Budget-Friendly 10-Day Thailand Trip: Phuket & Chiang Mai with Full Price Breakdown

Day 1: Arrival and Transfer

Phuket, Thailand on August 27, 2025

7:00am

Flight from Johannesburg to Phuket

Economy flight from Johannesburg to Phuket with a connecting flight, approx 16 hours travel.
ZAR45000 total (3x ZAR15000), 16h0m

11:00pm

Airport Transfer to Oceanfront Beach Resort

Taxi from Phuket Airport to Oceanfront Beach Resort, about 45 minutes.
ZAR500 total, 0h45m
View Hotel Availability

Day 2: Phuket Beach Day

Phuket, Thailand on August 28, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Resort

Breakfast included at Oceanfront Beach Resort.
Included, 1h0m

10:00am

Patong Beach Exploration

Morning walk and relaxation at Patong Beach.
Free, 2h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at No.9 2nd Restaurant

Affordable authentic Thai lunch near Patong, popular among tourists.
ZAR450 total (3x ZAR150), 1h0m

2:00pm

Visit Big Buddha

Visit the iconic Big Buddha with panoramic views, free entry.
Free, 2h0m

5:00pm

Sunset at Promthep Cape

Watch sunset at this famous viewpoint.
Free, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at La Gritta

Romantic Italian dinner with sea views to celebrate birthday.
ZAR1050 total (3x ZAR350), 2h0m
View Hotel Availability

Day 3: Island Hopping

Phuket, Thailand on August 29, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Resort

Included breakfast to start the day early.
Included, 1h0m

8:00am

Phi Phi Islands Day Trip

Full day budget boat tour including snorkeling and beach time.
ZAR3600 total (3x ZAR1200), 9h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at Kaab Gluay

Taste southern Thai cuisine open till 10pm.
ZAR450 total (3x ZAR150), 1h0m
View Hotel Availability

Day 4: Culture & Nature

Phuket, Thailand on August 30, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Resort

Included breakfast.
Included, 1h0m

10:00am

Phuket Old Town Walking Tour

Explore Sino-Portuguese architecture and street art, free unless purchasing souvenirs.
Free, 3h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Tu Kab Khao

Highly rated Thai menu for a budget price.
ZAR600 total (3x ZAR200), 1h0m

3:00pm

Visit Wat Chalong Temple

Largest Buddhist temple in Phuket, free entry.
Free, 2h0m

6:00pm

Relax at Resort

Leisure time at resort facilities.
Included, 2h0m

8:00pm

Dinner at Suay Restaurant

Modern Thai cuisine with a trendy atmosphere.
ZAR750 total (3x ZAR250), 1h30m
View Hotel Availability

Day 5: Travel to Chiang Mai

Phuket to Chiang Mai, Thailand on August 31, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Resort

Last included breakfast at Oceanfront Beach Resort.
Included, 1h0m

10:00am

Taxi to Phuket Airport

Taxi transfer for morning flight to Chiang Mai.
ZAR500 total, 0h45m

12:00pm

Flight to Chiang Mai

Economy flight, approx 2 hours.
ZAR4500 total (3x ZAR1500), 2h0m

3:00pm

Taxi to Hotel

Taxi to budget hotel near Chiang Mai Old City.
ZAR200 total, 0h30m

4:00pm

Check-in and Rest

Settle into hotel (approx ZAR800 per night per room, 2 rooms = ZAR1600 per night).
ZAR1600 total per night, 2h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at Khao Soi Khun Yai

Taste Northern Thai specialty Khao Soi.
ZAR300 total (3x ZAR100), 1h0m
View Hotel Availability

Day 6: Temples & Views

Chiang Mai, Thailand on September 1, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Included breakfast.
Included, 1h0m

9:00am

Visit Wat Phra Singh

Important temple with classic Lanna architecture.
Free, 1h30m

10:45am

Visit Wat Chedi Luang

Historic large pagoda and temple complex.
Free, 1h30m

12:30pm

Lunch at Huen Phen

Northern Thai food specialties.
ZAR450 total (3x ZAR150), 1h0m

2:00pm

Doi Suthep Temple Visit

Mountain-top scenic temple visit with taxi transport.
ZAR900 total (ZAR150 for entrance + ZAR250 x2 taxis for round trip), 3h0m

6:00pm

Rest at Hotel

Relax before dinner.
Included, 1h30m

7:30pm

Dinner at The Riverside Bar & Restaurant

Dinner with riverside views and live music.
ZAR900 total (3x ZAR300), 2h0m
View Hotel Availability

Day 7: Elephant Sanctuary

Chiang Mai, Thailand on September 2, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Hotel

Included breakfast.
Included, 1h0m

8:30am

Elephant Nature Park

Full day ethical sanctuary visit including lunch and transport.
ZAR5100 total (3x ZAR1700), 8h30m

5:30pm

Return and Relax

Rest after full-day excursion.
Included, 2h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at SP Chicken

Affordable grilled chicken dinner.
ZAR360 total (3x ZAR120), 1h0m
View Hotel Availability

Day 8: Markets & Cooking Class

Chiang Mai, Thailand on September 3, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Included breakfast.
Included, 1h0m

9:00am

Warorot Market Visit

Shopping and sightseeing at vibrant local market.
Free, 2h0m

11:30am

Thai Cooking Class

Hands-on class with lunch included.
ZAR2700 total (3x ZAR900), 3h30m

4:30pm

Optional Thai Massage

Relaxing spa treatment (optional).
ZAR1200 total if chosen (3x ZAR400), 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Dash! Restaurant and Bar

Northern Thai cuisine in traditional setting.
ZAR750 total (3x ZAR250), 1h30m
View Hotel Availability

Day 9: Leisure & Farewell

Chiang Mai, Thailand on September 4, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Included breakfast.
Included, 1h0m

10:00am

Nimmanhaemin Road Exploration

Shopping and café hopping on trendy street.
Free, 3h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at Rustic & Blue

Organic meals in garden setting.
ZAR600 total (3x ZAR200), 1h0m

3:00pm

Relax and Pack

Prepare for departure.
Included, 3h0m

6:30pm

Farewell Dinner at The Good View Village

Riverside dining with live music to celebrate trip end.
ZAR1050 total (3x ZAR350), 2h0m
View Hotel Availability

Day 10: Departure

Chiang Mai to South Africa on September 5, 2025

6:00am

Taxi to Chiang Mai Airport

Taxi transfer about 20 minutes to airport.
ZAR200 total, 0h20m

9:00am

Flight to Johannesburg

Return economy flight with connection back to South Africa.
ZAR45000 total (3x ZAR15000), 14h0m
View Hotel Availability