7-Day Ultimate Thailand Exploration Itinerary: From Bangkok to Chiang Mai and Beyond

Day 1: Bangkok Cultural Start

Bangkok, Thailand on June 15, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at On Lok Yun

Start your day with a traditional Thai breakfast at On Lok Yun, a classic local eatery known for its nostalgic ambiance and authentic dishes like Thai-style omelette and coffee.
THB100, 1h

9:30am

Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew

Explore the Grand Palace, a stunning complex with exquisite architecture and the revered Temple of the Emerald Buddha (Wat Phra Kaew), open from 8:30 AM to 3:30 PM.
THB500, 2h30m

12:30pm

Lunch at Krua Apsorn

Enjoy authentic Thai dishes like crab curry and green curry at Krua Apsorn, a restaurant favored by locals and royalty alike.
THB300, 1h

2:00pm

Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn)

Visit the striking riverside Wat Arun, famous for its porcelain-encrusted central prang and beautiful views across the Chao Phraya River, open until 6 PM.
THB100, 1h

3:30pm

Explore Chinatown (Yaowarat)

Stroll through Bangkok's Chinatown to experience vibrant street markets, gold shops, and unique temples like Wat Traimit.
Free, 2h

6:00pm

Dinner at Raan Jay Fai

Dine at the Michelin-starred street food restaurant Raan Jay Fai, known for its famous crab omelette and seafood dishes.
Approximately THB1000, 1h30m
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Day 2: Historical Ayutthaya

Ayutthaya, Thailand on June 16, 2025

7:00am

Travel to Ayutthaya

Depart early from Bangkok to Ayutthaya by train or car; journey time is approximately 1.5 hours to start your day exploring ancient ruins.
THB50-THB300, 1h30m

9:00am

Ayutthaya Historical Park

Visit the UNESCO World Heritage site Ayutthaya Historical Park featuring ruins of royal palaces and ancient temples, open from 8 AM to 6 PM.
THB50, 3h

12:30pm

Lunch at Malakor Kitchen and Cafe

Enjoy delicious Thai dishes in a cozy setting near the ruins, specializing in flavorful curries and stir fry.
THB250, 1h

2:00pm

Boat Tour Around Ayutthaya

Take a relaxing 1-hour boat tour around the historic island to see different ruins and temples from the riverbank perspective.
THB200, 1h

4:00pm

Return to Bangkok

Travel back to Bangkok to prepare for the next day's journey north.
THB50-THB300, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Som Tam Nua

Savor authentic Isaan cuisine including papaya salad and fried chicken in the bustling Siam Square area.
THB200, 1h
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Day 3: Chiang Mai Temples

Chiang Mai, Thailand on June 17, 2025

7:00am

Travel to Chiang Mai

Take an early morning flight from Bangkok to Chiang Mai, approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes flight time.
THB1000, 2h including travel to airport

10:00am

Breakfast at Rustic and Blue

Enjoy a fresh organic breakfast with a mix of Thai and Western dishes in a charming cafe setting.
THB350, 1h

11:30am

Wat Phra Singh

Visit one of Chiang Mai’s most revered temples with impressive Lanna-style architecture, open daily from 6 AM to 6 PM.
Free, 1h

12:30pm

Lunch at Khao Soi Khun Yai

Sample the famous Northern Thai curry noodle soup, Khao Soi, at a local favorite spot.
THB80, 1h

2:00pm

Doi Suthep Temple

Head uphill to Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, a stunning temple offering panoramic views of Chiang Mai, open from 6 AM to 6 PM.
THB50, 2h

5:00pm

Explore Chiang Mai Night Bazaar

Shop and dine at the lively Night Bazaar with local handicrafts, street food, and entertainment, open until midnight.
Free entry, 2h

7:30pm

Dinner at SP Chicken

Taste authentic Thai grilled chicken with sticky rice and papaya salad, a famous Chiang Mai dish.
THB150, 1h
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Day 4: Chiang Rai Wonders

Chiang Rai, Thailand on June 18, 2025

8:00am

Travel to Chiang Rai

Drive or take a bus from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai (approximately 3 hours), preparing for a day of unique temples and cultural sights.
THB200, 3h

11:30am

Visit the White Temple (Wat Rong Khun)

Explore the surreal, all-white contemporary Buddhist temple that is both a spiritual site and an art exhibit, open 8 AM to 5 PM.
THB100, 1h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at Chivit Thamma Da Coffee House

Relax with delicious food and coffee beside the Mae Kok River in a peaceful riverside garden setting.
THB350, 1h

2:30pm

Baan Dam Museum (Black House)

Visit a striking complex of buildings featuring dark art and eclectic collections by Thai artist Thawan Duchanee, open 9 AM to 6 PM.
THB80, 1h30m

5:00pm

Return to Chiang Mai

Travel back to Chiang Mai to rest and prepare for the next leg of your trip.
THB200, 3h

8:00pm

Dinner at Huen Phen

Enjoy authentic Northern Thai cuisine in a traditional Lanna ambiance.
THB250, 1h
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Day 5: Elephant Sanctuary & Local Village

Chiang Mai, Thailand on June 19, 2025

7:30am

Elephant Nature Park Visit

Spend a day at Elephant Nature Park, a rescue and rehabilitation center for elephants, open from 8 AM to 5 PM, where you can feed and observe elephants ethically.
THB2500 (includes transport and lunch), 8h

4:30pm

Return to Chiang Mai City

Relax at your hotel or explore local cafes in the old city area after the sanctuary visit.
Free, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Dash! Restaurant & Bar

Dine in a beautiful teak house offering traditional Thai dishes and live music.
THB400, 1h30m
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Day 6: Return to Bangkok & Leisure

Bangkok, Thailand on June 20, 2025

8:00am

Fly back to Bangkok

Catch a morning flight back to Bangkok, about a 1 hour 15 minutes flight, for your final days of shopping and leisure.
THB1000, 2h including airport transit

11:00am

Brunch at Karmakamet Diner

Enjoy a fragrant and chic dining experience blending Thai herbs and international cuisine.
THB450, 1h

12:30pm

Shopping at Chatuchak Market

Explore the extensive Chatuchak Weekend Market (open Friday noon and Saturday-Sunday 9 AM to 6 PM) selling clothes, handicrafts, and street food.
Free, 3h

4:00pm

Relax at Lumpini Park

Unwind with a stroll or paddle boat in Lumpini Park, a green oasis in central Bangkok.
Free, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Sorn

Experience Michelin two-star Southern Thai cuisine focussing on rich flavors and quality ingredients (booking recommended).
THB3500, 2h
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Day 7: Bangkok Temples & Departure

Bangkok, Thailand on June 21, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Luka Cafe

Enjoy a healthy and tasty breakfast with specialty coffee in a modern minimalist space.
THB350, 1h

9:30am

Visit Wat Saket and Golden Mount

Climb the Golden Mount for panoramic city views and visit Wat Saket temple, open 8 AM to 5 PM.
THB50, 1h30m

11:30am

Explore Jim Thompson House

Tour the traditional Thai house and museum dedicated to silk entrepreneur Jim Thompson, open 9 AM to 6 PM.
THB200, 1h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at Baan Khanitha

Savor exquisite Thai cuisine in an elegant setting, emphasizing traditional recipes and fresh ingredients.
THB600, 1h30m

3:00pm

Prepare for Departure

Head back to your hotel to collect luggage and make your way to the airport for your onward journey.
Variable transport cost, 2h
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