8-Day Thailand Adventure: Bangkok to Chiang Mai with Cultural and Culinary Highlights

Day 1: Bangkok Arrival

Bangkok, Thailand on April 21, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at On Lok Yun

Start your day with a traditional Thai breakfast at On Lok Yun, a charming old-school cafe known for its Thai-style toast and coffee. It opens early, perfect for energising your morning.

THB100, 1h0m

9:45am

Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew Visit

Explore the iconic Grand Palace and the Temple of the Emerald Buddha. Marvel at exquisite Thai architecture and royal history; the complex opens at 8:30am and closes at 3:30pm.

THB500, 2h30m

12:30pm

Lunch at Sala Rattanakosin

Enjoy riverside dining at Sala Rattanakosin with views of Wat Arun. Their Thai fusion dishes offer a delicious and scenic lunch experience.

THB600, 1h30m

2:30pm

Wat Pho and Reclining Buddha

Visit Wat Pho, home to the grand Reclining Buddha statue and a traditional massage school. It's open until 6:30pm, perfect for an afternoon cultural immersion.

THB200, 1h30m

5:00pm

Chao Phraya River Sunset Cruise

Take a scenic 1.5-hour evening cruise on the Chao Phraya River to soak up Bangkok's skyline and illuminated landmarks.

THB400, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Thip Samai Pad Thai

End your day with arguably the best Pad Thai in Bangkok at Thip Samai, open till 11pm. Expect authentic flavours in a bustling atmosphere.

THB150, 1h

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Day 2: Bangkok Exploration

Bangkok, Thailand on April 22, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Luka Moto

Enjoy hipster vibes and excellent coffee paired with savoury and sweet breakfast options at Luka Moto cafe.

THB250, 1h

9:00am

Jim Thompson House

Visit the historic home of Jim Thompson, an American who revitalised Thai silk industry, showcasing elegant teak architecture and silk artefacts. Opens 9am-6pm.

THB200, 1h30m

11:00am

Chatuchak Weekend Market (if weekend) or Siam Paragon

If the day is weekend, explore Chatuchak Market's vast stalls of crafts and food. On weekdays, the luxury shopping and food court at Siam Paragon is excellent.

Free entry, THB200 for shopping/food, 2h

1:30pm

Lunch at Baan Khanitha

Indulge in refined traditional Thai cuisine in a beautiful garden setting at Baan Khanitha, a top-rated restaurant in Bangkok.

THB700, 1h30m

3:30pm

Explore Erawan Shrine and CentralWorld

Visit the sacred Erawan Shrine then shop or relax in CentralWorld, one of Southeast Asia’s largest malls.

Free, 1h30m

6:00pm

Dinner at Cabbages and Condoms

Dine at this unique restaurant serving tasty Thai food with a mission supporting health awareness. A meaningful dining experience.

THB400, 1h30m

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Day 3: Ayutthaya Day Trip

Ayutthaya, Thailand on April 23, 2025

7:00am

Travel to Ayutthaya

Take a 1.5-hour minivan or train from Bangkok to the UNESCO heritage city of Ayutthaya for an enriching day of ancient ruins exploration.

THB50-THB150, 1h30m

8:45am

Ayutthaya Historical Park

Visit the sprawling temple ruins including Wat Mahathat, famous for the Buddha head entwined in tree roots. The park is open from 8am to 6pm.

THB50, 3h

12:00pm

Lunch at Malakor Kitchen and Cafe

Relax at Malakor Kitchen offering traditional Thai dishes with a pleasant riverside setting in Ayutthaya.

THB300, 1h

1:15pm

Wat Chaiwatthanaram

Explore the stunning Khmer-style Wat Chaiwatthanaram temple before returning to Bangkok.

THB50, 1h30m

3:00pm

Return to Bangkok

Head back to Bangkok and rest.

THB50-THB150, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Issaya Siamese Club

Enjoy upscale modern Thai cuisine at Issaya Siamese Club, set in a charming colonial house with a great garden ambiance. Reservations recommended.

THB800, 1h30m

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Day 4: Fly to Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai, Thailand on April 24, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Ristr8to

Before your flight, grab an excellent coffee and breakfast at this award-winning specialty coffee shop.

THB250, 1h

9:00am

Flight from Bangkok to Chiang Mai

Take a 1h15m flight from Bangkok Don Mueang or Suvarnabhumi to Chiang Mai International Airport.

THB1500, 1h15m

11:00am

Check-in and relax

Check into your hotel in the old city and take a moment to relax.

Varies, 1h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at Khao Soi Khun Yai

Taste authentic Northern Thai curry noodle soup Khao Soi at this popular local spot.

THB80, 1h

2:30pm

Visit Wat Phra Singh

Explore this stunning Lanna-style temple housing a revered Buddha statue. Open daily until 5pm.

THB40, 1h

4:00pm

Walk around Old City

Stroll the charming streets of Chiang Mai Old City and visit local craft shops and cafes.

Free, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Dash! Restaurant

Enjoy Northern Thai specialties in a traditional teak house setting at Dash! Restaurant.

THB400, 1h30m

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Day 5: Elephant Sanctuary

Chiang Mai, Thailand on April 25, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Have an early breakfast at your hotel to prepare for a day of ethical elephant encounters.

Included in hotel, 1h

9:00am

Elephant Nature Park Visit

Spend a full day at Elephant Nature Park, an ethical elephant sanctuary where you can feed and bathe rescued elephants. Transfers and meals included. Park open 8am-5pm.

THB2800, 7h

5:00pm

Return to Chiang Mai

Return to the city after a rewarding day with elephants.

Included, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Night Bazaar Food Stalls

Sample a wide array of street food at the vibrant Night Bazaar, perfect for an informal evening with diverse flavours.

THB150, 1h30m

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Day 6: Doi Suthep & City Temples

Chiang Mai, Thailand on April 26, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Akha Ama Coffee

Start with a cup of renowned local coffee and light breakfast at Akha Ama Coffee.

THB200, 1h

9:00am

Visit Wat Phra That Doi Suthep

Climb the naga staircase to this mountaintop temple for spectacular views over Chiang Mai. Open 6am-6pm. A must-see cultural highlight.

THB50, 3h

12:30pm

Lunch at Huen Phen

Feast on authentic Northern Thai dishes at Huen Phen, a popular eatery with traditional Lanna decor.

THB400, 1h30m

2:30pm

Visit Wat Chedi Luang

Explore the impressive ruins of Wat Chedi Luang, located in the heart of Chiang Mai's old city.

THB40, 1h

4:00pm

Relax at Tha Phae Gate

Enjoy a relaxing stroll and coffee around Tha Phae Gate, a historic city landmark.

Free, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at The Riverside Bar & Restaurant

Dine by the Ping River with live music and excellent Thai and international dishes.

THB500, 1h30m

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Day 7: Cooking Class & Markets

Chiang Mai, Thailand on April 27, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Fuel up with a hotel breakfast before an active day.

Included, 1h

9:00am

Thai Cooking Class

Join a half-day cooking class where you'll visit a local market to select fresh ingredients and learn to cook authentic Thai dishes, including appetizer, curry, and dessert.

THB1500, 4h