib, and the Coconut Moon for dessert.
Day 8 – Bangkok
Depart hotel to Samui airport
Recommended Airline: Bangkok Airways
Dinner at Vertigo & Moon Bar
Experience a once in a lifetime views at Bangkok’s ultimate rooftop dining experience at Vertigo
& Moon Bar. Make sure to go around sunset so that you can get your stunning Instagram shot!
The dress as this restaurant is smart, casual but no shorts, sleeveless shirts, or flip flops.
I recommend the 4-course set menu.
Recommended Hotel: Banyan Tree Bangkok
The Banyan Tree Bangkok is located in the heart of Bangkok in the Sathon/Silom area. It’s a 5-star hotel and has a plethora of world-class restaurants and an award-winning spa. There is tons to do at the hotel: one of the best cooking classes that I ever took, bike tours, yoga classes, Muay Thai, and their own branded dinner river cruise (much more upscale than the others)
Day 9 – Bangkok
Visit Wat Arun and Wat Pho
Attire: dress modestly, with arms and legs covered
Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn)
Address: 158 Thanon Wang Doem, Khwaeng Wat Arun, Khet Bangkok Yai, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10600, Thailand
I thought that the photos that I got at Wat Arun were more stunning than Wat Pho, so I would recommend up visiting Wat Arun first, as soon as it opens at 830am. It’s also known as the Wat Chaeng and is located on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River. You can easily bop over to Wat Pho by taking a ferry across the river for a couple bucks.
Wat Pho (Temple of the Reclining Buddha)
Address: 2 Sanam Chai Rd, Khwaeng Phra Borom Maha Ratchawang, Khet Phra Nakhon, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10200, Thailand
Also known as the Wat Phra Chetuphon, this is a must-visit destination in Bangkok. I recommend that you show up as early as possible if you are trying to get gorgeous shots for your Instagram, it gets super packed later on in the day. It’s famous for its 46 meter, giant and golden reclining buddha. Wat Pho is also a great place to get a traditional Thai massage as its famed for its massage shool in Thailand.
Get a Blind Massage
Make sure to try the 90 min. Thai Body Massage at Perception Blind Massage. First launched in December 2014, this novel massage studio supports the blind or visually impaired by giving them a job and skill that they can excel in.
These ladies are strong! I would recommend choosing a light pressure for this traditional Thai massage.
A totally sublime crab curry
Lunch at Supanniga Eating Room Tha Tien
The Supanniga Eating Room features traditional and sometimes long-lost recipes from the owner Thanaruek Laoraowirodge’s grandmother. This is a popular restaurant in Bangkok, featuring casual Eastern Thai decor.
I recommend the Crab Curry (huge chunks of crab!) and green curry
Explore Yaowarat and Pak Klong Talat
Yaowarat (Bangkok’s Chinatown)
You should visit Bangkok’s Chinatown both in the daytime and at night. It’s a totally different feel at night as it turns in a street food wonderland, where you’ll discover some of the best food in the city. There are tons of market stalls, gold shops, and little restaurants. I picked up some wonderful dry butterfly tea leaf and roselle leaf to make tea at home!
Pak Klong Talat (Bangkok biggest flower market)
Address: Chakkraphet Rd, Khwaeng Wang Burapha Phirom, Khet Phra Nakhon, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10200, Thailand
Also known as Pak Klong Talad, the Bangkok flower market features all kinds of flowers, many wholesale. It’s open 24 hours and is quieter in the day, thus its best to shop at the flower mart during the day. You’ll not only find loose flowers but gorgeous handmade creations, perfect for temple offerings.
Visit Floral Café’
Floral Cafe is located at Napasorn , a coffee lover’s Secret, hidden deep inside Bangkok’s Flower Market . It’s famous for it’s coffee but I ordered the lychee smoothie which was so gorgeous and tasty! If you love interior design, this cafe is a must visit, it’s like a calm and serene oasis in the middle of the bustling flower mart. There is also a really sweet cat sleeping and hanging out in the cafe!
Dinner at the Michelin Star Jay Fai Bangkok
Jay Fai was one of the most memorable street food restaurants inside Netflix’s hit series ‘Street Food’. Wearing her signature goggles, she’s a local legend, continuing the family business that her
father started 70 years ago. She specializes in super fresh and decadent Thai seafood dishes.
Make sure to make a reservation in advance (two months). Give them a call at Tel: 092-724 9633 or send them an email at jayfaibangkok at gmail
Otherwise, some people waited from noon to 6PM for a table!
Day 10 – Bangkok
Take a Thai Cooking Class
The best cooking class that I ever took was at the Banyan Tree Bangkok. Each of us got our own individual cooking station, which was epic! For our class we made a delicious pad thai. At this class we were able to cook two dishes, including traditional Shrimp Pad Thai and Yum Pla Salmon. I was SO impressed by the delicious flavors of Yum Pla Salmon, I can’t wait to make it again at home!
(Hot Guy Not Included)
Get a Facial at Panpuri Organic Spa
Seriously, for the best facial in the world, go to Panpuri Organic Spa. I have a monthly membership at home at my favorite spa in Los Angeles, Burke Williams which has a top of the line facial but Panpuri’s facial is even more relaxing! This urban oasis is located inside an upscale mall in the Gaysorn Tower, in the vibrant district of Ratchaprasong with stunning views of the Bangkok skyline. Their techniques fuse nature, science, and art and the facilities have a Japanese influence with an onsen.
I recommend the LOTUS DEFENSE Signature facial treatment
Shop Icon of Siam
Check out Icon of Siam, Bangkok’s new landmark by the Chao Praya River
ICON SIAM is located riverside and is a mixed-use shopping destination featuring retail shops, restaurants, and more.
Apparently “mini hearts” are all the rage in Asia. #MiniHeartsWestCoast fo life!
Take a Dinner Cruise
One thing that you need to experience in Bangkok is the dinner cruise along the Chao
Phraya River . There are party boat options with hundreds of people and a buffet option, but I much prefer the Apsara River Cruise by Banyan Tree Bangkok, which has a capacity of only 35 guests and features an elegant set menu.
What’s truly unique about this cruise is that they stop in front of the Wat Arun temple and an in-house photographer will shoot photos of you and/or your group in front of the temple at night. No other cruise offers this!
Conclusion
So sad! This is a truly an epic itinerary of Thailand, giving you a little taste of everything that it has to offer. You’ll have to return again and again as there is still so much more to see.
