How many days do you need in Thailand?

This itinerary covers 7 days in Thailand, which is a great amount of time to explore the main highlights. Depending on your pace and interests, you could extend or shorten the trip.

What is the best itinerary for Thailand?

Plan your perfect 7 days trip to Thailand. This detailed travel itinerary includes daily activities, local recommendations, and insider tips to make your journey unforgettable.

7-Day Ultimate Thailand Exploration: Bangkok to Chiang Mai Circuit

Day 1: Bangkok Arrival

Bangkok, Thailand on May 14, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at On Lok Yun

Start your day with a traditional Thai breakfast at this historic café known for its classic egg toast and strong coffee, open from 6am to 2pm.

THB100, 1h0m

9:30am

Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew

Explore Bangkok's most famous landmark and the sacred Emerald Buddha temple. It is open daily from 8:30am to 3:30pm.

THB500, 2h30m

12:30pm

Lunch at Thip Samai Pad Thai

Taste Bangkok’s best Pad Thai at this legendary eatery, open from 5pm to midnight, so opt for another local food court like Or Tor Kor for midday meals.

THB120, 1h0m

2:00pm

Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn)

Visit this riverside icon, notable for its stunning porcelain-encrusted spires. It opens from 8:00am to 6:00pm daily.

THB50, 1h0m

4:00pm

Explore Chinatown (Yaowarat Road)

Enjoy walking through vibrant markets and sample street snacks in one of the city’s oldest neighbourhoods. Shops usually open from late afternoon till midnight.

Free, 1h30m

7:30pm

Dinner at Raan Jay Fai

Indulge in Michelin-starred street food famous for crab omelette, open from 2pm to 10pm (closed Tuesdays).

THB700, 1h30m

Find Hotels in Bangkok

Day 2: Bangkok Culture

Bangkok, Thailand on May 15, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Luka

Enjoy healthy, modern breakfast options and great coffee in central Bangkok. Open daily from 7am to 5pm.

THB300, 1h0m

9:00am

Jim Thompson House

Visit the traditional Thai-style house of the American silk entrepreneur and learn about silk industry history. Open 9am-6pm daily.

THB200, 1h30m

11:00am

Bangkok Art and Culture Centre

Experience contemporary arts, exhibitions, and crafts. Open 10am to 9pm daily, free entry.

Free, 1h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Somtum Der

Enjoy spicy and delicious Isaan food, especially the papaya salad. Open 11am to 10pm daily.

THB200, 1h0m

2:30pm

Lumphini Park Walk

Relax with a walk or paddleboat ride in this green oasis open from 4:30am to 9pm.

THB40, 1h0m

4:00pm

Explore Erawan Shrine

Visit the famous shrine for good luck in the city center. Open 6am to midnight.

Free, 30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Cabbages & Condoms

Savor authentic Thai cuisine in a unique socially conscious restaurant setting. Open 11am to 10pm.

THB400, 1h30m

Find Hotels in Bangkok

Day 3: Ayutthaya Day Trip

Ayutthaya, Thailand on May 16, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel or local café

Fuel up with a quick breakfast before the day trip to Ayutthaya, ancient Siam’s capital.

Included or THB100, 30m

8:00am

Travel to Ayutthaya by train or private tour

Journey about 1.5 hours north of Bangkok to explore historic ruins.

THB50-THB1000 depending on transport, 1h30m

10:00am

Ayutthaya Historical Park

Explore UNESCO sites like Wat Mahathat and Wat Phra Si Sanphet, open 8am to 5pm.

THB50 per site, 3h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at Malakor Kitchen and Cafe

Relax with delicious riverside Thai cuisine open from 10am to 5pm.

THB350, 1h0m

3:00pm

Boat tour around the island

Take a scenic boat trip to see riverside temples and floating markets, usually available until sunset.

THB300, 1h30m

5:00pm

Return to Bangkok

Head back to Bangkok for overnight stay.

Included in transport cost, 1h30m

7:30pm

Dinner at Supanniga Eating Room

Enjoy exquisite Eastern Thai dishes in a cozy setting, open 12pm to 10pm.

THB600, 1h30m

Find Hotels in Ayutthaya

Day 4: Fly to Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai, Thailand on May 17, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Kaafae Coffee

Enjoy artisan coffee and light Thai breakfast treats, open 7am to 7pm.

THB250, 1h0m

9:00am

Flight to Chiang Mai

Catch a morning flight (about 1 hour) from Bangkok to Chiang Mai for scenic northern Thailand.

THB1500, 1h0m

11:30am

Check-in and Lunch at Dash! Restaurant

Settle in then enjoy Northern Thai specialties like khao soi. Open 9am to 9pm.

THB350, 1h0m

1:00pm

Visit Wat Phra Singh

See this beautiful Lanna-style temple with stunning murals. Open daily 6am to 6pm.

Free, 1h0m

2:30pm

Explore Old City Walls and Moat

Take a walk around the historic heart of Chiang Mai within the ancient city walls.

Free, 1h0m

4:00pm

Coffee Break at Ristr8to

Experience award-winning specialty coffee roasters in Chiang Mai, open 8am to 6pm.

THB150, 45m

7:00pm

Dinner at Huen Phen

Delight in authentic northern Thai cuisine, open 11am to 10pm.

THB400, 1h30m

Find Hotels in Chiang Mai

Day 5: Temples & Nature

Chiang Mai, Thailand on May 18, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Blue Diamond Breakfast Club

Enjoy a mix of Western and Thai healthy breakfast options, open 7:30am to 3pm.

THB350, 1h0m

8:30am

Doi Suthep Temple

Drive up to this mountain temple for panoramic views of Chiang Mai. Open 6am to 6pm.

THB50, 2h0m

11:00am

Visit Bhubing Palace Gardens

Explore this beautiful royal winter residence gardens nearby. Open 8am to 5pm.

THB100, 1h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Khao Soi Khun Yai

Sample the classic northern Thai curry noodle dish famous here. Open 10am to 4pm.

THB100, 1h0m

2:00pm

Walk through Old City Temples (Wat Chedi Luang, Wat Phan Tao)

Visit these ancient temples in the heart of Chiang Mai Old Town. Open 6am to 6pm.

THB40 entrance for Wat Chedi Luang, 2h0m

5:00pm

Relax at Nimmanhaemin Road

Experience trendy cafés, art galleries, and shopping in this lively neighborhood.

Free, 1h30m

7:30pm

Dinner at SP Chicken

Try delicious grilled chicken and northern Thai dishes, open noon to 9pm.

THB300, 1h30m

Find Hotels in Chiang Mai

Day 6: Elephant & Markets

Chiang Mai, Thailand on May 19, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Ristr8to Lab

Fuel up with a specialty coffee and healthy breakfast, open 8am to 6pm.

THB250, 1h0m

8:00am

Elephant Nature Park Visit

Spend a responsible day with rescued elephants; reserve in advance. The sanctuary is open 8am to 5pm.

THB3200, 7h0m

4:00pm

Return and Rest

Head back to hotel to refresh after a long day with the elephants.

Included, 1h0m

6:00pm

Dinner & Shopping at the Sunday Night Walking Street Market

Enjoy street food and unique crafts in Chiang Mai’s famous weekend market, open from 6pm to midnight.

Varies, food approx THB150-300, 2h0m

Find Hotels in Chiang Mai

Day 7: Relax & Departure

Chiang Mai, Thailand on May 20, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Fern Forest Cafe

Enjoy a peaceful breakfast surrounded by plants and natural wood interiors. Open 8am to 5pm.

THB300, 1h0m

9:30am

Spa & Thai Massage

Relax with an authentic Thai massage or spa treatment before travel. Many spas open from 9am.

THB500-1500, 1h30m

12:00pm

Check out and transfer to airport

Prepare for departure with comfortable transport to Chiang Mai Airport.

THB300, 1h0m

Find Hotels in Chiang Mai

Step 1 Outline Preview:

7-Day Ultimate Thailand Exploration: Bangkok to Chiang Mai Circuit

Day 1: Bangkok Arrival

8:00am

9:30am

12:30pm

2:00pm

4:00pm

7:30pm

Day 2: Bangkok Culture

7:30am

9:00am

11:00am

1:00pm

2:30pm

4:00pm

7:00pm

Day 3: Ayutthaya Day Trip

7:00am

8:00am

10:00am

1:30pm

3:00pm

5:00pm

7:30pm

Day 4: Fly to Chiang Mai

7:00am

9:00am

11:30am

1:00pm

2:30pm

4:00pm

7:00pm

Day 5: Temples & Nature

7:00am

8:30am

11:00am

12:30pm

2:00pm

5:00pm

7:30pm

Day 6: Elephant & Markets

7:00am

8:00am

4:00pm

6:00pm

Day 7: Relax & Departure

8:00am

9:30am

12:00pm

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