7-Day Cultural and Coastal Exploration of Thailand from May 20 to 26, 2025

Day 1: Arrival and City Highlights

Bangkok, Thailand on May 20, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at On Lok Yun

Start your day with a traditional Thai breakfast including jok (rice porridge) or kai jeow (Thai omelette) in this beloved vintage cafe open from 6:30am to 1:00pm.

THB100, 1h

9:30am

Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew

Explore the spectacular Grand Palace and the Emerald Buddha Temple, the most sacred sites in Thailand, open daily from 8:30am to 3:30pm.

THB500, 2h30m

12:30pm

Enjoy some of Bangkok's best Pad Thai, particularly known for its fresh ingredients and authentic flavour. Open daily from 5:00pm to midnight, lunch hours may vary, so opt for a nearby restaurant such as Raan Jay Fai for lunchtime.

THB150, 1h

2:00pm

Visit Wat Arun

Cross the Chao Phraya River to visit the Temple of Dawn, known for its stunning porcelain-encrusted central prang. Open from 8:00am to 5:30pm.

THB100, 1h

6:00pm

Dinner at Cabbages & Condoms

Experience Thai cuisine in a unique socially conscious restaurant that supports family planning initiatives. Open from 11:30am to 10:00pm.

THB400, 1h30m

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Day 2: Cultural Markets & Museums

Bangkok, Thailand on May 21, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Khao Gaeng Rang Nam

Try traditional Thai rice and curry dishes that locals love, available from 7:00am to 2:00pm.

THB80, 1h

8:30am

Jim Thompson House

Visit the charming traditional Thai house and museum of the American silk entrepreneur, open from 9:00am to 6:00pm.

THB200, 1h30m

10:30am

Explore Chatuchak Weekend Market

Although this market is open mainly weekends from 9:00am to 6:00pm, some stores and cafes inside are open weekdays, so visit smaller artisan shops and cafes for souvenirs and snacks.

Free entry, 2h

1:00pm

Lunch at Boon Tong Kee

Enjoy delicious Hainanese chicken rice, a local comfort food, available daily from 10:30am to 9:30pm.

THB250, 1h

3:00pm

Bangkok Art and Culture Centre (BACC)

Discover contemporary Thai art exhibitions and performances in this cultural hub open from 10:00am to 9:00pm.

Free, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner Cruise on Chao Phraya River

Enjoy traditional Thai cuisine and live music on an evening cruise with views of Bangkok’s illuminated landmarks, usually 7:00pm to 9:30pm.

THB1500, 2h30m

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Day 3: Day Trip to Ayutthaya

Ayutthaya, Thailand on May 22, 2025

7:00am

Early Breakfast at hotel or local cafe

Prepare for a day trip with a quick and energising breakfast before heading to Ayutthaya.

Included or THB100, 1h

8:00am

Travel to Ayutthaya by train or taxi

Journey of approximately 1.5 hours from Bangkok to the ancient capital city.

THB50-THB800 depending on transport, 1h30m

9:30am

Ayutthaya Historical Park

Explore extensive ruins of temples and palaces from the ancient Siamese kingdom, open from 8:00am to 5:00pm.

THB50-100 per site, 3h

12:30pm

Lunch at Malakor Kitchen and Cafe

Try Thai dishes with a modern twist in a serene garden setting, open 10:30am to 6:00pm.

THB300, 1h

2:00pm

Wat Mahathat

Visit the famous temple known for Buddha’s head entwined in tree roots.

THB50, 1h

4:00pm

Return to Bangkok

Travel back to Bangkok to prepare for the next day.

See above, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Nahm Restaurant

Enjoy upscale traditional Thai flavours at one of Bangkok’s Michelin-starred restaurants, open from 6:00pm to 10:00pm.

Approx THB2000, 2h

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Day 4: Travel to Phuket and Beach Time

Phuket, Thailand on May 23, 2025

6:30am

Breakfast at hotel in Bangkok

Enjoy a quick breakfast before your flight south.

Included or THB150, 1h

8:30am

Flight Bangkok to Phuket

Fly approximately 1 hour 25 minutes to Phuket International Airport.

THB1500-2500, 1h25m

10:30am

Transfer to hotel and check-in

Relax briefly before heading out to explore Phuket’s beaches.

Transport THB400, 1h

12:00pm

Lunch at Raya Restaurant

Sample authentic southern Thai dishes in a historic teak house, open 11:30am to 9:00pm.

THB350, 1h

1:30pm

Relax at Kata Beach

Enjoy sunbathing and swimming at one of Phuket’s most beautiful and popular beaches, accessible all day.

Free, 3h

5:00pm

Visit Big Buddha Phuket

See the impressive 45-meter Buddha statue offering panoramic views, open daily 8:00am to 7:30pm.

Free, donation appreciated, 1h

7:30pm

Dinner at Suay Restaurant

Enjoy creative Thai cuisine in a stylish setting, open 5:00pm to 10:30pm.

THB600, 1h30m

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Day 5: Island Hopping and Snorkeling

Phuket, Thailand on May 24, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Fuel up early to prepare for a full day on the water.

Included, 1h

8:00am

Similan Islands Day Trip

Join a boat tour to the Similan Islands for snorkeling and exploring pristine beaches. Tours run from early morning until late afternoon with hotel pick-up included.

THB3500-4500, 8h

5:30pm

Return to Phuket

Relax after your long day with a shower and rest at the hotel.

Included, 1h

7:30pm

Dinner at Mom Tri’s Kitchen

Celebrate your last evening with exquisite Thai and international dishes overlooking the sea, open 6:00pm to 10:30pm.

THB1500, 2h

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Day 6: Leisure & Local Experience

Phuket, Thailand on May 25, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast with a variety of tropical fruits and Thai breakfast staples.

Included, 1h

9:30am

Visit Phuket Old Town

Discover charming Sino-Portuguese architecture, unique boutiques, and local cafés in a relaxed atmosphere. Shops and cafes open generally 10:00am to 6:00pm.

Free, 3h