10-Day Shoestring Budget Itinerary in Thailand

Day 1: Explore Bangkok

Bangkok, Thailand

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Jok Prince

Start your day with a delicious bowl of Thai rice porridge at Jok Prince, known for its comforting flavors.
Take the BTS Skytrain to the nearest station.
THB 40, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Visit Wat Pho

Discover the majestic Reclining Buddha in Wat Pho and explore its intricate temple grounds.
Take a ferry from Tha Tien Pier to the temple.
THB 100, 2 hours

12:00 PM

Lunch at Thip Samai

Savor a plate of the famous Pad Thai at Thip Samai, a local favorite known for its vibrant flavors.
Walk for 15 minutes to Thip Samai.
THB 60, 1 hour

1:30 PM

Explore the Grand Palace

Wander through the dazzling compounds of the Grand Palace, home to the Emerald Buddha.
Walk 10 minutes from lunch.
THB 500, 2 hours

4:00 PM

Stroll at Lumpini Park

Enjoy a leisurely stroll or rent a paddleboat in the lush surroundings of Lumpini Park.
Taking a short taxi ride or using the MRT can be convenient.
Free, 1.5 hours

6:00 PM

Dinner at Raan Jay Fai

Experience upscale street food at Raan Jay Fai, where the Michelin-starred chef serves exquisite seafood dishes.
Take a short tuk-tuk ride.
THB 300, 1.5 hours
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Day 2: Culture & Markets

Bangkok, Thailand

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Khao Gaeng Rang Nam

Delight in a traditional Thai breakfast served with fragrant curries at Khao Gaeng Rang Nam.
Walk to the nearby restaurant.
THB 50, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Chatuchak Weekend Market

Wander through the vast Chatuchak Market where you can find everything from local handicrafts to delectable street food.
Catch the BTS to Mo Chit Station.
Free, 3 hours

1:00 PM

Lunch at Chatuchak Market

Make sure to try the grilled sticky rice and coconut custard from vendors inside the market.
Eat within the market.
THB 70, 1 hour

2:30 PM

Visit Jim Thompson House

Explore the beautiful traditional Thai house and museum of Jim Thompson, a famous American in Thailand.
Take a short tuk-tuk ride to the Jim Thompson House.
THB 200, 2 hours

4:30 PM

Take a Boat ride on Chao Phraya River

Experience the city from the water by hopping onto a public boat, enjoying views of bustling riverside life.
Board the boat at Sathorn Pier.
THB 30, 1 hour

6:00 PM

Street Food Dinner at Yaowarat Road

Indulge in street food delights like dim sum and grilled seafood along Bangkok's famous Chinatown.
Take a tuk-tuk to Yaowarat Road.
THB 150, 2 hours
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Day 3: Ayutthaya Adventure

Ayutthaya, Thailand

7:00 AM

Breakfast at local café

Grab a quick breakfast of Thai-style sandwiches at a local café before hopping on a train to Ayutthaya.
Walk to a nearby café.
THB 50, 30 minutes

8:00 AM

Train to Ayutthaya

Catch a local train to Ayutthaya, a UNESCO World Heritage Site filled with ancient ruins.
Get to Hua Lamphong Station and purchase tickets at the counter.
THB 40, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Explore Historic Parks

Spend the morning biking around historic parks and visiting sites like Wat Chaiwatthanaram.
Rent a bicycle near the train station.
THB 50 (for bike rental), 3 hours

12:30 PM

Lunch at a local restaurant

Enjoy authentic Thai curry and rice at a local eatery near the parks.
Choose a restaurant along the way.
THB 80, 1 hour

1:30 PM

Continue exploring Ayutthaya

Visit the impressive ruins of Wat Mahathat and see the famous Buddha head entwined in tree roots.
Bike to the next ruins.
THB 50, 2 hours

4:00 PM

Return to Bangkok

Catch a train back to Bangkok, letting the beautiful rural scenery unwind after a day of exploration.
Walk back to the train station.
THB 40, 1 hour

5:30 PM

Dinner at Savoey Restaurant

End your day with a seafood specialty at Savoey, famous for its fresh ingredients and local charm.
Take a taxi back to your hotel area.
THB 200, 1.5 hours
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Day 4: Fly to Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai, Thailand

8:00 AM

Breakfast at local market

Start your day at a local market trying khanom jeen, a delicious Thai rice noodle dish.
Visit a nearby market.
THB 40, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Flight to Chiang Mai

Catch an early morning flight to picturesque Chiang Mai, known for its temples and culture.
Head to Bangkok's domestic airport.
THB 1200, 1.5 hours including airport time

11:00 AM

Explore Old City Temples

As you arrive, start with a tour of the Old City, visiting Wat Chedi Luang and Wat Phra Singh.
Take a tuk-tuk from the airport to Old City.
THB 60, 2 hours

1:00 PM

Lunch at Huen Muan Jai

Try the traditional Khao Soi, a Northern Thai noodle dish at Huen Muan Jai.
Walk to the restaurant.
THB 100, 1 hour

2:30 PM

Visit Doi Suthep

Spend the afternoon at Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, enjoying breathtaking views of the city.
Take a songthaew to the mountain.
THB 30 (plus entry fee), 2 hours

5:00 PM

Dinner Street Food at Night Bazaar

Explore the Chiang Mai Night Bazaar and try various local street food stands.
Head back down by songthaew.
THB 150, 2 hours
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Day 5: Adventure in Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai, Thailand

8:00 AM

Breakfast at local café

Enjoy a simple breakfast of fried rice at a café nearby.
Walk to the café.
THB 50, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Elephant Sanctuary Visit

Experience an ethical encounter at an elephant sanctuary, learning about the gentle giants.
Join a group tour, transportation included.
THB 2400 (full day tour), 6 hours

4:30 PM

Return from Sanctuary

After a day with the elephants, relax and freshen up back at your hotel.
Return to your accommodation.
Included in tour cost, 1 hour

6:00 PM

Dinner at SP Chicken

Savor local style roast chicken and sticky rice at SP Chicken, famous for its tender poultry.
Take a local tuk-tuk.
THB 200, 1.5 hours
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Day 6: Nature Escape to Pai

Pai, Thailand

7:30 AM

Breakfast at hotel

Start your journey to Pai with a filling breakfast at your hotel.
Check out and head to the bus station.
Included in hotel stay, 1 hour

9:00 AM

Bus to Pai

Enjoy scenic views on the winding bus ride to Pai, a peaceful mountain town.
Buy your ticket at the bus station.
THB 150, 3 hours

12:00 PM

Lunch at Pai Walking Street

Explore the beautiful walking street and grab lunch at a local food stall.
Walk along the street.
THB 80, 1 hour

1:30 PM

Hot Springs Relaxation

Unwind in the natural hot springs nearby, soothing your travel-weary muscles.
Rent a scooter or take a taxi.
THB 300, 2 hours

4:00 PM

Visit Pai Canyon

Spend the late afternoon walking through the stunning Pai Canyon for spectacular sunset views.
Travel via scooter or taxi.
THB 50, 2 hours

6:30 PM

Dinner at a local café

Feast on delicious Thai food at a cozy café nestled in Pai.
Walk back to town.
THB 120, 1 hour
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Day 7: Enjoy the Charm of Pai

Pai, Thailand

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Coffee in Love

Enjoy breathtaking views and a delectable breakfast at Coffee in Love, known for its serene setting.
Take a short walk to the café.
THB 100, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Visit Pai Land Split

Explore the unique Pai Land Split, a natural wonder that showcases the town’s beauty.
Grab a scooter or taxi.
THB 50, 1.5 hours

11:00 AM

Bamboo Bridge Walk

Stroll along the picturesque Bamboo Bridge for stunning views while taking in the tranquil surroundings.
Head back to town and walk to the bridge.
Free, 1 hour

1:00 PM

Lunch at the Walking Street Market

Savor a fusion of Thai flavors at the Walking Street Market for lunch.
Walk to the market.
THB 70, 1 hour

2:30 PM

Cooking Class Experience

Join a local cooking class to learn how to whip up some of the delicious Thai dishes you've savored.
Find a local cooking school nearby.
THB 800 (includes food), 3 hours

6:00 PM

Dinner at The Curry Shack

Cap off your day with delightful homemade curry dishes at The Curry Shack in Pai.
Walk back to the restaurant.
THB 150, 1.5 hours
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Day 8: Beaches of Krabi

Krabi, Thailand

7:30 AM

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a hearty breakfast before making your way to Krabi, the stunning beach destination.
Check out of the hotel and get a bus to Krabi.
Included in hotel stay, 1 hour

9:00 AM

Bus to Krabi

Catch an early bus to Krabi, known for its gorgeous limestone cliffs and clear waters.
Buy tickets at the local bus station.
THB 300, 3 hours

12:00 PM

Lunch at a beachside restaurant

Dine with a view at a local beachside restaurant offering fresh seafood and Thai favorites.
Take a taxi to Ao Nang Beach.
THB 150, 1 hour

1:30 PM

Relax on Ao Nang Beach

Spend a relaxing afternoon sunbathing and swimming at Ao Nang Beach.
Walk to the beach.
Free, 3 hours

5:00 PM

Visit Railay Beach

Take a boat to Railay Beach and uncover its stunning scenery and thrilling rock climbing opportunities.
Find a local boat service from Ao Nang.
THB 200, 2 hours

7:00 PM

Dinner at The Last Fisherman

End the day with a delicious meal at The Last Fisherman, known for its fresh seafood dishes.
Take a boat back to Ao Nang Beach.
THB 250, 1.5 hours
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Day 9: Island Hopping Paradise

Koh Phi Phi, Thailand

6:30 AM

Early Breakfast at hotel

Fuel up with breakfast at your hotel before taking the ferry to Koh Phi Phi.
Check out and head to the pier.
Included in hotel stay, 1 hour

8:00 AM

Ferry to Koh Phi Phi

Catch the morning ferry to Koh Phi Phi, a stunning island of turquoise waters and sandy beaches.
Get your tickets at Ao Nang pier.
THB 450, 1.5 hours

10:00 AM

Explore Maya Bay

Discover the famous Maya Bay, where you can swim, sunbathe, and take stunning photos.
Join a boat tour that includes Maya Bay.
THB 1200 (for tour), 3 hours

1:00 PM

Lunch at a beachside restaurant

Savor fresh seafood at a beachside restaurant, enjoying views of the clear blue sea.
Walk to a nearby restaurant.
THB 200, 1 hour

2:30 PM

Snorkeling Adventure

Dive into the underwater world with a snorkeling adventure to see vibrant marine life.
Use the same boat for snorkeling.
Included in tour cost, 2 hours

5:00 PM

Dinner at The Beachfront Restaurant

Finish off the day with a delicious beachfront dinner while watching the sunset.
Walk to the beachfront restaurant.
THB 300, 2 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 10: Last Day in Phuket

Phuket, Thailand

8:00 AM

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before heading to Phuket.
Check out and take a ferry back to the mainland.
Included in hotel stay, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Ferry to Phuket

Take a short ferry ride to Phuket, Thailand's largest island.
Buy tickets at the pier.
THB 450, 1.5 hours

11:00 AM

Visit Patong Beach

Relax at Patong Beach, soaking in the rays and enjoying the lively atmosphere.
Head to the beach via local transport.
Free, 2 hours

1:00 PM

Lunch at a seaside café

Relish local dishes while gazing at the waves at a seaside café.
Walk to the café along the beach.
THB 200, 1 hour

2:30 PM

Shopping at Jungceylon Mall

Spend your last afternoon shopping for souvenirs and gifts at Jungceylon Mall.
Take a taxi or tuk-tuk.
Free (shopping costs vary), 2 hours

5:00 PM

Dinner at No. 9 Restaurant

End your trip with a fantastic dinner at No. 9, known for its extensive Thai and international menu.
Take a short ride to the restaurant.
THB 250, 1.5 hours
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