Thailand Shoestring Budget 7-Day Itinerary

1. Day 1: Exploring Bangkok's Temples
   Estimated time from Suvarnabhumi Airport: 40 minutes (17.5 km)

   Visit the Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew, then head to Wat Arun for a great sunset view.

2. Day 2: Ayutthaya and Sukhothai Heritage Tour
   Estimated time from Bangkok: 2.5 hours (80.7 km)

   Explore the UNESCO World Heritage sites of ancient Ayutthaya and Sukhothai. Highlights include Wat Maha That and Wat Si Chum.

3. Day 3: Chiang Mai's Hill Tribes and Night Bazaar
   Estimated time from Sukhothai: 4 hours (287 km)

   Visit a hill tribe village such as the Karen, Hmong or Akha. In the evening, check out Chiang Mai Night Bazaar for handicrafts and street food.

4. Day 4: Elephant Nature Park and Doi Suthep Temple
   Estimated time from Chiang Mai: 1.5 hours (63.1 km)

   Join a responsible elephant encounter at Elephant Nature Park then visit the beautiful Wat Phra That Doi Suthep

5. Day 5: Beach Day in Krabi
   Estimated time from Chiang Mai: 2.5 hours (177 km) to Krabi International Airport, then a 30 minute taxi ride to Ao Nang Beach.

   Relax on Ao Nang Beach or take a four-island boat tour to Chicken Island, Tup Island, and more.

6. Day 6: Rock Climbing or Island Hopping in Railay
   Estimated time from Krabi: 30 minutes (16 km)

   Channel your inner adventurer and try rock climbing in Railay or take a long-tail boat tour to nearby islands.

7. Day 7: Bangkok Food and Shopping
   Estimated time from Krabi: 1.5 hour flight to Bangkok

   Explore Bangkok's food and shopping scene at Chatuchak Weekend Market, Ratchada Night Train Market, and Bangkok's Chinatown.

Time and Costs Estimates

• Entrance to Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew (3 hours, 500 baht)
• Ayutthaya and Sukhothai Heritage Tour (10 hours, 1,100 baht)
• Hill Tribes Tour (6 hours, 900 baht)
• Elephant Nature Park Tour (8 hours, 2,500 baht)
• Long-tail Boat Tour in Railay (4 hours, 800 baht)
• Estimated total cost: 5,800 baht

Useful Tips

If you have more time, consider visiting Chiang Rai's White Temple or the tropical island of Koh Chang. If you have less time, skip Ayutthaya and Sukhothai and book a day trip to Doi Inthanon National Park in Chiang Mai instead.