This easygoing route gives you time to enjoy Bangkok, Chiang Mai and a few restorative days by the sea without rushing between stops. It groups activities by area and leaves plenty of room for lingering over meals and taking breaks.
Budget
฿25,000–฿55,000 per person, excluding international flights and accommodation; includes typical domestic flights, local transport, meals and modest sightseeing.
Best time to visit
November to February is generally cooler and drier in Bangkok and Chiang Mai. For Krabi, December to March is usually a good beach season; check local forecasts, as conditions vary.
Bangkok: Riverside arrival
Ease into Bangkok with a gentle riverside day, keeping the first outings close to your accommodation.
Morning
Settle in and take it slow
Keep the morning open for arrival, check-in and a relaxed start. If you are already in town, take a short riverside stroll nearby.
Afternoon
Visit Wat Arun
Explore the riverside temple at an unhurried pace. From the central riverside area, allow about 15–30 minutes by boat or taxi, depending on your starting point.
About ฿200Evening
Dinner at Tha Tien
Enjoy a relaxed meal in the historic riverside quarter, with views toward Wat Arun. It is about 10–15 minutes by ferry or taxi from the temple.
About ฿150–฿500
Bangkok: Old City temples
Explore the landmark temples of Rattanakosin in a compact walking day, with a restful evening afterward.
Morning
Visit the Grand Palace
Arrive early to explore the royal grounds before the midday heat. From Tha Tien, it is about 10–15 minutes on foot.
About ฿500Afternoon
See Wat Pho
Admire the Reclining Buddha and the temple courtyards, then pause for lunch nearby. It is about 10 minutes on foot from the Grand Palace.
About ฿300Evening
Dinner around
Choose a low-key dinner or a simple drink in the Old City; a taxi from Wat Pho takes around 15–25 minutes in traffic.
About ฿150–฿500
Bangkok: Canals and Chinatown
Combine a peaceful canal-side morning with Chinatown’s lively food streets, leaving time to rest between them.
Morning
Wander around
Explore the old lanes, street art and shophouses at a relaxed pace. From central Bangkok, allow about 20–30 minutes by taxi or public transit.
Afternoon
Visit Wat Traimit
See the Golden Buddha and take a break in the nearby Chinatown area. It is about 10–15 minutes on foot from .
About ฿100Evening
Explore
Sample Chinatown’s street-food stalls and restaurants as the evening gets going. It is around 5–10 minutes on foot from Wat Traimit.
About ฿200–฿600
Chiang Mai: Old City
Fly to Chiang Mai and keep the rest of the day within the walkable Old City.
Morning
Travel to Chiang Mai
Take a morning flight from Bangkok; the flight is about 1 hour 15 minutes, plus airport transfer and check-in time.
About ฿1,000–฿4,000Afternoon
Visit
After checking in and resting, explore the temple complex at an easy pace. From Chiang Mai Airport, allow about 15–25 minutes by taxi.
About ฿50Evening
Dinner at
Browse northern Thai dishes and simple snacks at the market. It is about 10 minutes on foot from .
About ฿80–฿250
Chiang Mai: Old City and riverside
Spend a gentle day among Old City temples before heading to the Ping River for dinner.
Morning
Visit Wat Phra Singh
Enjoy the temple’s peaceful courtyards earlier in the day, then take time for coffee nearby. From , it is about 10 minutes on foot.
About ฿50Afternoon
Browse the
Learn about the city’s history in a relaxed museum visit. It is about 10–15 minutes on foot from Wat Phra Singh.
About ฿90Evening
Dinner at the Ping River
Head to the riverside for a leisurely meal and views along the water. Allow about 15–20 minutes by taxi from the museum.
About ฿300–฿800
Chiang Mai: Doi Suthep
Take a half-day mountain outing, then return to the city for a restful afternoon and evening.
Morning
Visit
Make an early trip to this hilltop temple for cooler air and broad city views. From the Old City, allow about 40–60 minutes by songthaew or taxi.
About ฿30Afternoon
Rest at your hotel
Return to the Old City and leave the afternoon free for a swim, a massage or a quiet break. The drive back from Doi Suthep usually takes about 40–60 minutes.
Evening
Browse the
If it is Sunday, stroll the market at your own pace; otherwise enjoy dinner around the Old City. From your hotel, expect a short walk or a 5–15 minute ride.
About ฿100–฿500
Krabi: Arrival and Ao Nang
Fly south to the coast and keep the first afternoon simple with an easy beachside stroll.
Morning
Travel to Krabi
Fly from Chiang Mai to Krabi, often with a connection; allow several hours door to door, depending on the flight schedule.
About ฿2,000–฿6,000Afternoon
Relax at
Check in, have lunch and enjoy the beach without planning a demanding outing. From the airport, a taxi or shuttle takes about 30–45 minutes.
Evening
Dinner along
Choose a beachfront restaurant and watch the light fade over the bay. Most accommodation in Ao Nang is about 5–15 minutes away on foot.
About ฿200–฿600
Krabi: Railay and Phra Nang
Spend an unhurried beach day on the Railay peninsula, where the main sights are close together on foot.
Morning
Take a longtail boat to Railay
Travel from Ao Nang by longtail boat and settle in on the peninsula. The crossing usually takes about 10–15 minutes, subject to sea conditions.
About ฿100–฿200Afternoon
Relax at
Swim, rest in the shade or walk along the sand at a gentle pace. It is about 10–15 minutes on foot from .
Evening
Dinner on Railay
Stay for an early dinner before taking a longtail boat back to Ao Nang. The return boat ride takes around 10–15 minutes, with departures dependent on conditions and demand.
About ฿200–฿600
Krabi: Easy final day
Keep the last day flexible with one optional island outing or a restful beach morning before departure.
Morning
Enjoy one last swim at
Take a slow morning by the water and leave time to pack. If you are staying in Ao Nang, the beach is usually a short walk away.
Afternoon
Browse
Pick up a snack or a few small souvenirs before your journey onward. From , allow about 10–15 minutes by taxi or tuk-tuk.
About ฿100–฿400Evening
Depart from Krabi
Travel to the airport with a comfortable buffer; the ride from Ao Nang usually takes about 30–45 minutes.
About ฿150–฿600
Good to know
Pace
Plan for shade and breaks during the hottest part of the day, and keep the beach days flexible. Travel times can stretch in Bangkok traffic.
Temples
Wear clothing that covers shoulders and knees, and carry a light scarf or cover-up. Opening hours and entrance fees can change, so check ahead.
Getting around
Use metered taxis or reputable ride-hailing apps in cities. Longtail boats to Railay depend on sea conditions and may not run late in the evening.
Sunday market
operates on Sundays; if your Chiang Mai stay does not include one, swap it for a relaxed Old City dinner.