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Key Takeaways
- Best time to visit Thailand: November to February (cool season)
- Must-see cities: Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket, and Ayutthaya
- Budget per day: $50-100 USD for mid-range travel
- Transportation: Mix of flights, trains, and local transport
- Top attractions: Grand Palace, Wat Pho, Phi Phi Islands
- Local tips: Use public transport in Bangkok, visit temples early
Days 1-3: Bangkok – The City That Never Sleeps
When I first moved to Bangkok, I was amazed by how the city mixes old and new. The contrast between gleaming skyscrapers and ancient temples is simply breathtaking. As you walk through busy streets with food vendors and shopping malls, you will find hidden temples in surprising places. Here’s what you shouldn’t miss on your first day exploring this fascinating city:
Day 1: Temple Tour
- Morning: Visit the Grand Palace (open 8:30 AM – 3:30 PM) – This stunning complex was home to Thai kings for 150 years. Plan to spend at least 2-3 hours exploring the intricate architecture and sacred temples.
- Afternoon: Visit Wat Pho and the Reclining Buddha. It has the largest reclining Buddha in Thailand. The statue is 46 meters long and covered in gold leaf. Don’t miss the traditional Thai massage school here!
- Evening: Take a boat ride on the Chao Phraya River – Watch the sunset as you cruise past illuminated temples and modern buildings. I recommend taking a dinner cruise for the full experience.
Pro tip: Wear clothes that cover your shoulders and knees for temples! They take dress codes seriously, and while you can rent cover-ups at most temples, it’s better to come prepared. I also suggest bringing a small towel to wipe away sweat – Bangkok can get extremely hot!
Day 2: Local Life
- Morning: Visit Chatuchak Weekend Market (if it’s the weekend). This large market has more than 15,000 stalls.
You can find everything from vintage clothes to exotic pets. Get there early to beat the crowds and heat! I recommend trying the coconut ice cream and mango sticky rice from the food section.
- Afternoon: Enjoy street food in Chinatown (Yaowarat). Great food stalls fill the bright neon signs and busy streets. Don’t miss the oyster omelettes, dim sum, and grilled seafood. My favorite spot is the ancient shophouse serving bird’s nest soup!
- Evening: Visit a rooftop bar for city views – Bangkok’s skyline is magical at night. I love Moon Bar at Banyan Tree or Sky Bar at Lebua (from The Hangover movie). Dress smart casual and arrive before sunset for the best experience.
Day 3: Culture and Shopping
- Morning: Jim Thompson House – Explore the amazing world of silk and Thai architecture at this lovely teak house complex. The mysterious disappearance of Jim Thompson adds intrigue to this must-visit spot. Take the guided tour to learn about the incredible history and art collection.
- Afternoon: Shop at Siam Square – This is Bangkok’s modern heart of fashion and trends. From luxury malls like Siam Paragon to local boutiques, you’ll find everything here. Cool off in the air conditioning and don’t forget to try the food courts for authentic Thai dishes!
- Evening: Thai massage – After all that walking, treat yourself to a traditional Thai massage. I recommend Health Land or Divana Spa for clean, professional services. A 2-hour massage will help you recover and prepare for the next leg of your journey.
Days 4-6: Chiang Mai – The Northern Rose
Day 4: Old City Exploration
- Morning: Visit Wat Phra Singh. This beautiful 14th-century temple shows classic Lanna architecture. It also holds the famous Phra Singh Buddha image.
Arrive early to see monks collecting alms and enjoy the peaceful morning atmosphere. The gold-decorated assembly hall is particularly breathtaking.
- In the afternoon, take a walking tour of the old city temples. Stroll along the historic city walls. Discover hidden temples like Wat Chedi Luang, which has a large, partially ruined pagoda.
Visit Wat Pan Tao, a lovely wooden temple. The narrow sois (lanes) between temples offer glimpses of local life and plenty of coffee shops for breaks.
- Evening: Sunday Walking Street (if it’s Sunday) – This well-known market turns the main street of the old city into a lively bazaar. You can find local crafts, street performances, and delicious food here. Try the sai oua (northern Thai sausage) and khao soi (curry noodle soup) from street vendors. If it’s not Sunday, visit the equally charming Night Bazaar.
Day 5: Nature and Wildlife
- Full day: Visit an ethical elephant sanctuary. Spend a wonderful day at one of Chiang Mai’s trusted elephant sanctuaries.
You can watch, feed, and help bathe these gentle giants. Learn about elephant conservation and why it’s important to avoid riding them. Most sanctuaries provide a vegetarian lunch and round-trip transportation from your hotel.
- Evening: Traditional Khantoke dinner – Enjoy northern Thai culture with this special dinner. You will sit on floor cushions around a low teak table.
Enjoy local dishes such as nam prik noom (green chili dip) and hang lay curry. You can watch traditional Lanna dance performances while you eat. I recommend the Old Chiang Mai Cultural Center for an authentic experience.
Day 6: Local Learning
- Morning: Thai cooking class – Start with a local market tour to learn about Thai ingredients and herbs. Then cook 4-5 dishes in an open-air kitchen, typically including pad thai, green curry, and mango sticky rice. Most schools let you choose your dishes and provide recipe books to take home. I love Mama Noi’s Cooking School for their organic garden and comprehensive instruction.
- Afternoon: Doi Suthep temple – Take a scenic drive up the mountain to this sacred temple with stunning city views. Beautiful naga serpents flank the 309 steps up to the temple, and the golden chedi holds Buddha relics. Time your visit for late afternoon to avoid crowds and heat. The monks’ chanting at sunset is unforgettable.
- Evening: Night bazaar – End your Chiang Mai stay at this sprawling market filled with handicrafts, textiles, and street food. Practice your bargaining skills when buying souvenirs.
Enjoy live music at the food court. Try local treats like mango sticky rice or coconut pancakes. Don’t miss the indoor Kalare Food Center for dinner!
Days 7-9: Phuket – Island Paradise
Day 7: Beach Time
- Morning: Arrive in Phuket – After a short flight, check into your hotel and get settled. I recommend staying in the Kata or Karon beach area for a perfect mix of relaxation and convenience. Most hotels offer airport pickup services, which I highly recommend booking in advance.
- Afternoon: Relax at Kata Beach – One of Phuket’s most beautiful beaches with soft white sand and clear waters. Rent a beach chair (~200 baht), try some fresh coconut water, and take a dip in the crystal-clear Andaman Sea. Restaurants and massage places line the beach if you need a break from the sun.
- Evening: Sunset at Promthep Cape – This stunning viewpoint offers Phuket’s most spectacular sunset views. Arrive 30-45 minutes before sunset to get a good spot.
Bring your camera! The sun sets over the Andaman Sea, with traditional longtail boats in the foreground. This is a photo opportunity you won’t want to miss!
Day 8: Island Hopping
- Full day: Phi Phi Islands tour – An unforgettable speedboat adventure to the famous Phi Phi Islands. Visit Maya Bay, where “The Beach” was filmed.
- Snorkel in clear waters filled with colorful fish. Enjoy a Thai buffet lunch on Phi Phi Don.
- Book with a good tour company. I recommend Phuket Island Hopper or Seahorse Marine. They offer great service and smaller groups.
- Evening: Night market visit – Experience the vibrant Malin Plaza Night Market in Patong. Sample local street food like grilled seafood, mango sticky rice, and fresh fruit smoothies. The market also offers great shopping for souvenirs, local crafts, and clothing at bargain prices. Don’t forget to practice your bargaining skills!
Day 9: Adventure Day
- Morning: Impressive 45-meter tall Buddha visit – Start early to beat the heat and crowds at this white marble statue. The winding drive up offers incredible island views. Take time to walk around the base, ring the lucky bells, and write your wish on a ceremonial roof tile. Remember to dress respectfully – they provide sarongs if needed.
- Afternoon: Thai boxing class or spa. You can choose between an exciting Muay Thai class at a real boxing gym or enjoy a relaxing spa treatment. I recommend Tiger Muay Thai or Kingka for the class. The coconut oil massages at Oasis Spa are heavenly after days of activities!
- Evening: Walk through Old Phuket Town – Explore the charming Sino-Portuguese architecture and vibrant street art of the old town. Stop at the famous Raya Restaurant for authentic southern Thai cuisine, then enjoy local craft beer at Bootleggers or traditional Thai desserts at Torry’s Ice Cream. The weekend walking street market is especially lively if you’re lucky with timing.
Day 10: Ayutthaya – Ancient Capital
Final Day
- Morning: Train to Ayutthaya – Take the early morning train from Bangkok’s Hua Lamphong Station to the ancient capital (about 1.5 hours). The third-class fan cars offer a fun local experience, but air-conditioned second class is more comfortable. Grab breakfast at the station’s food stalls – the pa thong ko (Thai donuts) with coffee is perfect for the journey!
- Afternoon: Bike tour of temples – Rent a bicycle to explore the UNESCO World Heritage ruins at your own pace. Must-see sites include Wat Mahathat (famous for the Buddha head in tree roots), Wat Phra Si Sanphet (the grand former royal temple), and Wat Chaiwatthanaram (best for sunset photos). Stay hydrated and take breaks at local cafes – the coconut ice cream vendors near the temples are lifesavers in the heat!
- Evening: Return to Bangkok – Catch the late afternoon train back to Bangkok, watching the sun set over the rice fields. Consider stopping at Sala Ayutthaya restaurant by the river for a memorable final dinner in Thailand. Their contemporary Thai dishes and riverside views of illuminated temples provide a perfect farewell to your amazing journey.
Getting Around
Transport Tips
- Use the BTS Skytrain in Bangkok
- Book domestic flights early
- Try the overnight train to Chiang Mai
- Use Grab (like Uber) in cities
Where to Stay
Bangkok
- Budget: $20-30/night
- Mid-range: $50-80/night
- Luxury: $150+/night
Chiang Mai
- Budget: $15-25/night
- Mid-range: $40-60/night
- Luxury: $100+/night
Phuket
- Budget: $25-35/night
- Mid-range: $60-100/night
- Luxury: $200+/night
Food Guide
Must-Try Dishes
- Pad Thai
- Tom Yum Goong
- Green Curry
- Mango Sticky Rice
- Som Tam (Papaya Salad)
Packing List
Essential Items
- Light, breathable clothes
- Walking shoes
- Temple-appropriate clothing
- Sunscreen
- Mosquito repellent
- Power adapter
- Rain jacket (in rainy season)
Money Matters
Daily Budget Guide
- Budget: $30-50
- Mid-range: $50-100
- Luxury: $200+
Weather Tips
Best Times to Visit
- Cool season (November-February)
- Hot season (March-May)
- Rainy season (June-October)
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Thailand safe for tourists?
Yes! Thailand is generally very safe for tourists. Just use common sense like you would anywhere else.
Do I need a visa?
Many countries get 30-day visa-free entry. Check your country’s requirements before traveling.
Can I drink tap water?
No, stick to bottled water. It’s cheap and available everywhere.
How much Thai do I need to know?
Learning basic phrases like “hello” (sawadee ka/krap) and “thank you” (khob khun) is helpful but not required.
What’s the best way to handle money?
Use ATMs for cash and carry some backup USD. Credit cards work in most places.
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