Exploring Thailand in July 2023

1. Day 1: Bangkok
   45 minutes (20 miles) from Suvarnabhumi Airport

   Explore the Grand Palace, Wat Phra Kaew and Wat Pho in the morning. Take a boat ride along the Chao Phraya River in the afternoon. Visit the night markets at Patpong or Khao San Road in the evening.

2. Day 2: Ayutthaya
   1 hour 20 minutes (51 miles) from Bangkok

   Visit the Ayutthaya Historical Park in the morning and see the ruins of temples and palaces. Stop by the Bang Pa-In Palace on your way back to Bangkok in the afternoon. Enjoy a traditional Thai massage in the evening.

3. Day 3: Chiang Mai
   1 hour 20 minutes (70 miles) from Suvarnabhumi Airport

   Take a morning flight to Chiang Mai. Visit the Doi Suthep temple and the Bhubing Palace in the morning. Learn to cook traditional Thai food in the afternoon. Explore the Night Bazaar in the evening.

4. Day 4: Chiang Rai
   3 hours 30 minutes (135 miles) from Chiang Mai

   Take a day trip to the White Temple, the Black House and the Blue Temple. Visit the Mae Sai border town and the Golden Triangle. Return to Chiang Mai in the evening.

5. Day 5: Koh Samui
   2 hours (465 miles) from Chiang Mai

   Take a morning flight to Koh Samui. Relax on the beach or by the pool. Visit the Big Buddha statue and the Fisherman's Village in the evening.

6. Day 6: Koh Tao
   1 hour 30 minutes (43 miles) from Koh Samui

   Take a ferry to Koh Tao in the morning. Go snorkelling or scuba diving in the turquoise waters. Enjoy fresh seafood in the evening.

7. Day 7: Bangkok
   1 hour 20 minutes (428 miles) from Koh Tao

   Take a ferry back to Koh Samui and a flight back to Bangkok in the morning. Visit the Chatuchak Weekend Market in the afternoon. Enjoy a farewell dinner at a rooftop restaurant in the evening.

Recommendations

Consider visiting the Elephant Nature Park in Chiang Mai, taking a day trip to the Phi Phi Islands from Koh Samui, and enjoying a traditional Thai puppet show in Bangkok. To maximize your fun, try learning some basic Thai phrases and bargaining skills!

Time and Costs Estimates

• Grand Palace, Wat Phra Kaew and Wat Pho (4 hours, ฿1,000)
• Chao Phraya River boat ride (1 hour, ฿200)
• Patpong or Khao San Road night markets (2 hours, ฿500)
• Ayutthaya Historical Park (3 hours, ฿500)
• Bang Pa-In Palace (1 hour, ฿200)
• Thai massage (1 hour, ฿400)
• Doi Suthep temple and Bhubing Palace (4 hours, ฿600)
• Thai cooking class (4 hours, ฿1,000)
• Night Bazaar (2 hours, ฿500)
• White Temple, Black House and Blue Temple (6 hours, ฿1,200)
• Mae Sai border town and Golden Triangle (4 hours, ฿800)
• Big Buddha statue and Fisherman's Village (3 hours, ฿400)
• Snorkelling or scuba diving (4 hours, ฿1,000)
• Chatuchak Weekend Market (3 hours, ฿500)
• Rooftop restaurant (2 hours, ฿800)
• Total Estimated Costs: ฿8,300