This route pairs Bangkok’s historic neighborhoods with Chiang Mai’s old town and a relaxed finish on Phuket’s Andaman coast. It’s a busy but balanced first trip, with most stops grouped together and travel times noted between them.
Budget
฿18,000–35,000 for listed activities, local transport and meals, excluding accommodation and most intercity flights
Best time to visit
November to February is generally cooler and drier across Bangkok, Chiang Mai and Phuket. Phuket’s Andaman coast is often rougher during the southwest monsoon, roughly May to October.
Bangkok: Rattanakosin and the riverside
Settle into Bangkok with its landmark temples and an easy evening by the Chao Phraya River.
Morning
Visit the Grand Palace
Arrive early to explore the former royal residence and Wat Phra Kaew; allow extra time for security and dress-code checks.
About ฿500Afternoon
See
Walk about 10 minutes south from the Grand Palace to see the Reclining Buddha and the temple grounds.
About ฿300Evening
Dinner at
Take a short taxi ride of about 10 minutes, depending on traffic, to this riverside community mall for dinner and river views.
About ฿250–600
Bangkok: canals, temples and Chinatown
Explore the Thonburi canals and riverside temple before spending the evening among Chinatown’s food stalls.
Morning
Take a canal boat around Thonburi
Arrange a long-tail boat ride from a nearby pier to see canal-side homes and local life; confirm the route and price before boarding.
About ฿800–1,500Afternoon
Visit Wat Arun
From Tha Tien, cross the river by ferry in about 5 minutes and explore Wat Arun’s distinctive prang and riverside grounds.
About ฿200Evening
Eat your way along
Take a taxi or ride-hail of roughly 20–35 minutes, depending on traffic, to Chinatown; arrive hungry and sample a few stalls.
About ฿300–800
Bangkok: markets and the old city
Spend a day among traditional market lanes and finish with a sunset view over the old city.
Morning
Browse flower market
Wander the colorful wholesale flower stalls and nearby market lanes; the market is lively from early morning.
FreeAfternoon
Explore the lanes around Phahurat
Walk about 10 minutes from the flower market to Bangkok’s Little India for textiles, spices and Indian snacks.
About ฿100–500Evening
Catch sunset at Wat Saket
Take a taxi of about 15–25 minutes, traffic permitting, to the Golden Mount; climb up for a broad view across old Bangkok.
About ฿100
Chiang Mai: old town temples
Fly north and ease into Chiang Mai with a walkable introduction to its historic walled center.
Morning
Fly from Bangkok to Chiang Mai
Allow around 1 hour 15 minutes in the air, plus airport transfers and check-in time; flight prices vary by airline and season.
About ฿1,200–3,500Afternoon
Visit
From the airport, take a taxi or ride-hail for about 15–25 minutes to the old town, then explore the temple complex.
About ฿50Evening
Browse
Take a taxi or songthaew about 10–15 minutes east from the old town to browse stalls and find dinner.
About ฿200–700
Chiang Mai: old town and its markets
Keep the day close to the old town, combining quieter temple visits with local snacks and evening browsing.
Morning
See Wat Phra Singh
Explore one of Chiang Mai’s best-known temples, with time to appreciate its Lanna architecture and peaceful courtyards.
About ฿50Afternoon
Lunch and browse at
Walk about 15 minutes south through the old town, or take a short songthaew ride, to sample northern Thai dishes and fruit.
About ฿100–300Evening
Visit
Take a songthaew or taxi about 10 minutes northeast to the Tha Phae Gate area; the Sunday market is the main event, so check the day.
About ฿200–800
Chiang Mai: mountain temple and Nimman
Pair a hilltop temple and city views with an easy afternoon in Chiang Mai’s café-filled Nimman neighborhood.
Morning
Visit
Take a songthaew or booked car from the old town, usually 35–50 minutes each way depending on traffic, for the mountain temple and views.
About ฿30Afternoon
Explore
Return by car or songthaew in about 20–30 minutes to Nimman, where you can browse independent shops and pause for coffee.
About ฿150–500Evening
Dinner at
Walk about 5–10 minutes from to this mixed-use complex for dinner and a relaxed evening stroll.
About ฿250–700
Phuket: arrival and Phuket Old Town
Fly south and spend your first Phuket day around the island’s colorful historic town.
Morning
Fly from Chiang Mai to Phuket
Direct flights, when available, take about 2 hours; otherwise a connection may add several hours. Fares vary widely by date.
About ฿2,000–6,000Afternoon
Walk around
Take a taxi or airport bus into town, usually about 45–75 minutes depending on traffic, then explore the Sino-Portuguese streets on foot.
FreeEvening
Dinner on
Walk within the old town for dinner; the road is especially lively during the Sunday walking street market.
About ฿250–700
Phuket: Kata and the coast
Enjoy a beach day in the south of the island, with nearby viewpoints and an easy seaside evening.
Morning
Swim and relax at
From , take a taxi or ride-hail for about 45–60 minutes, depending on traffic, to the beach.
FreeAfternoon
Visit
Take a taxi about 15–20 minutes south from for views over Kata Noi, Kata and Karon beaches.
FreeEvening
Have dinner near
Return to the Kata area in about 15–20 minutes by taxi and choose from the restaurants along the beachside roads.
About ฿300–900
Phuket: island day trip
Spend a full day on the water exploring the famous , then keep the evening quiet after the boat trip.
Morning
Depart for the
Join a pre-booked speedboat or ferry tour; transfers to the pier and departure times depend on the operator and your hotel area.
About ฿1,800–4,000Afternoon
Snorkel and explore the islands
Continue the organized boat itinerary, which may include swimming and snorkeling stops; check whether park fees and lunch are included.
About Included in tour or ฿400 park feeEvening
Unwind back in Phuket
Allow roughly 1–2 hours for the return boat and transfer, then have a simple dinner near your accommodation.
About ฿200–600
Phuket: a gentle final day
Keep the last day flexible with a beach morning, a scenic stop and time to reach the airport without rushing.
Morning
Relax at
Take a taxi from Kata for about 20–30 minutes to this scenic southern beach; swim only where conditions are safe.
FreeAfternoon
See the Big Buddha
Travel about 25–40 minutes by taxi from Nai Harn, depending on traffic; check current access and opening status before setting out.
FreeEvening
Head to
Allow about 60–90 minutes by taxi from the south of the island, plus extra buffer for traffic and your flight check-in.
About ฿800–1,500
Good to know
Temple visits
Cover shoulders and knees at temples, and carry a light layer for the Grand Palace. Opening times and entry prices can change, so check official information before visiting.
Getting around
Bangkok traffic can be slow; use the BTS, MRT or river boats when practical. In Chiang Mai and Phuket, agree on a songthaew or taxi fare before you ride.
Island trips
Book Phi Phi trips with a reputable operator, check what the price includes, and follow local sea-condition advice. Boat schedules and access restrictions can change with weather or conservation rules.
Market days
is typically a Sunday market, and ’s walking street is also busiest on Sundays; check current schedules when choosing your dates.