Classic Thailand Itinerary (7 - 12 Days): Cities, Temples & Beaches

This is a suggested travel itinerary for Thailand that includes Bangkok, Chiang Mai & Phuket.

Why Travel To Thailand

• Magnificent Buddhist temples
• Stunning beaches
• Lively cities
• Diverse landscape and wildlife
• Unique culture
• Tropical climate
• Friendly locals
• Delicious Thai cuisine
• Good travel infrastructure
• Value for money

Thailand Itinerary Map

A:Bangkok  B:Chiang Mai  C:Phuket

Thailand Travel Itinerary

• Day 1: Arrive in Bangkok
• Day 2: Explore Bangkok
• Day 3: Explore Bangkok
• Day 4: Day Trip to Ayutthaya
• Day 5: Travel to Chiang Mai
• Day 6: Explore Chiang Mai
• Day 7: Explore Chiang Mai
  
• Day 8: Day trip to Chiang Rai
• Day 9: Fly to Phuket 
• Day 10: Explore Phuket
• Day 11: Day trip to Phi Phi Islands
• Day 12: Depart

If you've only 7-8 days, then along with Bangkok pick Chiang Mai or Phuket from the above itinerary.

Best Time To Visit Thailand

The best time to visit Thailand in general is during the dry and cool months between November and March. This is also the the peak tourist season in Thailand.

Thailand Top Experiences

• Vibrant and bustling Bangkok city
• Magnificent Buddhist temples in Ayutthaya and Chiang Mai
• Chatting with Buddhist monks in Chiang Mai
• Stunning Phuket beaches and landscape
• Delicious Thai cuisine
• Relaxing and cheap Thai massage

Day 1: Arrive In Bangkok

After your long journey to arrive Bangkok, take it easy and relax on your first day in Thailand. As the capital and largest city of the country, Bangkok is a vibrant and cosmopolitan hub, ranking among the top tourist spots in the world.

Best areas to stay in Bangkok: In my view Sukhumvit is overall the best area to stay in Bangkok for first-timers. It is centrally located, well connected to transportation, with wide range of accommodation and restaurants, great nightlife and shopping. Other great areas to stay are Siam, Silom, Old Town and Khao San Road. Siam is the best area for shopping. Khao San Road is the best place for backpackers. Old Town is the best location for sightseeing.

Day 2: Explore Bangkok

• Begin your day by exploring The Grand Palace, built in 1782. This stunning complex served as the official residence for the Kings of Siam. The king, along with his court and royal administration, resided here until 1925. While you're at the palace, don't miss Wat Phra Kaew, also known as the Temple of the Emerald Buddha. This temple is considered the most sacred in Thailand and is home to the revered Emerald Buddha statue, which is a symbol of the nation.

• Next, head over to the nearby Buddhist temple complex, Wat Pho, located just a short distance from the palace. This remarkable site features the largest collection of Buddha images in Thailand, including an impressive 46-meter-long reclining Buddha. If you're still up for it after exploring Wat Pho, consider visiting Wat Arun, another stunning Buddhist temple situated by the river, renowned as one of Thailand's most iconic landmarks.

• Enjoy your evening at Khao San Road, the vibrant hub for backpackers. This lively street is packed with bars, restaurants, street food stalls, hotels, shops, and plenty of entertainment options. As night falls, Khao San Road transforms into a lively and atmospheric scene. Be sure to check out the bustling Soi Rambuttri, which runs alongside Khao San Road.

The Grand Palace (Bangkok)

Wat Phra Kaew (Bangkok)
(Above image by Basile Morin, CC BY-SA 4.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0>, via Wikimedia Commons)

Wat Pho (Bangkok)

Wat Pho (Bangkok)

Khao San Road (Bangkok)

Day 3: Explore Bangkok

• Begin your day with a trip to the Jim Thompson House, an intriguing museum that showcases the impressive art collection of American businessman and architect Jim Thompson. This fascinating museum is made up of traditional Thai-style wooden houses that offer a glimpse into the cultural heritage of Thailand.

• Another option is to check out the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market in the morning. This vibrant market features numerous vendors on boats offering fresh produce, dry goods, souvenirs, and delicious street food. It's a fantastic spot to spend a few hours capturing amazing photos. Keep in mind that the market primarily caters to tourists these days. You can either explore it independently or join a tour from Bangkok.

• Enjoy your afternoon exploring either Siam Paragon or Central World shopping mall. If you're in Bangkok during the weekend, don't miss the chance to check out Chatuchak Weekend Market, the largest market in the city, featuring more than 15,000 stalls!

• Wrap up your day with a delightful dinner at the open-air mall, Asiatique The Riverfront, or explore the vibrant options in Chinatown.

Jim Thompson House (Bangkok)

Damnoen Saduak Floating Market

Day 4: Day trip to Ayutthaya

Ayutthaya, established around 1350, served as the ancient capital of Thailand. Its strategic location made it a bustling trading hub in Asia for centuries. By the year 1700, Ayutthaya had grown to be the largest city globally, boasting a population of one million. However, in 1767, the city faced devastation when the Burmese invaded, leading to widespread destruction by fire. Today, the remnants of Ayutthaya primarily consist of temples and palaces, as these were the only structures constructed from stone during that era.

Ayutthaya is located 85 kilometers north of Bangkok. You have the option to visit Ayutthaya independently or take part in a guided tour from Bangkok. If you choose to explore Ayutthaya by yourself, you can walk, ride a bicycle, or rent a tuk-tuk to discover the temples.

Here is a list of the best temples in Ayutthaya that you can visit: Wat Mahathat, Wat Lokayasutharam, Wat Yai Chai Mang Khon, Wat Chai Watthanaram, Wat Phra Si Sanphet and Wat Ratchaburana

Another great place to explore is the Bang Pa-In Royal Palace, which served as a summer retreat for the Thai kings.

Wat Mahathat (Ayutthaya)

Wat Mahathat (Ayutthaya)

Wat Lokayasutharam (Ayutthaya)

Bang Pa-In Royal Palace

Day 5: Travel to Chiang Mai

Travel from Bangkok to Chiang Mai, the second largest city in Thailand, located approximately 700 km to the north. This beautiful city is nestled in the mountainous area known as the Thai Highlands.

Best area to stay in Chiang Mai: Old City is the best area to stay in Chiang Mai for sightseeing as a first time visitor to Chiang Mai.

Day 6: Explore Chiang Mai

• Begin your day with a nice breakfast at one of the charming cafés in Chiang Mai. The city is filled with wonderful cafés and fantastic coffee that you definitely won’t want to miss out on.

• After enjoying your breakfast, make your way to the stunning Wat Chedi Luang, a Buddhist temple located in the heart of the historic center. This temple's construction began in the 14th century. Every day, they hold monk chats where visitors can engage with monks, often novices, and inquire about their lives as Buddhist monks in Thailand. I strongly encourage you to participate in this monk chat, as it can be a truly fascinating experience.

• Next, make your way to Wat Phra Singh, one of Chiang Mai's most cherished temples. The highlight of the temple complex is Wihan Lai Kham. Established in 1345, this temple is home to the revered Phra Buddha Singh statue.

• Also check out the Buddhist temple Wat Chiang Man located within the old city, which dates back to 1297 CE.

• Wrap up your evening by visiting the Chiang Mai Night Bazaar, a vibrant place filled with handicrafts, artwork, jewelry, clothing, and more. Don't miss the chance to enjoy dinner there, sampling a variety of delicious street foods.

Wat Chedi Luang (Chiang Mai)

Wat Phra Singh (Chiang Mai)

Wat Chiang Man (Chiang Mai)

Day 7: Explore Chiang Mai

• Start your day again with a delicious breakfast at one of the charming cafés in Chiang Mai, then make your way to the Wat Phra That Doi Suthep Buddhist temple. Located approximately 15 km from the city, this temple sits at an impressive height of 1,073 meters. From the summit, you can take in breathtaking views of downtown Chiang Mai. The original stupa of the temple is thought to have been constructed in 1383, and since then, numerous sacred shrines have been added to the site.

• You might also want to check out Bhuping Palace, which is nearby. Constructed in 1961, this palace was a beloved winter retreat for King Rama IX. The grounds are adorned with beautiful gardens, making it a fantastic spot for photography.

• In the afternoon, join a Thai cooking class where you'll discover the ingredients, recipes, and techniques that make Thai cuisine so delicious.

• Wrap up your day by treating yourself to a relaxing Thai massage at one of the numerous spas available.

Wat Phra That Doi Suthep (Chiang Mai)

(Above image by JJ Harrison (https://www.jjharrison.com.au/) - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=26044825)

Bhuping Palace (Chiang Mai)

Day 8: Day Trip to Chiang Rai

Chiang Rai is Thailand's northernmost province. Joining an organized day tour from Chiang Mai would be the best way to visit Chiang Rai, if you've got only one day. Start your day visiting the stunning Buddhist temple Wat Rong Khun, better known as The White Temple. After visiting the temple some tour companies will stop at Mae Khachan Hot Springs or/and one of the Long Neck villages. 

Finally visit The Golden Triangle, which is the area where the borders of Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar meet at the confluence of the Ruak and Mekong rivers. The Golden Triangle has been one of the most extensive opium-producing areas of Asia, and of the world, since the 1950s. There is a House of Opium museum that you can visit. You can also take a scenic boat ride along the Mekong River or discover some beautiful Buddhist temples nearby.

The White Temple (Chiang Rai)

The Golden Triangle

Day 9: Fly to Phuket

Take a flight from Chiang Mai to Phuket to complete your Thailand adventure. Phuket, located in the southern part of Thailand, is renowned as one of the best beach destinations in the world.

Where to stay in Phuket: Phuket boasts over 30 stunning beaches to explore. The most sought-after spots for accommodation include Patong Beach, Kata, Karon, and Kamala. If you enjoy a vibrant atmosphere filled with bars, restaurants, and nightlife, Patong Beach is the perfect choice for you. It also provides convenient access to various services. For families with kids, Karon Beach is often regarded as one of the top areas. Alternatively, if you're interested in history, architecture, and culture, Old Phuket Town is a fantastic option to consider for your stay.

Enjoy your evening on the vibrant Bangla Road at Patong Beach, where the atmosphere truly comes alive once the sun goes down.

Bangla Road (Patong Beach)

Day 10: Explore Phuket

• Start your day in Phuket with a leisurely morning and enjoy a hearty breakfast. Later in the afternoon, hop in a taxi to visit the famous Phuket Big Buddha. Standing at an impressive 45 meters, it's the third-tallest statue in Thailand.

• Next, head over to Wat Chalong, the most significant Buddhist temple in Phuket, which honors two highly respected monks.

• In the late afternoon, take a stroll through Phuket Old Town, a vibrant historic district known for its charming Chinese-Portuguese architecture. You'll find an array of cafés, shops, restaurants, hotels, museums, etc. to explore in this lively area.

Phuket Big Buddha

Pagoda at Wat Chalong

Phuket Old Town

Day 11: Day Trip to Phi Phi Islands

The Phi Phi Islands are a beautiful cluster of islands located between Phuket and the coast of the Straits of Malacca in Thailand. Consider joining a guided day tour to explore these stunning islands. While it's possible to visit them independently, it will take a bit more planning and time. Once you're at the Phi Phi Islands, you'll be captivated by the vibrant blue waters, impressive limestone cliffs, and gorgeous beaches. There are plenty of activities to enjoy, such as snorkeling and swimming, to make the most of your visit.

Phi Phi Islands

Day 12: Depart

Depart to your destination from Phuket or if you've more time then enjoy more relaxing stay at the other beach destinations in southern Thailand.

What to Shop In Thailand

Thailand is known for handicraft items, clothing, jewelry, Thai inhalers & balms, chips, Thai curry paste and coconut items.

I’d love to hear your thoughts on this itinerary! Feel free to share your questions or suggestions in the comments section below.