Epic 7-Day Adventure: 4 Days in Thailand and 3 Days in Laos for Friends

Day 1: Bangkok Exploration

Bangkok, Thailand on May 20, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at On Lok Yun

Start your day with traditional Thai breakfast including soy milk and steamed buns at this classic Bangkok eatery open from 6:00 AM to 2:00 PM.
THB150, 1h0m

9:30am

Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew

Explore the stunning Grand Palace complex and the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, must-see historical and architectural landmarks open from 8:30 AM to 3:30 PM.
THB500, 3h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Thip Samai Pad Thai

Enjoy arguably the best Pad Thai in Bangkok, a local favorite known for its flavorful noodles, serving from 5:00 PM to midnight (recommend lunch slightly earlier around opening for less crowds).
THB100, 1h0m

2:00pm

Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn)

Visit the iconic riverside temple with beautifully decorated spires, open from 8:00 AM to 5:30 PM, offering great photo opportunities and amazing riverside views.
THB100, 1h0m

4:00pm

Chao Phraya Riverboat Ride

Relax on a scenic river cruise to see Bangkok from the water, operating daily with frequent service between 6:00 AM and 7:00 PM.
THB40, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Chinatown (Yaowarat Road)

Savor street food delights ranging from grilled seafood to exotic fruits along bustling Chinatown, vibrant in the evenings with many stalls open until midnight.
Variable, 2h0m
View Hotel Availability

Day 2: Bangkok Markets & Nightlife

Bangkok, Thailand on May 21, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Rocket Coffeebar S.49

Enjoy specialty coffee and Western-style breakfast in a chic setting, open from 7:30 AM to 4:00 PM.
THB250, 1h0m

9:30am

Chatuchak Weekend Market (Special arrangement if weekend)

If it's a weekend, explore one of the world’s largest outdoor markets with thousands of stalls. Since it’s a weekday, substitute visit to Jim Thompson House to learn about the famous American silk entrepreneur, open 9 AM-6 PM.
THB200, 2h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Som Tam Nua

Tuck into authentic Isaan food including spicy papaya salad and fried chicken, open from 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM.
THB150, 1h0m

1:30pm

Explore Lumpini Park

Relax and walk around Bangkok’s green oasis, perfect to cool down and people watch; open 4:30 AM to 9:00 PM.
Free, 1h0m

3:00pm

Explore Siam Square and MBK Center

Shop and explore vibrant malls and trendy boutiques in this central shopping district, open from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM.
Variable, 2h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at Cabbages & Condoms

Enjoy delicious Thai cuisine in a unique themed restaurant promoting social awareness; open from 11:30 AM to 11:00 PM.
THB400, 1h30m

8:30pm

Explore Khao San Road nightlife

Experience the lively backpacker nightlife with bars, street performers, and vibrant energy; open late into the night.
Variable, 2h0m
View Hotel Availability

Day 3: Day Trip to Ayutthaya

Ayutthaya, Thailand on May 22, 2025

7:00am

Travel to Ayutthaya

Depart early by train or van from Bangkok to Ayutthaya to maximize sightseeing time; travel time approximately 1.5 hours.
THB50-200, 1h30m

8:30am

Breakfast at Malakor Kitchen and Cafe

Enjoy a cozy breakfast spot serving Thai and western dishes open from 8:00 AM onwards.
THB180, 1h0m

9:30am

Ayutthaya Historical Park

Visit the UNESCO World Heritage site featuring ancient ruins and temples like Wat Mahathat and Wat Phra Si Sanphet, open from 8:00 AM to sunset.
THB50, 3h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Raan Tha Luang

Taste authentic Ayutthaya cuisine near the river featuring flavorful curries and grilled fish, open 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM.
THB200, 1h0m

2:00pm

Boat Tour Around Ayutthaya

Take a relaxing boat trip around the island to see temples from the river vantage and get a unique perspective, tours available until late afternoon.
THB300, 1h30m

4:00pm

Return to Bangkok

Head back to Bangkok for overnight stay.
Included, 1h30m
View Hotel Availability

Day 4: Chiang Mai Culture

Chiang Mai, Thailand on May 23, 2025

7:00am

Fly from Bangkok to Chiang Mai

Early flight to Chiang Mai, about 1 hour. Multiple connecting flights daily.
THB1000, 1h0m

8:30am

Breakfast at The Barn: Eatery Design

Charming cafe serving western breakfast and coffee; open from 7:30 AM.
THB200, 1h0m

9:30am

Doi Suthep Temple Visit

Visit the famous mountain temple, Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, open 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM with great views over Chiang Mai.
THB30, 2h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Khao Soi Khun Yai

Try authentic Northern Thai curry noodle soup, a regional specialty, open 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM.
THB60, 1h0m

1:30pm

Explore Old City Temples

Visit Wat Phra Singh and Wat Chedi Luang, iconic temples within walking distance, open from 6:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Donation based, 2h0m

4:00pm

Stroll through Warorot Market

Shop and people-watch through this vibrant market selling local produce and souvenirs, open until 6:00 PM.
Free, 1h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at Dash! Restaurant and Bar

Experience delicious Northern Thai dishes in a beautiful teak house setting, open 11:00 AM to 10:30 PM.
THB400, 1h30m
View Hotel Availability

Day 5: Luang Prabang Highlights

Luang Prabang, Laos on May 24, 2025

7:00am

Fly to Luang Prabang, Laos

Morning flight from Chiang Mai to Luang Prabang (approximately 1 hour, with brief connection).
USD100, 2h0m

9:00am

Breakfast at Saffron Coffee

Brick-and-mortar cafe known for rich coffee and tasty breakfast fare, open from 7:00 AM.
USD5, 1h0m

10:00am

Visit Kuang Si Waterfalls

Spectacular turquoise waterfalls and natural pools perfect for swimming, open from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
USD3, 3h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Tamarind

Enjoy traditional Lao cuisine with a modern twist in a comfortable setting, open 11:30 AM to 2:30 PM.
USD15, 1h0m

2:30pm

Explore Luang Prabang Night Market

Stroll the famous night market which opens from 5:00 PM, featuring handicrafts and street food (afternoon is for prep and nearby sightseeing).
Free, Relax and Rest

5:00pm

Night Market Food Sampling & Shopping

Sample diverse local street food and shop for handmade souvenirs; market is vibrant and lively.
Variable, 2h0m
View Hotel Availability

Day 6: Cultural Immersion

Luang Prabang, Laos on May 25, 2025

7:00am

Alms Giving Ceremony

Experience the traditional Buddhist morning ritual where monks collect alms; starts before sunrise, about 6:00 AM.
Free, 1h0m

8:30am

Breakfast at Le Café Ban Vat Sene

Breakfast with Mekong views, offering pastries and coffee, open from 7:00 AM.
USD7, 1h0m

9:30am

Mount Phousi Hike

Climb the hill at the town center for panoramic views of Luang Prabang and the Mekong River; open all day.
USD2, 1h0m

11:00am

Visit Royal Palace Museum

Explore the former royal residence and learn Laos history, open from 8:30 AM to 11:30 AM and 1:00 PM to 4:30 PM.
USD2, 1h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at Khaiphaen Restaurant

Support local social enterprise while enjoying delicious Lao food, open from 11:30 AM to 2:30 PM.
USD10, 1h0m

2:30pm

Pak Ou Caves Boat Tour

Take a scenic boat ride along Mekong River to visit sacred caves filled with thousands of Buddha statues, tours operate 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.
USD25, 3h0m
View Hotel Availability

Day 7: Vang Vieng Adventure

Vang Vieng, Laos on May 26, 2025

7:00am

Drive to Vang Vieng

Morning 3-4 hour scenic drive from Luang Prabang to Vang Vieng, famous for river tubing and stunning karst landscapes.
USD20, 4h0m

11:30am

Lunch at Gary’s Irish Bar

Popular spot among travelers for hearty meals and a relaxed atmosphere, open daily.
USD15, 1h0m

1:00pm

Blue Lagoon Visit

Swim in the natural turquoise lagoon and enjoy cliff jumping, open 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
USD2, 2h0m

3:30pm

Tham Phu Kham Cave Exploration

Explore this impressive cave with limestone formations and a reclining Buddha statue inside, open 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
USD2, 1h30m

5:30pm

Dinner at Bamboo Tree Restaurant

Enjoy authentic Lao cuisine in a cozy setting to end your journey, open until 9:00 PM.
USD12, 1h30m
View Hotel Availability