6-Day Adventure and Relaxation Itinerary for Thailand on a Shoestring Budget

Day 1: Welcome to Bangkok

Bangkok, Thailand

8:00AM

Breakfast at Khao San Road

Start your day with a traditional Thai breakfast of Congee and Thai iced coffee at Khao San Road, a famous backpacker hub.
Walk to the ferry stop and take the ferry across the Chao Phraya River.
THB 150, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit the Grand Palace

Explore the stunning Grand Palace, the former royal residence, and appreciate its intricate architecture and history.
Take a tuk-tuk from the ferry stop to the Grand Palace.
THB 500, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Boat Noodle Alley

Feast on boat noodles (Kway Teow) at the famous alley where you can eat delicious and affordable bowls of soup.
Walk to Boat Noodle Alley, approximately 10 minutes.
THB 100, 1 hour

1:30PM

Explore Chatuchak Weekend Market

Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of Chatuchak Market, perfect for shopping souvenirs and street food tasting.
Take the BTS Skytrain to Mo Chit Station from your lunch location.
Free, 3 hours

5:30PM

Dinner at Thip Samai Pad Thai

Savor the most famous Pad Thai at Thip Samai, a must-try for any visitor in Bangkok.
Take a taxi or tuk-tuk back to the city center.
THB 150, 1 hour

8:00PM

Rooftop Bar Experience

Wrap up your day with a stunning view of Bangkok at a rooftop bar like Octave Rooftop Lounge & Bar.
Take a taxi to the bar.
THB 300 (drink included), 2 hours
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Day 2: Historical Ayutthaya

Ayutthaya, Thailand

7:30AM

Breakfast at local café

Enjoy a quick breakfast at a local café with toasty Thai pancakes and fresh fruit.
Travel to Ayutthaya by minivan from Khao San Road, approximately 1.5 hours.
THB 150, 1 hour

9:00AM

Ayutthaya Historical Park

Discover the UNESCO World Heritage Site, filled with ancient temples and ruins that tell the story of the capital of the Kingdom of Siam.
Rent a bicycle on-site to explore the park.
THB 50 (entrance fee + bike rental), 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at a riverside eatery

Savor some crispy catfish salad with rice at a beautiful riverside restaurant.
Cycle to a riverside eatery nearby.
THB 120, 1 hour

2:30PM

Visit Wat Phra Si Sanphet

Marvel at the iconic temple complex, Wat Phra Si Sanphet, known for its impressive chedis.
Cycle to Wat Phra Si Sanphet, it's a short distance.
THB 50, 1 hour

4:00PM

Head back to Bangkok

Finish the day by heading back to Bangkok for dinner and relaxation.
Catch a minivan back to Bangkok.
THB 150, 1.5 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at Raan Jay Fai

Indulge in a street-side dinner at Jay Fai, known for her Michelin-starred crab omelette.
Take a taxi or tuk-tuk to Raan Jay Fai.
THB 400, 1 hour
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Day 3: Travel to Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai, Thailand

8:00AM

Flight to Chiang Mai

Catch an early flight to Chiang Mai to make the most of your city experience.
Head to the airport via taxi.
THB 1000 (approx.), 1 hour (flight time)

10:30AM

Breakfast at The Breakfast World

Once you land, enjoy a hearty breakfast featuring smoothies and pancake stacks.
Take a local taxi to The Breakfast World.
THB 200, 1 hour

12:00PM

Wat Phra That Doi Suthep

Travel to this iconic mountain temple that offers panoramic views of Chiang Mai.
Rent a motorbike or take a songthaew to Doi Suthep.
THB 30 (entrance fee), 2 hours

3:00PM

Lunch at Huen Phen

Taste authentic Northern Thai cuisine with a signature Khao Soi at Huen Phen.
Head back into the city, takes around 30 minutes.
THB 150, 1 hour

5:00PM

Explore Old City Temples

Stroll through the Old City to visit stunning historical temples like Wat Chedi Luang.
Walk to the nearby temples.
THB 50, 2 hours

7:30PM

Dinner at Night Bazaar

Dine in the vibrant Night Bazaar area at a food stall to taste local snacks like grilled chicken and sticky rice.
Walk to the Night Bazaar.
THB 100, 1 hour

9:00PM

Night Market Stroll

Wander through Chiang Mai's night market, a paradise for unique souvenirs.
Stroll around the area to take in the lively atmosphere.
Free, 1-2 hours
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Day 4: Adventure in Pai

Pai, Thailand

8:00AM

Travel to Pai

Begin your day by traveling to Pai via picturesque mountain roads.
Catch a minibus from Chiang Mai to Pai, takes about 3 hours.
THB 150, 3 hours

11:30AM

Breakfast at The Witching Well

Savor organic dishes and aromatic coffees at this charming cafe in Pai.
Walk to The Witching Well; it's a short distance from the minibus station.
THB 200, 1 hour

1:00PM

Visit Pai Canyon

Hike through the beautiful landscapes of Pai Canyon with spectacular viewpoints.
Rent a scooter to travel to Pai Canyon.
THB 150 (scooter rental fee), 2 hours

3:30PM

Lunch at Nong Yai

Refuel with a delicious array of Thai BBQ dishes at a local eatery.
Head back into town using your scooter.
THB 120, 1 hour

5:00PM

Hot Springs Experience

Relax at the nearby hot springs and ease your muscles in the natural mineral waters.
Take a short taxi ride or ride your scooter to the hot springs.
THB 300, 1.5 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Charlie & Lek

Enjoy a casual dinner at Charlie & Lek's, known for their delicious pizzas and local dishes.
Return to Pai village center for dinner.
THB 200, 1 hour

9:00PM

Experience Pai's Nightlife

Explore the laid-back nightlife of Pai, featuring live music and open-air bars.
Walking distance from dinner locations, have fun hopping between bars.
THB 300 (drinks included), 2 hours
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Day 5: Beach Life in Koh Samui

Koh Samui, Thailand

8:00AM

Travel to Koh Samui

Catch an early flight to the beautiful island of Koh Samui.
Head to the airport via local taxi.
THB 1200 (approx.), 1 hour (flight time)

10:00AM

Breakfast at The Coffee House

Savor a delightful breakfast of eggs benedict and fresh coffee at The Coffee House.
Take a taxi to The Coffee House.
THB 250, 1 hour

11:30AM

Relax on Chaweng Beach

Spend the morning soaking up the sun on the most popular beach in Koh Samui.
Walk to Chaweng Beach, only a short distance away.
Free, 3 hours

2:30PM

Lunch at The Cliff Bar and Grill

Enjoy a seaside lunch featuring a variety of seafood dishes with a spectacular view.
Take a taxi to The Cliff Bar and Grill.
THB 300, 1 hour

4:00PM

Ang Thong National Marine Park

Embark on an adventure to explore the stunning marine park, filled with islands, snorkeling, and limestone cliffs.
Join a tour that picks you up from your hotel.
THB 2000 (approx.), 5 hours (including travel time)

9:00PM

Dinner at local beach restaurant

Enjoy a relaxed dinner at a local beachside eatery offering authentic Thai seafood.
Return from the marine park and walk to a nearby beach restaurant.
THB 250, 1 hour
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Day 6: Back to Bangkok

Bangkok, Thailand

9:00AM

Free morning at the beach

Take your last morning in Koh Samui to enjoy the tranquility of the beach.
Walk along Chaweng Beach, and find a spot to relax.
Free, 2 hours

11:00AM

Lunch at a local café

Grab a quick and tasty lunch featuring coconut curry before your flight.
Find a nearby local café.
THB 150, 1 hour

1:00PM

Travel to Koh Samui Airport

Prepare for your flight back to Bangkok with plenty of time to check in.
Take a taxi to the airport.
THB 200, 30 minutes

3:00PM

Flight back to Bangkok

Catch your flight back to Bangkok and reflect on your incredible trip.
Flight check-in and security.
THB 1000 (approx.), 1 hour (flight time)

5:00PM

Dinner at local market

End your Thailand adventure with a dinner at a local market offering an array of street food.
Head to Ratchada Night Market via MRT.
THB 150, 1 hour

8:00PM

Final Night in Bangkok

Take a leisurely stroll along the bustling streets of Bangkok, soaking in the last moments of your adventure.
Walk around the local area near your accommodation.
Free, 1-2 hours
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