Three-Week Cultural and Culinary Journey Through Thailand, Japan, and South Korea

Day 1: Discover Bangkok

Bangkok, Thailand on May 8, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at On Lok Yun

Start your day with a traditional Thai breakfast at On Lok Yun, renowned for its Thai-style coffee and simple yet delicious dishes like jok (Thai rice porridge).

THB100, 1h

9:30am

Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew

Visit Bangkok's iconic Grand Palace complex including the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, a must-see symbol of Thai culture and history. Open 8:30am-3:30pm.

THB500, 2h30m

12:30pm

Lunch at Thip Samai Pad Thai

Enjoy arguably the best pad thai in Bangkok at Thip Samai, famous for its authentic flavours and locally sourced ingredients.

THB120, 1h

2:00pm

Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn)

Cross the river to visit Wat Arun, admired for its stunning riverside location and porcelain-encrusted central prang.

THB100, 1h

4:00pm

Jim Thompson House

Explore this traditional Thai house museum dedicated to the American silk entrepreneur and the history of Thai silk production.

THB200, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Cabbages & Condoms

Dine at this unique restaurant serving delicious Thai dishes while supporting social awareness campaigns.

THB600, 1h30m

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Day 2: Bangkok Afternoon & Ayutthaya

Bangkok and Ayutthaya, Thailand on May 9, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel or nearby café

Fuel up for a day trip with a light breakfast at your accommodation or a local café.

Included or THB100, 30m

8:00am

Day trip to Ayutthaya Historical Park

Take a 1-hour drive north to ancient Ayutthaya, Thailand’s former capital. Explore the impressive ruins and UNESCO World Heritage site including Wat Mahathat and Wat Phra Si Sanphet.

THB300 (transport) + THB50 entrance, 5h

1:30pm

Lunch at Malakor Kitchen and Cafe

Enjoy tasty Thai fusion dishes in a relaxed setting in Ayutthaya.

THB200, 1h

3:00pm

Return to Bangkok and relax

Head back to Bangkok and take some rest before the evening.

Included, 1h30m

6:00pm

Explore Asiatique The Riverfront

Visit this open-air night market and lifestyle complex for shopping, cultural performances, and riverside dining.

Free entry; dining varies, 2h

8:00pm

Dinner at Baan Khanitha Asiatique

Enjoy authentic Thai dishes in a charming setting at Baan Khanitha located within Asiatique.

THB700, 1h30m

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Day 3: Fly to Tokyo

Tokyo, Japan on May 10, 2025

6:00am

Early breakfast at hotel

Have a quick and hearty breakfast before your flight to Tokyo.

Included or THB200, 30m

8:00am

Flight to Tokyo (approx. 6 hours)

Depart from Bangkok to Tokyo Narita or Haneda Airport. Flight duration around 6 hours with time adjustment.

Variable, 6h

3:00pm

Arrive and check-in at hotel in Shinjuku

Get settled in your hotel in the vibrant Shinjuku district, central for exploring Tokyo.

Variable, 1h

4:30pm

Visit Meiji Shrine

A serene Shinto shrine located in a lush forested area, providing a peaceful escape from the city bustle.

Free, 1h

6:00pm

Dinner at Omoide Yokocho

Explore this iconic alleyway full of tiny eateries offering yakitori and traditional Japanese comfort food.

¥2000, 1h30m

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Day 4: Tokyo Exploration

Tokyo, Japan on May 11, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Tsukiji Outer Market

Sample fresh sushi or traditional Japanese breakfast at Tsukiji Outer Market, open from early morning.

¥1500, 1h

9:30am

Explore Asakusa and Senso-ji Temple

Visit Tokyo’s oldest temple, Senso-ji, and stroll along Nakamise shopping street for souvenirs and snacks.

Free, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Asakusa Imahan

Experience premium sukiyaki or shabu-shabu in this famous traditional restaurant.

¥3500, 1h30m

2:00pm

Visit Tokyo Skytree

See panoramic views of Tokyo from the tallest tower in Japan. Open 8:00am-10:00pm.

¥2100, 2h

5:00pm

Relax at Sumida Park

Enjoy a stroll along the Sumida River in this scenic park, perfect for photos of the Skytree and cherry blossoms if in season.

Free, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Sushi Zanmai Higashi Ginza

Indulge in high-quality sushi at this well-known chain with a lively atmosphere.

¥4000, 1h30m

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Day 5: Day trip to Kamakura

Tokyo/Kamakura, Japan on May 12, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Eat a filling breakfast to prepare for your day trip.

Included, 30m

8:30am

Train to Kamakura

Take a 1-hour train ride south to Kamakura, a historic city famed for its giant Buddha statue and beautiful temples.

¥1000, 1h

10:00am

Visit Great Buddha (Kotoku-in)

See the iconic giant bronze Buddha statue outdoor in Kotoku-in Temple grounds.

¥200, 1h

11:30am

Visit Hasedera Temple

Explore the temple with beautiful gardens and views over the ocean.

¥300, 1h

1:00pm

Lunch at Kamakura Matsubaraan

Enjoy traditional soba noodles near Hasedera Temple, freshly handmade and delicious.

¥1500, 1h

3:00pm

Walk Komachi Street

Shop and sample local snacks and sweets along this lively street leading back to the station.

Varies, 1h

4:00pm

Return to Tokyo

Head back by train to Tokyo to rest.

¥1000, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Ichiran Ramen Shinjuku

Experience personalized ramen in a unique solo dining booth setting.

¥1000, 1h

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Day 6: Fly to Seoul

Seoul, South Korea on May 13, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel or café

Enjoy a quick breakfast before departure to the airport.

Included or ¥1000, 30m

9:00am

Flight to Seoul (approx. 2.5 hours)

Depart from Tokyo to Seoul. Flight takes about 2.5 hours.

Variable, 2h30m

12:30pm

Arrival and check-in at hotel in Myeongdong

Settle into your accommodation located in the bustling Myeongdong shopping district.

Variable, 1h

2:00pm

Visit Gyeongbokgung Palace

Explore Seoul’s grandest palace with its royal architecture and changing of the guard ceremony. Open 9:00am-6:00pm.

KRW3000, 2h

5:00pm

Insadong Antique Street

Stroll through Insadong’s charming streets, known for traditional crafts, tea houses, and art galleries.

Free entry, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Tosokchon Samgyetang

Savour a nourishing bowl of ginseng chicken soup, a Korean specialty famous at Tosokchon.

KRW15000, 1h30m

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Day 7: Seoul City & Culture

Seoul, South Korea on May 14, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel or local café

Start your day with a traditional Korean or western style breakfast nearby.

KRW5000, 30m

9:00am

Bukchon Hanok Village

Walk through this preserved neighbourhood showcasing traditional Korean hanok houses amidst the modern cityscape.

Free, 1h30m

11:00am

Changdeokgung Palace and Secret Garden

Visit this UNESCO World Heritage palace complex famous for its beautifully landscaped secret garden. Open 9:00am-5:30pm.

KRW3000 + guided tour fee KRW8000 for garden, 2h

1:30pm

Lunch at Myeongdong Kyoja

Try famous handmade kalguksu noodles in the heart of Myeongdong.

KRW9000, 1h

3:00pm

Shopping and exploring Myeongdong

Explore fashion boutiques, cosmetics shops, and street food vendors in this bustling shopping district.

Varies, 2h

6:00pm

N Seoul Tower

Take a cable car or hike to the iconic tower for panoramic night views of Seoul. Open 10:00am-midnight.

KRW11000, 2h

8:30pm

Dinner at N Grill (tower restaurant)

Dine with a spectacular view at this revolving restaurant atop N Seoul Tower offering modern Korean and western cuisine.

KRW60000, 1h30m

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Day 8: Day trip DMZ or Leisure

Seoul, South Korea on May 15, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Prepare for the day with a good breakfast at your hotel.

Included, 30m

8:30am

Guided DMZ Tour or Leisure day

Take a half to full-day guided tour of the Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) to learn about Korean history and geopolitics, or opt for a relaxing day exploring local cafes and parks in Seoul.

KRW55000 for DMZ tour, Free if leisure, 5h