Since you've just arrived and it's early afternoon in Bangkok, ease into your day with a relaxed riverside stroll and light exploration: start with a coffee and people-watching at Tha Maharaj Riverside Mall, then take a short public-boat ride to soak in the Chao Phraya views and disembark near Wat Arun to admire its porcelain spires from the riverbank. Finish this gentle introduction by wandering the nearby lanes to discover riverside cafés and a casual lunch of boat noodles at a local vendor, setting a mellow tone before fuller temple touring tomorrow.
Head into the lively Rattanakosin area to admire the ornate murals and reclining Buddha at Wat Pho (an easy tuk-tuk hop from the river), then stroll through the nearby lanes to the atmospheric Banglamphu neighborhood for casual shopping and street-food snacks like mango sticky rice. As the light softens, find a riverside vantage at Phra Sumen Fort / Santichaiprakarn Park to watch boats drift by and plan tomorrow's Grand Palace visit while sipping a chilled coconut or iced tea.
As twilight falls, wander toward the lively backpacker hub of Khao San Road to soak up street-side music, market stalls and vibrant snack counters; grab a plate of pad thai from a well-reviewed stall and people-watch from an open-air bar. For a calmer finish, slip into the nearby tree-lined Rambuttri Alley for a chilled drink at a lantern-lit terrace, or take a short tuk-tuk to Phra Arthit Pier for a riverside night stroll and a riverside dinner while planning tomorrow's Grand Palace and temple visits.
Begin before the crowds with a visit to the dazzling Grand Palace, where the gilded throne halls and the revered Temple of the Emerald Buddha (Wat Phra Kaew) reveal Thailand's royal and religious craftsmanship; hire a licensed guide or rent an audio guide to catch the most fascinating stories about the monarchy and mural art. After exploring the palace complex, cross the river by Chao Phraya ferry to the historic Tha Tien Market for a light snack of grilled river prawns and fruit, then wander the shaded lanes toward the riverside Phra Athit Pier to soak up morning river life before returning to your hotel to refresh for an afternoon of further temple-hopping.
After a morning at the Grand Palace, wander the charming nearby Thanon Maharat and stop for tea and traditional Thai sweets at Sala Rattanakosin Eatery & Bar, then head to the atmospheric Museum of Siam to enjoy interactive exhibits that put Thailand's history in playful context. Finish with a lazy canal-side boat ride to the artsy Phra Sumen Road area to browse boutique galleries and try street snacks from vendors near Santichaiprakarn Park, timing it so you can catch the warm late-afternoon light on the riverside for great photos before an evening on Khao San Road.
As twilight settles, take a short tuk-tuk to the atmospheric Bangkok National Gallery for a quick look at contemporary Thai art, then wander over to the nearby Phra Sumen Fort area to catch golden-hour light along the river before dinner. Finish the night with a longtail boat ride from Ratchawong Pier to sample waterside seafood at the lively Asiatique The Riverfront night market, browse boutique stalls and ride the Ferris wheel for sparkling skyline views.
Rise early and take the short train or a private transfer to Ayutthaya Historical Park to beat the heat and crowds; begin with a bike or tuk-tuk loop that includes the evocative ruins around Wat Mahathat, where the Buddha head entwined in tree roots makes for a memorable photo and moment of reflection. Pause at a riverside café near Chao Sam Phraya Museum for Thai iced coffee and roti, then continue to lesser-visited chedis and canals by hiring a local guide or longtail boat to hear stories of Siam's former capital as the city wakes.
After a morning among the major ruins, take a leisurely tuk-tuk or bicycle loop to explore quieter sites: visit Wat Phra Si Sanphet to admire its royal chedis and then wander the shaded grounds of Wat Ratchaburana, where restored crypts and evocative prang towers reward a calm pace. Finish with a sunset boat cruise around the islanded city-dropping off at a riverside restaurant to sample grilled river fish and papaya salad while watching the ruins glow in golden light.
As dusk falls, settle into a riverside setting at Wat Chaiwatthanaram to watch the temple silhouette glow and enjoy a quiet moment away from the main ruin clusters; follow this with a short tuk-tuk ride to Chao Phrom Market to sample grilled river fish, coconut desserts and fresh fruit from lively stalls. Finish the night with a serene longtail-boat lamp-lit cruise around the islanded city, drifting past illuminated chedis and listening to stories of Ayutthaya's past while sipping warm Thai tea.
After an early flight north, start with a gentle orientation of the Old City by visiting Wat Phra Singh to admire its Lanna choir hall and gilded Buddha, then stroll the moat-lined streets to the atmospheric Chiang Mai Gate Market for savory kanom jeen and freshly brewed Thai coffee. Continue to Wat Lok Moli to see its mossy brick chedi and quieter monk community before pausing at a riverside café on the Ping to plan your afternoon temple loop.
After a relaxed morning, wander the Old City lanes to visit Wat Chedi Luang to admire its towering ruined chedi and learn about the city's Lanna past, then slip into the nearby Three Kings Monument square to watch local life and sip a cold Thai iced tea at a street-side café. As daylight softens, join a short guided walking-food tour through the market alleys around Warorot Market to sample sai krok (northern sausage), khao soi and sweet coconut treats, finishing with a stroll toward the night-readying you for the buzzing evening at the Chiang Mai Night Bazaar.
As night falls, wander to the lively Chiang Mai Night Bazaar to shop local handicrafts, sample grilled satay skewers and sip a cold Chang beer while listening to street musicians; duck into one of the maze-like alleys for a tailor-made shirt or a hand-carved souvenir. For a quieter finish, cross the moat to the atmospheric North Gate Jazz Co-Op for live music in an intimate bar setting, or stroll down to the riverside Nawarat Bridge area to join locals at a riverside food stall and watch lanterns float by.
Beat the heat by starting with a cool, early climb up the scenic steps to Doi Suthep-Pui National Park, then visit the mountaintop Wat Phra That Doi Suthep to catch sunrise light over the Ping River valley and observe monks' morning rituals; linger at the viewpoint with a cup of hot local coffee from a stall near the temple. After descending, stop at the artisan stalls of Baan Kang Wat - a creative village of makers and cafés - to browse hand-crafted textiles and ceramics, sample a Northern-style breakfast of khao soi at a shaded café, and plan your afternoon temple loop around the Old City.
After descending from the mountain, take a slow stroll through the Old City's quieter lanes to visit Wat Phra Singh, admiring its Lanna architecture and serene murals before heading to Three Kings Monument to watch local life and street vendors. Move on to the bustling Warorot Market for a hands-on tasting tour of northern snacks-try sai krok, fresh mango with sticky rice and local sweets-then end the afternoon with a riverside break at Nimmanhaemin Road cafes to sample specialty coffee and browse chic boutiques as you prepare for the evening market.
As dusk deepens, head to the lively Chiang Mai Night Bazaar for a sensory feast of northern snacks, artisan stalls and live street music-hunt for handwoven scarves and lacquerware while sampling skewered meats and khao niew (sticky rice) sweets. After shopping, slip into a nearby riverside teak-house restaurant such as The Riverside Bar & Restaurant for a relaxed dinner of khao soi and fresh river prawns, then finish the night with a craft cocktail at a cozy cocktail bar in the Nimmanhaemin area for a modern Chiang Mai vibe.
After your flight south, drop bags at your hotel and head straight for the lively white sands of Patong Beach to stretch out, swim and watch longtail boats bobbing offshore; grab a fresh coconut from a beachside vendor and try a quick swim before lunchtime. Follow this with a short walk to the nearby Bangla Road daytime scene-browse bright beachwear shops and pop into a café for a plate of spicy seafood som tam, then relax with a seaside Thai massage at a highly rated parlour to shake off travel fatigue and set a breezy tone for your Phuket evenings.
Ease into Phuket's lively vibe with a visit to the colorful hillside viewpoint at Karon Viewpoint for sweeping coastline photos, then descend to explore the boutique-lined streets of Kata Beach Village where you can sip a cold Thai iced coffee and sample fresh grilled seafood at a beachfront café. Finish the afternoon with a hands-on cooking class at Blue Elephant Phuket (short transfer) to learn classic southern Thai dishes-perfect continuity from city temples to coastal flavors before your Patong evening.
As night falls, head to the lively seafront strip at Patong Night Market (Malin Plaza) to sample southern Thai seafood skewers, mango sticky rice and local iced coffee while hunting for beachwear and souvenirs; linger over a plate of freshly grilled squid at one of the market stalls. Afterward, catch a colorful sunset cruise from Patong Pier that includes snorkeling-ready stops and sunset views, then finish with drinks and live music at the bustling beachfront bar Hard Rock Cafe Phuket for a high-energy introduction to Phuket's nightlife.
Catch an early speedboat from Rassada Pier to the Phi Phi Islands, aiming first for the dramatic limestone cliffs and clear bays of Maya Bay for snorkeling in shallow coral gardens; arrive while the water is calm and swim among colorful fish at a sheltered cove. Afterward, glide to Piley Lagoon for a short kayak or bamboo-boat excursion through emerald waters and hidden caves, then land at Long Beach for a relaxed coconut and tropical fruit breakfast while watching longtail boats shuttle between islands.
After a morning on Maya Bay and Piley Lagoon, glide to Tonsai Village on Phi Phi Don to wander its colorful lanes, sample grilled seafood at a waterfront stall and shop for woven beach bags and sunscreen; then take a short boat hop to Bamboo Island for lazy sunbathing, paddle in crystal shallows and a picnic of fresh tropical fruit and iced Thai tea. Finish the afternoon with a late snorkel at Koh Bida Nok, where coral bommies attract schooling fish, before returning to Phi Phi Don to watch the sunset paint the limestone cliffs while sipping a chilled coconut.
After returning to Phi Phi Don, dine at the waterfront Le Grand Bleu for freshly grilled seafood and sunset views, then wander the lantern-lit beachfront to sample coconut desserts from stalls near Phi Phi Village Pier. Finish the night with a chill beachside cocktail at Slinky's Beach Bar (watch for a fire-show performance) or take a short speedboat back to Phuket and enjoy a relaxed seaside dinner at Baan Rim Pa in Patong for classic southern Thai flavors and moonlit Andaman views.
| Place / Activity | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tha Maharaj Riverside Mall (coffee / people-watching) | $3 |
| Chao Phraya public boat ride (short hop) | $1 |
| Wat Arun (view from riverbank) | Free |
| Riverside casual lunch (boat noodles at vendor) | $2 |
| Wat Pho (entry & head massage optional) | $6 |
| Banglamphu street-food snacks (mango sticky rice) | $2 |
| Phra Sumen Fort / Santichaiprakarn Park | Free |
| Khao San Road (pad thai street stall dinner) | $3 |
| Rambuttri Alley (drink at terrace) | $4 |
| Phra Arthit Pier riverside stroll | Free |
| Grand Palace & Wat Phra Kaew (entry + dress code) | $18 |
| Licensed guide / audio guide at Grand Palace (per person) | $10 |
| Chao Phraya ferry (Tha Tien crossing) | $0.20 |
| Tha Tien Market snack (grilled river prawns / fruit) | $3 |
| Sala Rattanakosin Eatery & Bar (tea / sweets) | $6 |
| Museum of Siam (entry) | $6 |
| Canal-side boat ride (short trip) | $3 |
| Bangkok National Gallery (entry) | $1 |
| Asiatique The Riverfront (ferry + Ferris wheel ride) | $12 |
| Train to Ayutthaya (2nd class / per person) | $1 |
| Ayutthaya Historical Park (park sites entry / combined sites vary) | $3 |
| Bicycle rental in Ayutthaya (half-day) | $2 |
| Local guide or tuk-tuk loop in Ayutthaya (per person shared) | $8 |
| Chao Sam Phraya Museum (entry) | $1 |
| Longtail boat tour around Ayutthaya (sunset cruise shared) | $10 |
| Wat Mahathat (site visit) | Free |
| Wat Phra Si Sanphet (site visit) | Free |
| Wat Ratchaburana (entry) | $1 |
| Wat Chaiwatthanaram (entry) | $3 |
| Chao Phrom Market snacks / grilled fish | $4 |
| Flight Bangkok to Chiang Mai (economy avg per person) | $40 |
| Wat Phra Singh (entry / donation) | $1 |
| Chiang Mai Gate Market (kanom jeen + coffee) | $2 |
| Wat Lok Moli (visit) | Free |
| Wat Chedi Luang (entry) | $1 |
| Three Kings Monument (visit) | Free |
| Warorot Market food tour (self-guided sampling) | $6 |
| Chiang Mai Night Bazaar (shopping & snacks) | $8 |
| North Gate Jazz Co-Op (cover / drink) | $6 |
| Doi Suthep-Pui National Park entry / Wat Phra That Doi Suthep donation | $2 |
| Baan Kang Wat artisan village (shopping / coffee) | $4 |
| Nimmanhaemin cafes / specialty coffee | $3 |
| The Riverside Bar & Restaurant (dinner in Chiang Mai) | $12 |
| Flight Chiang Mai to Phuket (economy avg per person) | $45 |
| Patong Beach (coconut from vendor) | $2 |
| Beachside Thai massage (30-60 min) | $8 |
| Bangla Road daytime browsing | Free |
| Karon Viewpoint visit | Free |
| Kata Beach Village (coffee / seafood snack) | $6 |
| Blue Elephant Phuket cooking class (per person) | $60 |
| Patong Night Market (Malin Plaza) snacks & shopping | $6 |
| Patong sunset cruise with snorkeling (shared tour avg) | $30 |
| Hard Rock Cafe Phuket (drinks / entry) | $10 |
| Speedboat from Rassada Pier to Phi Phi (round-trip shared) | $35 |
| Phi Phi Maya Bay / Pileh Lagoon / snorkeling (park fees & boat stops) | $5 |
| Kayak or bamboo-boat at Piley Lagoon | $6 |
| Long Beach breakfast / fruit | $3 |
| Tonsai Village (lunch / grilled seafood) | $8 |
| Bamboo Island visit (boat + picnic snacks) | $6 |
| Koh Bida Nok snorkeling stop (park fee / boat) | $6 |
| Le Grand Bleu (dinner at Phi Phi waterfront) | $15 |
| Slinky's Beach Bar (drink / show) | $8 |
| Baan Rim Pa (Patong seaside dinner) | $20 |
| Estimated Total (per person) | $634.20 |