10-Day Budget Trip to Phuket & Chiang Mai, Thailand - 40th Birthday Celebration for 3 from South Africa

Day 1: Arrival & Transfer

Phuket, Thailand on August 27, 2025

7:00am

Flight from Johannesburg to Phuket

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

11:00pm

Taxi transfer to Oceanfront Beach Resort

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

Day 2: Phuket Beach Leisure

Phuket, Thailand on August 28, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Oceanfront Beach Resort

Enjoy your included breakfast at the resort’s restaurant with ocean views.
Included, 1h0m

10:00am

Relax & Walk Patong Beach

Spend a peaceful morning strolling along Patong Beach, soaking up the sun and beautiful sea views.
Free, 2h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at No.9 2nd Restaurant

Delicious and affordable Thai lunch spot near Patong Beach popular with tourists.
ZAR450 total (3x ZAR150), 1h0m

2:00pm

Visit Big Buddha

Free entry to the iconic Big Buddha statue enjoying panoramic views of Phuket.
Free, 2h0m

5:00pm

Sunset at Promthep Cape

Watch the breathtaking sunset at one of Phuket’s most famous viewpoints.
Free, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at La Gritta

Celebrate with a romantic Italian dinner at La Gritta, overlooking the sea.
ZAR1050 total (3x ZAR350), 2h0m
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Day 3: Island Excursion

Phuket, Thailand on August 29, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Resort

Included breakfast to prepare for a full day ahead.
Included, 1h0m

8:00am

Phi Phi Islands Day Tour

Budget-friendly full-day boat tour visiting Phi Phi Islands, with snorkeling and beach time.
ZAR3600 total (3x ZAR1200), 9h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at Kaab Gluay

Enjoy authentic southern Thai dishes in a casual, budget-friendly setting open until 10pm.
ZAR450 total (3x ZAR150), 1h0m
View Hotel Availability

Day 4: Culture & Temples

Phuket, Thailand on August 30, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Resort

Start the day with your included breakfast at the resort.
Included, 1h0m

10:00am

Phuket Old Town Walking Tour

Explore the charming Sino-Portuguese streets and vibrant street art in Phuket Old Town at your own pace.
Free, 3h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Tu Kab Khao

Try delicious regional dishes at this well-regarded, affordable restaurant.
ZAR600 total (3x ZAR200), 1h0m

3:00pm

Visit Wat Chalong Temple

Visit Phuket's biggest Buddhist temple complex, free entry with peaceful surroundings.
Free, 2h0m

6:00pm

Relax at Resort

Take some downtime to enjoy the resort’s amenities.
Included, 2h0m

8:00pm

Dinner at Suay Restaurant

Enjoy creative and modern Thai cuisine in an upbeat atmosphere.
ZAR750 total (3x ZAR250), 1h30m
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Day 5: Travel to Chiang Mai

Phuket to Chiang Mai, Thailand on August 31, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Resort

Final breakfast by the ocean to start your travel day.
Included, 1h0m

10:00am

Taxi to Phuket Airport

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

12:00pm

Flight to Chiang Mai

Short 2-hour economy flight from Phuket to Chiang Mai.
ZAR4500 total (3x ZAR1500), 2h0m

3:00pm

Taxi to Hotel near Old City

Short taxi ride to budget-friendly hotel in Chiang Mai Old City.
ZAR200 total, 0h30m

4:00pm

Check-in & Rest

Check into hotel (2 rooms approx ZAR1600 per night) and relax.
ZAR1600 total per night, 2h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at Khao Soi Khun Yai

Sample Northern Thailand’s famous noodle curry in a local favorite spot.
ZAR300 total (3x ZAR100), 1h0m
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Day 6: Temples & Views

Chiang Mai, Thailand on September 1, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Included hotel breakfast before sightseeing.
Included, 1h0m

9:00am

Visit Wat Phra Singh

Explore this grand temple with beautiful Lanna-style architecture.
Free, 1h30m

10:45am

Visit Wat Chedi Luang

Historic temple ruins in the heart of Old City.
Free, 1h30m

12:30pm

Lunch at Huen Phen

Enjoy authentic Northern Thai cuisine at affordable prices.
ZAR450 total (3x ZAR150), 1h0m

2:00pm

Doi Suthep Temple

Taxi ride to mountaintop temple offering spectacular city views.
ZAR900 total (ZAR150 admission + taxi fares), 3h0m

6:00pm

Rest at Hotel

Relax after a full day of sightseeing.
Included, 1h30m

7:30pm

Dinner at Riverside Bar & Restaurant

Enjoy riverside dining with live music to celebrate your trip.
ZAR900 total (3x ZAR300), 2h0m
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Day 7: Elephants & Nature

Chiang Mai, Thailand on September 2, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Hotel

Included breakfast to prepare for full-day stunning experience.
Included, 1h0m

8:30am

Elephant Nature Park Visit

Ethical sanctuary visit including transport and lunch; feeding and bathing elephants.
ZAR5100 total (3x ZAR1700), 8h30m

5:30pm

Relax at Hotel

Rest after a rewarding day at the sanctuary.
Included, 2h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at SP Chicken

Enjoy freshly grilled chicken at a local affordable eatery.
ZAR360 total (3x ZAR120), 1h0m
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Day 8: Market & Cooking

Chiang Mai, Thailand on September 3, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Start your day with included hotel breakfast.
Included, 1h0m

9:00am

Warorot Market Visit

Explore local market stalls filled with fresh produce and souvenirs.
Free, 2h0m

11:30am

Thai Cooking Class

Interactive cooking experience with lunch included to savor your creations.
ZAR2700 total (3x ZAR900), 3h30m

4:30pm

Optional Thai Massage

Relax with a traditional Thai massage (optional).
ZAR1200 total if chosen (3x ZAR400), 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Dash! Restaurant & Bar

Enjoy Northern Thai specialties in traditional wooden house 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 before a leisure day.
Included, 1h0m

10:00am

Nimmanhaemin Road Stroll

Explore trendy cafés, boutiques, and art galleries along this lively street.
Free, 3h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at Rustic & Blue

Enjoy organic, healthful meals in a garden setting.
ZAR600 total (3x ZAR200), 1h0m

3:00pm

Pack & Rest

Prepare your belongings comfortably for departure.
Included, 3h0m

6:30pm

Farewell Dinner at The Good View Village

Celebrate the end of your trip with riverside dining and live music.
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

Approximate 20-minute taxi transfer to the airport.
ZAR200 total, 0h20m

9:00am

Flight to Johannesburg

Economy flight returning to South Africa with connecting stop.
ZAR45000 total (3x ZAR15000), 14h0m
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