3 day itinerary for Thailand

Itinerary

Absolutely, Ros and Ian! Thailand is such a vibrant and beautiful country with so much to offer. Here’s a fun and exciting 3-day itinerary that will let you soak in the culture, food, and stunning sights. Let’s dive in!

## Day 1: Bangkok – The Bustling Capital

Morning:

• Breakfast at a Local Café: Start your day with a delicious Thai breakfast. Try some Jok (rice porridge) or Patongo (Thai doughnuts) with a cup of Thai coffee.
• Visit the Grand Palace: Head over to the Grand Palace, a stunning complex that was once the home of the Thai king. Don’t miss the Emerald Buddha Temple (Wat Phra Kaew) while you’re there. The intricate architecture and history will leave you in awe!

Afternoon:

• Lunch at a Street Food Stall: Grab some Pad Thai or Som Tum (papaya salad) from a local vendor. Street food is a must in Thailand!
• Explore Wat Pho: After lunch, visit Wat Pho, home to the famous Reclining Buddha. Take your time to wander around the temple grounds and maybe even get a traditional Thai massage at the massage school there.

Evening:

• Dinner by the Chao Phraya River: Enjoy a lovely dinner at a riverside restaurant. The views of the river and the illuminated temples are simply magical.
• Asiatique Night Market: After dinner, head to Asiatique for some shopping and entertainment. You can find unique souvenirs, enjoy live performances, and even take a ride on the Ferris wheel for a stunning view of the city.

## Day 2: Ayutthaya – A Day Trip to Ancient Ruins

Morning:

• Early Breakfast and Departure: Have an early breakfast and take a train or a guided tour to Ayutthaya, the ancient capital of Thailand. It’s about an hour and a half from Bangkok.
• Explore the Ruins: Start your exploration at Wat Mahathat, famous for the Buddha head entwined in tree roots. Then, visit Wat Phra Si Sanphet and Wat Chaiwatthanaram for more breathtaking ruins.

Afternoon:

• Lunch at a Local Restaurant: Try some local specialties like Boat Noodles or Roti Sai Mai (a sweet cotton candy-like dessert).
• Visit the Ayutthaya Historical Park: Spend the afternoon wandering through the historical park, taking in the beauty of the ancient temples and learning about their history.

Evening:

• Return to Bangkok: Head back to Bangkok in the late afternoon.
• Dinner in Chinatown: Explore Yaowarat, Bangkok’s Chinatown, for an incredible dinner. The street food here is legendary! Try some grilled seafood, dim sum, or mango sticky rice for dessert.

## Day 3: Chiang Mai – Culture and Nature

Morning:

• Fly to Chiang Mai: Take an early flight to Chiang Mai. Once you arrive, grab breakfast at a local café.
• Visit Doi Suthep: Head to Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, a stunning temple located on a mountain. The views of the city from here are breathtaking, and the temple itself is a beautiful sight.

Afternoon:

• Lunch in the Old City: Return to the Old City and enjoy lunch at a local eatery. Try Khao Soi, a delicious Northern Thai curry noodle soup.
• Explore the Old City Temples: Spend the afternoon visiting some of the beautiful temples in the Old City, like Wat Chedi Luang and Wat Phra Singh.

Evening:

• Night Bazaar: Head to the Night Bazaar for some shopping and to experience the local culture. You can find everything from handicrafts to clothing.
• Dinner at a Local Restaurant: Enjoy your last dinner in Thailand at a local restaurant. Consider trying some Northern Thai dishes like Sai Oua (spicy sausage) or Nam Prik Ong (a tomato and minced pork dip).

And there you have it, Ros and Ian! A whirlwind 3-day adventure in Thailand that combines culture, history, and delicious food. Make sure to take lots of photos and enjoy every moment! If you have any specific interests or preferences, feel free to let me know, and I can tailor the itinerary even more for you! Safe travels! 🌏✈️