5-Day Budget-Friendly Adventure in Thailand: Beaches, Culture, and Nightlife

Day 1: Cultural & City Exploration

Bangkok, Thailand on November 20, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at On Lok Yun

Start your day with a traditional Thai breakfast at On Lok Yun, known for its classic coffee and egg dishes, open from 6:00am to 2:00pm.
THB100, 1h

9:30am

Grand Palace & Wat Phra Kaew Visit

Explore the magnificent Grand Palace complex, home to Wat Phra Kaew, the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, for a rich cultural and historical experience. Open 8:30am–3:30pm.
THB500, 2h30m

12:30pm

Lunch at Krua Apsorn

Enjoy authentic Thai dishes such as crab curry at Krua Apsorn, a local favourite close to the Grand Palace. Open from 10:30am to 9:30pm.
THB250, 1h

2:00pm

Jim Thompson House

Discover traditional Thai architecture and learn about silk trading history at Jim Thompson House, open 9:00am to 6:00pm.
THB200, 1h30m

5:00pm

Explore Khao San Road Nightlife

Experience Bangkok's vibrant nightlife with street food, bars, and live music on Khao San Road, lively from late afternoon to midnight.
Free entry, 3h

8:00pm

Dinner at Susie Wong’s Beers and Buns

Dine on tasty Asian fusion dishes with a casual vibe on Khao San Road. Open 6:00pm to midnight.
THB300, 1h30m

Day 2: Historical Sites

Ayutthaya, Thailand on November 21, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel or local cafe

Fuel up early for the day trip with local breakfast options before heading to Ayutthaya.
THB100, 1h

8:00am

Travel to Ayutthaya

Take a 1.5-hour train or minivan ride north from Bangkok to the historic city of Ayutthaya.
THB50, 1h30m

10:00am

Ayutthaya Historical Park Tour

Explore the UNESCO World Heritage site featuring ancient ruins, temples like Wat Mahathat, and the iconic Buddha head entwined in tree roots.
THB50, 3h

1:00pm

Lunch at Malakor Kitchen and Cafe

Enjoy affordable Thai and Western dishes in a relaxed setting near the historical park.
THB200, 1h

2:30pm

Bicycle Rental & Riverside Exploration

Rent bikes to explore lesser-known ruins and the scenic riverfront, including Wat Chaiwatthanaram. Open daylight hours.
THB40, 2h

4:30pm

Return to Bangkok

Travel back to Bangkok to prepare for the next day's flight south.
THB50, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Raan Jay Fai

Treat yourselves to famous street food from the Michelin-starred Jay Fai, specialising in crab omelette and seafood dishes. Booking ahead recommended. Open 4:00pm–12:00am.
THB500, 1h30m

Day 3: Beach & Water Sports

Phuket, Thailand on November 22, 2025

7:00am

Early Breakfast at hotel in Bangkok

Grab breakfast before the morning flight to Phuket.
THB100, 1h

9:00am

Flight to Phuket

Take a 1.5-hour domestic flight to Phuket for beach and water activities. Book flights early for economy deals.
THB1500, 1h30m

11:00am

Check-in and Lunch at Chillva Market

Drop your bags at an economy hotel near Patong Beach and enjoy lunch at Chillva Market, popular for street food and relaxed atmosphere.
THB150, 1h

1:00pm

Relax at Patong Beach & Water Sports

Spend the afternoon swimming, sunbathing, and trying budget-friendly water sports like jet skiing or parasailing available on Patong Beach.
THB800, 3h

5:00pm

Explore Bangla Road Nightlife

Experience Phuket’s vibrant nightlife with live music, street performances, and bars along Bangla Road, open late into the night.
Free entry, 3h

8:00pm

Dinner at No.9 2nd Restaurant

Enjoy cheap and delicious Thai dishes at this popular spot close to Bangla Road, open until 11:00pm.
THB250, 1h

Day 4: Island & Wildlife Adventure

Phi Phi Islands, Thailand on November 23, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel, Phuket

Early breakfast to prepare for island hopping.
THB100, 1h

8:00am

Day Trip to Phi Phi Islands

Join an economy group day tour to Phi Phi Islands, including stops for snorkeling, visiting Maya Bay, and exploring Viking Cave. Trip departs around 8:30am and returns by 5:30pm.
THB1200, 9h

6:00pm

Return and Rest

Relax after your full day of island exploration back at your Phuket hotel.
Free, 1h

7:30pm

Dinner at Suay Restaurant Phuket

Savour innovative Thai cuisine at this well-reviewed but affordable restaurant, open 5:30pm to 10:30pm.
THB350, 1h

Day 5: Nature & Departure

Phuket, Thailand on November 24, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy your final day’s breakfast with ocean views.
THB100, 1h

9:00am

Visit Phuket Elephant Sanctuary

Spend a morning learning about and interacting ethically with rescued elephants in a natural environment. Open 9:00am to 5:00pm, book in advance.
THB2500, 3h

12:30pm

Lunch at Roti-Mataba Patong

Sample delicious local roti and Mataba near Patong Beach for an affordable and tasty lunch.
THB150, 1h

2:00pm

Relax at Karon Beach

Spend your last afternoon on a quieter beach option, perfect for swimming and unwinding before your departure.
Free, 2h

4:30pm

Depart for Airport

Travel to Phuket International Airport for your departure flight.
THB300, 1h