Make this trip your own
Create your own free, personalized itinerary in seconds — then sign up to save and edit it.
Create my version

Best of Thailand: 3 Days in Phuket, 2 Days in Bangkok, 1 Day in Pattaya

Viewed by 81 travelers
Day 1 · Sun, Dec 7
Phuket

Arrival in Phuket & Beach Relaxation

2:00 PM:

Arrive at Phuket International Airport (HKT). Collect luggage, clear immigration, and meet your pre-booked taxi or hotel transfer to Patong; travel time ~45-60 minutes depending on traffic.

3:15 PM:

Check in at your hotel in Patong—suggestions: Amari Phuket for a quieter luxury option on the headland, or Novotel Phuket Patong for beachfront convenience. Drop bags, freshen up, and ask the concierge for a towel and beach map.

4:00 PM:

Stroll down to Patong Beach. Walk the shoreline, rent a sun lounger and umbrella from a beachfront vendor, and take your first swim in the Andaman Sea to unwind after travel.

5:00 PM:

Enjoy light bites and a cold drink at Cafe del Mar Phuket (or the hotel pool bar). Watch the late-afternoon light on the water and plan tomorrow’s island-hopping options—Phi Phi or Phang Nga Bay.

6:00 PM:

Head back to your room to shower and change for dinner. If you prefer quieter surroundings, freshen up for a short taxi ride to Kamala or Karon for a different evening vibe.

7:00 PM:

Dinner at hometown-favourite Ka Jok See (Patong) for lively Thai fusion and entertainment, or for seafood lovers, book a table at No.9 2nd Seafood Restaurant (Patong) to try grilled prawns and tom yum kung.

8:30 PM:

Take an after-dinner walk along Bangla Road to experience Phuket nightlife—bars, live music, and street performers. If you prefer low-key, enjoy a cocktail at the rooftop bar at The Kee Resort & Spa overlooking Patong.

9:30 PM:

Optional: Enjoy a traditional Thai massage at Healthland Spa Patong (book ahead) or Oasis Spa for a relaxing one-hour treatment to recover from the flight and walking.

10:30 PM:

Return to your hotel. Prepare items for tomorrow’s island-hopping excursion—swimwear, sunscreen, passport copy, waterproof phone case, and any medication. Confirm pick-up time with your tour operator (typically 7:00-7:30 AM).

11:00 PM:

Lights out or enjoy a nightcap on your balcony listening to the sea. Rest early to be ready for an active day exploring nearby islands tomorrow.

Day 2 · Mon, Dec 8
Phuket

Island Hopping — Phi Phi or Phang Nga Bay

6:00 AM:

Wake up early, enjoy a light hotel breakfast or grab a takeaway from the buffet; double-check you have sunscreen, swimwear, cash, passport copy and waterproof phone case for today’s boat tour.

6:45 AM:

Meet your tour operator in the hotel lobby — most Phi Phi and Phang Nga Bay tours (e.g., Simba Sea Trips, Phi Phi Cruiser, or Sea Star Andaman) pick up between 6:45-7:30 AM; driver will transfer you to the pier.

7:30 AM:

Arrive at the pier (Chalong Pier for most speedboat tours or Rassada for larger boats). Check in, board the boat and listen to the safety briefing while enjoying coffee and fresh fruit served by the crew.

8:00 AM:

Depart for your chosen route. If you selected Phi Phi, the speedboat will cut across to Phi Phi Islands (approx. 1.5-2 hours); if Phang Nga Bay, the cruise heads north toward dramatic limestone karsts (approx. 1-1.5 hours).

9:30 AM:

Phi Phi option: Arrive at Maya Bay or Monkey Beach vicinity for panoramic views and short photo stops; snorkel over coral and tropical fish at a shallow reef spot near Bamboo Island. Phang Nga option: Enter Koh Hong or go by canoe into sea caves (Hongs) for intimate scenery.

11:00 AM:

Phi Phi option: Enjoy a beach stop on Phi Phi Don or Phi Phi Leh—swim in turquoise water and relax on white sand. Phang Nga option: Visit James Bond Island (Koh Tapu) for iconic photo ops and explore the fishermen village of Koh Panyi (stilt village) if included.

12:30 PM:

Lunch served on board or on a beach depending on tour — typically Thai buffet with grilled fish, chicken satay, papaya salad, sticky rice and fresh fruit; sample local dishes and refill on water after snorkeling.

1:30 PM:

Afternoon snorkeling or kayaking session: Phi Phi tours often stop at snorkeling spots near Mosquito or Bida Nok; Phang Nga tours offer sea-canoe paddles through limestone caves and mangroves (equipment and short guide briefing provided).

3:00 PM:

Leisure time on a quieter island beach—swim, sunbathe, or walk the shoreline and take photos; purchase a coconut or cold drink from a beach vendor if available.

4:00 PM:

Begin return journey to Phuket; relax on deck, enjoy light snacks or afternoon tea offered on board, and watch the coastline glide by as the late afternoon sun softens the sea.

5:30 PM:

Arrive back at Chalong/Rassada Pier and transfer by hotel shuttle or taxi to Patong; freshen up at your hotel and rest briefly before evening plans.

7:00 PM:

Dinner at Kan Eang@Pier (Chalong) for excellent seafood and sunset views if you prefer to dine near the pier, or return to Patong and try Savoey Seafood for classic Phuket seafood dishes on Bangla Road’s edge.

8:30 PM:

If you’re still energized, take a stroll along Patong Beach or visit the OTOP Market for souvenirs and local snacks; alternatively book an evening Muay Thai show (Bangla Boxing Stadium) or cabaret at Simon Cabaret for lively entertainment.

10:00 PM:

Treat yourself to a Thai massage to soothe sore muscles after snorkeling — Healthland Spa Patong or Oasis Spa Phuket both offer late-evening appointments (book ahead).

11:00 PM:

Return to your hotel, upload photos from the day, charge devices, and lay out items for tomorrow’s cultural day; sleep early to be refreshed for temple visits and Promthep Cape at sunset.

Day 3 · Tue, Dec 9
Phuket

Phuket Cultural Sights & Sunset at Promthep Cape

6:30 AM:

Wake up and enjoy an early hotel breakfast — choose fresh tropical fruit, jasmine rice porridge, and coffee; confirm transport or taxi for the morning temple route with the concierge.

7:30 AM:

Depart Patong for Wat Chalong (approx. 30-40 minutes by taxi). Use the ride to review the day’s map and carry sunscreen, hat, and water for walking around the temple grounds.

8:15 AM:

Arrive at Wat Chalong, Phuket’s largest and most venerated Buddhist temple; explore the ornate chapel, see the Phra Chao Than Jai shrine, and learn about the temple’s history from information plaques.

9:00 AM:

Walk the temple complex, light incense and a candle if you wish, and climb to viewpoints around the site for a calm panoramic perspective of the surrounding green hills.

9:45 AM:

Short taxi ride to Big Buddha (Naka Hill) — the 45-meter white marble statue is a peaceful spot for photos and sweeping views; take your time to wander the terraces and donation halls.

10:15 AM:

Arrive at Big Buddha; spend time at the base, read the memorial plaques, and enjoy coconut water from the nearby vendors while taking in the coastal vistas toward Kata and Karon.

11:00 AM:

Head down toward Old Phuket Town (approx. 35 minutes). Use this transfer to relax and change into comfortable shoes for strolling the Sino-Portuguese streets.

11:45 AM:

Begin a walking tour of Old Phuket Town — wander Thalang and Phang Nga streets to admire colorful Sino-Portuguese shophouses, street art, and small galleries; stop for photos at Soi Romanee.

12:30 PM:

Lunch at Raya Heritage (or Tu Kab Khao) to sample authentic Phuket dishes such as Hokkien mee, massaman curry, and crab omelette in a heritage setting.

1:30 PM:

Visit the Thai Hua Museum or the Phuket Trickeye Museum (depending on interest) for cultural context — Thai Hua provides local history while Trickeye is a lighthearted 3D art experience for fun photos.

2:15 PM:

Coffee and dessert break at Kopi De Phuket or The Circle Coffee Boutique — try a local kopi or coconut custard pancake and rest for a few minutes before afternoon exploration.

2:45 PM:

Drive toward Karon viewpoint and Kata Noi for short coastal panoramas (approx. 25-30 minutes). Stop for quick photos and to feel the seaside breeze before continuing to Promthep Cape.

3:30 PM:

Arrive at Promthep Cape early to secure a good viewing spot; walk the headland trail, explore the small shrine, and browse stalls selling cold drinks and local snacks while waiting for sunset.

4:30 PM:

Enjoy light snorkeling or a brief swim at nearby Nai Harn or Kata Noi Beach if you want to cool off before sunset; otherwise, relax at a café near Promthep and sample fresh coconut or iced tea.

5:15 PM:

Return to Promthep Cape to settle in for sunset; vendors may offer grilled corn and mango sticky rice — pick up a snack and prepare your camera for golden-hour shots of the Andaman Sea.

5:45 PM:

Sunset at Promthep Cape — watch the sky shift through dramatic colors as the sun dips; take panoramic photos and soak in the romantic atmosphere that draws visitors each evening.

6:30 PM:

After sunset, drive back toward Patong or choose a seaside dinner near Rawai/Chalong. Enjoy the relaxed ride and reflect on the day’s cultural highlights.

7:15 PM:

Dinner at Mom Tri’s Kitchen (Kata) for beachfront fine dining and seafood, or head to La Gritta (Patong) for Italian with sunset views if you prefer returning closer to your hotel.

8:45 PM:

If in Patong, take a post-dinner stroll along the beach or visit the Chillva Market (if open) for a local atmosphere, shopping, and live music; otherwise enjoy a quiet drink at your hotel bar.

9:30 PM:

Optional: Book a 60-90 minute treatment at Oasis Spa Phuket for an evening aromatherapy or Thai massage to unwind after a full day of sightseeing.

10:30 PM:

Return to your hotel, back up photos, and pack a small overnight bag if you’ll travel to Bangkok tomorrow; set alarms and confirm your transfer time with reception.

11:00 PM:

Lights out or enjoy a nightcap on your balcony listening to the sea — rest well for an early transfer to Bangkok and the next leg of your Thailand adventure.

Day 4 · Wed, Dec 10
Bangkok

Travel to Bangkok & Riverside Introduction

6:00 AM:

Wake early in Patong, finish packing and check out. Have a light hotel breakfast and confirm your airport transfer time with reception for your flight to Bangkok.

6:30 AM:

Hotel shuttle or taxi departs for Phuket International Airport (HKT). Expect a 45-60 minute ride—use this time to double-check travel documents and e-tickets.

8:00 AM:

Arrive at Phuket Airport, drop checked luggage, clear security and immigration, and grab a coffee or snack at the departure lounge. Board domestic flight to Bangkok (flight options: Bangkok Airways, Thai Vietjet, or Thai AirAsia).

9:30 AM:

Flight departs for Bangkok (approx. 1 hour 20 minutes). Relax, enjoy views, and review the afternoon river schedule; arrive at Suvarnabhumi (BKK) or Don Mueang (DMK) depending on carrier.

11:00 AM:

Arrive in Bangkok, collect luggage and take a pre-booked private transfer or Airport Rail Link + taxi to your riverside hotel—recommended hotels: Mandarin Oriental, Avani+ Riverside, or Chatrium Hotel Riverside Bangkok.

12:15 PM:

Check in (or drop bags if early) at your riverside hotel. Freshen up and ask concierge for a returned river map and boat schedules; request a river-facing table for later if you plan dinner on the water.

12:45 PM:

Lunch at The Never Ending Summer (Chalermla Park location) or Sala Rattanakosin Eatery near the river for modern Thai classics with views of Wat Arun. Sample som tum and a signature curry.

1:45 PM:

Walk to the nearest Chao Phraya Express Boat pier (usually Sathorn/Taksin BTS for many hotels). Purchase a day pass or individual tickets for river boat hopping and set out to explore the riverside.

2:00 PM:

Take the Chao Phraya Express Boat north to Tha Chang pier to stroll the precinct near the Grand Palace from the river perspective. Enjoy the rhythm of local river life and view ornate temple rooftops from the water.

2:30 PM:

Disembark at Tha Tien/Tha Chang and take a short tuk-tuk or walk to the nearby Wat Pho (Temple of the Reclining Buddha). Spend 45-60 minutes seeing the reclining Buddha, chedi and traditional massage school.

3:45 PM:

Return to the river via a short walk to Tha Tien pier and hop back on a cross-river ferry to visit Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn) on the Thonburi side for picturesque riverside architecture and photo opportunities.

4:30 PM:

Climb the lower terraces of Wat Arun for panoramic views over the Chao Phraya as late-afternoon light softens. Afterwards, wander the temple grounds and chat with friendly vendors selling iced coconut water.

5:15 PM:

Take the river boat southward to IconSiam pier and explore the riverside retail complex. Browse Thai craft stalls at the pop-up market and enjoy riverside promenades with modern Bangkok skyline views.

6:00 PM:

Early evening drinks at The Rooftop Bar at Sala Rattanakosin or a riverside cocktail at Sala Rattanakosin Eatery (if back near Wat Pho) to watch twilight over the river and plan dinner.

6:45 PM:

Dinner cruise option: Board the Chao Phraya Dinner Cruise (Manohra Cruise or Loy Nava) for a classic Thai dinner on the river with illuminated temple views; alternatively dine ashore at Supanniga Eating Room by the river for home-style Eastern Thai dishes.

8:30 PM:

If you took a dinner cruise, disembark back at your hotel pier; if dining ashore, take the express boat to Sathorn Pier and return to your hotel to relax. Enjoy the night-time riverscape as lights reflect in the water.

9:00 PM:

Optional: Visit Asiatique The Riverfront for late-night shopping, a ride on the Asiatique Sky Ferris wheel, and open-air bars; it’s a short taxi or shuttle-boat ride from most riverside hotels.

10:30 PM:

Return to your hotel, enjoy a nightcap at the hotel bar—recommended: Bamboo Bar at Mandarin Oriental for jazz and cocktails if you’re staying there—or relax on your balcony overlooking the river.

11:15 PM:

Prepare items for tomorrow’s Grand Palace and temple day: comfortable covered clothing, water bottle, camera, and Thai baht in small notes. Set alarms for an early start.

11:30 PM:

Lights out and rest after travel—tomorrow you’ll visit the Grand Palace, Wat Pho and sample Bangkok street food near Khao San Road.

Day 5 · Thu, Dec 11
Bangkok

Grand Palace, Temples & Street Food

6:00 AM:

Wake early at your riverside hotel, dress respectfully for temple visits (shoulders and knees covered), and enjoy a light breakfast—fresh fruit, jasmine rice porridge and coffee—at the hotel restaurant.

6:45 AM:

Walk or take the hotel shuttle to Sathorn/Taksin BTS and catch the Chao Phraya Express Boat to Tha Chang (Grand Palace) pier to beat the crowds and soak in the calm morning river atmosphere.

7:15 AM:

Arrive at the Grand Palace complex; queue for entry and begin your visit with the Outer Court, admiring the ornate roofs, guardian yaksha statues and the Kingdom’s ceremonial architecture.

8:00 AM:

Enter the Temple of the Emerald Buddha (Wat Phra Kaew) within the palace grounds; spend time appreciating the Emerald Buddha, the detailed murals, and the gilded stupas while following the respectful viewing route.

9:00 AM:

Walk the perimeter of the Grand Palace complex to photograph the intricate façades and statues; stop at one of the palace’s shaded pavilions to rest and refill water.

9:30 AM:

Short tuk-tuk or walk to Wat Pho (Temple of the Reclining Buddha); purchase combined tickets if available and plan about 45-60 minutes to explore the reclining Buddha, stupas and the traditional Thai massage school.

10:15 AM:

Wander the extensive courtyards of Wat Pho, view the reclining Buddha’s gold leaf detail, and if interested book a 30-minute traditional Thai foot massage at the temple’s official massage school.

11:00 AM:

Cross the river via the local ferry at Tha Tien to visit Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn) on the Thonburi side; climb the lower terraces for scenic views of the Chao Phraya and the Grand Palace from across the water.

11:45 AM:

Stroll the riverside near Wat Arun and stop at a nearby café—Sala Rattanakosin Café or a riverside stall—for iced Thai tea or coconut water to cool down and rest before lunch.

12:30 PM:

Walk or take a short boat to Rattanakosin island and have lunch at The Sixth (local Thai bistro) or Supanniga Eating Room by the river for Eastern Thai specialties such as moo cha muang or gaeng som.

1:30 PM:

Return to your hotel briefly to rest, reapply sunscreen, charge camera batteries and change into comfortable walking shoes for the afternoon market and street-food exploration.

2:15 PM:

Head by taxi or tuk-tuk to Chinatown (Yaowarat) or the nearby Pak Khlong Talat (flower market) depending on interest—Pak Khlong Talat is busiest late-night but is atmospheric in the afternoon and full of color for photos.

2:45 PM:

Explore Chinatown’s side streets; sample Chinese-Thai snacks such as dim sum, fresh-roasted chestnuts and local sweets from small vendors around Yaowarat Road, and browse gold shops and traditional apothecaries.

3:30 PM:

Walk to the nearby Sampeng Lane market for bargain textiles, trinkets and traditional goods, or if you prefer modern cafés, cross to Soi Samsen for coffee at a specialty café like Gallery Drip Coffee.

4:15 PM:

Make your way back toward the river and stop at Tha Maharaj or ICONSIAM for a late-afternoon snack—try mango sticky rice from a reputable vendor or a small plate at one of the food stalls.

5:00 PM:

Return to the Grand Palace area or Sathorn by boat to catch golden-hour views from the river; consider a short photo cruise on a Chao Phraya express boat as the sun lowers.

6:00 PM:

For dinner, head to the vibrant Khao San Road area for street-food variety—sample pad thai from Thip Samai (branch in Old City), banana roti, grilled seafood and mango sticky rice while enjoying the lively atmosphere.

7:30 PM:

Alternatively, if you prefer riverside dining, book Supanniga Eating Room (riverside) or Sala Rattanakosin’s dinner table with views of Wat Arun illuminated at night for a more relaxed meal.

8:30 PM:

After dinner, explore Khao San Road’s nearby Soi Rambuttri for a friendlier, slower-paced bar scene with live music and dessert stalls; pick up local snacks or a cold smoothie for the walk back.

9:30 PM:

Return to your hotel by taxi or river boat; enjoy a nightcap at your hotel bar—Bamboo Bar at Mandarin Oriental if staying nearby, or your hotel’s riverside lounge—and review photos from the day.

10:15 PM:

Prepare items for tomorrow’s day trip to Pattaya: passport, swimwear, sunblock, light clothing and any medication; confirm pickup time with reception (typical departure around 7:00 AM).

10:45 PM:

Wind down and lights out—rest well after a full day of temples, history and Bangkok street-food discoveries in preparation for the beach leg of your trip.

Day 6 · Fri, Dec 12
Pattaya

Day Trip to Pattaya — Beach & Coral Island

6:00 AM:

Early wake-up at your Bangkok riverside hotel, finish packing a small day bag with swimwear, sunscreen, towel, passport copy and cash; meet the pre-arranged transfer in the lobby for the Pattaya day trip (typical pickup around 6:30-7:00 AM).

6:30 AM:

Private transfer or minivan departs for Pattaya (drive ~1.5-2 hours depending on traffic); use the ride to relax, charge devices and review the day's boat itinerary — Coral Island (Koh Larn) is a common choice for snorkeling and beaches.

8:15 AM:

Arrive at Bali Hai Pier in Pattaya, check in with your booked Coral Island operator (recommendations: Moby Dick Cruise, Pattaya Sea Adventure, or a private speedboat transfer), and board for the short boat ride to Koh Larn.

8:30 AM:

Depart Bali Hai Pier by speedboat; enjoy coastal views of Pattaya city and Jomtien as the boat crosses to Koh Larn (approx. 30-40 minutes). Crew will provide a safety briefing and confirm snorkeling/kayak arrangements.

9:15 AM:

Arrive at Tawaen Beach (Koh Larn) or a quieter bay depending on your operator; disembark and get settled — rent a sun lounger and umbrella if desired and try fresh coconut water from a beach vendor.

9:30 AM:

Morning snorkeling session near shallow reefs (equipment provided by tour) to spot colorful tropical fish and corals — guides often lead short swims around coral gardens suitable for confident beginners and families.

10:30 AM:

Beach time at Tawaen or Samae Beach: swim, sunbathe, or stroll to small viewpoints; photographers should capture the vivid turquoise water and local long-tail boats on the sand.

11:30 AM:

Enjoy a seaside lunch on Koh Larn — many tours include a Thai buffet with seafood, grilled fish, papaya salad and fresh fruit; try grilled prawns and sample local papaya salad for a taste of the region.

12:15 PM:

After lunch, rent a glass-bottom boat (optional) or take a short island tour to nearby bays such as Nual Beach (Monkey Beach) and Ta Waen viewpoints to explore different swimming spots.

1:00 PM:

Free time for water sports (jet-skiing, parasailing) or relax on the sand — if you prefer low-key, find a shady spot for a nap or read; keep hydrated and apply more sunscreen during peak sun hours.

2:00 PM:

Board the boat back toward Pattaya mainland; enjoy a sunset-tinged coastal cruise if traffic and schedule permit, and watch the skyline of Pattaya and Jomtien approach as you sip a soft drink provided by the crew.

3:00 PM:

Arrive back at Bali Hai Pier and transfer to Pattaya Beach Road for a short stroll—sample local snacks from hawkers (grilled squid, fried bananas) and take in the lively beachfront atmosphere.

3:30 PM:

Optional quick stop at Pattaya Viewpoint (Khao Pattaya) for panoramic city-and-sea photos, or visit Thepprasit Night Market (if timing aligns) for souvenirs, though the main market nights are weekends — otherwise browse CentralFestival Pattaya for air-conditioned shopping.

4:15 PM:

Afternoon coffee or early dinner at The Glass House Pattaya (beachfront in Na Jomtien) for fresh seafood with sea views, or head to Mantra Restaurant & Bar (Royal Garden Plaza) for international and Thai options before the return drive.

5:15 PM:

Depart Pattaya by private transfer back to Bangkok; the drive typically takes 1.5-2 hours — use the time to rest, sort photos from the day, and confirm tomorrow’s morning plans in Bangkok.

7:00 PM:

Arrive back at your Bangkok riverside hotel and check in (or collect any items left); freshen up and relax after the beach day — enjoy a shower and change out of sandy clothes.

7:45 PM:

Casual riverside dinner recommendation: head to Supanniga Eating Room by the river for comforting Eastern Thai home-cooking, or opt for Sala Rattanakosin’s riverside dining to see Wat Arun softly illuminated at night.

9:00 PM:

If you have energy, take an evening stroll along the Chao Phraya River or visit Asiatique The Riverfront for late-night shopping, a ride on the Asiatique Sky and riverside bars; otherwise enjoy a relaxing drink at your hotel bar.

10:30 PM:

Return to your room, unpack items, back up photos from the day and charge devices; reflect on the beach and island memories and prepare any luggage needed for your onward travel or departure.

11:00 PM:

Lights out — rest after a full day of sun, sea and exploration, or enjoy a nightcap on your balcony listening to the river if you prefer a gentle end to the trip.

0
Like this trip? Make your own version.
A free, personalized itinerary in seconds — sign up to save and edit it.
Create my version