8-Day Shoestring Budget Adventure in Thailand

Day 1: Explore Bangkok

Bangkok, Thailand

8:00AM

Breakfast at Khao San Road

Start your day with a delicious bowl of Thai breakfast porridge at one of the local stalls on Khao San Road.
Walk or take a tuk-tuk to the Grand Palace.
THB 60, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit the Grand Palace

Marvel at the intricate architecture and the Emerald Buddha housed in the Grand Palace.
Walk to Wat Pho.
THB 500, 1.5 hours

11:30AM

Explore Wat Pho

Visit this famous temple to see the gigantic Reclining Buddha and enjoy a traditional Thai massage.
Walk to a local eatery nearby.
THB 200, 1 hour

12:30PM

Lunch at a Local Eatery

Savor Pad Thai from a local eatery specializing in street food.
Head to Chao Phraya River for a boat ride.
THB 80, 1 hour

1:30PM

Boat Ride on Chao Phraya River

Enjoy a scenic boat ride along the river, taking in the sights of Bangkok's skyline.
Take a boat back to Phra Arthit Pier.
THB 30, 2 hours

3:30PM

Visit Jim Thompson House

Learn about the silk industry and explore this traditional Thai home.
Take a tuk-tuk to the nearest BTS station.
THB 150, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Evening Market Stroll

Venture to the local night market for souvenirs and snacks.
Walking distance from Jim Thompson House.
THB 100, 1 hour

6:30PM

Dinner at Raan Jay Fai

Delight in dishes from a Michelin-star street food location known for its crab omelette.
Take a tuk-tuk.
THB 500, 1.5 hours
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Day 2: Day Trip to Ayutthaya

Ayutthaya, Thailand

6:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Grab a quick breakfast at your accommodation before heading out.
Take a train from Hua Lamphong to Ayutthaya.
THB 50, 30 mins

7:00AM

Explore Ayutthaya Historical Park

Rent a bicycle to tour the ancient ruins and temples at a relaxed pace.
Bicycles are rented locally.
THB 50, 4 hours

11:00AM

Lunch at a Local Restaurant

Enjoy a riverside meal with local specialties like boat noodles.
Short stroll from the historical park.
THB 120, 1 hour

12:30PM

Visit Wat Chaiwatthanaram

Admire the stunning architecture of this iconic temple.
Cycle there from lunch.
THB 50, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

More Cycling Around Ruins

Continue exploring lesser-known ruins and temples, enjoying the surrounding gardens.
Cycle back to the train station.
Free, 2 hours

4:30PM

Return to Bangkok

Take the train back to Bangkok.
Train from Ayutthaya.
THB 50, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at Supanniga Eating Room

Delight in traditional Thai dishes with a modern twist at this cozy restaurant.
Take a local transportation to the restaurant.
THB 450, 1.5 hours
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Day 3: Cultural Exploration in Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai, Thailand

7:00AM

Fly to Chiang Mai

Catch an early flight to Chiang Mai, known for its stunning temples and vibrant night markets.
Taxi to the airport.
THB 300, 1 hour

9:00AM

Check into Accommodation

Settle into your budget-friendly guesthouse located in the Old City.
Walking distance from the airport.
THB 800, 30 mins

10:00AM

Breakfast at Toh Pluek

Enjoy a hearty local breakfast of Khao Soi, a famous Northern Thai dish.
Short walk from the guesthouse.
THB 80, 1 hour

11:30AM

Visit Wat Phra That Doi Suthep

Take a songthaew to this sacred mountain temple with breathtaking views of the city.
Songthaew from the Old City.
THB 60, 2 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at The Kitchen

Savor traditional meals featuring locally sourced ingredients.
Songthaew back to the city.
THB 150, 1 hour

3:00PM

Cultural Class: Thai Cooking

Learn to cook delicious Thai dishes during this fun and interactive class.
Local cooking school nearby.
THB 1200, 4 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Night Bazaar

Stroll the night bazaar, sampling street food and shopping for artisan crafts.
Walking through the night market.
THB 200, 2 hours
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Day 4: Nature and Adventure in Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai, Thailand

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a simple breakfast at your accommodation before starting the day's adventure.
Depart for Elephant Sanctuary.
Included in tour price, 1 hour

9:00AM

Visit Elephant Nature Park

Engage with rescued elephants and learn about their stories while supporting ethical tourism.
Transportation provided by sanctuary.
THB 3200, 6 hours

4:00PM

Return to Chiang Mai

Head back to Chiang Mai in the afternoon trip.
Transportation included.
Included in tour price, 1 hour

5:30PM

Evening Leisure

Relax and refresh after an eventful day; enjoy strolling around the Old City.
Walking or local transport.
Free, 2 hours

7:30PM

Dinner at Khao Soi Khun Yai

Taste the best Khao Soi in Chiang Mai at this well-known local restaurant.
Short walk from the Old City.
THB 100, 1 hour
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Day 5: Scenic Journey to Pai

Pai, Thailand

7:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Fuel up with breakfast before embarking on a scenic journey.
Depart for Pai by minivan.
THB 150, 30 mins

7:30AM

Minivan Ride to Pai

Sit back and enjoy the views while navigating winding roads to the picturesque town of Pai.
Minivan service departs from Chiang Mai.
THB 150, 3.5 hours

11:00AM

Check into Accommodation

Stay at a budget guesthouse known for its cozy atmosphere.
Walking distance from the bus station.
THB 800, 30 mins

12:00PM

Lunch at Bobby's Restaurant

Relish a mix of Thai and Western dishes in a charming setting.
Short walk from guesthouse.
THB 120, 1 hour

1:30PM

Visit Pai Canyon

Wander along trails offering breathtaking views of the canyon and sunset vistas.
Rent a scooter or use a local taxi.
THB 100, 2 hours

4:00PM

Relax at a Hot Spring

Unwind at one of Pai's natural hot springs; it's a perfect spot to rejuvenate.
Scooter or taxi to hot springs.
THB 300, 2 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at Street Food Stalls

Sample various local delicacies at the lively night food market.
Walking distance from guesthouse.
THB 150, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 6: Beach Getaway to Krabi

Krabi, Thailand

7:00AM

Breakfast at Guesthouse

Enjoy breakfast at your accommodation before heading to Krabi.
Depart by minivan to Krabi.
THB 200, 30 mins

7:30AM

Travel to Krabi

Catch a minivan to Krabi, where stunning beaches and clear waters await.
Minivan service departs from Pai.
THB 300, 4 hours

12:00PM

Check into Accommodation

Arrive at Krabi and check into a budget-friendly beach bungalow.
Walking distance from the beach.
THB 900, 30 mins

1:00PM

Lunch at a Beachfront Restaurant

Savor fresh seafood while enjoying views of the sea.
Short walk from your accommodation.
THB 250, 1 hour

2:30PM

Visit Railay Beach

Take a boat ride to Railay Beach for stunning cliffs and crystal-clear waters.
Boat service from Ao Nang.
THB 200, 1 hour

4:30PM

Explore Phra Nang Cave Beach

Swim and relax at Phra Nang Cave Beach, known for its unique cave.
Walking along the beach.
Free, 2 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at Ao Nang Night Market

Indulge in delectable dishes from various street vendors at the vibrant night market.
Boat ride back to Ao Nang.
THB 200, 2 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 7: Adventure in Railay Beach

Railay Beach, Thailand

8:00AM

Breakfast at Accommodation

Start your day with breakfast at your beach bungalow.
Short walk to local eateries.
THB 50, 1 hour

9:00AM

Rock Climbing at Railay Beach

Try rock climbing on the limestone cliffs, especially famous for its breathtaking views.
Book through local service providers.
THB 2000, 3 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at The Last Bar

Relax by the beach with a refreshing drink and good food at The Last Bar.
Short walk from climbing area.
THB 200, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Kayaking Tour

Join a kayaking tour around the nearby lagoons and beaches; a highlight of the trip.
Book through local tour agencies.
THB 800, 4 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at Railay Beach

Enjoy a beautiful sunset dinner at a beachfront restaurant.
Short walk to a seaside restaurant.
THB 300, 2 hours
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Day 8: Return to Bangkok

Bangkok, Thailand

8:00AM

Breakfast at Accommodation

Enjoy your last breakfast at Railay before heading back to Bangkok.
Travel by boat back to Ao Nang.
THB 200, 1 hour

9:00AM

Travel to Krabi Airport

Take a minivan to Krabi Airport for your flight back to Bangkok.
Local transportation available at the beach.
THB 100, 30 mins

12:00PM

Flight to Bangkok

Catch a short flight back to Bangkok.
Board at the airport.
THB 1000, 1 hour

1:30PM

Final Lunch at Chatuchak Market

Enjoy a variety of street foods and local delicacies at the famous market.
Take a taxi from the airport.
THB 300, 2 hours

3:30PM

Explore Chatuchak Weekend Market

Shop for souvenirs, clothes, and local crafts at this massive weekend market.
Walking distance from lunch location.
Free, 2 hours

5:30PM

Dinner at Local Thai Restaurant

Have a delicious finale meal at a local eatery known for authentic Thai cuisine.
Short drive from the market.
THB 400, 1.5 hours

7:00PM

Head to Airport for Departure

Make your way back to the airport for your departure flight.
Use local transport to the airport.
THB 300, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability