Ultimate 8-Day Thailand Adventure: Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and Phuket

Day 1: Explore Bangkok

Bangkok, Thailand on May 22, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at On Lok Yun

Start your day with a traditional Thai breakfast at On Lok Yun, a beloved old-school eatery known for its simple yet delicious offerings like steamed buns and Thai-style coffee. It's open from 6:00am to 2:00pm.

THB100, 1h0m

9:30am

Grand Palace & Wat Phra Kaew

Visit the Grand Palace complex, including the Emerald Buddha temple, one of Thailand's most sacred sites. The palace opens at 8:30am and closes at 3:30pm; arrive early to avoid crowds.

THB500, 2h30m

12:00pm

Lunch at Thip Samai Pad Thai

Enjoy a delicious plate of Pad Thai at Thip Samai, famous among locals and tourists alike for the best Pad Thai in Bangkok. Open from 5:00pm to midnight, consider grabbing an early dinner here if you miss lunch.

THB120, 1h0m

1:00pm

Explore Wat Pho

See the Reclining Buddha and traditional Thai massage school at Wat Pho, which is open from 8:00am to 6:30pm. It’s located near the Grand Palace, making it an easy next stop.

THB200, 1h0m

3:00pm

Chao Phraya River Cruise

Take a scenic boat ride along the Chao Phraya River to view Bangkok from the water. Public ferry services run until around 7:00pm; tickets are inexpensive and offer fantastic sightseeing.

THB40, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Baan Khanitha

Dine at Baan Khanitha, a beautiful restaurant serving authentic Thai cuisine with an emphasis on traditional flavours and quality ingredients. Open daily until 11:00pm.

THB800, 1h30m

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Day 2: Market and Culture

Bangkok, Thailand on May 23, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Or Tor Kor Market

Sample fresh tropical fruits and local breakfasts at Or Tor Kor Market, renowned for its quality produce and delicious street food stalls. The market opens from 6:00am to 8:00pm.

THB150, 1h0m

9:30am

Jim Thompson House

Visit the historic home of Jim Thompson, an American who revitalised the Thai silk industry. The museum is open 9:00am to 6:00pm and offers fascinating insights into traditional Thai architecture.

THB200, 1h30m

12:00pm

Lunch at Som Tam Nua

Try the famous Northeastern Thai papaya salad (som tam) at Som Tam Nua, popular for its authentic and spicy dishes. Open 11:00am to 9:00pm.

THB150, 1h0m

1:30pm

Chatuchak Weekend Market

Spend time browsing Chatuchak Market, the world’s largest weekend market with thousands of stalls selling everything from clothes to food. Best visited on weekends, open from 9:00am to 6:00pm.

Free, 3h0m

5:00pm

Return and Relax

Head back to your hotel to relax and freshen up after a busy market day.

Free, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Cabbages & Condoms

Experience dining with a cause at Cabbages & Condoms, a unique restaurant offering great Thai food in a quirky setting promoting social issues. Open until 10:00pm.

THB700, 1h30m

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Day 3: Bangkok to Chiang Mai

Bangkok to Chiang Mai, Thailand on May 24, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a relaxing breakfast at your hotel before your flight to Chiang Mai, allowing ample time to arrive at the airport.

Included, 1h0m

9:30am

Flight to Chiang Mai

Take a direct flight from Bangkok to Chiang Mai, which takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes. Flights operate frequently throughout the day.

THB1200, 1h15m

11:00am

Check-in and rest

Check into your hotel in Chiang Mai and take a moment to relax after your flight.

Free, 1h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Khao Soi Khun Yai

Try Northern Thai specialties like khao soi — a rich coconut curry noodle soup — at this famous local eatery. Open from 10:00am to 6:00pm.

THB100, 1h0m

2:00pm

Visit Wat Phra Singh

Explore Wat Phra Singh, a beautifully decorated temple in the old city centre open till 5:00pm. It showcases classic Lanna architecture and intricate murals.

Donation, 1h0m

3:30pm

Explore Old City

Walk around Chiang Mai’s Old City, visiting quaint cafes and shops along the moat before heading back to the hotel to freshen up.

Free, 2h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Dash! Restaurant and Bar

Enjoy authentic Lanna cuisine in a charming wooden house setting at Dash! Open 10:30am to 10:00pm.

THB600, 1h30m

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Day 4: Nature and Temples

Chiang Mai, Thailand on May 25, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Ristr8to

Start with award-winning speciality coffee and creative breakfast dishes at Ristr8to, open from 7:00am to 5:00pm daily.

THB200, 1h0m

8:30am

Day trip to Doi Suthep-Pui National Park

Visit Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, Chiang Mai’s famous hilltop temple with panoramic views, open 6:00am to 6:00pm, then explore nearby natural trails in Doi Pui village.

THB50, 4h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Huen Phen

Savour traditional Northern Thai dishes at Huen Phen, open from 9:00am to 9:00pm.

THB300, 1h0m

2:30pm

Visit Chiang Mai Night Bazaar

Explore the vibrant night bazaar area, perfect for picking up souvenirs and sampling street food. Shops open around 5:00pm; evening is best for visiting.

Free, 3h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at The Riverside Bar & Restaurant

Enjoy dinner by the Ping River with live music, offering a mix of Thai and international dishes. Open nightly until midnight.

THB700, 1h30m

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Day 5: Elephant Sanctuary Visit

Chiang Mai, Thailand on May 26, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Have an early breakfast at your hotel before your day trip to the elephant sanctuary.

Included, 1h0m

8:00am

Elephant Nature Park

Spend a compassionate day at Elephant Nature Park, a rescue and rehabilitation centre for elephants. Visit hours are generally 8:00am to 5:00pm, and a full-day tour includes feeding and bathing elephants ethically.

THB2800, 8h0m

5:30pm

Return and relax

Return to your hotel in Chiang Mai to relax after the full day tour.

Free, 1h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Free Bird Cafe

Dine at Free Bird Cafe, supporting human rights and offering great Thai and international food. Open until 10:00pm.

THB500, 1h30m

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Day 6: Chiang Mai to Phuket

Chiang Mai to Phuket, Thailand on May 27, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy your last breakfast in Chiang Mai before heading to the airport.

Included, 1h0m

9:30am

Flight to Phuket

Fly from Chiang Mai to Phuket, with a flight duration of approximately 2 hours. Flights run regularly throughout the day.

THB1500, 2h0m

12:00pm

Check-in and beach time

Check into your hotel in Phuket and head to Patong Beach for some sun and sea relaxation.

Free, 3h0m

3:00pm

Visit Big Buddha

Visit the iconic Big Buddha, an impressive 45-metre statue with panoramic views of Phuket, open from 8:00am to 7:30pm.

Donation, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Ka Jok See

Dine at Ka Jok See, known for lively atmosphere and Thai cuisine, open from 6:00pm to midnight.

THB900, 2h0m

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Day 7: Island excursion

Phuket, Thailand on May 28, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Have an early breakfast to prepare for a day trip to the islands.

Included, 1h0m

8:00am

Phi Phi Islands Tour

Take a full-day speedboat tour to Phi Phi Islands, known for stunning beaches and clear waters. Tours generally start around 8:00am and return at 5:00pm. Includes snorkeling and lunch.

THB2500, 9h0m