14-Day Shoestring Budget Itinerary in Thailand

Day 1: Explore Bangkok

Bangkok, Thailand

9:00AM

Visit the Grand Palace

Start your day marveling at the stunning architecture of the Grand Palace, a must-see attraction in Bangkok.
Take the MRT to Sanam Chai Station.
THB 500, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Thip Samai Pad Thai

Enjoy authentic Pad Thai at this famous eatery, known for its delicious flavors.
Walk 10 minutes from the Grand Palace.
THB 60, 1 hour

1:30PM

Explore Wat Pho

Head to Wat Pho to see the magnificent reclining Buddha and enjoy a traditional Thai massage.
15-minute walk from Thip Samai.
THB 100, 2 hours

4:00PM

Chao Phraya River Boat Ride

Take a scenic boat ride along the river for a unique view of the city.
Walk to the nearby pier.
THB 50, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at Raan Jay Fai

Try the famous crab omelet at this street food stall, renowned for its fresh ingredients.
Take a taxi or tuk-tuk from the pier.
THB 200, 1.5 hours
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Day 2: Cultural Discovery

Bangkok, Thailand

8:00AM

Breakfast at On Lok Yun

Start your day with a traditional Thai breakfast at this nostalgic local café.
Take a taxi to the café.
THB 80, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Jim Thompson House

Explore the beautiful traditional Thai houses and learn about the silk business.
Take the BTS to National Stadium.
THB 200, 1.5 hours

11:30AM

Explore Chatuchak Weekend Market

Wander through one of the largest markets in Thailand, filled with local crafts and street food.
Take the MRT to Mo Chit.
Free, 3 hours

3:00PM

Visit Erawan Shrine

Experience the vibrant atmosphere at this famous shrine known for its traditional dance performances.
Take a taxi from the market.
Free, 1 hour

5:00PM

Dinner at Som Tam Nua

Indulge in some incredible papaya salad and enjoy the local flavors.
Walk 10 minutes from Erawan Shrine.
THB 120, 1 hour
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Day 3: Journey to Kanchanaburi

Kanchanaburi, Thailand

7:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a simple breakfast at your hotel before checking out.
N/A
THB 100, 1 hour

8:30AM

Travel to Kanchanaburi

Take a bus to Kanchanaburi, known for its beautiful natural landscapes.
Catch a bus from the Southern Bus Terminal.
THB 120, 2.5 hours

11:00AM

Check-in at Hostel

Settle into a budget-friendly hostel in Kanchanaburi.
Walk to the nearby hostel.
THB 300, 1 hour

12:30PM

Lunch at Kan Eang@Pier

Savor a delicious fish curry while enjoying views by the river.
10-minute walk from the hostel.
THB 150, 1 hour

2:00PM

Visit the Bridge over the River Kwai

Explore the historical bridge and learn about its World War II significance.
Take a local tuk-tuk from the restaurant.
Free, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Explore Kanchanaburi War Cemetery

Pay your respects at this well-maintained cemetery dedicated to war victims.
Walk back to the cenotaph.
Free, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at Bamboo Restaurant

Try authentic Thai dishes in a cozy setting.
Walk to the restaurant from the cemetery.
THB 120, 1 hour
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Day 4: Nature Adventures

Kanchanaburi, Thailand

7:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Fuel up with breakfast at your hostel before a day of adventure.
N/A
THB 100, 1 hour

8:30AM

Visit Erawan National Park

Explore the stunning waterfalls and go for a swim in the turquoise pools.
Take a minibus from Kanchanaburi town.
THB 300 including entry, 5 hours

1:30PM

Picnic Lunch near the Waterfalls

Pack a simple lunch to enjoy amidst nature at the park.
Bring your own lunch.
THB 0, 1 hour

2:30PM

Return to Kanchanaburi

Head back to your hostel for a short rest after an exciting day.
Take the minibus back.
THB 100, 1 hour

5:00PM

Dinner at Jolly Frog

Enjoy a casual meal at this laid-back place offering a variety of dishes.
Walk from the hostel for 10 minutes.
THB 150, 1 hour
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Day 5: Historical Exploration

Ayutthaya, Thailand

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a filling breakfast before packing to leave Kanchanaburi.
N/A
THB 100, 1 hour

9:30AM

Travel to Ayutthaya

Catch a bus to Ayutthaya, the ancient capital of Thailand.
Take a bus from Kanchanaburi bus station.
THB 150, 2 hours

11:30AM

Check-in at Hostel

Check into a budget hostel near the historical park.
Walk to the hostel from the station.
THB 300, 1 hour

1:00PM

Lunch at local street stalls

Sample local favorites like boat noodles or mango sticky rice.
Explore nearby stalls.
THB 60, 1 hour

2:30PM

Explore Ayutthaya Historical Park

Spend the rest of the afternoon visiting ancient ruins and temples.
Rent a bicycle from your hostel.
THB 50 for rental, 3 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at Roti Sai Mai

Savor the unique sweet Thai cotton candy crepes.
Bike to the nearby stall.
THB 80, 1 hour
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Day 6: Sukhothai's Temples

Sukhothai, Thailand

7:00AM

Breakfast at local café

Enjoy a simple breakfast at a nearby café before heading out.
Walk to a café near the hostel.
THB 100, 1 hour

8:30AM

Travel to Sukhothai

Get a bus to Sukhothai, famous for its historical park.
Catch a bus from Ayutthaya bus station.
THB 180, 3 hours

11:30AM

Check-in at Hostel

Settle into your budget accommodation in Sukhothai.
Walk to your hostel from the bus station.
THB 300, 1 hour

1:00PM

Lunch at Thara Thong

Try local dishes made with fresh ingredients in this cozy eatery.
Walk to the restaurant from the hostel.
THB 100, 1 hour

2:30PM

Visit Sukhothai Historical Park

Wander through the ruins and admire the ancient architecture.
Rent a bike from your hostel.
THB 50 for rental, 3 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at local BBQ joint

Enjoy a grilled feast featuring local meats and vegetables.
Bike a short distance to the BBQ place.
THB 150, 1.5 hours
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Day 7: Chiang Mai Arrival

Chiang Mai, Thailand

7:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy breakfast before checking out of the hostel.
N/A
THB 100, 1 hour

8:30AM

Travel to Chiang Mai

Journey onward to Chiang Mai, a cultural hub of Thailand.
Take a bus from Sukhothai bus station.
THB 220, 5 hours

1:30PM

Check-in at Hostel

Settle in at a budget-friendly hostel in the Old City.
Walk to your hostel.
THB 300, 1 hour

3:00PM

Lunch at Khao Soi Khun Yai

Savor a bowl of Khao Soi, a coconut curry noodle dish, at this popular location.
Walk 15 minutes from your hostel.
THB 70, 1 hour

4:30PM

Visit Wat Phra That Doi Suthep

Take a trip to this iconic temple situated on a mountain for amazing views.
Take a songthaew from the city center.
THB 50, 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at SP Chicken

Enjoy grilled chicken and sticky rice, a delicious local specialty.
Take a taxi back to the city.
THB 120, 1 hour
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Day 8: Chiang Mai Adventures

Chiang Mai, Thailand

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Fuel up at your hostel with a healthy breakfast.
N/A
THB 100, 1 hour

9:30AM

Explore Old City Temples

Wander around the Old City, visiting beautiful temples at your leisure.
Walk to nearby temples.
Free, 2.5 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Tada Restaurant

Enjoy some delicious local dishes made from fresh ingredients.
Walk to the restaurant.
THB 80, 1 hour

1:30PM

Visit the Chiang Mai Night Bazaar

Stroll through the lively bazaar and shop for local handicrafts and souvenirs.
Walk from the restaurant.
Free, 2 hours

4:00PM

Relax at Huay Kaew Waterfall

Unwind amidst nature at this peaceful waterfall located just outside of the city.
Take a taxi or songthaew.
THB 40, 2 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at The Good View

Enjoy a riverside dinner with a wide variety of local and international cuisines.
Take a taxi back to Chiang Mai.
THB 200, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 9: Pai Escape

Pai, Thailand

7:00AM

Breakfast at Hostel

Enjoy breakfast and prepare for your journey to Pai.
N/A
THB 100, 1 hour

8:30AM

Travel to Pai

Travel to the quaint town of Pai nestled in the mountains.
Catch a minivan from Chiang Mai bus station.
THB 150, 3 hours

12:00PM

Check-in at Hostel

Settle into a cozy hostel upon arrival in Pai.
Walk to the hostel from the bus station.
THB 300, 1 hour

1:30PM

Lunch at Pai Street Food Market

Explore the local food stalls offering delicious Thai street food.
Walk to the nearby market.
THB 60, 1 hour

3:00PM

Visit Pai Canyon

Take in stunning views and hike the trails at Pai Canyon.
Rent a scooter or take a tuk-tuk to the canyon.
THB 60 for rental, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at The Lone Star

Dine at a cozy restaurant famous for its burgers and fries.
Take a scooter or tuk-tuk back to Pai.
THB 150, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 10: Relaxing in Pai

Pai, Thailand

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hostel

Enjoy your breakfast before another day of exploration.
N/A
THB 100, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Tha Pai Hot Springs

Unwind in the natural hot springs away from the town's hustle.
Take a tuk-tuk to the hot springs.
THB 200 including entry, 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Pai Ramen

Enjoy a comforting bowl of ramen in this popular eatery.
Walk back to town.
THB 70, 1 hour

2:30PM

Visit the Pai Memorial Bridge

Check out the historical bridge while enjoying the scenery around.
Take a scooter or walk to the bridge.
Free, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at Charlie and Lek's

Indulge in delicious burgers or vegetarian dishes at this local favorite.
Walk from the bridge to the restaurant.
THB 120, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 11: Beach Time in Krabi

Krabi, Thailand

7:00AM

Breakfast at Hostel

Enjoy a hearty breakfast before transitioning to the next destination.
N/A
THB 100, 1 hour

8:30AM

Travel to Krabi

Take a minivan to Krabi, known for its stunning beaches.
Catch a minivan from Pai bus station.
THB 200, 4 hours

12:30PM

Check-in at Hostel

Settle into your budget accommodation near Ao Nang Beach.
Walk to your accommodation.
THB 300, 1 hour

1:30PM

Lunch at Ao Nang Street Food

Sample fresh seafood and Thai dishes from the myriad of food stalls.
Walk to the street food stalls.
THB 80, 1 hour

3:00PM

Relax at Ao Nang Beach

Spend the afternoon soaking up the sun at one of Thailand's beautiful beaches.
Walk to the beach.
Free, 3 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at La Plage Restaurant

Indulge in delicious Thai seafood with a beach view.
Walk back from the beach to the restaurant.
THB 250, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 12: Island Hopping

Krabi, Thailand

7:00AM

Breakfast at Hostel

Fuel up before a day of adventure.
N/A
THB 100, 1 hour

8:30AM

Four Islands Tour

Join an affordable boat tour to explore the beautiful islands close to Krabi.
Book the tour from a local operator.
THB 1,200 for the tour, 8 hours

5:30PM

Return to Ao Nang

Come back to the mainland after a full day of sea and sun.
Transfer back to Ao Nang.
THB 0, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at The Last Fisherman

Enjoy a sunset dinner with fresh seafood.
Walk from your hostel.
THB 200, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 13: Phuket Vibes

Phuket, Thailand

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hostel

Begin your day with breakfast before departing for Phuket.
N/A
THB 100, 1 hour

9:30AM

Travel to Phuket

Take a ferry from Krabi to Phuket, famous for its lively beaches.
Catch the ferry from Ao Nang Pier.
THB 400, 2 hours

11:30AM

Check-in at Hostel

Settle into your affordable hostel in Patong Beach.
Walk to your hostel from the pier.
THB 300, 1 hour

1:00PM

Lunch at Baan Rim Pa

Enjoy authentic Thai dishes with spectacular ocean views.
Take a taxi to the restaurant.
THB 150, 1 hour

3:00PM

Visit Patong Beach

Relax on the famous beach and enjoy the lively atmosphere.
Walk to the beach from the restaurant.
Free, 3 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at No.9 2nd Restaurant

Taste delicious Thai and international dishes in Patong.
Walk back from the beach.
THB 200, 1.5 hours
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Day 14: Return to Bangkok

Bangkok, Thailand

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hostel

Have breakfast at your hostel before checking out.
N/A
THB 100, 1 hour

9:30AM

Travel back to Bangkok

Make your way back to Bangkok for your departure flight.
Take a bus or train from the bus terminal.
THB 300, 1.5 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Hiaw Mak

Savor a delicious meal at a local favorite before your flight.
Walk from the train station.
THB 150, 1 hour

2:00PM

Last-minute shopping

Stock up on souvenirs and final treats at a nearby market.
Take the MRT to Chatuchak Market.
Free, 1 hour

4:00PM

Transportation to the airport

Head to the airport in time for your departure.
Take the Airport Rail Link from the city.
THB 45, 1 hour
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