Exploring Bangkok, Phuket, and Pattaya: A 7-Day Family Friendly Itinerary
Friday December 29: Arrival in Bangkok
Start your adventure in Bangkok by visiting the Grand Palace in the morning, a magnificent complex of royal buildings and temples. Explore the vibrant Chatuchak Weekend Market in the afternoon, where you can find everything from clothing to local crafts. In the evening, take a cruise along the Chao Phraya River and enjoy a delicious Thai dinner.
Grand Palace: Estimated Cost: 500 THB, Time Spent: 2-3 hours
Chatuchak Weekend Market: Free entry, Time Spent: 2-3 hours
Chao Phraya River Cruise: Estimated Cost: 1,200 THB per person, Time Spent: 2-3 hours
Restaurants
Breakfast: Start your day at Mr. Jones Orphanage, a whimsical cafe known for its adorable teddy bear theme. Enjoy delicious pancakes and pastries surrounded by vintage toys. Average cost for a meal is about ฿300 per person.
Lunch: For a taste of traditional Thai cuisine, visit Cabbages and Condoms. This unique restaurant promotes safe sex and sustainable development. Indulge in flavorful dishes while supporting a good cause. Average cost for a meal is about ฿500 per person.
Dinner: Experience the elegance of The Blue Elephant, a renowned Thai restaurant housed in a stunning colonial-style building. Feast on authentic Thai dishes prepared with fresh ingredients and enjoy the charming atmosphere. Average cost for a meal is about ฿900 per person.
Saturday December 30: Exploring Bangkok
Start your day by visiting Wat Arun, a stunning riverside temple with intricate architecture. In the afternoon, explore the floating markets of Damnoen Saduak, where you can shop for fresh produce and local handicrafts. End your day with a visit to the bustling Chinatown in the evening, known for its vibrant street food scene.
Wat Arun: Estimated Cost: 100 THB, Time Spent: 1-2 hours
Chinatown: Cost: Varies (depending on food), Time Spent: 2-3 hours
Restaurants
Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Tropn Treehouse Cafe. This cozy cafe offers a variety of breakfast options, from fluffy pancakes to healthy smoothie bowls. The average cost for a meal is about 200 Baht per person.
For lunch, head to Supanniga Eating Room. This restaurant serves authentic Thai cuisine with a modern twist, offering dishes such as pad Thai and green curry. The average cost for a meal is around 300 Baht per person.
In the evening, dine at Baan Khanitha. This family-friendly restaurant specializes in traditional Thai dishes made with the freshest ingredients. Don't miss their famous Tom Yum soup and mango sticky rice. The average cost for a meal is approximately 500 Baht per person.
Sunday December 31: Travel to Phuket
Catch a flight from Bangkok to Phuket in the morning. Upon arrival, head to Patong Beach for a day of relaxation and water activities. In the evening, celebrate New Year's Eve by joining the vibrant beach parties and fireworks.
Flight from Bangkok to Phuket: Estimated Cost: Check flight prices, Time Spent: 2-3 hours
Patong Beach: Free entry, Time Spent: Full day
New Year's Eve Beach Party: Free entry, Time Spent: Evening
Restaurants
Breakfast: Cafe del Mar Phuket - Enjoy a delicious breakfast and stunning ocean views at this beachfront cafe. Average cost for a meal is about ฿250 per person.
Lunch: No. 6 Restaurant & Lounge - Indulge in a diverse range of international dishes with a Thai twist at this stylish restaurant. Average cost for a meal is about ฿400 per person.
Dinner: Baan Rim Pa Phuket - Delight your taste buds with exquisite Thai cuisine and breathtaking sunset views at this elegant restaurant. Average cost for a meal is about ฿800 per person.
Monday January 1: Island Hopping in Phuket
Embark on a full-day island hopping tour, exploring the picturesque Phi Phi Islands and Maya Bay. Enjoy snorkeling, swimming, and sunbathing in these stunning tropical paradises. In the evening, visit the Phuket FantaSea theme park to witness a mesmerizing cultural show.
Island Hopping Tour: Estimated Cost: 1,500 THB per person, Time Spent: Full day
Phuket FantaSea: Estimated Cost: 1,800 THB per person, Time Spent: 2-3 hours
Restaurants
Start your day with a delicious breakfast at The Coffee Club located in Phuket. This cozy café offers a variety of breakfast options from pancakes to omelettes. Expect to spend around 200-300 baht per person.
For a satisfying lunch, head to Kaab Gluay Seafood Restaurant. Known for its fresh seafood dishes, this restaurant is a local favorite. Enjoy dishes like grilled fish or spicy shrimp at an average cost of 400-600 baht per person.
Indulge in a delectable dinner at Salvatore's Italian Restaurant in Phuket. This restaurant serves authentic Italian cuisine including pasta, pizza, and tiramisu. The average cost for a meal here is around 700-900 baht per person.
Tuesday January 2: Exploring Phuket Town
Spend the day exploring the charming streets of Phuket Town. Visit the Old Phuket Town to admire the colorful Sino-Portuguese architecture and browse through local shops and art galleries. In the evening, experience the vibrant nightlife of Bangla Road in Patong.
Old Phuket Town: Free entry, Time Spent: 2-3 hours
Bangla Road: Cost: Varies (depending on entertainment), Time Spent: Evening
Restaurants
Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Café Andaman. This cozy cafe offers a variety of breakfast options, from traditional Thai dishes to international favorites. Enjoy your meal with a cup of freshly brewed coffee. Average cost for a meal is about 150 THB per person.
For lunch, head over to the popular Kaab Gluay Restaurant. This local eatery serves authentic Thai cuisine with a focus on seafood. Their menu features a wide selection of dishes, including spicy curries, grilled fish, and refreshing salads. Average cost for a meal is about 250 THB per person.
In the evening, indulge in a memorable dinner at The Thaiger Restaurant. Located by the beach, this restaurant offers stunning views of the ocean along with a diverse menu of Thai and international dishes. Don't miss their seafood specialties and delectable desserts. Average cost for a meal is about 500 THB per person.
Wednesday January 3: Travel to Pattaya
Take a flight from Phuket to Pattaya in the morning. Upon arrival, visit Sanctuary of Truth, an awe-inspiring wooden temple with intricate carvings. Spend the afternoon at Nong Nooch Tropical Garden, exploring its beautiful landscapes and enjoying cultural shows. In the evening, experience the lively atmosphere of Walking Street.
Flight from Phuket to Pattaya: Estimated Cost: Check flight prices, Time Spent: 2-3 hours
Sanctuary of Truth: Estimated Cost: 500 THB, Time Spent: 2-3 hours
Start your day by visiting the Pattaya Viewpoint for panoramic views of the city and coastline. Spend the afternoon at Cartoon Network Amazone, a water park featuring thrilling slides and entertainment for all ages. In the evening, enjoy the vibrant Pattaya nightlife at the famous Tiffany's Show.
Pattaya Viewpoint: Free entry, Time Spent: 1-2 hours
Cartoon Network Amazone: Estimated Cost: 1,200 THB per person, Time Spent: 3-4 hours
Tiffany's Show: Estimated Cost: 900 THB per person, Time Spent: 2-3 hours
Restaurants
Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Grandma's Kitchen Pattaya, known for their homemade Thai-style dishes. The average cost for a meal is about 150 baht per person.
For a satisfying lunch, head to Leng Kee Restaurant, where you can indulge in a variety of seafood dishes. The average cost for a meal is about 400 baht per person.
In the evening, treat your family to a mouthwatering dinner at Mantra Restaurant & Bar, offering a fusion of Asian and Western cuisines. The average cost for a meal is about 800 baht per person.
Hidden Gems and Local Favorites
For a family-friendly experience, consider visiting KidZania Bangkok, an interactive children's edutainment center. Another off-the-beaten-path attraction loved by locals is the Elephant Nature Park in Phuket, where you can learn about and interact with rescued elephants in a responsible and ethical way.