9-Day Trip to Bangkok and Phuket, Thailand

  • Day 1: Bangkok Grand Palace
    1 hour (16.6 km) from Suvarnabhumi Airport

    The Bangkok Grand Palace is the city's most famous landmark, built in 1782. It's a complex of spectacular buildings, including Wat Phra Kaew (Temple of the Emerald Buddha) and the royal residence.

  • Day 2: Chatuchak Market
    30 minutes (12.1 km) from Bangkok Grand Palace

    Chatuchak Market is a must-visit destination for any traveler. It's the largest market in Thailand, offering everything from clothing and accessories to home decor and street food. With over 10,000 stalls, you are sure to find something you love.

  • Day 3: Wat Pho
    30 minutes (8.8 km) from Chatuchak Market

    Wat Pho is one of the largest and oldest temples in Bangkok, famous for its giant reclining Buddha statue, which measures 46 meters long! The temple is also home to Thai massage school where visitors can receive a traditional Thai massage.

  • Day 4: Phuket Big Buddha
    1 hour (28.6 km) from Phuket International Airport

    The Phuket Big Buddha is one of the island's most important and revered attractions, sitting atop of mount Nakkerd with a height of 45 m. Visitors can enjoy panoramic views of Phang Nga Bay from here.

  • Day 5: Nai Harn Beach
    30 minutes (11.9 km) from Phuket Big Buddha

    Nai Harn Beach is one of Phuket's cleanest and most picturesque bays. The beach is surrounded by lush green hillsides, and visitors can spend a relaxing day swimming, sunbathing, and enjoying the breathtaking views.

  • Day 6: Phuket Old Town
    1 hour (21.4 km) from Nai Harn Beach

    Phuket Old Town is a charming area lined with well-preserved Sino-Portuguese style shop-houses, shrines, temples, and a weekly night market.

  • Day 7: Phi Phi Islands
    2 hours by boat from Phuket Old Town Pier.

    The Phi Phi Islands are one of the most popular tourist destinations in Thailand, known for their scenic beauty and crystal-clear water. Visitors can enjoy snorkeling or scuba diving, relax on the pristine beaches, or visit the Viking Cave.

  • Day 8: Patong Beach and Nightlife
    1 hour (20.2 km) from Phi Phi Island Pier

    Patong Beach is one of the most popular beaches in Phuket, known for its nightlife and colorful atmosphere. Visitors can enjoy water sports during the day and visit vibrant clubs, bars, and restaurants at night.

  • Day 9: Chalong Temple & Last Minute Shopping
    30 minutes (11.4 km) from Patong Beach

    End your adventure with a visit to Wat Chalong. This is the most revered and visited temple in Phuket with a fascinating history, beautiful architecture, and gold-covered pagodas. After the visit, explore local markets for souvenirs and last-minute shopping before heading home.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Bangkok Grand Palace (2 hours, 500 Baht).
  • Chatuchak Market (3 hours, 300 Baht for food and souvenirs).
  • Wat Pho (2 hours, 200 Baht for temple fee and 500 Baht for Thai massage).
  • Phuket Big Buddha (2 hours, free entry).
  • Nai Harn Beach (4 hours, free entry).
  • Phuket Old Town (3 hours, free entry).
  • Phi Phi Islands (6 hours, 2,000 Baht for day tour or 4,000 for an overnight stay).
  • Patong Beach and Nightlife (4 hours, 1,000 Baht for bar hopping).
  • Chalong Temple and Last Minute Shopping (3 hours, 500 Baht for souvenirs).
  • Total Estimated Costs: 8,000 Baht

Transportation

Travelers will mostly use public transportation such as buses, trains or taxis to get around in Bangkok. For traveling from Bangkok to Phuket, there are buses, flights or train journeys. For short distances, renting a scooter or bicycle can be a great option. Taxis and tuk-tuks are popular (yet more expensive) to move around Phuket.

Travel time is around 1 hour from Suvarnabhumi Airport to Bangkok Grand Palace, and around 1 hour and 20 minutes from Phuket International Airport to Phuket Big Buddha. A bus from Bangkok to Phuket takes around 13 hours while a direct flight takes only 1 hour and 30 minutes.

Useful Tips

If you happen to have more days, add a trip to Ayutthaya's ancient ruins from Bangkok or head to Koh Samui for more beach relaxations when in Phuket. If you have less time, consider skipping Chatuchak market or Patong Beach depending on your interests.

Airports

There are two international airports serving Bangkok, the Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) and Don Mueang International Airport (DMK). Suvarnabhumi is located about 30 km from the city center, while Don Mueang is about 20 km away. Phuket International airport (HKT) is located at a distance of 45 km from the city center, and it serves several domestic and international flights.

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