13 Days in Thailand, Cambodia & Nepal: The Ultimate Southeast Asia Itinerary
This post may contain affiliate links. If you purchase something through that link, I will make a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thanks for your continued support!
Looking for a trip that’s packed with temples, tuk-tuks, elephants, and Himalayan views? This 13-day adventure through Thailand, Cambodia, and Nepal is one of our favorite fast-paced itineraries, and it delivers an unforgettable mix of culture, nature, and adventure.
This was our first big dive into Asia (aside from a brief layover in Russia years prior), and we couldn’t wait to explore it all. John was especially excited given two of his lifelong friends are Muay Thai and MMA instructors, so getting in the ring with them while soaking up the beauty of Southeast Asia made the trip even more personal.
From white-sand beaches in Phuket to ancient ruins in Cambodia and the mountain magic of Nepal, here’s exactly how we made the most of our two weeks. Bookmark this one for your bucket list!
Why You Should Visit Thailand, Cambodia & Nepal
If you’ve ever dreamed of bathing elephants, island-hopping on a long-tail boat, walking through temples from ancient empires, and flying past Himalayan peaks, then this trip is for you.
We packed a lot into this trip, but it struck the right balance of exploration and downtime. This itinerary is ideal for travelers who love a bit of everything: beaches, mountains, history, food, and immersive culture. It’s a whirlwind, but absolutely worth it.
Day 1: Arrive in Phuket, Thailand
After picking up our rental car in Phuket, we dove straight into the local culture… literally. John had a private Muay Thai session with one of his childhood friends, kicking off the trip with a sweat and a smile.
Day 2: Visit an Ethical Elephant Sanctuary
No riding, no chains, just ethical interaction with these gentle giants. We spent the day feeding, bathing, and walking with elephants at a sanctuary just outside Phuket. Easily one of our most heartwarming days.
Day 3: Scenic Drive to Phang Nga + Stay at Beyond Skywalk
We headed north toward Phang Nga and checked into Beyond Skywalk, a stunning resort with panoramic views. Tucked into the mountains, it was the perfect reset.
Day 4: Sunrise + Krabi Island Adventures
We chased the most amazing sunrise views over James Bond Island before making the rest of the trip to Krabi, where we checked into an overwater bungalow. That afternoon, we hopped on a private long-tail boat to visit the neighboring Railay Beach!
Day 5: Private Speedboat to James Bond & Hong Islands
A private speedboat took us to some of Thailand’s most famous spots: James Bond Island and the dreamy Hong Islands. Turquoise waters, limestone cliffs, and fewer crowds made it an unforgettable day.
Day 6: Phi Phi Islands + Fly to Chiang Mai
One of the best decisions we made? Adding a private boat day to explore the world-famous Phi Phi Islands (this is a share option!). We snorkeled in crystal-clear water, swam in hidden lagoons, and visited Maya Bay (made famous by The Beach). A luxury touch to an otherwise fast-paced trip, and worth every penny. That evening, we flew up north to Chiang Mai just in time for New Year’s Eve tomorrow.
Day 7: Flytographer Shoot + Tha Phae Gate Lantern Release
We kicked off new year’s eve with a professional photoshoot in Chiang Mai’s Old City, followed by a magical evening watching thousands of lanterns float into the night sky at Tha Phae Gate. The streets were festive, the lanterns were glowing, and the energy was contagious.
Day 8: Fly to Bangkok + Explore Chinatown
We flew to Bangkok and hit the ground running with a self-guided food and market tour. That night, we wandered through the neon-lit alleys of Chinatown, eating our way through dumplings and spicy noodles.
Day 9: Day Trip to Angkor Wat, Cambodia
A quick international border crossing took us to Cambodia for the day. We hired a private tuk-tuk driver to explore Angkor Wat, including iconic spots like Ta Prohm (yes, the Tomb Raider temple!). It’s one of those bucket list places that’s even better in person.
Day 10: Railway Market, Floating Market & Ayutthaya Private Tour
We booked a private full-day tour to explore Thailand’s famous Railway Market (yes, the one where trains pass through the vendors), the Floating Market, and the historic ruins of Ayutthaya. We wrapped up the day on lively Khao San Road.
Day 11: Fly to Kathmandu, Nepal
Time for a change of scenery! We flew to Kathmandu to begin the Himalayan leg of our journey. The city is chaotic, colorful, and culturally rich. We spent the day walking through ancient squares and soaking up the spiritual vibe, plus eating up all of the most delicious momos!
Day 12: Attempted Everest Helicopter Tour
This was the big day we were waiting for, but weather had other plans. Our helicopter tour to Everest was canceled due to poor visibility.
Pro tip: always build in an extra day for a backup!
Day 13: Backup Everest Day or Explore More of Kathmandu
We gave Everest one more shot (still no luck… thank you monsoon season), so we spent our last day shopping for prayer flags, sipping masala tea, and visiting the peaceful Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple) before flying home.
Why This 13-Day Itinerary is Worth It
From Muay Thai lessons and floating markets in Thailand to ancient temples in Cambodia and the mystique of Nepal, this trip was the definition of adventure. Even when plans didn’t go as expected (ahem, Everest), the experiences were nothing short of magical.
If you're looking to explore Southeast Asia beyond just beaches or want a sampler platter of culture, nature, and adventure, this itinerary hits all the right notes.
Whether you’re planning your honeymoon, a bucket list birthday trip, or just ready for something new, don’t sleep on this part of the world. And if you ever need help planning? You know where to find me!
