Seven-Day Itinerary for Phuket, Thailand Leaving from Bangkok in May 2023

1. Day 1: Phang Nga Bay
   2 hours 14 minutes (83.5 km) from Bangkok

   Start your trip with a scenic boat tour of Phang Nga Bay. Take in the stunning limestones karsts, caves, and hidden lagoons. Stop for lunch on Koh Panyee, a sea gypsy village built on stilts over the water. In the evening, enjoy a traditional Thai massage.

2. Day 2: Big Buddha and Chalong Temple
   23 minutes (11.4 km) from previous location

   Start your day by visiting the famous Big Buddha statue and taking in the panoramic views of the island. Afterwards, head to Chalong Temple, the largest and most revered Buddhist temple in Phuket. In the afternoon, explore the Old Town and try some local street food.

3. Day 3: Similan Islands National Park
   2 hours 6 minutes (110 km) from previous location

   Take a day trip to Similan Islands National Park to enjoy some of the best snorkelling and diving in Thailand. Swim with colorful fish and discover coral reefs. End the day with a sunset beach picnic.

4. Day 4: Phi Phi Islands
   2 hours 2 minutes (85.7 km) from previous location

   Take an early morning ferry to Phi Phi Islands to avoid the crowds. Explore the stunning Maya Bay, made famous by the movie "The Beach". Snorkel with sea turtles and enjoy lunch on Phi Phi Don. Return to Phuket in the evening.

5. Day 5: Bangla Road and Patong Beach
   1 hour 8 minutes (16.6 km) from previous location

   Experience the lively nightlife of Phuket by visiting Bangla Road in Patong. Enjoy live music, street performances, and drinks in the bars and clubs. Recover from the night by relaxing on Patong Beach in the morning.

6. Day 6: Phuket Elephant Sanctuary
   43 minutes (21.6 km) from previous location

   Visit the Phuket Elephant Sanctuary, a retirement home for elephants who have been rescued from the tourism and logging industries. Learn about elephant conservation and interact with these gentle giants. End the day with a Thai cooking class.

7. Day 7: Thalang Road and Weekend Market
   38 minutes (18.2 km) from previous location

   Explore the charming Thalang Road in the morning, known for its Sino-Portuguese architecture and local boutiques. In the evening, visit the Weekend Market to experience the vibrant atmosphere of Thai street markets. Try some delicious food, shop for souvenirs, and enjoy live music.

Recommendations

Consider taking a day trip to James Bond Island, visiting the Tiger Kingdom, or experiencing the Flying Hanuman zipline adventure. For a side trip, consider visiting Koh Samui or Krabi. To maximize your fun, try learning some Thai phrases and haggling at local markets.

Time and Costs Estimates

• Phang Nga Bay boat tour (6 hours, ฿1,500-฿2,500)
• Big Buddha and Chalong Temple (4 hours, free entrance)
• Similan Islands National Park day trip (10 hours, ฿3,500-฿5,000)
• Phi Phi Islands day trip (12 hours, ฿1,500-฿3,500)
• Bangla Road and Patong Beach (4 hours, free entrance)
• Phuket Elephant Sanctuary and Thai cooking class (6 hours, ฿3,000-฿4,500)
• Thalang Road and Weekend Market (6 hours, free entrance)
• Total Estimated Costs: ฿9,500-฿18,000