Affordable 10-Day Thailand Birthday Celebration: 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, usually with one connection in Bangkok or Dubai, with an approx. 16-hour travel time, including overnight flights.
ZAR15000 per person, 16h0m

11:00pm

Airport Transfer to Oceanfront Beach Resort

Private transfer or taxi ride from Phuket Airport to Oceanfront Beach Resort, taking about 45 minutes ensuring a smooth arrival.
ZAR500, 0h45m
View Hotel Availability

Day 2: Phuket Beach Day

Phuket, Thailand on August 28, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Resort

Start your day with a tasty breakfast at the Oceanfront Beach Resort offering both local and continental options.
Included in stay, 1h0m

10:00am

Patong Beach Exploration

Enjoy a morning walk along Patong Beach, soaking in the sun and lively atmosphere of Phuket’s most famous beach.
Free, 2h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at No.9 2nd Restaurant

Sample authentic Thai dishes such as Pad Thai and Tom Yum at this well-liked and affordable venue open from 10am-10pm.
ZAR150 per person, 1h0m

2:00pm

Visit Big Buddha

Visit the iconic Big Buddha of Phuket for panoramic views across the island, open daily and free to visit.
Free, 2h0m

5:00pm

Sunset at Promthep Cape

Witness an unforgettable sunset at Promthep Cape, a stunning viewpoint just south of Phuket Town.
Free, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at La Gritta

Celebrate the 40th birthday with a romantic dinner offering Italian flavors and spectacular sea views; reservations advised.
ZAR350 per person, 2h0m
View Hotel Availability

Day 3: Island Hopping

Phuket, Thailand on August 29, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Resort

Early breakfast before your island adventure.
Included in stay, 1h0m

8:00am

Phi Phi Islands Day Trip

Join a budget-friendly boat tour to Phi Phi Islands with snorkeling and beach time, departing typically 8am and returning by 5pm.
ZAR1200 per person, 9h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at Kaab Gluay

Enjoy southern Thai specialties in a charming, affordable restaurant open till 10pm.
ZAR150 per person, 1h0m
View Hotel Availability

Day 4: Culture and Nature

Phuket, Thailand on August 30, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Resort

Relaxed breakfast before your cultural day.
Included in stay, 1h0m

10:00am

Phuket Old Town Walking Tour

Explore downtown streets featuring historic Sino-Portuguese architecture and vibrant street art.
Free, 3h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Tu Kab Khao

Taste traditional Thai curries and seafood specialties, open 11am-9pm.
ZAR200 per person, 1h0m

3:00pm

Visit Wat Chalong Temple

Visit Phuket’s largest Buddhist temple, open daily 7am-6pm, admiring its architecture and sculptures.
Free, 2h0m

6:00pm

Evening Relaxation

Wind down at the resort or nearby beach.
Included in stay, 2h0m

8:00pm

Dinner at Suay Restaurant

Experience modern Thai cuisine in a stylish setting open till 10pm.
ZAR250 per person, 1h30m
View Hotel Availability

Day 5: Travel to Chiang Mai

Phuket to Chiang Mai, Thailand on August 31, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Resort

Enjoy your final resort breakfast before traveling.
Included in stay, 1h0m

10:00am

Taxi to Phuket Airport

Transfer by taxi to airport for flight to Chiang Mai, approximately 45 minutes journey.
ZAR500, 0h45m

12:00pm

Flight to Chiang Mai

Quick 2-hour economy flight with budget airlines from Phuket to Chiang Mai.
ZAR1500 per person, 2h0m

3:00pm

Taxi to Hotel

Taxi transfer to centrally-located budget hotel near Chiang Mai Old City.
ZAR200, 0h30m

4:00pm

Check-in and Rest

Settle in and relax before dinner.
Hotel approx. ZAR800 per night per room, 2h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at Khao Soi Khun Yai

Tuck into authentic northern Thai Khao Soi at a popular local spot open till 8pm.
ZAR100 per person, 1h0m
View Hotel Availability

Day 6: Temples of Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai, Thailand on September 1, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Start with hotel breakfast.
Included in stay, 1h0m

9:00am

Visit Wat Phra Singh

Tour one of Chiang Mai's most revered temples featuring exquisite Lanna architecture.
Free, 1h30m

10:45am

Visit Wat Chedi Luang

Admire the partially restored ancient pagoda and temple complex open daily.
Free, 1h30m

12:30pm

Lunch at Huen Phen

Savor classic Northern Thai dishes like Sai Oua sausage in a traditional setting, open till 9pm.
ZAR150 per person, 1h0m

2:00pm

Doi Suthep Temple

Visit the iconic mountain temple with sweeping views, requiring a 45-minute taxi ride, open 6am to 6pm.
ZAR50 entrance plus ZAR250 taxi return, 3h0m

6:00pm

Hotel Rest

Return and unwind.
Included in stay, 1h30m

7:30pm

Dinner at Riverside Bar & Restaurant

Enjoy Thai and international cuisine beside the Ping River with a lively atmosphere.
ZAR300 per person, 2h0m
View Hotel Availability

Day 7: Elephant Nature Park

Chiang Mai, Thailand on September 2, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Hotel

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

8:30am

Elephant Nature Park Visit

Spend the day learning about elephant rescue and rehabilitation at this ethical sanctuary, including transport and lunch.
ZAR1700 per person, 8h30m

5:30pm

Rest at Hotel

Relax after a rewarding day with elephants.
Included in stay, 2h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at SP Chicken

Casual meal featuring grilled chicken and Thai sides at this affordable spot open until 9pm.
ZAR120 per person, 1h0m
View Hotel Availability

Day 8: Markets and Cooking

Chiang Mai, Thailand on September 3, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Breakfast to start your day.
Included in stay, 1h0m

9:00am

Warorot Market Visit

Explore the vibrant market full of spices, crafts and street food, open 6am to 7pm daily.
Free, 2h0m

11:30am

Thai Cooking Class

Participate in a half-day cooking class learning to prepare authentic Thai dishes, includes ingredients and lunch.
ZAR900 per person, 3h30m

4:30pm

Optional Spa Treatment

Relax with a traditional Thai massage or spa session (optional, additional cost).
Optional ZAR400, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Dash! Restaurant and Bar

Dine northern Thai specialties in a beautiful teak house setting open till 10pm.
ZAR250 per person, 1h30m
View Hotel Availability

Day 9: Leisure and Farewell

Chiang Mai, Thailand on September 4, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Leisurely breakfast.
Included in stay, 1h0m

10:00am

Nimmanhaemin Road Visit

Enjoy trendy cafes, boutiques, and street art ideal for last-minute shopping and casual strolls.
Free, 3h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at Rustic & Blue

Organic, health-conscious meals in a lovely garden setting open 8am-4pm.
ZAR200 per person, 1h0m

3:00pm

Packing and Relaxing

Prepare for your departure while relaxing before your farewell dinner.
Included in stay, 3h0m

6:30pm

Farewell Dinner at The Good View Village

Celebrate your trip's end with riverside dining and live music in festive atmosphere.
ZAR350 per person, 2h0m
View Hotel Availability

Day 10: Departure

Chiang Mai to South Africa on September 5, 2025

6:00am

Taxi to Chiang Mai Airport

Early morning taxi (approx. 20 minutes) transfer to airport for return flight.
ZAR200, 0h20m

9:00am

Flight to Johannesburg

Depart on an economy flight back to South Africa with an expected 14-hour travel time.
ZAR15000 per person, 14h0m
View Hotel Availability