Budget-Friendly 10-Day Thailand Trip: Phuket & Chiang Mai from South Africa

Day 1: Arrival and Transfer

Phuket, Thailand on August 27, 2025

7:00am

Flight from Johannesburg to Phuket

Take an economy flight from Johannesburg to Phuket, including a connecting flight possibly in Bangkok or Dubai. Expect around 14-16 hours travel time with overnight flights.
ZAR15000 per person approx., 16h0m

11:00pm

Airport Transfer to Oceanfront Beach Resort

Arrange a private airport transfer or use a taxi (about 45 minutes) to the Oceanfront Beach Resort, ensuring a smooth check-in and rest after the long flight.
ZAR500, 0h45m
View Hotel Availability

Day 2: Phuket Beach Day

Phuket, Thailand on August 28, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Resort

Enjoy a relaxed breakfast at the Oceanfront Beach Resort to start the day with local and continental options.
Included in stay, 1h0m

10:00am

Patong Beach Exploration

Spend the morning walking along Patong Beach, soaking up the sun, and experiencing the bustling beach vibe.
Free, 2h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at No.9 2nd Restaurant

Enjoy authentic Thai dishes such as Pad Thai and Tom Yum at this popular and affordable local restaurant open from 10am to 10pm.
Approximately ZAR150 per person, 1h0m

2:00pm

Visit Big Buddha

Explore the famous Big Buddha statue and its panoramic views over Phuket, a serene cultural attraction open all day.
Free, 2h0m

5:00pm

Sunset at Promthep Cape

Watch the spectacular sunset at Promthep Cape, a must-visit viewpoint near Phuket Town.
Free, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at La Gritta

Dine at this romantic Italian restaurant with stunning sea views, perfect for a 40th birthday celebration. Reservation recommended.
Approximately ZAR350 per person, 2h0m
View Hotel Availability

Day 3: Island Hopping

Phuket, Thailand on August 29, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Resort

Early breakfast at the resort to prepare for a full day excursion.
Included in stay, 1h0m

8:00am

Phi Phi Islands Day Trip

Join a budget-friendly boat tour to visit the Phi Phi Islands with snorkeling opportunities and beach time. Tours operate 8am-5pm.
ZAR1200 per person, 9h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at Kaab Gluay

Sample traditional southern Thai cuisine in a cozy setting, open until 10pm, offering delicious affordable meals.
Approximately ZAR150 per person, 1h0m
View Hotel Availability

Day 4: Cultural and Nature Exploration

Phuket, Thailand on August 30, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Resort

Relax with a leisurely breakfast at the resort.
Included in stay, 1h0m

10:00am

Phuket Old Town Walking Tour

Explore colorful Sino-Portuguese architecture and vibrant street art in Phuket Old Town, with small museums and local markets to browse.
Free, 3h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Tu Kab Khao

Enjoy local Thai favorites like curry and seafood dishes at a highly rated restaurant open from 11am to 9pm.
Approximately ZAR200 per person, 1h0m

3:00pm

Visit Wat Chalong Temple

Discover the largest and most important Buddhist temple in Phuket, open 7am-6pm, showcasing beautiful architecture and religious artifacts.
Free, 2h0m

6:00pm

Relax at Resort

Evening at leisure, enjoy the resort facilities or nearby beach.
Included in stay, 2h0m

8:00pm

Dinner at Suay Restaurant

Try modern Thai cuisine at this trendy eatery with good value and excellent reviews, open till 10pm.
Approximately ZAR250 per person, 1h30m
View Hotel Availability

Day 5: Relax and Travel

Phuket to Chiang Mai, Thailand on August 31, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Resort

Enjoy your last breakfast at the Oceanfront Beach Resort.
Included in stay, 1h0m

10:00am

Airport Transfer

Taxi transfer to Phuket Airport for morning flight to Chiang Mai, about 45 minutes from resort.
ZAR500, 0h45m

12:00pm

Flight to Chiang Mai

Economy flight from Phuket to Chiang Mai, about 2 hours. Several budget airlines available.
ZAR1500 per person approx., 2h0m

3:00pm

Taxi to Hotel in Chiang Mai

Take a taxi to your budget-friendly hotel near Old City, convenient for sightseeing.
ZAR200, 0h30m

4:00pm

Check-in and Rest

Settle into your accommodation and relax before evening activities.
Hotel approx. ZAR800 per night per room, 2h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at Khao Soi Khun Yai

Taste the famous Northern Thai dish, Khao Soi, at this popular local eatery open from 10am to 8pm.
Approximately ZAR100 per person, 1h0m
View Hotel Availability

Day 6: Chiang Mai Temples

Chiang Mai, Thailand on September 1, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Start the day with the hotel breakfast.
Included in stay, 1h0m

9:00am

Visit Wat Phra Singh

Explore one of Chiang Mai’s most important temples, famous for its Lanna architecture, open from 6am to 8pm.
Free, 1h30m

10:45am

Visit Wat Chedi Luang

Visit this historic temple with a massive pagoda in the city center, open from 6am to 5pm.
Free, 1h30m

12:30pm

Lunch at Huen Phen

Enjoy authentic Northern Thai cuisine with dishes like Sai Oua sausage, open 10am to 9pm.
Approximately ZAR150 per person, 1h0m

2:00pm

Doi Suthep Temple Visit

Head to this iconic mountain-top temple with spectacular views of Chiang Mai, open from 6am to 6pm. Taxi or songthaew approx. 45 minutes.
ZAR50 entrance per person + taxi ZAR250 return, 3h0m

6:00pm

Rest at Hotel

Return and relax before dinner.
Included in stay, 1h30m

7:30pm

Dinner at The Riverside Bar & Restaurant

Enjoy riverside dining with Thai and Western menu options, open until 11pm, great for celebrating a special birthday evening.
Approximately ZAR300 per person, 2h0m
View Hotel Availability

Day 7: Elephant Sanctuary Day

Chiang Mai, Thailand on September 2, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Hotel

Early breakfast before a day trip.
Included in stay, 1h0m

8:30am

Elephant Nature Park Visit

Spend a day at this ethical elephant sanctuary where you learn about and feed rescued elephants, tours run 8am to 5pm, pre-booking required.
ZAR1700 per person (includes lunch and transport), 8h30m

5:30pm

Return and Relax

Return to the hotel; relax after a fulfilling day.
Included in stay, 2h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at SP Chicken

Casual dining with excellent grilled chicken and Thai sides, open till 9pm.
Approximately ZAR120 per person, 1h0m
View Hotel Availability

Day 8: Chiang Mai Markets and Cooking

Chiang Mai, Thailand on September 3, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Begin with a light breakfast.
Included in stay, 1h0m

9:00am

Morning Visit to Warorot Market

Explore this bustling local market known for spices, souvenirs, and street food, open daily from 6am to 7pm.
Free, 2h0m

11:30am

Thai Cooking Class

Join a half-day cooking class to learn how to prepare authentic Thai dishes, classes usually 11:30am to 3pm including lunch.
ZAR900 per person, 3h30m

4:30pm

Rest and Optional Spa

Relax with a Thai massage or spa treatment to unwind (optional, about ZAR400).
Optional, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Dash! Restaurant and Bar

Fine northern Thai dining in a traditional teak house setting, open from 11am to 10pm.
Approximately ZAR250 per person, 1h30m
View Hotel Availability

Day 9: Last Day Leisure

Chiang Mai, Thailand on September 4, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy leisure breakfast at your hotel.
Included in stay, 1h0m

10:00am

Visit Nimmanhaemin Road

Explore Chiang Mai’s trendy street with cafes, boutiques, and street art; ideal for last-minute shopping and casual strolling.
Free, 3h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at Rustic & Blue

Enjoy healthy, organic meals with a charming garden setting, open 8am-4pm.
Approximately ZAR200 per person, 1h0m

3:00pm

Relax and Pack

Spend your afternoon relaxing and preparing for departure.
Included in stay, 3h0m

6:30pm

Farewell Dinner at The Good View Village

Enjoy dinner with live music by the river, celebrating the end of the trip in a festive atmosphere.
Approximately ZAR350 per person, 2h0m
View Hotel Availability

Day 10: Departure

Chiang Mai to South Africa on September 5, 2025

6:00am

Airport Transfer

Taxi transfer to Chiang Mai Airport (about 20 mins) for your flight back to South Africa with likely a connection in Bangkok.
ZAR200, 0h20m

9:00am

Flight to Johannesburg

Depart Chiang Mai for your return journey home after an unforgettable 40th birthday trip.
ZAR15000 per person approx., 14h0m
View Hotel Availability