7-Day Thailand Travel Itinerary — Bangkok, Chiang Mai & Phuket
Duration
7 Days
Country
Thailand
Best Time
November–April (dry season)
Overview
Thailand offers one of the world's best value travel experiences — ancient temples, tropical beaches, world-famous street food, and warm hospitality all at budget-friendly prices. This 7-day itinerary covers Bangkok's temples and nightlife, Chiang Mai's elephant sanctuaries and mountain temples, and Phuket's white-sand beaches.
Thailand is the perfect introduction to Southeast Asia — incredibly easy to travel, massively diverse in experience, with food so good it has a global following. The Thais' reputation for friendliness (the 'Land of Smiles') is fully earned.
Complete Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive Bangkok — Temples & Street Food
10:00 — Arrive Suvarnabhumi Airport
Clear immigration (visa exemption stamp), take Airport Rail Link to city. Check in, freshen up.
14:00 — Wat Pho & Grand Palace
Wat Pho houses the 46m Reclining Buddha (one of Thailand's most impressive sights). The Grand Palace next door is Thailand's most visited attraction.
18:00 — Khao San Road & Street Food
The legendary backpacker street has the best street food concentration in Bangkok. Try pad thai, mango sticky rice, coconut ice cream.
Hotel
The Sukhothai Bangkok or NapPark Hostel (budget)
Restaurant
Thip Samai Pad Thai (best pad thai in Bangkok)
Transport
Airport Rail Link to Phaya Thai (฿45, 30 min)
Day 2: Bangkok — Floating Market & Rooftop
07:00 — Amphawa Floating Market
Arrive early to see vendors selling from boats on the canal. Freshest seafood, fruit, and traditional Thai sweets.
Tip: Go on weekends when it's most active (Fri–Sun)
13:00 — Jim Thompson House & MOCA Museum
Jim Thompson's stunning Thai silk mansion is a masterpiece of traditional Thai architecture. MoCA Bangkok has Thailand's best contemporary art collection.
18:30 — Rooftop Bar at Lebua Sky Bar
The iconic bar from 'The Hangover 2' — sunset cocktails 63 floors above Bangkok. Smart casual dress required.
Hotel
Same
Restaurant
Asiatique night market
Transport
Tuk-tuk/Grab to pier, Chao Phraya Express Boat (฿15–32)
Day 3: Fly to Chiang Mai — Elephants & Night Bazaar
08:00 — Morning flight to Chiang Mai
Early flight recommended. Chiang Mai Airport is 10 min from city. Settle in the Old City area.
13:00 — Ethical Elephant Sanctuary
Elephant Nature Park or Ran-Tong are the top ethical sanctuaries — no riding, no hooks, full-day programme with feeding and bathing.
19:00 — Chiang Mai Night Bazaar
The famous walking street market with handicrafts, clothing, art, and street food. Tha Phae Gate area is most atmospheric.
Hotel
Rachamankha Hotel or Zest Hostel
Restaurant
Huen Phen for authentic northern Thai khao soi
Transport
Bangkok → Chiang Mai: AirAsia/Thai Smile (~1hr, ฿700–1,500)
Day 4: Chiang Mai — Doi Suthep & Cooking Class
07:30 — Doi Suthep Temple
Sacred mountain temple 15km from city at 1,073m elevation. 309 steps to the top with views over Chiang Mai. Go early for cooler weather.
13:00 — Thai Cooking Class
Half-day class at Thai Farm Cooking School or Baan Thai — market tour, learn 4–5 dishes, eat your creations.
17:30 — Old City Temples Walk
Wander the moat-surrounded Old City to visit Wat Chedi Luang (massive ruined chedi) and Wat Phra Singh (finest Lanna architecture).
Hotel
Same
Restaurant
Cooking class lunch + dinner at Dash! Restaurant
Transport
Songthaew (red truck taxi) to Doi Suthep ฿50–80
Day 5: Fly to Phuket — Patong & Kata Beach
08:00 — Morning flight to Phuket
Head to Phuket Airport — taxi to south beaches (Kata/Karon) takes 45 min.
13:00 — Kata Beach & Big Buddha
White sand beach for a swim, then drive up to the 45m white marble Big Buddha with panoramic views of Phuket.
18:00 — Patong Beach & Bangla Road
Phuket's most famous beach at sunset, then explore the neon-lit Bangla Road entertainment strip.
Tip: The walking street gets very lively after 9pm
Hotel
Novotel Phuket Kata Avista or Lub d Phuket (budget)
Restaurant
Kata Rocks restaurant or beachside seafood BBQ
Transport
Chiang Mai → Phuket: AirAsia (~1.5hr, ฿800–2,000)
Day 6: Phuket — Phi Phi Islands Day Trip
07:30 — Phi Phi Islands Speedboat Tour
Visit the stunning Maya Bay (The Beach movie location), Monkey Beach, Viking Cave, and snorkel at Phi Phi Leh. Book through your hotel.
13:00 — Phi Phi Don — explore the island
The inhabited island has excellent snorkelling, restaurants, and viewpoint hikes. Viewpoint climb takes 30 min and rewards with extraordinary views.
17:00 — Return to Phuket — sunset at Promthep Cape
The southernmost point of Phuket offers the island's most dramatic sunset. Bring a camera.
Hotel
Same
Restaurant
Fresh seafood lunch on Phi Phi, beachside dinner back in Phuket
Transport
Speedboat tour (฿1,500–2,500 from Phuket pier)
Day 7: Last Morning — Phuket Old Town & Departure
09:00 — Phuket Old Town
The Sino-Portuguese heritage town has beautifully preserved shophouses, street art, and excellent coffee shops. Thalang Road is the most photogenic.
12:00 — Head to Phuket Airport
Allow 2 hours for airport. Duty-free shopping — Thai silk, orchid products, and coffee make great souvenirs.
Tip: Claim VAT refund at the airport for purchases over ฿5,000
14:00+ — Departure
Sawadee, Thailand! Most international flights from Phuket depart in the afternoon or overnight.
Hotel
Check out
Restaurant
Breakfast at Kopitiam by Wilai (Phuket Old Town)
Transport
Taxi to Phuket Airport ฿600–800
Expert Travel Tips
Download Grab (Southeast Asia's Uber) — always use it over tuk-tuks for fair prices
Dress modestly (shoulders and knees covered) for temple visits
Never touch a monk or hand things directly to them (especially women)
Bargain at markets but do so respectfully — start at 50% of asking price
Carry ฿100 notes — small vendors often can't break large bills
The king is deeply revered — never disrespect images of the royal family
Sunscreen, mosquito repellent, and anti-diarrhoeal medication are essential
Packing List
Visa Planning Notes
Thailand offers visa-free entry for citizens of 60+ countries for 60 days (recently extended from 30 days). This includes the UK, USA, EU, Australia, and most Asian nations. Others can apply for a tourist visa (฿2,000 single entry) at a Thai embassy. Check thaievisa.go.th for current requirements. This itinerary is a sample travel plan and does not guarantee visa approval.
Check your visa eligibilityFrequently Asked Questions
Do I need a visa for Thailand?
Citizens of 60+ countries receive free visa exemption for 60 days on arrival including the UK, USA, EU, Australia, and Japan. Others can apply for a tourist visa through a Thai embassy (~฿2,000). Check thaievisa.go.th for your nationality.
Is 7 days enough for Thailand?
7 days is enough to cover Bangkok, one northern city, and beaches. For full coverage of Thailand including Koh Samui, Pai, or Krabi, 10–14 days is better.
Is Thailand safe?
Thailand is generally safe for tourists. Common issues: scams in tourist areas, road safety (motorbike accidents are the #1 cause of tourist injury), jellyfish at beaches. Travel insurance is essential.
What is the best time to visit Thailand?
November–April (dry season) is best across most regions. The south (Phuket, Krabi) has good weather September–May on the Andaman coast.
How much does a 7-day Thailand trip cost?
A mid-range budget is approximately $600–900 USD all-inclusive excluding international flights — roughly $85–130/day covering accommodation, food, domestic transport, and activities.
Official Resources
Weather
Dry season (Nov–Apr): 25–35°C, sunny. Wet season (May–Oct): 28–35°C with heavy rain and cheaper prices.
Getting Around
Bangkok: BTS Skytrain and MRT Metro cover most tourist areas (฿16–59/ride). Between cities: cheap domestic flights with AirAsia or Bangkok Airways. Tuk-tuks and taxis (always use meter or Grab app).
Written By
Nathalie Moreau
Reviewed by Travel Router Editorial Team
Updated: July 2025
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