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

One-Week Thailand Itinerary from Phuket to Bangkok

Dates are flexible. This day-by-day plan is provisional until you choose exact travel dates.

Day 1
Phuket

Arrival and exploration in Phuket

  1. Mumbai–Phuket flight and airport transfer — Mumbai to Phuket International Airport; allow roughly 7–10 hours door-to-door including check-in, immigration, baggage, and a pre-booked transfer to your hotel. Depart Mumbai early if possible; avoid scheduling fixed attractions on arrival day.
  2. Old Phuket Town — Old Town; explore Sino-Portuguese streets and colorful shophouses after checking in, ~1.5 hours.
  3. Thai Hua Museum — Old Phuket Town; learn about Phuket’s Chinese-Peranakan heritage, ~1 hour, subject to opening hours.
  4. Chillva Market — Phuket Town; browse a lively evening market for snacks and casual shopping, ~1.5–2 hours, typically later in the day.
  5. One Chun — Old Phuket Town; enjoy well-regarded Southern Thai food, approximately THB 300–600 per person, ~1 hour.

Morning — Arrival and settling in

Fly from Mumbai to Phuket International Airport, allowing roughly 7–10 hours door-to-door for airport check-in, the flight, immigration, baggage collection, and the transfer into town. A pre-booked car is simplest; the journey to Old Phuket Town usually takes 35–60 minutes depending on traffic, while the airport bus is cheaper but slower and less convenient with luggage. Keep this first day flexible—after checking in, leave your bags and have a proper rest before sightseeing.

Afternoon — Old Phuket Town and local history

Start wandering around Old Phuket Town, following Thalang Road, Soi Romanee, and Dibuk Road for the colorful Sino-Portuguese shophouses, small cafés, old shrines, and quiet side lanes. Allow about 1½ hours, ideally in the later afternoon when the heat eases. Continue to Thai Hua Museum, where the exhibits explain Phuket’s Chinese migration, tin-mining history, and Peranakan culture; allow about an hour. Check the museum’s same-day opening hours before setting out, as schedules can change, and expect a modest admission fee, generally around THB 200 or less.

Evening — Market food and Southern Thai dinner

Head to Chillva Market by taxi or ride-hailing car—roughly 10–15 minutes from the Old Town outside peak traffic—for an easy first taste of Phuket’s evening scene. Spend 1½–2 hours browsing the food stalls, clothing, crafts, and small local shops; bring cash and arrive after sunset, when the market is liveliest. Return to One Chun in Old Phuket Town for Southern Thai dishes such as crab curry, stir-fried vegetables, and local-style noodles. Budget approximately THB 300–600 per person. It is popular, so expect a short wait at dinner and avoid making the evening too late after the international journey.

Day 2
Phuket

Phuket coastal highlights

  1. Karon Viewpoint — Kata–Karon; see three west-coast bays from a compact viewpoint, ~30 minutes.
  2. Wat Chalong — Chalong; visit Phuket’s most important Buddhist temple, ~1 hour, with modest dress required.
  3. Promthep Cape — Rawai; enjoy panoramic coastal views, ~45 minutes.
  4. Nai Harn Beach — Nai Harn; relax at one of Phuket’s most pleasant beaches, ~2 hours.
  5. Rawai Seafood Market — Rawai; choose fresh seafood and have it prepared nearby, approximately THB 400–800 per person, ~1.5 hours.

Morning — Viewpoints and temple visit

Start around 8:00 AM with a taxi or Grab to Karon Viewpoint. The compact lookout gives you the classic layered view of Kata Noi Beach, Kata Beach, and Karon Beach; allow about 30 minutes, as it is mainly a photo stop rather than a hike. Continue south to Wat Chalong, roughly 20–30 minutes away depending on traffic. Spend about an hour exploring the temple grounds and burning incense. Wear clothing covering your shoulders and knees, remove your shoes before entering buildings, and keep voices low. Entry is generally free, though donations are welcome.

Afternoon — Cape and beach time

From Wat Chalong, continue toward Promthep Cape, allowing around 25–35 minutes by car. Walk around the headland for wide Andaman Sea views, but take care near unfenced edges and expect limited shade. Have lunch before or after the stop at a local restaurant along the Rawai–Nai Harn road; this area is more convenient than relying on the small viewpoint kiosks. Then drive about 10–15 minutes to Nai Harn Beach for an unhurried two hours. February is usually excellent for swimming, but follow the lifeguard flags and keep valuables with you. Beach chairs and umbrellas, where available, typically cost around THB 100–200 for the day.

Evening — Seafood in Rawai

Finish at Rawai Seafood Market, about 10 minutes from Nai Harn Beach. Choose seafood from the market stalls—prawns, squid, crab, or fish—and take it to one of the nearby restaurants for preparation. Budget approximately THB 400–800 per person, more if selecting large crab or lobster. Aim to arrive before 6:00 PM for a better selection and to avoid the busiest dinner period. A private car or taxi hired for the day is the easiest option for this loop; expect roughly THB 1,500–2,500 for several hours, while point-to-point Grab fares can rise during evening demand. Arrange your return to your hotel in advance, as rides can be less plentiful around Rawai after dinner.

Day 3
Krabi

Island transition via Krabi

Getting there from Phuket
Shared or private minivan via Route 4 (4–5 hours door-to-door, about THB 500–800 shared or THB 2,500–3,500 private). Book through 12Go.Asia or your hotel. Depart around 7:00–8:00 AM to allow time for Tiger Cave Temple and Krabi Town activities.
Ferry to Railay/Ao Nang (about 2–2.5 hours, THB 1,200–1,800), book on 12Go.Asia. Weather-dependent and less convenient for Krabi Town or Tiger Cave Temple.
  1. Phuket to Krabi transfer — Pre-book a shared or private minivan, allowing approximately 4–5 hours door-to-door including hotel pickup, road traffic, and hotel check-in; depart around 7:00–8:00 AM.
  2. Tiger Cave Temple (Wat Tham Suea) — Krabi; visit the temple complex, with the famous summit climb requiring substantial fitness; allow ~1.5 hours without the summit or 3–4 hours with it.
  3. Krabi Town Riverside — Krabi Town; take an easy walk along the river after arrival, ~45 minutes.
  4. Krabi Town Walking Street — Krabi Town; sample local snacks and browse stalls if operating that evening, ~1.5 hours.
  5. Ruen Mai Restaurant — Near Krabi Town; try Southern Thai dishes in a garden setting, approximately THB 300–600 per person, ~1 hour.

Morning — Phuket to Krabi and Tiger Cave Temple

Leave Phuket around 7:00–8:00 AM in a pre-booked shared or private minivan via Route 4. Allow 4–5 hours door-to-door, including hotel pickup, traffic, a short roadside stop, and check-in at your Krabi accommodation; shared vans usually cost around THB 500–800 per person, while a private vehicle is roughly THB 2,500–3,500. On arrival, go first to Tiger Cave Temple (Wat Tham Suea), about 15–20 minutes from Krabi Town. The temple complex itself takes around 1½ hours, but the famous summit involves 1,260 steep steps and can take 3–4 hours; only attempt it if you are comfortable in the heat, carrying water and wearing proper shoes. There is no need to force the climb on a transfer day—check the temple’s current access arrangements locally, as conditions and opening practices can change.

Afternoon and Evening — Riverside Krabi

After hotel check-in and a late lunch, take a short songthaew or taxi ride into Krabi Town and stroll the Krabi Town Riverside for about 45 minutes. It is an easy, low-key introduction to the town, with views across the mangroves and the distinctive limestone formations beyond; late afternoon is far more comfortable than midday. If your visit falls on an operating evening, continue to Krabi Town Walking Street for roughly 1½ hours of grilled seafood, southern snacks, fruit shakes, and inexpensive souvenirs. Confirm the market schedule with your hotel before setting out, since it is a recurring event rather than a nightly guarantee.

Finish with dinner at Ruen Mai Restaurant, a garden-style local favorite near Krabi Town. Plan on around THB 300–600 per person for Southern Thai dishes such as curries, stir-fries, and fresh seafood. A taxi or Grab is easiest after dark, and it is worth asking the restaurant to moderate the spice if you are not used to Southern Thai cooking. Keep the evening unhurried: after the early departure and temple visit, return to your hotel by around 8:30–9:00 PM for an easier start to tomorrow’s Railay outing.

Day 4
Krabi

Krabi and Railay

  1. Ao Nang to Railay long-tail boat — Ao Nang; allow ~30–45 minutes each way including waiting for a shared boat, with weather-dependent service.
  2. Railay West Beach — Railay; enjoy dramatic limestone scenery and swimming conditions, ~1 hour.
  3. Phra Nang Cave Beach — Railay; walk the peninsula’s scenic path to a striking beach and cave, ~1.5 hours.
  4. Railay Viewpoint — Railay East; take the steep, muddy climb only with suitable footwear and fitness, ~1–1.5 hours.
  5. The Grotto at Rayavadee — Phra Nang; have a memorable beachfront meal beneath limestone cliffs, approximately THB 1,000–2,000 per person, subject to access and availability.

Morning — Boat to Railay and Railay West

Start around 8:00 AM in Ao Nang and walk to the beachfront long-tail boat ticket counter near Ao Nang Beach. Buy a shared return ticket to Railay—normally about THB 200–300 per person each way—and allow 30–45 minutes each way, including waiting for enough passengers. Boats are weather- and sea-condition dependent, with the most reliable service in the morning; bring sandals you can get wet in, as boarding may be directly from the shore. On arrival, spend about an hour at Railay West Beach, where the limestone cliffs are at their most dramatic. Swimming is usually pleasant in February, but check the flags and boat traffic before entering the water.

Late Morning to Afternoon — Phra Nang and the Viewpoint

Walk along the peninsula’s paved jungle path to Phra Nang Cave Beach, allowing roughly 20–25 minutes each way and about 1.5 hours at the beach. The cave shrine at the southern end is culturally significant, so dress and behave respectfully; avoid climbing on the rocks around the cave. Afterward, continue toward the Railay Viewpoint trail on the eastern side. This is a steep, muddy scramble rather than a normal walk—wear proper trainers, carry water, and skip it after heavy rain or if you are uncomfortable with exposed footing. Allow 1–1.5 hours including the climb and descent. There is no meaningful entrance fee, but the trail is unmanaged, so keep phones and valuables secure.

Lunch and Evening — The Grotto, Then Back to Ao Nang

For a memorable late lunch or early dinner, reserve or confirm access to The Grotto at Rayavadee, beneath the cliffs beside Phra Nang. Expect approximately THB 1,000–2,000 per person before drinks, and note that access can depend on restaurant availability, hotel policies, weather, and tide conditions—do not rely on walk-in seating. If it is unavailable, eat at one of the casual restaurants around Railay East instead. Return to Ao Nang before dusk by long-tail boat; allow extra time for the return queue, and avoid leaving the boat trip until the last service because evening departures become less predictable. Keep the rest of the night easy after the viewpoint climb—Ao Nang Landmark Night Market is a convenient place for a relaxed local-food dinner if you still have energy.

Day 5
Bangkok

Cultural sights in Bangkok

Getting there from Krabi
Morning flight from Krabi International Airport to Bangkok, preferably Thai AirAsia, Thai VietJet, Bangkok Airways, or Thai Lion Air (about 1 hour 25 minutes flying time; 5–7 hours door-to-door, roughly THB 1,200–3,500). Book directly with the airline or compare on Google Flights. Choose a flight around 7:00–9:00 AM to preserve the afternoon for the Grand Palace and Wat Pho.
Overnight bus, such as Transport Co. or Lignite Tour, from Krabi Bus Terminal to Bangkok (about 11–13 hours, THB 700–1,200), book via 12Go.Asia. It saves a hotel night but arrives tired and is not ideal before a sightseeing day.
  1. Krabi to Bangkok flight and transfer — Krabi Airport to Bangkok; allow roughly 5–7 hours door-to-door including airport transfer, check-in, flight, baggage, and city transfer; choose a morning flight.
  2. The Grand Palace — Rattanakosin; see Bangkok’s marquee royal complex, allowing ~2 hours; dress conservatively and verify entry requirements before travel.
  3. Wat Phra Kaew — Grand Palace complex; view Thailand’s most revered Emerald Buddha shrine, ~45–60 minutes, included within the palace visit and subject to entry rules.
  4. Wat Pho — Rattanakosin; see the Reclining Buddha and traditional massage heritage, ~1 hour.
  5. Thip Samai — Samran Rat; try a famous pad Thai dinner, approximately THB 150–400 per person, ~1 hour.

Morning — Fly from Krabi to Bangkok

Take a morning flight from Krabi International Airport to Bangkok, allowing 5–7 hours door-to-door for the hotel transfer, airport check-in, security, flight, baggage collection, and onward journey into the city. A departure around 7:00–9:00 AM gives you the best chance of reaching central Bangkok by early afternoon. Check whether your flight arrives at Suvarnabhumi Airport or Don Mueang Airport, as the transfer options differ; a pre-booked car is easiest with luggage, while the Airport Rail Link is useful from Suvarnabhumi. Keep your afternoon flexible in case of flight or traffic delays.

Afternoon — The Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew

After leaving your bags at your hotel, head to The Grand Palace in Rattanakosin, ideally arriving by around 1:30–2:00 PM. Allow roughly two hours for the courtyards, royal buildings, and Wat Phra Kaew, the temple housing the revered Emerald Buddha; the latter is inside the palace complex, so it does not require a separate transfer or ticket. Wear clothing covering shoulders and knees—sarongs may be available, but appropriate clothes are more comfortable—and verify the current opening hours, entry fee, and any temporary royal or ceremonial closures before setting out. The approach can be congested, so a metered taxi or Grab may be slower than expected; the Chao Phraya Express Boat to Tha Chang Pier, followed by a short walk, is often a pleasant alternative.

Late Afternoon and Evening — Wat Pho and dinner

Walk about 10 minutes south from the palace to Wat Pho, where you can see the enormous Reclining Buddha and explore the quieter temple courtyards. Allow about an hour, and arrive before the last admission rather than relying on a late visit; temple hours and access can change for ceremonies. From there, walk or take a short taxi ride through Rattanakosin toward Samran Rat for dinner at Thip Samai, one of Bangkok’s best-known pad Thai restaurants. Expect roughly THB 150–400 per person and about an hour for the meal; queues are common, particularly in the evening, so treat it as a relaxed finish rather than a tightly timed reservation. After dinner, a Grab or taxi back to your hotel is simplest, since traffic around the Old Town can make a short journey surprisingly slow.

Day 6
Bangkok

Bangkok neighborhoods

  1. Jim Thompson House Museum — Wang Mai; tour a beautiful traditional Thai house and learn about Thai silk, ~1.5 hours.
  2. Siam Paragon — Siam; explore central Bangkok’s major retail and food destination, ~1.5 hours.
  3. Erawan Shrine — Chit Lom; observe a compact but culturally significant Hindu shrine, ~30 minutes.
  4. Benjakitti Park — Khlong Toei; walk the elevated wetlands paths and skyline-facing park, ~1.5 hours.
  5. Baan Langsuan — Langsuan; enjoy refined Thai cuisine near the central districts, approximately THB 500–1,000 per person, ~1.5 hours.

Morning — Thai silk and old Bangkok character

Start around 9:00 AM at Jim Thompson House Museum in Wang Mai, arriving by BTS to National Stadium and walking roughly 8–10 minutes through the small lanes off Rama I Road. The museum generally operates from around 10:00 AM, so check the current first-tour time and reserve if timed entry is offered; guided visits usually take about 1–1.5 hours and cost approximately THB 200–300. The traditional teak houses, tropical garden, and silk collection are a calm contrast to central Bangkok’s shopping district. Afterward, walk or take a short motorbike taxi toward Siam Paragon—avoid driving if possible, as parking and traffic around Siam are tedious.

Spend about 1.5 hours at Siam Paragon, browsing the luxury and lifestyle floors before eating at the basement Gourmet Eats food hall, where you can choose everything from noodles and rice dishes to mango sticky rice without committing to a formal meal. The mall is typically open from late morning until around 10:00 PM, and it is also a useful air-conditioned break. From there, walk along the elevated BTS skywalk toward Erawan Shrine at Chit Lom, about 15–20 minutes, or take the BTS one stop if the heat is uncomfortable. Allow 30 minutes at the shrine: it is compact, busy, and especially atmospheric when traditional dancers are performing. Dress respectfully and keep bags close in the crowd; donations are optional, and photography should not interrupt worshippers.

Afternoon and evening — Wetlands, skyline, and dinner

Take the BTS from Chit Lom toward Asok, then change to the MRT for Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre, followed by a short walk or motorcycle taxi to Benjakitti Park. Allow roughly 30–40 minutes door-to-door. Go in the late afternoon, when the elevated wetlands boardwalks are cooler and the light catches the skyline behind the water. The park is free and usually open from early morning into the evening, but some elevated sections may close during maintenance or bad weather. Give yourself around 1.5 hours for an easy walk rather than trying to cover every path; bring water, as shade is uneven. Finish at Baan Langsuan in Langsuan, using a Grab or taxi—allow 20–30 minutes depending on traffic. It is a good place for a more polished Thai dinner, with roughly THB 500–1,000 per person before drinks; reserve ahead if possible, particularly for a weekend evening. Langsuan connects easily to Chit Lom or Phloen Chit BTS afterward, while a taxi is more convenient if you are returning to a hotel farther away.

Day 7
Bangkok

Departure from Bangkok

  1. Pak Khlong Talat Flower Market — Old Town; browse Bangkok’s colorful wholesale flower market if your departure schedule permits, ~1 hour.
  2. Talat Noi — Talat Noi; explore riverside lanes, street art, and old Chinese-Thai neighborhoods, ~1.5 hours.
  3. The Jam Factory — Khlong San; have coffee and browse a relaxed creative riverside complex, approximately THB 150–350 per person, ~1 hour.
  4. Bangkok hotel to Suvarnabhumi Airport — Bangkok to Mumbai; depart your hotel roughly 3.5–4 hours before an international flight, allowing for city traffic, airport check-in, security, and immigration.

Morning — Flowers and Old Bangkok

If your international flight is later in the day, begin at Pak Khlong Talat Flower Market in Old Town, ideally around 6:30–7:30 AM. The market is most atmospheric early, when deliveries arrive and vendors arrange orchids, marigolds, roses, and jasmine garlands; allow about an hour. It is generally open around the clock, though the liveliest wholesale activity is in the early morning. From your hotel, a taxi or Grab is easiest; agree that the driver is taking you to the flower market rather than the nearby river piers, and keep small cash handy for snacks or garlands.

Continue by taxi or Grab to Talat Noi, allowing roughly 15–25 minutes depending on traffic. Spend about 1½ hours wandering the narrow lanes around Charoen Krung Road and the riverside: look for painted shutters, old Chinese-Thai shop houses, small shrines, and the neighborhood’s scattered street art. This is best enjoyed slowly rather than as a checklist. Wear comfortable shoes—the lanes are uneven—and be respectful around working homes and temples. A simple breakfast or iced coffee from a local shop is more practical here than planning a long sit-down meal.

Late Morning — Riverside Coffee

From Talat Noi, take a short taxi or Grab ride to The Jam Factory in Khlong San, usually around 10–20 minutes depending on traffic and the crossing into Thon Buri. Allow roughly an hour for coffee, a look around the creative complex, and some quiet time by the river. Budget approximately THB 150–350 per person for drinks and a light bite. Opening hours can vary by the individual café or shop, so check on the morning itself; if your flight is early, this is the first stop to drop rather than rushing through the market and neighborhood walk.

Departure — Bangkok to Mumbai

Leave The Jam Factory with a generous margin and return to your hotel only if you need to collect luggage; otherwise, go directly to Suvarnabhumi Airport. For an international flight to Mumbai, depart your hotel roughly 3½–4 hours before departure, adding more time during weekday rush periods or if you must cross the city from Khlong San. A pre-booked taxi or Grab with luggage is simplest; the Airport Rail Link is more predictable in heavy traffic but requires reaching Phaya Thai or Makkasan first. Allow for the road journey, check-in, security, immigration, and the walk to your gate—especially if you are travelling with checked baggage.

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