Thailand gives you at least four holidays in one country, and the planning question is which two or three to combine. These are the routes that work without spending the trip in airports.
Bangkok and the beaches
The city, then one island region — the shape most first-timers should take.
- Typically 7–10 days
- One internal flight
- Andaman or Gulf, not both
- Temples plus beach
Bangkok, Chiang Mai and the south
City, northern mountains and an island coast — the classic fortnight.
- Typically 12–14 days
- Two internal flights
- Cooking schools in the north
- Ethical elephant sanctuaries
Gulf island hopping
Koh Samui, Koh Phangan and Koh Tao, linked by ferry within one group.
- Typically 10–12 days
- Best May–October
- Diving from Koh Tao
- Good in the Australian winter
Andaman coast
Phuket, Krabi, Railay and Koh Lanta — limestone scenery and longtail boats.
- Typically 8–12 days
- Best Nov–April
- Longtail day trips
- Similan diving in season
Thailand and Bali
Four and a half hours apart on a direct flight, and a genuinely good combination with enough time.
- Typically 14–18 days
- Thailand first, Bali to finish
- Open-jaw flights
- See the comparison guide
Australians enter Thailand visa-free, but the Thailand Digital Arrival Card is mandatory and free — submitted online within 72 hours of arrival at the official immigration portal. The visa-free allowance has been in transition through 2026; plan around 30 days and check Smartraveller before booking a longer trip.
Where this leads
Blog attracts, things to do informs, tours convert — in that order.