Two-Week Cultural and Beach Adventure in Thailand on a $4000 Budget

Day 1: Bangkok Introduction

Bangkok, Thailand on June 22, 2025

10:00am

Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew

Start your trip by visiting the Grand Palace and the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, a breathtaking cultural site and historic landmark symbolizing Thailand’s royal heritage. Open 8:30am - 3:30pm.
THB500, 2h30m

12:45pm

Lunch at Sabai Jai Gai Yang

Enjoy authentic Isaan Thai food at this popular local spot; try the grilled chicken and papaya salad for a flavorful, budget-friendly meal.
THB150, 1h

2:00pm

Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn)

Visit the picturesque Wat Arun by the riverside, renowned for its stunning porcelain-encrusted central prang and river views. Open 8:00am - 6:00pm.
THB100, 1h

4:00pm

Explore Chinatown

Walk through vibrant Yaowarat Road in Chinatown, full of markets, street food, and gold shops—perfect for an early evening cultural immersion.
Free, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Raan Jay Fai

Dine at the famous Michelin-starred street food spot serving delicious crab omelette and seafood dishes.
THB600, 1h30m
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Day 2: Bangkok Markets & River

Bangkok, Thailand on June 23, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at On Lok Yun

Start with classic Thai breakfast dishes like kai jeow (Thai omelette) and coffee at this old-school Bangkok eatery open from 6:30am.
THB80, 45m

9:00am

Chatuchak Weekend Market

Spend the morning exploring one of the world’s largest markets for souvenirs, street food, and trendy apparel. Open 9:00am - 6:00pm on weekends.
Free, 3h

12:30pm

Lunch at Chatuchak Market

Try local street food stalls offering dishes such as boat noodles and mango sticky rice for a delicious and affordable meal.
THB120, 1h

2:00pm

Explore Jim Thompson House

Tour the beautifully preserved traditional Thai home and learn about Thai silk industry history. Open 9:00am - 6:00pm.
THB200, 1h30m

4:00pm

Relax at Lumphini Park

Unwind with a stroll or paddle boat ride in this peaceful green space in the heart of Bangkok.
Free, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Thipsamai Pad Thai

Sample some of Bangkok’s best pad thai, famous for its distinctive smoky flavor and fresh ingredients.
THB150, 1h
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Day 3: Bangkok to Chiang Mai

Bangkok to Chiang Mai, Thailand on June 24, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel or nearby cafe

Have a quick Thai-style breakfast including rice soup or fresh fruit before departure.
THB100, 45m

8:30am

Flight to Chiang Mai

Take a direct morning flight from Bangkok to Chiang Mai (approx 1h15m). Several budget airlines available.
THB900, 1h15m

11:00am

Check-in and settle at Chiang Mai accommodation

Relax and freshen up before exploring the city.
Included in lodging, 1h

12:30pm

Lunch at Khao Soi Khun Yai

Try the famous northern Thai dish Khao Soi, a spicy coconut curry noodle soup served with pickled cabbage.
THB60, 1h

2:00pm

Visit Wat Chedi Luang

Explore the historic temple ruins with a massive chedi that once housed the Emerald Buddha. Open 6:00am - 6:00pm.
THB40, 1h

3:30pm

Explore Old City Temples by foot

Walk around the Old City to visit Wat Phra Singh and Wat Chiang Man for architecture and spiritual culture.
Donation based, 1h30m

6:00pm

Dinner at Dash! Teak House

Enjoy authentic northern cuisine and a cozy teak wood setting.
THB250, 1h30m
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Day 4: Doi Suthep and Nature

Chiang Mai, Thailand on June 25, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Ristr8to Lab

Start with highly-rated specialty coffee and light breakfast items.
THB150, 45m

9:00am

Visit Wat Phra That Doi Suthep

Take a short drive up to this iconic mountain temple with panoramic views of Chiang Mai city. Open 6:00am - 6:00pm.
THB50, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Huen Phen

Eat traditional northern Thai food in a charming setting favored by locals.
THB200, 1h

1:30pm

Visit the Elephant Nature Park

Spend the afternoon interacting with rescued elephants in an ethical sanctuary. Booking required in advance, open 8:00am - 5:30pm.
THB2500, 4h

6:00pm

Dinner at Night Bazaar

Sample street food varieties at Chiang Mai’s lively night market with many affordable options.
THB150, 1h30m
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Day 5: Travel to Krabi

Chiang Mai to Krabi, Thailand on June 26, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy your last morning in Chiang Mai with a light breakfast.
Included in lodging, 45m

9:00am

Flight from Chiang Mai to Krabi

Fly south to Krabi international airport, approximately 2 hours flight with a stopover in Bangkok.
THB1500, 3h total (including layover)

1:00pm

Check in at Krabi accommodation

Settle in and rest before beach time.
Included in lodging, 1h

2:30pm

Relax at Ao Nang Beach

Enjoy the beautiful white sand beach, swimming, and soaking up the sun.
Free, 3h

6:00pm

Dinner at Lae Lay Grill

Dine seaside with fresh seafood and stunning sunset views.
THB400, 1h30m
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Day 6: Island Hopping

Krabi, Thailand on June 27, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Fuel up with a hearty breakfast before your island tours.
Included in lodging, 45m

8:30am

Four Islands Tour

Take a longtail boat from Ao Nang to visit Phi Phi Islands, Ko Poda, Chicken Island, and Tup Island with snorkeling and beach time. Tours run 8:00am - 4:30pm.
THB1300, 8h

5:00pm

Rest at accommodation

Relax after a long day and freshen up.
Free, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Jungle Kitchen

Enjoy authentic southern Thai dishes in a cozy forest-style setting near Ao Nang.
THB300, 1h30m
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Day 7: Krabi Exploration & Travel

Krabi to Bangkok, Thailand on June 28, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Aning Restaurant

Try their famous Thai coffee and banana pancakes for a relaxing morning start.
THB120, 45m

9:30am

Visit Thung Teao Forest Natural Park and Emerald Pool

Swim in the naturally warm blue waters of the Emerald Pool and walk through lush forest trails. Open 7:00am - 4:00pm.
THB200, 3h

1:00pm

Lunch at local roadside eatery

Sample casual Thai food near the park with green curry or fresh seafood.
THB150, 1h

3:00pm

Return to hotel and checkout

Prepare for evening flight back to Bangkok.
Free, 1h

6:00pm

Flight from Krabi to Bangkok

Evening flight back to Bangkok with budget airlines.
THB1500, 1h30m

8:30pm

Check into Bangkok hotel and light dinner

Stay near the airport or city center and enjoy a casual meal such as Thai noodle soup nearby.
THB150, 1h
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Day 8: Bangkok Culture & Shopping

Bangkok, Thailand on June 29, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Toby’s on Sukhumvit

Enjoy modern Western-style breakfast with excellent coffee and avocado toast.
THB200, 1h

9:30am

Visit Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA)

Explore Thailand’s finest collection of modern art featuring talented Thai artists. Open 10:00am - 6:00pm.
THB250, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Soul Food Mahanakorn

Taste authentic Thai comfort food made with local ingredients in a stylish setting.
THB300, 1h

2:00pm

Shopping at Siam Paragon and MBK Center

Explore two of Bangkok’s top shopping malls offering everything from luxury brands to affordable souvenirs.
Free, 3h

6:00pm

Dinner at Cabbages & Condoms

Try one last memorable Thai meal with a social cause twist in a unique restaurant setting.
THB400, 1h30m
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Day 9: Day Trip Ayutthaya

Ayutthaya, Thailand on June 30, 2025

7:00am

Early Breakfast and travel to Ayutthaya

Take a 1.5 hour train or private car to the historic city of Ayutthaya, the ancient Siamese capital.
Train THB50 or taxi THB1500, 2h total

9:30am

Ayutthaya Historical Park

Bike or walk around UNESCO-listed ruins including Wat Mahathat and Wat Phra Si Sanphet. Open 8:00am - 6:00pm.
THB50, 4h

1:30pm

Lunch at Malakor Kitchen and Cafe

Sample Thai food and relaxing river views in this cozy spot inside Ayutthaya town.
THB200, 1h

3:00pm

Return to Bangkok

Travel back to Bangkok and enjoy a rest.
Included, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at street food stalls near hotel

Enjoy casual Thai local dishes by street vendors to wind down your day.
THB100, 1h
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Day 10: Free Day & Packing

Bangkok, Thailand on July 1, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel / nearby cafe

Relax with a casual breakfast at your own pace.
THB150, 1h

9:30am

Optional Spa or Thai Massage

Unwind with an affordable traditional Thai massage at a reputable spa. Typical sessions last 1-2 hours and cost about THB400-600.
THB500, 1h30m

11:30am

Last-minute shopping or sightseeing

Visit local markets like Pratunam or relax at cafes before packing.
Varies, 3h

3:00pm

Pack and rest

Prepare for your departure the next day.
Free, Rest of day

7:00pm

Dinner at Blue Elephant

Treat yourself to elegant Thai Royal cuisine in a famous upscale setting.
THB800, 1h30m
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Day 11: Departure Day

Bangkok, Thailand on July 2, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Have a relaxed breakfast before your flight.
Included in lodging, 45m

9:00am

Transfer to Suvarnabhumi Airport

Ensure ample time for international departure procedures.
THB400 by taxi, 1h
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