8-Day Comprehensive Thailand Adventure: Bangkok to Chiang Mai

Day 1: Bangkok Arrival

Bangkok, Thailand on June 1, 2025

11:00am

Check-in at hotel

Settle into your hotel in central Bangkok to relax and prepare for your city exploration.
Varies, 1h

12:00pm

Lunch at Thip Samai Pad Thai

Enjoy arguably the best pad thai in Bangkok, a must-try dish for an authentic Thai experience. The restaurant is open from 5pm to midnight, so for lunch, opt for a nearby café such as Café Chao Phraya.
THB100-150, 1h

1:30pm

Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew

Discover the iconic Grand Palace and the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, renowned for their intricate architecture and spiritual importance. Open 8:30am to 3:30pm, be sure to wear appropriate attire.
THB500, 2h

3:30pm

Wat Pho

Visit Wat Pho to see the magnificent Reclining Buddha and enjoy a traditional Thai massage at the temple’s massage school. The temple is open until 6:30pm.
THB200, 1h30m

6:30pm

Dinner at Sala Rattanakosin

Dine with a scenic view of Wat Arun across the river, enjoying modern Thai cuisine in an elegant setting. Open from 5pm to 10pm.
THB800-1200, 1h30m
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Day 2: Bangkok Exploration

Bangkok, Thailand on June 2, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at On Lok Yun

Start your day at this vintage breakfast spot known for Thai-style American breakfasts and classic coffee. Open from 6am to noon.
THB60-100, 45m

9:00am

Jim Thompson House

Tour the historic home of the American silk entrepreneur showcasing traditional Thai architecture and a rich silk collection. Open 9am to 6pm.
THB200, 1h30m

11:00am

Chatuchak Weekend Market

Explore one of the largest markets in the world with a vast variety of goods, perfect for souvenirs and street food tasting. Open 9am to 6pm on weekends.
Free entry, 2h

1:00pm

Lunch at Chatuchak Street Food

Sample diverse Thai street food including grilled meats, spicy salads, and refreshing coconut ice cream at the market.
THB50-150, 1h

3:00pm

Relax at Lumpini Park

Enjoy a peaceful stroll or paddleboat on the lake, experiencing green space amid Bangkok’s bustling cityscape.
Free, 1h

6:00pm

Dinner cruise on the Chao Phraya River

Spend the evening on a river cruise enjoying traditional Thai food while admiring riverside landmarks illuminated at night. Most cruises depart around 6:30pm.
THB1200-1800, 2h
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Day 3: Ayutthaya Day Trip

Ayutthaya, Thailand on June 3, 2025

7:30am

Depart Bangkok for Ayutthaya

Travel 1.5-hour drive or train north to the ancient capital city famous for its historic park and temples.
THB50-300 depending on transport, 1h30m

9:30am

Ayutthaya Historical Park

Explore ruins including Wat Mahathat, Wat Phra Si Sanphet, and the iconic Buddha head entwined in tree roots, open daily from 8am to 5pm.
THB50-220 per temple, 3h

12:30pm

Lunch at Malakor Kitchen and Cafe

Enjoy delicious Thai dishes in a charming riverside setting popular for fresh seafood and local favourites.
THB150-300, 1h

2:00pm

Wat Chaiwatthanaram

Visit the stunning riverside temple complex with impressive Khmer-style prangs, open until sunset.
THB50, 1h30m

4:00pm

Return to Bangkok

Travel back to Bangkok to rest or prepare for next day’s northern journey.
Included in outbound fare, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Somboon Seafood

Savour their famous curry crab and other Thai seafood dishes at this renowned Bangkok establishment. Open until late.
THB500-900, 1h30m
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Day 4: Travel to Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai, Thailand on June 4, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Fuel up with a hearty breakfast at your hotel before the journey north.
Included in hotel, 1h

9:00am

Flight to Chiang Mai

Take a short 1-hour flight from Bangkok to Chiang Mai, the cultural heart of northern Thailand.
THB1200-2000, 1h

11:00am

Check-in and rest

Check into your hotel in the Old City, relax, and prepare for afternoon adventures.
Varies, 1h

12:00pm

Lunch at Khao Soi Khun Yai

Try the famous northern Thai curry noodle soup, Khao Soi, a local favourite open from 10am to 7:30pm daily.
THB40-80, 1h

1:30pm

Wat Phra Singh

Visit one of Chiang Mai's most revered temples with exquisite Lanna architecture, open until 5pm.
Free, 45m

2:30pm

Wat Chedi Luang

Explore this ancient temple ruin in the heart of the Old City, known for its massive collapsed chedi. Open until 5pm.
THB40, 45m

4:00pm

Explore Old City streets

Walk through Chiang Mai’s charming Old City with boutique shops and cafés.
Free, 1h

6:30pm

Dinner at Dash! Teak House

Dine in a traditional teak wood house serving authentic northern Thai cuisine. Open till 10pm.
THB300-600, 1h30m
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Day 5: Chiang Mai Nature & Culture

Chiang Mai, Thailand on June 5, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Ristr8to

Enjoy specialty coffee and creative breakfast dishes at this award-winning café, open from 7am.
THB150-300, 45m

8:30am

Doi Suthep Temple

Ascend to this iconic mountaintop temple for panoramic views of Chiang Mai; open 6am to 6pm.
THB50 entry + transport, 2h

11:00am

Visit Bhubing Palace Gardens

Explore the Royal Winter Palace gardens nearby for serene floral displays and mountain scenery.
THB50, 1h

12:30pm

Lunch at Huen Phen

Relish traditional northern Thai dishes in a local setting; open 10am to 9pm.
THB150-300, 1h

2:00pm

Elephant Nature Park

Spend the afternoon at this ethical elephant sanctuary interacting and learning about rescue efforts (advance booking required). Open 8am to 5pm.
THB2500 approx, 4h

6:30pm

Dinner at Night Bazaar

Enjoy street food options and shop at the bustling night market, which opens from 6pm.
Varies, 2h
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Day 6: Hill Tribes & Countryside

Chiang Mai, Thailand on June 6, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Get an early breakfast before a full-day excursion.
Included in hotel, 30m

8:00am

Hill Tribe Village Tour

Visit Akha and Karen hill tribe villages to learn about their culture and traditional lifestyles. Tours run typically 8am-5pm with transport included.
THB1500-2000, 7h

4:00pm

Return to Chiang Mai

Rest after a full-day cultural excursion.
Included, 30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Tong Tem Toh

Sample authentic northern Thai specialties in a lively atmosphere. Open until 10pm.
THB200-400, 1h30m
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Day 7: Chiang Mai Leisure

Chiang Mai, Thailand on June 7, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Ginger & Kafe

Treat yourself to a stylish breakfast in the Old City with a mix of Thai and western options.
THB200-350, 45m

9:00am

Thai Cooking Class

Spend the morning learning to cook traditional Thai dishes with hands-on instruction, usually lasting 3-4 hours. Most classes start around 9 or 10am.
THB1500-2500, 4h

1:30pm

Lunch on your own cooking

Enjoy the meals you have prepared during the class, truly experiencing Thai cuisine firsthand.
Included in class, 1h

3:00pm

Relax at hotel or explore

Free time to rest or visit nearby sites such as the Art in Paradise 3D Museum or visit local cafés.
Varies, 3h

7:00pm

Dinner at The Riverside Bar & Restaurant

Enjoy riverside dining with live music and dishes blending Thai and international flavours.
THB400-700, 2h
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Day 8: Departure

Chiang Mai to Bangkok, Thailand on June 8, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Have a relaxed breakfast to start your last day in Thailand.
Included in hotel, 1h

9:00am

Flight from Chiang Mai to Bangkok

Take a morning flight back to Bangkok for your connecting flights international departure.
THB1200-2000, 1h

11:00am

Transfer to Suvarnabhumi Airport

Allow ample time for transfer and airport procedures at Bangkok’s main international airport.
Transport THB300-500, 1h
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