Thailand: College Student's 4-Day Itinerary

Thailand is a beautiful and affordable destination for college students to visit, with its stunning beaches, mountains, jungles, and world-class cities. In just four days, students can experience the unique culture, adventure, and excitement that Thailand has to offer. From exploring ancient cities to relaxing on exotic islands, there is something for everyone in this Southeast Asian country.

Bangkok: party on Khao San Road, visit floating markets, temples, and the Grand Palace

Bangkok, Thailand's capital, is a hub of activity and a must-visit destination for any college student traveller. Here is a four-day itinerary for Bangkok:

Day 1: Khao San Road and the Old City

Spend the night partying on Khao San Road, a famous backpacker hotspot. The following day, start your sightseeing in the Old City, also known as Rattanakosin, where you can find many temples, including Wat Pho and Wat Arun.

Day 2: Grand Palace and Wat Pho

On your second day, visit the Grand Palace, an iconic landmark and a must-see for any visitor to Bangkok. Take your time exploring the palace grounds and admiring the intricate architecture. In the afternoon, head to nearby Wat Pho, one of the most famous temples in Bangkok, known for its Reclining Buddha statue.

Day 3: Floating Markets and Wat Arun

On day three, experience the vibrant floating markets, where you can immerse yourself in the local culture and sample delicious Thai food. Amphawa is the most popular floating market and is highly recommended for its unique insight into Thai life. In the afternoon, visit Wat Arun, located along the Chao Phraya River. Climb the steep steps for stunning views of the city and an up-close look at the intricate porcelain decorations.

Day 4: Lumphini Park and Siam Square

Spend your final day in Bangkok exploring other notable sites, such as Lumphini Park, the city's largest park, offering a peaceful escape from the bustling streets. You can also visit Dusit Palace and Siam Square for a mix of historical and modern attractions.

Chiang Mai: visit Elephant Nature Park, temples, Chiang Mai Gate, and Chiang Dao

Chiang Mai is a must-see city in Thailand. Here is a four-day itinerary for college students travelling to Chiang Mai:

Day 1: Elephant Nature Park

Start your day by visiting the Elephant Nature Park, a sanctuary dedicated to rescuing tortured elephants from across Southeast Asia. The park offers a unique opportunity to spend a day learning about, feeding, and bathing these gentle giants. With over 250 acres of land, the park provides a natural and spacious environment for the elephants to live and roam freely. Book in advance to secure your spot, as it is a popular attraction.

Day 2: Temples of Chiang Mai

On your second day, explore the numerous temples that Chiang Mai has to offer. Start with Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, located on the mountain overlooking the city. This temple is a must-see, offering breathtaking views and a glimpse into the religious culture of the region. Then, wander through the Old Town, where you'll find Wat Chedi Luang, Wat Chiang Man, and Wat Phra Singh Woramahawihan. Each temple has its own unique architecture and spiritual significance. Remember to dress respectfully when visiting these religious sites.

Day 3: Chiang Mai Gate and Local Food

Spend your third day at Chiang Mai Gate, the south gate of the moat. In the evening, look for Mrs. Pa's food cart, known for its long queue and delicious smoothies. Indulge in the local cuisine and soak in the lively atmosphere of the city. Chiang Mai Gate is a great place to people-watch and get a sense of the local culture.

Day 4: Chiang Dao

On your final day, take a trip to Chiang Dao, a quiet, secluded mountain town just a short distance from Chiang Mai. Here, you can relax in a hammock, hike the nearby mountains, or explore the surrounding caves. Chiang Dao offers a peaceful escape from the bustling city, providing a tranquil end to your trip.

Chiang Rai: explore the White Temple and the Black Temple

Chiang Rai is home to two of Thailand's most unusual temples: the White Temple and the Black Temple.

The White Temple

Wat Rong Khun, better known as the White Temple, is one of the most recognisable temples in Thailand. Located 15km southwest of Chiang Rai town, the temple attracts a large number of visitors, making it one of Chiang Rai's most popular attractions. The temple was designed by Chiang Rai local artist Chalermchai Kositpipat, who also funded the project with his own money.

The White Temple is a Buddhist temple and is defined by incredible detail, bizarre sculptures, hidden meanings, and surreal beauty. The primary structure of the temple is made of a basic concrete frame and a wooden roof. From a distance, it appears to be crafted from sparkling porcelain, but this effect is achieved through a blend of whitewash and transparent mirrored chips. The outer surfaces are adorned with white plaster and glass inserts.

The main building, the ubosot, is reached by crossing a bridge over a small lake. In front of the bridge are hundreds of outreaching hands that symbolise unrestrained desire. The bridge leads to the "gate of heaven", guarded by two creatures representing Death and Rahu, who decides the fate of the dead. Inside the ubosot, the decor swiftly moves from pristine white to fiery and bewildering. Murals depict swirling orange flames and demon faces, interspersed with Western idols such as Michael Jackson, Neo from *The Matrix*, and Freddy Krueger.

The Black Temple

The Black Temple, or Baan Dam, is even stranger than the White Temple, with animal skins and skeletons hanging from every wall.

Getting There

The most comfortable way to get to the White Temple is by private air-conditioned taxi. The ride from town takes about 20 minutes and costs between 250 and 300 baht. Alternatively, buses leave from the old bus station near the night bazaar in the centre of Chiang Rai town. The trip takes around 30 minutes and costs 20 baht one way.

Ko Phi Phi: enjoy the beaches, Monkey Beach, and Yao Beach

Ko Phi Phi is a group of six islands in southern Thailand, known for its outstanding natural beauty. It is the perfect place to enjoy the clear waters and stunning beaches.

One of the most famous beaches in the area is Monkey Beach, located on the west coast of the island of Phi Phi Don. This beach is known for its population of wild macaque monkeys that live in the surrounding mountains. The best way to reach Monkey Beach is by kayak from Loh Dalum Bay, which takes around 20 minutes each way. If you hire a kayak early in the morning or later in the afternoon, you may spot the monkeys coming down to the beach from the cliffs. The beach itself boasts soft white sand and excellent snorkelling conditions, with clear waters and an array of colourful fish.

If you're looking for more local entertainment, head to Yao Beach, Lanti Beach, and Ton Sai Bay, where you'll find restaurants, bars, and hotels. Ton Sai Beach, in particular, is ideal for a restful holiday, with its relaxing atmosphere and snorkelling spots.

For a truly memorable experience, be sure to add Ko Phi Phi to your Thailand itinerary. Its natural beauty, vibrant wildlife, and entertainment options make it a must-visit destination.

Ayutthaya: explore the Ayutthaya Historical Park

Ayutthaya Historical Park is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the most important historical sites in Thailand. It was once the ancient capital of Thailand during the reign of the Ayutthaya Kingdom, which lasted from 1350/1351 until 1767. The city was founded on an island at the confluence of three rivers: Chao Phraya, Pa Sak, and Lopburi. This gave Ayutthaya a strategic advantage, protecting it from invaders and connecting it to the sea, which enabled trade to prosper.

The Ayutthaya Historical Park comprises the ruins of temples and palaces of the ancient kingdom's capital. There are five wats (temples) within the park that are recommended: Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon, Wat Ratchaburana, Wat Mahathat, Wat Phra Si Sanphet, and Wat Lokaya Sutha. There are two more must-see wats across the river: Wat Chai Watthanaram and Wat Phutthai Sawan.

Morning

Start early in the morning around 8 am and visit Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon and Wat Ratchaburana. Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon has a unique layout with a central stupa surrounded by sitting Buddhas. There is also a reclining Buddha adorned in yellow, facing east, so it is best viewed in the morning. Wat Ratchaburana was built by King Chao Sam Phraya as a memorial to his two brothers who killed each other in battle. It features an impressively preserved prang (tower) that dominates the park.

Lunch

Take a break from exploring and enjoy lunch at Coffee Old City, located directly opposite Wat Mahathat. This central spot offers great views, friendly staff, and good food, including vegetarian options.

Afternoon

After lunch, visit Wat Mahathat, one of the most important temples in the Ayutthaya Kingdom. It was the royal temple and the centre of Buddhism in the kingdom. While the upper part has collapsed, it still inspires wonder today with its rows of headless Buddha statues and the iconic stone Buddha head entangled in tree roots.

Early Evening

End your day at Wat Chai Watthanaram, one of the most beautiful and famous sites of Ayutthaya. It is best enjoyed at sunset. This temple is located on the western bank of the Chao Phraya River and features a Khmer-style central prang surrounded by four smaller prangs and various outlying structures. Hang around for sunset and enjoy the changing colours of the sky and the temple's brickwork.

Getting There and Getting Around

Ayutthaya is easily accessible from Bangkok by train, bus, river boat, or taxi. The train is a popular option as it is inexpensive and takes around 1-2 hours. Once you arrive in Ayutthaya, you can walk, rent a bicycle, or hire a tuk-tuk to get around the park and the surrounding area.

Dress Code

Remember to dress respectfully when visiting the temples. This means covering your shoulders and knees, irrespective of gender. Opt for loose, long clothing, which will also be more comfortable in the hot and humid weather.

Frequently asked questions