20 days in Thailand & South Korea Itinerary
Created using Inspirock Asia travel route planner
Start: Seoul, South Korea
Fly
1
Bangkok, Thailand
— 1 night
Fly
2
Sukhothai, Thailand
— 1 night
Drive
3
Chiang Mai, Thailand
— 2 nights
Drive
4
Chiang Rai, Thailand
— 2 nights
Fly
5
Bangkok, Thailand
— 1 night
+2
Fly to Koh Samui, Bus to Bangrak, Ferry to Ko Pha-Ngan
6
Ko Pha-Ngan, Thailand
— 2 nights
+3
Ferry to Bangrak, Bus to Koh Samui, Fly to Phuket, Bus to Phuket Town
7
Phuket Town, Thailand
— 3 nights
Bus to Phuket, Fly to Bangkok
8
Bangkok, Thailand
Fly
9
Seoul, South Korea
— 3 nights
Fly
10
Busan, South Korea
— 3 nights
Train
11
Daegu, South Korea
— 1 night
Train
End: Seoul, South Korea
Sun, Dec 18 - Fri, Jan 6
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View full calendar
Bangkok, Thailand — 1 night
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City of Angels
Enjoy cultural, historical, and culinary exploration during your holiday in Bangkok, the capital of Thailand and the most populous city in the country.Kick off your visit on the 18th (Sun): stop by Khaosan Road, then contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Wat Pho, and then admire nature's wide array of creatures at SEA LIFE Bangkok Ocean World. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the next day: browse the eclectic array of goods at Pak Khlong Talat (Flower Market), look for gifts at Patrick & Co (Bespoke Tailors), then look for gifts at Tom's Fashion, then look for gifts at Marty's New Fashion, and finally stop by James Fashion International.
To find photos, other places to visit, traveler tips, and other tourist information, read Bangkok itinerary maker tool.
Seoul, South Korea to Bangkok is an approximately 8-hour flight. You can also drive; or do a combination of subway, ferry, train, taxi, bus, and car. The time zone difference moving from Korean Standard Time (KST) to Indochina Time (ICT) is minus 2 hours. In December, Bangkok is much warmer than Seoul - with highs of 36°C and lows of 26°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 19th (Mon) early enough to fly to Sukhothai.
Find places to stay Dec 18 — 19:
Highlights from your trip
Sukhothai, Thailand — 1 night
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The rising of happiness
A trip to Sukhothai is a must for anyone interested in the origins of the Thai empire, which began in this city in the 13th century.Kick off your visit on the 20th (Tue): explore the ancient world of Wat Sorasak, then delve into the distant past at Sukhothai Historical Park, then delve into the distant past at Wat Trapang Ngoen, and finally look for gifts at Suthep Sangkalok.
For maps, reviews, other places to visit, and more tourist information, you can read our Sukhothai day trip tool.
You can fly from Bangkok to Sukhothai in 3 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or do a combination of train and taxi. Traveling from Bangkok in December, Sukhothai is little chillier at night with lows of 23°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 20th (Tue) early enough to drive to Chiang Mai.
Find places to stay Dec 19 — 20:
Highlights from your trip
Chiang Mai, Thailand — 2 nights
©
Rose of the North
Discover the diverse history and culture of northern Thailand during a holiday in Chiang Mai, the largest and most significant city in the region.Start off your visit on the 21st (Wed): wander the streets of Umbrella Village - Bor Sang, relax and rejuvenate at some of the top local wellness centers, and then explore the ancient world of Wat Chedi Luang Worawihan. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the 22nd (Thu): take in the spiritual surroundings of Wat Phra Singh, take in the spiritual surroundings of Wat Lok Molee, then look for gifts at Scandy Collection, then look for gifts at Ambassador Fashions, and finally stop by Supreme Collection.
To see where to stay, traveler tips, more things to do, and more tourist information, read our Chiang Mai trip planner.
Getting from Sukhothai to Chiang Mai by car takes about 5 hours. Other options: take a shuttle; or take a bus. In December, daytime highs in Chiang Mai are 34°C, while nighttime lows are 20°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 22nd (Thu) to allow time to drive to Chiang Rai.
Side Trip
Find places to stay Dec 20 — 22:
Highlights from your trip
Chiang Rai, Thailand — 2 nights
©
Enjoy a cultural and relaxing vacation in Chiang Rai, the capital city of an eponymous province.On the 23rd (Fri), admire the landmark architecture of Wat Rong Khun, then stop by Saturday Night Walking Street, and then explore the galleries of Art Bridge Chiang Rai. Keep things going the next day: take in the spiritual surroundings of Wat Phra Kaeo (Temple of the Emerald Buddha), then don't miss a visit to Wat Phra Kaew, then take in the spiritual surroundings of Wat Jed Yod, and finally tee off at Santiburi Country Club Chiang Rai.
To plan Chiang Rai vacation without wasting time, ask Inspirock to design an itinerary.
You can drive from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai in 3 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus. In December, Chiang Rai is a bit cooler than Chiang Mai - with highs of 31°C and lows of 17°C. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 24th (Sat) so you can catch the flight to Bangkok.
Side Trips
Find places to stay Dec 22 — 24:
Highlights from your trip
Bangkok, Thailand — 1 night
City of Angels
For photos, traveler tips, ratings, and tourist information, you can read our Bangkok tour itinerary planning app.
You can fly from Chiang Rai to Bangkok in 3 hours. Other options are to drive; or take a bus. Prepare for somewhat warmer weather when traveling from Chiang Rai in December: high temperatures in Bangkok hover around 36°C and lows are around 26°C. You will leave for Ko Pha-Ngan on the 25th (Sun).
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You can fly from Chiang Rai to Bangkok in 3 hours. Other options are to drive; or take a bus. Prepare for somewhat warmer weather when traveling from Chiang Rai in December: high temperatures in Bangkok hover around 36°C and lows are around 26°C. You will leave for Ko Pha-Ngan on the 25th (Sun).
Find places to stay Dec 24 — 25:
Ko Pha-Ngan, Thailand — 2 nights
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Ko Phangan vacations serve as an ideal escape for backpackers and other spontaneous travelers.Kick off your visit on the 25th (Sun): tour the pleasant surroundings at Hat Sadet Beach, contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Wat Phu Khao Noi, then get interesting insight from Tours, and finally enjoy the sand and surf at Haad Yao Beach. On the 26th (Mon), you'll have a packed day of sightseeing: contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Chao Mae Kuan Im Shrine, get outside with Haad Yuan Beach, then kick back and relax at The Secret Beach, and finally look for gifts at Pet Tawan Silver Jewelry.
To find traveler tips and more tourist information, go to the Ko Pha-Ngan road trip planning app.
Do a combination of flight, bus, and ferry from Bangkok to Ko Pha-Ngan in 4.5 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of train and ferry; or ride a ferry. In December in Ko Pha-Ngan, expect temperatures between 35°C during the day and 30°C at night. On the 27th (Tue), wrap the sightseeing up by early afternoon so you can travel to Phuket Town.
Find places to stay Dec 25 — 27:
Highlights from your trip
Phuket Town, Thailand — 3 nights
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The economic hub of the eponymous island, Phuket Town attracted merchants from China, India, and Portugal long before it became a tourist destination.On the 28th (Wed), explore the engaging exhibits at Phuket 3D Museum, then enjoy the sand and surf at Rawai Beach, and then don't miss a visit to Big Buddha Phuket. On the next day, stroll through The Gibbon Rehabilitation Project (GRP), kick back and relax at Patong Beach, and then browse the different shops at Instyle Bespoke Tailors.
For photos, where to stay, more things to do, and tourist information, read Phuket Town trip itinerary tool.
You can do a combination of ferry, bus, and flight from Ko Pha-Ngan to Phuket Town in 5.5 hours. Other options are to ride a ferry; or do a combination of ferry and bus. Traveling from Ko Pha-Ngan in December, you can expect nighttime temperatures to be little chillier in Phuket Town, with lows of 26°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 30th (Fri) to allow time to travel to Bangkok.
Side Trips
Find places to stay Dec 27 — 30:
Highlights from your trip
©
City of Angels
On the 30th (Fri), contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Wat Benchamabophit Dusitwanaram.
To see where to stay, photos, maps, and more tourist information, go to the Bangkok trip itinerary builder website.
Getting from Phuket Town to Bangkok by combination of bus and flight takes about 4.5 hours. Other options: drive; or take a bus. Wrap up your sightseeing by early afternoon on the 30th (Fri) to allow enough time to fly to Seoul.
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To see where to stay, photos, maps, and more tourist information, go to the Bangkok trip itinerary builder website.
Getting from Phuket Town to Bangkok by combination of bus and flight takes about 4.5 hours. Other options: drive; or take a bus. Wrap up your sightseeing by early afternoon on the 30th (Fri) to allow enough time to fly to Seoul.
Find places to stay Dec 30 — 31:
Highlights from your trip
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Seoul, South Korea — 3 nights
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One of east Asia's major cultural and financial centers, Seoul boasts five World Heritage Sites and a huge selection of museums, temples, shrines, palaces, parks, gardens, and glass-and-steel skyscrapers.Start off your visit on the 31st (Sat): explore the wealth of natural beauty at Bukhansan National Park. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the 1st (Sun): appreciate the extensive heritage of Cheonggyecheon Stream, then wander the streets of Insadong, and then take an in-depth tour of Gyeongbokgung Palace.
To find reviews, maps, ratings, and other tourist information, read Seoul attractions app.
Traveling by flight from Bangkok to Seoul takes 8 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or do a combination of train, car, bus, taxi, ferry, and subway. Traveling from Bangkok to Seoul, you'll lose 2 hours due to the time zone difference. In December, Seoul is cooler than Bangkok - with highs of 3°C and lows of -5°C. Wrap up your sightseeing by early afternoon on the 2nd (Mon) to allow time for the flight to Busan.
Find places to stay Dec 30 — Jan 2:
Highlights from your trip
Busan, South Korea — 3 nights
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The country's second city, Busan has often been referred to as South Korea's summer capital.Your cultural itinerary includes sights like Beomeosa Temple and Busan Museum of Art. Get in touch with nature at Haeundae Beach and Yeojwacheon Stream. There's lots more to do: browse the eclectic array of goods at Jagalchi Market, stop by Haeundae Market, enjoy the sand and surf at Dadaepo Beach, and get outside with Songjeong Beach.
Inspirock's itinerary builder makes planning a Busan trip simple and quick.
Fly from Seoul to Busan in 2.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train; or drive. Traveling from Seoul in January, things will get a bit warmer in Busan: highs are around 7°C and lows about -3°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 5th (Thu) early enough to take a train to Daegu.
Side Trip
Find places to stay Jan 2 — 5:
Highlights from your trip
Daegu, South Korea — 1 night
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The fourth-largest city in South Korea, Daegu sprawls out across a wide, flat valley overlooked by a sacred Buddhist mountain.Kick off your visit on the 6th (Fri): contemplate the long history of Donghwasa, browse the eclectic array of goods at Seomun Market, then examine the collection at Daegu Safety Theme Park, and finally wander the streets of Bongsan Culture Street.
To find reviews, where to stay, and tourist information, use the Daegu online day trip planner.
Take a train from Busan to Daegu in an hour. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a bus. In January, daily temperatures in Daegu can reach 6°C, while at night they dip to -3°C. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 6th (Fri) so you can catch the train back home.
Find places to stay Jan 5 — 6:
Highlights from your trip
Thailand travel guide
Land of Smiles
Offering a rich culinary heritage, sun-kissed beaches, exotic culture, tropical climate, and stunning landscapes, a Thailand vacation remains one of the world's greatest magnets for curious travelers. In between the busy and crowded cities, the Asian nation features a quiet countryside: a blend of lush rice paddies, flourishing tropical forests, and tiny villages living according to an age-old agricultural clock that continues to play a major role in the locals' lifestyle. A tour of Thailand reveals a deep devotion to Buddhism, exemplified by eye-catching temples lavishly decorated with golden Buddha statues, simple shrines, and lively religious festivals celebrated throughout the country.
South Korea travel guide
Land of the Morning Calm
Though it boasts a history spanning thousands of years, South Korea ranks among the world's most urbanized and modernized countries, with nearly half of its population living in high-rises concentrated in the national capital. In this land of pristine mountain scenery, many South Korea vacations involve some form of winter sports--not surprising for the country that won the bid to host the 2018 Winter Olympics. Curious travelers wishing to get to know South Korea's heart and soul spend only a small part of their holiday in big cities like Busan and Seoul, devoting much of their attention to the tranquil countryside that seems largely untouched by the 21st century.
