5-Day Adventure and Foodie Itinerary in Thailand on a Budget

Day 1: City Exploration

Bangkok, Thailand

8:00AM

Breakfast at Jay Fai

Start your adventure with a fuel-rich meal at the famous Jay Fai, known for its delicious street-style omelets and crab fried rice.
Take the MRT to Sam Yan station.
THB100, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit the Grand Palace

Wander the stunning grounds of the Grand Palace, marveling at the intricate architecture and the famous Emerald Buddha.
Take a short tuk-tuk ride from Jay Fai.
THB500, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Thip Samai

Enjoy an authentic pad thai at one of Bangkok's best eateries, Thip Samai, which has been serving locals since 1966.
Walk for 15 minutes.
THB130, 1 hour

1:30PM

Explore Wat Pho

Visit the serene Wat Pho, home to the giant reclining Buddha and traditional Thai massage school.
Walk 10 minutes from Thip Samai.
THB200, 1.5 hours

3:30PM

Relax at a Local Café

Take a break at a cozy café near the river and enjoy a refreshing Thai iced tea.
Take a short boat ride to Maharat Pier.
THB50, 1 hour

5:00PM

Dinner at Raan Jay Fai

Indulge in an evening meal back at Jay Fai, where you can savor her renowned street food again.
Take a tuk-tuk back.
THB150, 1.5 hours

7:00PM

Visit Khao San Road

Experience the vibrant nightlife on Khao San Road, where you can chill with friends or grab a few drinks.
Walk from dinner.
THB0, 2 hours
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Day 2: Explore Ancient Ruins

Ayutthaya, Thailand

6:00AM

Breakfast at Local Vendor

Grab quick breakfast from a local vendor selling traditional Thai pastries.
Travel to Ayutthaya by train, depart from Hua Lamphong Station.
THB50, 1 hour

8:00AM

Ayutthaya Historical Park

Spend the morning wandering around the ancient ruins of Ayutthaya, UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Rent a bicycle near the entrance.
THB400 (including bike rental), 2.5 hours

11:00AM

Lunch at Roti Sai Mai

Try the famous sweet cotton candy rolls that are a specialty of Ayutthaya.
Cycle to the nearby stall.
THB40, 1 hour

12:30PM

Wat Chaiwatthanaram

Visit this iconic temple and enjoy its beautiful views of the Chao Phraya River.
15-minute bike ride.
THB50, 1 hour

2:00PM

Continue Exploring the Ruins

Choose a couple of more temples to explore at your leisure or relax by the river.
Bike through Ayutthaya Park.
THB0, 2 hours

4:30PM

Return to Bangkok

Catch an evening train back to Bangkok after a day of exploration.
Station is nearby from the last site.
THB50, 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Chinatown

Savor delicious street food in Bangkok's Chinatown with a variety of cheap food stalls.
Take the MRT to Hua Lamphong and walk.
THB150, 2 hours
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Day 3: Nature and Adventure

Kanchanaburi, Thailand

7:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a simple breakfast at your hotel before heading out.
Use local bus to get to Kanchanaburi.
THB150, 2 hours

9:00AM

Erawan National Park

Start the day with a visit to Erawan National Park, famous for its stunning waterfalls.
Take a songthaew from the bus station.
THB300 (entrance fee included), 3 hours

12:00PM

Picnic Lunch at Erawan

Pack a simple lunch or buy snacks at a shop before enjoying a picnic near the falls.
Eat at the picnic area.
THB100, 1 hour

1:00PM

Swimming and Hiking

Cool off in the natural pools while enjoying the scenic surroundings and a light hike.
Explore on foot within the park.
THB0, 2 hours

3:00PM

Death Railway Tour

Experience a ride on the historical Death Railway, learning about its history and views along the river.
Return to the bus station and find a train.
THB100, 2 hours

5:30PM

Dinner at Home Stay

Enjoy dinner with a local family at a home stay, experiencing authentic Thai hospitality.
Book in advance and ask for a ride.
THB400, 2 hours

8:00PM

Relax with Drinks

Wind down with some drinks at a local bar along the river in Kanchanaburi.
Short walk outside your stay.
THB150, 1.5 hours
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Day 4: Culture and Temples

Chiang Mai, Thailand

7:00AM

Breakfast at Local Café

Savor a hearty khao soi, a Northern Thai specialty before heading out.
Travel to Chiang Mai on a morning flight or overnight bus.
THB450 (bus fare), 1 hour

9:00AM

Visit Doi Suthep Temple

Marvel at the golden pagoda and view the city from this iconic temple located in the mountains.
Take a songthaew from the city center.
THB30, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Nimmanhaemin Street

Enjoy a lunch at a trendy café, like Ristr8to, known for its unique coffee creations.
Return to city center by songthaew.
THB200, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Chiang Mai Old City Exploration

Spend the afternoon walking through the charming old city, visiting temples like Wat Chedi Luang.
Walk through the streets.
THB0, 2.5 hours

4:00PM

Visit a Local Market

Experience local culture by visiting the Warorot Market and trying some fresh fruits.
Walk from the Old City.
THB50, 1 hour

5:00PM

Dinner at Street Food Stalls

Indulge in local delicacies at the famous street food stalls along Chang Phuak Road.
Take a short walk.
THB150, 1.5 hours

7:00PM

Explore Night Bazaar

Savor the vibrant atmosphere of Chiang Mai's Night Bazaar, perfect for browsing and shopping.
Easily walk to the Night Bazaar.
THB0, 2 hours
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Day 5: Beach Relaxation

Phuket, Thailand

7:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a hearty breakfast at your hotel before your beach day adventure.
Travel to Phuket by flight from Chiang Mai.
THB1,000 (flight fare), 1.5 hours

9:00AM

Relax at Patong Beach

Spend a leisurely morning soaking up the sun at the beautiful Patong Beach.
Take a local tuk-tuk to the beach.
THB200, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Beachfront Restaurant

Enjoy fresh seafood right by the beach at a casual beachfront restaurant.
Walk to the nearest restaurant.
THB300, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Water Sports Activities

Try out activities like jet skiing or parasailing for an exciting afternoon.
Book activities directly on the beach.
THB800, 2 hours

4:00PM

Relax with a Massage

Unwind with a traditional Thai massage offered at beachside spas.
Walk along the beach to find massage stations.
THB300, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at Old Phuket Town

Experience a delightful dinner at one of the local restaurants in Old Phuket Town.
Take a taxi for a short ride.
THB350, 1.5 hours

8:00PM

Enjoy Nightlife at Bangla Road

Conclude your trip with a thrilling nightlife experience at the bustling Bangla Road.
Short taxi ride from dinner.
THB100, 2 hours
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