2-week roadtrip in the heart of Thailand

You love old stones and history? Do you have two weeks of vacation ahead? So this itinerary is for you!

Discover the oldest royal capitals of the Angkor Empire, between fortresses, Buddhas and temples with this rod trip!

Here is a glimpse of the beautiful experiences awaiting in 2-week road trip in Thailand:

• Discover the country’s former royal capital, Ayutthaya
• Get up close and personal with the monkeys of Lopburi
• Enjoy the beautiful temples and countryside of Sukhothai on a bike ride 
• See the impressive Khmer ruins of Si Satchanalai National Park
• Watch the sun rise over Thung Salaeng Luang National Park
• Walk through the historic Prasat Phimai Park and its magnificent remains
• Alternate between city and temple in the countryside of Buriram
• Discover Bangkok and its impressive contrasts, then enjoy the calm of Bangkrachao Island

To travel safely and without any worry on your mind, we recommend Chapka Insurance!

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2-week road trip in central Thailand

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Some practical information before your trip to Thailand

 

First and foremost, we recommend that you do not rent a car in Thailand, as driving is very different from here and quite dangerous if you are not used to it. The roads are not always adapted, scooters are very (very) numerous and especially at rush hours, which makes traffic complicated (high density). Moreover, you need an international driving licence or you will not be able to drive a car. When you are in the big cities, you can use the “Grab” application to get around, it is the equivalent of Uber in Thailand, and in Southeast Asia in general.

Need a road map to prepare your itinerary? We recommend this one, the most detailed and the most pleasant to read!

You want to buy a paper travel guide? We recommend this one! In our opinion, it is the most complete and the most visual!

The best time to travel in Thailand is during the dry season, between November and February. This is when there is the least amount of humidity, and the outside temperature becomes very pleasant. See more details here.

As for the country’s culinary specialities that you absolutely must try during your trip, here are a few recommendations: the unavoidable Pad Thai, noodles that come with chicken, beef or shrimp, but also delicious soups such as Khao Soi, Tom Yum or Tom Kha Kai. As far as sweetness is concerned, we can only advise you to try the mango sticky rice (mango served with rice, all with coconut milk, a delight), and the roti (very thin pastry filled with fruits, chocolate… the possibilities are endless and you can’t get enough of it!)

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Contents: 2-week road trip in central Thailand

1- Ayutthaya – Stop 1 of the 2-week road trip in Thailand
2- Lopburi – Stop 2 of the 2-week road trip in Thailand
3- Sukhothai – Stop 3 of the 2-week road trip in Thailand
4- Si Satchanalai National Park – Stop 4 of the 2-week road trip in Thailand
5- Thung Salaeng Luang National Park – Stop 5 of the 2-week road trip in Thailand
6- Phimai – Stop 6 of the 2-week road trip in Thailand
7- Buriram – Stop 7 of the 2-week road trip in Thailand
8- Bangkok – Stop 8 of the 2-week road trip in Thailand

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2-week road trip in Thailand: step by step

What to do in Ayutthaya?

Discover the ancient royal capital of Siam and dozens of temples in ruins evoking the past grandeur of the city. The first stop of this 2-week road trip in Thailand is a good warm-up for diving into the country’s history.

• Visit the Palace of Bang Pa In, originally built in the 17th century and revisited in the 19th century by the kings Rama Iv and V. Today, the palace mixes eclectic architectural styles and is organized around the 19 hectares of gardens. Go for a walk between the Wehart Chamrun Chinese Complex, the Ho Withun Thasana Red Strip Observatory and the Thai Pavilion. Some buildings require that women wear traditional sarongs before entering (they are loaned for free).
• Discover the temple of Wat Ratchaburana founded in 1424 and its detailed sculptures of lotus flowers and mythical creatures. If you do not feel dizzy and are not afraid of bats, go inside the “prang” to visit the crypt (the largest in Thailand) whose walls are decorated with Buddha paintings.
• Do not miss the temple of Wat Phra Si Sanphet and its three wonderfully intact stupas that form one of the most iconic sights in Ayutthaya. Unlike many other temples, you will be able to climb the stairs to have an exceptional view of the site.

 

More to see in Ayutthaya?

 

• Discover the most tourist attraction and photographed of Ayutthaya: the sandstone Buddha head entangled in the intertwined roots in the temple of Wat Mahathat.
• Assist to a ceremony of merit in the temple of Wat Phanan Choeng. Every day from 8h to 17h people come to cover their heads with the end of the dress of the great Buddha Phra Phanan Choeng of 19 meters high sitting in an open space and surrounded by 84 000 small images of himself along the walls.
• Go to Ayutthaya Historical Park to discover the ruins of the ancient capital. The sites are divided into two districts. The ruins “on the island” in the city center west of Th Chee Kun are easily accessible by bike. Those located off the island, facing the river and the center, are only accessible by boat. Feel free to visit the Ayutthaya Visitor Center to retrieve temples information leaflets.
• Do not miss an amazing sunset at Wat Chai Wattanaram Temple.
• If you want to discover this historic city in a different way, we can only recommend a guided night tour by bike, with a stop at the local market included, of course!

 

Where to sleep in Ayutthaya?

 

• Mid-range: to be closer to the temples to visit, sleep at Ban Boonchu, a superb bed & breakfast, with nice clean rooms, a very welcoming host and a small garden to rest in the freshness of the trees.
• High-end: treat yourself to a small villa with a garden at Phuttal Residence, or a riverside home at Cattani’s Riverside Home. Sure, it’s a bit out of the way, but such an experience in the heart of nature is worth it! In addition, a bike rental service is available in both accommodations to get around the area and to the temples.

 

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What to do in Lopburi?

Discover the “city of the monkeys” of Thailand, one of the oldest cities of the country dating from the 6th century. Explore the remaining palaces and temples.

• Visit the site of Prang Sam Yot, a Buddhist temple built by the Khmers in the 13th century. Watch out for the many monkeys that live there and love playing with backpacks. This is a pretty unique experience on this 2-week road trip in Thailand.
• Head to Phra Narai Ratchaniwet, an excellent museum housed in the ruins of a 17th century palace and used to host foreign dignitaries. Discover by a narrow walk the stables of King Narai, the reception rooms and the ten storage buildings.
• For a peaceful and monkey-free experience, walk through the magnificent site of Wat Phra Si Ratana Mahathat. This temple, built in the 12th century is now in ruins but retains much of its original details as beautiful lotus and complex Buddhas.
• Want some calm ? See you at Ang Sap Lek Reservoir. With its calm waters, the view from the shore is authentic and picturesque. Take the opportunity to eat on the water in one of the overwater restaurants.
• On the last Sunday of November, attend the Monkey Festival. Discover magnificent buffets loaded with fruits and sweets deposited four times a day for the monkeys to devour them. Walk around the street fair and enjoy dance performances around the city.
• Once a year, do not miss the King Narai Fair. The festival features reconstructions of period ceremonies, a sound and light show, a parade of elephants and a “retro market” using an old-fashioned coin.

 

What to do in Lopburi’s surroundings?

 

• Use your second day in Lopburi to explore the surrounding countryside. Be speechless at the sunflowers that carpet the fields to the east of the city from November to January. For rock climbers, climb the needle-like limestone peaks of the surrounding mountains. For a breathtaking view, head to Wat Khao Chin Lae temple where peacocks strut freely.

 

Where to sleep in Lopburi?

 

• Mid-range: for a fairly local experience, we recommend Farsai Homestay, located close to the city centre, yet quiet. The hosts are very welcoming and will be happy to give you advice for your trip. For a little more luxury, but still at a very reasonable price, we recommend Privacy Residence Lopburi, a little further from the centre, but which offers bicycles for rent. We love the generous buffet breakfast!

 

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What to do in Sukhothai?

Welcome to Sukhothai, one of Thailand’s most visited sites as considered the first Thai kingdom. Discover the remains of the kingdom called ‘Meuang gòw’ which means “old town”.

• Do not miss the Sukhothai Historical Park which is one of the most impressive sites in Thailand. Explore the remains of 21 historic sites around the four large ponds. The site is divided into 5 zones: the 3 central zones, the north zone and the west zone. Despite the popularity of the park, it is possible to feel alone as the site is vast. Rent a bike to discover some of the most impressive ruins outside the walls of the old city. This is a must on this 2-week road trip in Thailand.
• For a panoramic view of the Sukhothai ruins, visit the temple of Wat Saphan Hin, located on a hilltop 200 meters above the plain. It is reached by a slate path and the original bridge.
• Visit the ancient spiritual and administrative center of the city, Wat Mahathat. This building is surrounded by brick walls and a ditch supposed to represent the outer wall of the universe and the cosmic ocean.
• For a good introduction to the most famous product of Sukhothai (ceramics), go to the small museum of Sangkhalok. Discover the impressive collection of Thai pottery found in the area and the beautiful Buddha statues.
• Explore the island of Wat Si Chum, located northwest of the old city. Admire the magnificent sitting Buddha 15 meters high.
• If you want to explore the area and the beautiful surrounding countryside with a guide, then we can only recommend this day tour, or this one at sunset.

 

Where to sleep in Sukhothai?

 

• Mid-range: if you want to sleep in the city centre, we recommend the Foresto Sukhothai Guesthome, with its swimming pools and great breakfasts. If you prefer to stay directly in the historical park, then we recommend the Thai Thai Sukhothai Resort, which has absolutely everything to please and a very good value for money offers Thai massages! What more could you ask for?
• High-end: even if it’s a bit out of the way, sleeping at the Tharaburi Resort is a more than rejuvenating experience! In the middle of nature, a very welcoming and helpful staff, a beautiful decoration, a massage service and excursions… It would almost be hard to leave!

 

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What to do in Si Satchanalai National Park?

In the middle of peaceful hills, discover this national park with the ruins of the ancient cities of Si Satchanalai and Chaliang. This 720-hectare park is surrounded by a ditch 12 meters wide. It’s a charming stop in this 2-week road trip in Thailand.

• South of Wat Chedi Jet Thaew, discover the chedi (conical or pyramidal tower-shaped construction) of Wat Nang Phaya. Sinhala style, it was built in the 15th and 16th centuries.
• Head to Wat Chao Chan to discover a large restored Khmer-style tower in fairly good condition. On the hill overlooking Wat Chang Lom, visit the remains of Wat Khao Phanom Phloeng‘s chedi and a large seated Buddha, columns of stones that once supported the roof. Enjoy the view to imagine the past of this beautiful city.
• Continue your visit to the park through the ruins of Wat Phra Si Ratana Mahathat, a great 15th century chedi. Observe the big image of seated Buddha.
• Visit the beautiful temple of Wat Chang Lom which marks the center of the old city. Elephants surround a bell-shaped chedi which is very well preserved.
• Next door, the ruins of Wat Chedi Jet Thaew contain 7 rows of chedis, the largest of which is a copy of Wat Mahathat that you could visit in Sukhothai.

 

Where to sleep in Si Satchanalai National Park?

 

• Mid-range: there is not much choice to sleep in the park and its surroundings. So we can recommend Sisatchanalai Heritage Resort and Navy Sisatchanalai, which are both well located. Be careful though, they are not very comfortable accommodations either, but after all, a little adventure never hurt anyone!

 

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What to do in Thung Salaeng Luang National Park?

Continue your nature break with this 1262 km2 national park, one of the largest and most important wildlife sanctuaries in Thailand. The entrance is at kilometer 80 of Route 12 where the park information center is located.

• Discover the temple of Wat Phrathat Sonkaeweedftr, often cited as the most beautiful temple in Thailand. The original architecture and the details are impressive. Take time to observe the beautiful landscapes all around you.
• Next to the park, visit Wat Pha Sorn Kaew : a monastery and Buddhist temple located in Khao Kor. Built on a cliff top at 830 meters high, you will be breathless. The main pagoda and surrounding buildings are adorned with more than 5 million colorful mosaic tiles and pottery items.
• Do not miss the sunrise over a sea of ​​clouds from the heights of the park. An unforgettable moment during this 2-week road trip in Thailand!
• In the middle of the mountain, discover the falls of Sri Dit, a beautiful little waterfall and a small river that winds in a beautiful undergrowth.

 

Where to sleep in Thing Salaeng Luang National Park?

 

• Mid-range: sleep closer to the national park by staying at Khao Kho Copter Hill. In the heart of nature, with a view of the mountains, the rooms are very decent even if they only have the bare essentials. Sleeping there will be a rejuvenating and sharing experience for sure!
• Glamping: a little further away from the park, treat yourself to a few nights in modern and very well appointed tents with a breathtaking view of the surrounding nature at Papa Garden Khaokho. The staff are very attentive and the food is delicious.

 

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What to do in Phimai?

Welcome to the quiet little town of Phimai. It is home to one of the most beautiful Khmer temple complexes in Thailand. The sixth stop on this 2-week road trip in Thailand will be a real eye opener!

• Explore Phimai Historical Park : Prasat Phimai. These are the most impressive Khmer ruins in Thailand, not just their size but their intricate details. Enter a temple naturally fortified by a Naga cruciform bridge, symbolically representing the passage of the earth. Take a raised passageway (formerly covered with a tiled roof) that leads to the main inner sanctuary 28 meters high and is covered with beautiful sculptures. A free brochure is at your disposal to guide you in the area.
• Visit the National Museum of Phimai, one of the largest in the region. Located on the shores of Sa Kwan, a 12th century Khmer reservoir, the museum consists of two large buildings. They house a fine collection of Khmer sculptures, Muang Sema artifacts, Ban Prasat pottery and Buddha images from different periods.
• For a nature break, walk through Sai Ngam Park, a bit to the east from the city.
• Then discover on an island the oldest and biggest banyan (tree) of Thailand that looks like a small forest with its vast system of nested branches and gnarled trunks.
• For a quiet visit, opt for the small ruin of the temple Kuti Rusi in which was a health center in the 13th century.
• Stop in front of the most intact and most remarkable of the three gates of the city : the door Pratu Chai.

 

Where to sleep in Phimai?

 

• Mid-range: the advantage in this part of Thailand is that you can sleep in nice accommodations for less money as tourism is not yet too developed. So if you want to sleep in a place with a good quality/price ratio while staying close to the historical park, we advise you the Phimai Paradise Boutique Hotel or the Moon River Resort Phimai. Beautiful rooms, friendly staff and good breakfast are all part of the package!

 

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What to do in Buriram?

Stay in this friendly little town, the perfect starting point for exploring hundreds of unmissable Khmer relics in the surrounding countryside.

• Do not miss Prasat Phanom Rung ! Crowning the summit of an extinct volcano, this temple is 200 meters above the rice fields below. Southeast, you can see the Dongrek Mountains in Cambodia, and this is where the capital of the Angkor Empire once stood.
• In the small village of Khok Meuang, discover the restored temple of Prasat Muang Tam. Although it is large and very well maintained, it is because it is not very visited, it is the favorite temple of some people. Be alone and meditate on the reflections of its water lily ponds. It will be a real moment out of time during this 2-week road trip in Thailand.
• Visit the temple to the modern buildings of Wat Khao Angkhan, also on top of an extinct volcano.

 

Where to sleep in Buriram?

 

• Mid-range: take advantage of this stop in a more populated city to sleep in nice hotels, like the Amari Buriram United or the Modena by Fraser Buriram. Beautiful, modern and well-decorated rooms, good breakfasts and great comfort await you!

 

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What to do in Bangkok?

“The same but different”. This Thai philosophy sums up Bangkok, a city where exoticism and the familiar meet, like the flavors of a pat-tai dish. Depending on your wishes you can start this 2-week road trip in Thailand in Bangkok and finish with Ayutthaya. Indeed, after being surrounded by calm and nature for almost 2 weeks, returning in a bustling city might not be the best option for everyone. 

• Experience an authentic culinary experience. If you have not eaten noodles on a Bangkok street in the middle of a cloud of exhaust fumes, you have not eaten Thai food yet. The mix of flavors can be intense: spicy, acidic, sweet, salty… and the most adventurous will love the experience !
• Bangkok is THE city that is best suited for urban exploration. Go on a boat trip to visit a hidden floating market, stroll off the beaten track in Banglamphu and have a surprise conversation with a monk. Lose yourself in the lanes of Chinatown and stumble upon a Chinese opera in the middle of the street. At nightfall, take the BTS (skytrain) to Sukhumvit, where the local nightlife reveals a cosmopolitan and vibrant city.
• Enjoy all the contrasts that give Bangkok its rich personality. Air-conditioned shopping malls sit alongside village houses dating back more than 200 years ; slow traffic is bypassed by long-tailed boats on the Royal River ; Buddhist monks buying the latest smartphones and food carts in the streets are overlooked by upscale restaurants perched on top of skyscrapers.

 

What more to do in Bangkok?

 

• Shoppers, go to the neighborhoods of Siam Square, Pratunam and Phloen Chit. Together they form the city’s commercial district, very modern with multi-storey centers and endless markets.
• Visit the most typical district of the city : Banglamphu. Discover its leafy streets, its antiques, its markets and its golden temples.
• Surrounded by rice fields, take a rural break in the district “North Bangkok“. Here you will find the best markets in the city and the Thai boxing club in Lumpinee.
• Do not miss the artificial island of Ko Ratanakosin, the birthplace of Bangkok. Visit its Buddhist temples and royal palaces. On the other side, facing the Chao Phraya River, walk through the residential areas of Thonburi connected by pretty canals.
• Explore Chinatown, Bangkok’s most vibrant neighborhood. Walk through the streets teeming with small restaurants and shops of gold and precious stones, all under flashing neon signs in Chinese characters.

 

Looking for unique experiences in Bangkok?

 

Julie, who is part of the Best-itinerary team, has lived in Bangkok for several months, and if she had to recommend only one sample of activities to discover Bangkok it would be this one:

• As mentioned above, Bangkok is a city of contrasts where ancient temples stand alongside modern buildings. These temples are a must-see and very beautiful to see, however, we think a guided tour is very interesting as it allows you to learn more about the history and culture of the country, and the importance of these temples for the Thai people.
• Markets in Thailand are always an intoxicating experience. The colours, the smells, the hustle and bustle, there are so many things to see. Take a trip to a floating market and a railway market, both of which are iconic and not to be found everywhere!
• If you’re a fan of Thai food, then we have to recommend you a cooking class! It’s always a good time, and what’s more, you’ll learn how to make your favourite Thai recipes before enjoying them.
• Get off the beaten track and discover an unknown side of Bangkok, far from the noise and buildings, by going cycling on Bangkrachao Island. It’s a timeless experience that Julie particularly recommends!
• End the day in style with a dinner cruise on the Chao Praya River. It’s worth a look to see Bangkok lit up!

 

Where to sleep in Bangkok?

 

• Mid-range: find all the comfort (and prices of the capital) by sleeping in the beautiful and quiet Villa Mungkala. Smiling staff ready to answer all your questions, suggestion of excursions, ideally located, close to places of interest, this establishment has everything to please!
• High-end: finish (or start) your stay in style by staying at the Lancaster Bangkok. Beautiful, modern yet cosy rooms, a gym, a swimming pool, delicious food, close to public transport, very friendly staff… You can hardly do better!

 

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Learn more about your road trip in Thailand…

 

• You want to know all the information about the country ? It’s here.
• Finally, to book a flight at the best price, we advise you this website.
• You are looking for a great travel insurance for your 2-week road trip in Thailand? We recommend this one!

 

Do not hesitate to share your trip with us, we can’t wait to hear all about your adventures!

 

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If you have any information, good tips, or simply a comment about this itinerary, please don’t hesitate to leave a comment below! The whole team will be happy to hear from you!