7-Day Shoestring Budget Itinerary: Bangkok, Pattaya, Phuket, Thailand (May 2024)

1. Day 1: Bangkok
   Located 10 minutes (1.3 miles) from Downtown Santa Monica

   Start your day with a visit to the Grand Palace in the morning, followed by a boat tour along the Chao Phraya River in the afternoon. In the evening, explore the vibrant street markets of Chinatown.

   • Grand Palace: Estimated cost: 500 THB, Estimated time: 2-3 hours
   • Chao Phraya River Boat Tour: Estimated cost: 200 THB, Estimated time: 1-2 hours
   • Chinatown Night Market: Free entry, Estimated time: 2-3 hours
2. Day 2: Bangkok
   Located 20 minutes (5 miles) from Chinatown

   Start your day with a visit to Wat Arun in the morning, followed by a visit to the Chatuchak Weekend Market in the afternoon. In the evening, explore the vibrant nightlife of Khao San Road.

   • Wat Arun: Estimated cost: 50 THB, Estimated time: 1-2 hours
   • Chatuchak Weekend Market: Free entry, Estimated time: 2-3 hours
   • Khao San Road: Free entry, Estimated time: 2-3 hours
3. Day 3: Pattaya
   Located 2 hours (87 miles) from Bangkok

   Start your day with a visit to Nong Nooch Tropical Garden in the morning, followed by an afternoon at Pattaya Beach. In the evening, explore the lively Walking Street.

   • Nong Nooch Tropical Garden: Estimated cost: 500 THB, Estimated time: 3-4 hours
   • Pattaya Beach: Free entry, Estimated time: 2-3 hours
   • Walking Street: Free entry, Estimated time: 2-3 hours
4. Day 4: Pattaya
   Located 30 minutes (7 miles) from Walking Street

   Start your day with a visit to the Sanctuary of Truth in the morning, followed by a trip to the Pattaya Viewpoint in the afternoon. In the evening, enjoy the Alcazar Cabaret Show.

   • Sanctuary of Truth: Estimated cost: 500 THB, Estimated time: 2-3 hours
   • Pattaya Viewpoint: Free entry, Estimated time: 1-2 hours
   • Alcazar Cabaret Show: Estimated cost: 600 THB, Estimated time: 1-2 hours
5. Day 5: Phuket
   Located 10 hours (570 miles) from Pattaya

   Start your day with a visit to the Big Buddha in the morning, followed by a relaxing afternoon at Patong Beach. In the evening, explore the lively Bangla Road.

   • Big Buddha: Estimated cost: 200 THB, Estimated time: 1-2 hours
   • Patong Beach: Free entry, Estimated time: 2-3 hours
   • Bangla Road: Free entry, Estimated time: 2-3 hours
6. Day 6: Phuket
   Located 20 minutes (7 miles) from Bangla Road

   Start your day with a visit to the Phi Phi Islands in the morning, followed by an afternoon exploring Old Phuket Town. In the evening, enjoy a seafood dinner at Rawai Beach.

   • Phi Phi Islands: Estimated cost: 1,200 THB, Estimated time: Full day
   • Old Phuket Town: Free entry, Estimated time: 2-3 hours
   • Rawai Beach: Cost varies, Estimated time: 2-3 hours
7. Day 7: Phuket
   Located 30 minutes (10 miles) from Rawai Beach

   Start your day with a visit to the Tiger Kingdom in the morning, followed by a trip to the Kata Noi Beach in the afternoon. In the evening, enjoy a sunset view at Promthep Cape.

   • Tiger Kingdom: Estimated cost: 900 THB, Estimated time: 2-3 hours
   • Kata Noi Beach: Free entry, Estimated time: 2-3 hours
   • Promthep Cape: Free entry, Estimated time: 1-2 hours

Recommendations

Are there any other local attractions, events, or experiences I should also consider? How about day trips? Any good ideas on how to maximize my fun?

There are several other attractions and experiences you can consider in these locations. In Bangkok, you can visit Wat Pho, Jim Thompson House, and explore the floating markets. In Pattaya, you can go for a day trip to Coral Island or the Pattaya Elephant Village. In Phuket, you can visit the Phang Nga Bay or take a day trip to the Similan Islands. To maximize your fun, try local street food, indulge in Thai massages, and participate in water sports activities available at the beaches.

For hotel and flight bookings, you can check the prices here.