Thailand gives you temples, mountains and beaches in one country, and a 7 day Thailand itinerary can genuinely cover all three if you fly between them. This route does two nights in Bangkok, two in Chiang Mai and three on the islands, without any overnight buses.
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Quick facts before you book
Best time to go: November to February is the cool dry season and the best all round window. March to May is very hot, and June to October brings monsoon rain, though the Gulf islands like Koh Samui stay drier later than the Andaman coast.
Daily budget: around 60 US dollars a day for comfortable mid range travel, or about 35 US dollars a day on a backpacker budget.
Visa: many nationalities get generous visa free entry for tourism. Confirm your exact allowance in the GlobeDude Explorer before you fly.
The route at a glance
Bangkok for two nights, fly north to Chiang Mai for two, then fly south to Krabi or Phuket for three. Flying beats the fourteen hour train on a week long trip.
Day by day
Day 1: Arrive in Bangkok
Stay near a Skytrain or metro station to avoid the traffic. Start with the Chao Phraya river boat, which is cheap and doubles as sightseeing. Evening at a night market, then rooftop drinks if you want the skyline, or Chinatown if you want the noise and the food.
Day 2: Temples and markets
Early start at the Grand Palace and Wat Pho for the reclining Buddha, then cross the river to Wat Arun. Dress modestly, covering shoulders and knees, or you will be turned away. Afternoon at Chatuchak market if it is the weekend, otherwise Jim Thompson House and a Thai massage.
Day 3: Fly to Chiang Mai
Short morning flight north. Chiang Mai is calmer, cooler and greener. Walk the old city walls and moat, visit a few of the three hundred temples, and eat khao soi, the northern coconut curry noodle dish that people fly back for.
Day 4: Elephants and mountains
Spend the day at an ethical elephant sanctuary, one that does not offer riding or performances. Or head up to Doi Suthep temple for the view over the valley and on to a Hmong village. Evening at the Sunday walking street if the timing works.
Day 5: Fly south to the islands
Fly to Krabi or Phuket and transfer to your beach. Krabi and Railay give you limestone cliffs and quieter sand, Phuket gives you more choice and easier connections. Do nothing for the rest of the day beyond swimming.
Day 6: Island hopping
Longtail or speedboat out to the islands. Phi Phi and Maya Bay are the famous ones, the Hong Islands and Bamboo Island are quieter. Snorkel, swim, and get back before the afternoon boats crowd in. Sunset from the beach with a plate of grilled fish.
Day 7: Last swim and fly out
Morning on the sand, then transfer to the airport. If you are connecting through Bangkok, leave a generous buffer, because domestic to international transfers there are not quick.
What this week actually costs
Per person for a mid range trip. Pick your home country above and the flight row updates with live return fares from your nearest hub:
| Expense | Per person |
|---|---|
| Accommodation, six nights | 270 US dollars |
| Food | 120 US dollars |
| Domestic flights and transport | 175 US dollars |
| Tours and entries | 140 US dollars |
| Est. flights from your country | Pick your country above |
| Total for the week, with flights | 705 US dollars |
Compare it to your income in the Salary Goes Furthest tool.
Where to stay
In Bangkok stay in Sukhumvit or Silom for transport links, in Chiang Mai inside or just outside the old city, and on the islands pick your beach before your hotel. Hotels in Bangkok, Chiang Mai and Phuket.
Getting around
Domestic flights are cheap when booked ahead and save you entire days. In Bangkok use the Skytrain and metro rather than taxis at rush hour. On the islands agree longtail boat prices before you get in.
Book ahead
Ethical elephant sanctuaries and the better island tours sell out in high season, and cooking classes fill fast in Chiang Mai. Browse tours and day trips in Thailand on GetYourGuide.
Stay connected
Ride hailing apps, boat schedules and maps all need data, and Thai SIM queues at the airport are long.
Pay at the real rate: ATMs in Thailand charge a fixed fee per withdrawal, so take out larger amounts less often and use a Wise account to avoid the exchange markup on top.
Cover the trip: SafetyWing is a low cost monthly plan built for travelers, and worth it if you plan to ride a scooter.
Find the fare: Compare flights to Thailand, and check flying home from Phuket or Krabi rather than backtracking to Bangkok.
Frequently asked questions
Is 7 days enough for Thailand?
Seven days covers Bangkok, Chiang Mai and one island region if you take two domestic flights. Trying to add both the Gulf and Andaman coasts in the same week leaves you spending most of it in transit.
How much does a week in Thailand cost?
Around 705 US dollars per person for a mid range week excluding international flights, covering hotels, food, two internal flights and tours. Backpackers do the same route for roughly 400.
What is the best month to visit Thailand?
November to February is the cool dry season and the most comfortable time. March to May is intensely hot, and the monsoon runs roughly June to October, arriving at different times on each coast.
Bangkok, Chiang Mai or the islands, which is best?
Bangkok for food, temples and energy, Chiang Mai for mountains, culture and a slower pace, the islands for beaches and snorkelling. A week comfortably fits all three, which is why this route flies between them.
Do I need a visa for Thailand?
Many nationalities receive generous visa free entry for tourism, with the exact length depending on your passport and how you arrive. Check the GlobeDude Explorer and confirm with official immigration sources before travelling.
Which Thai islands are best for a short trip?
Krabi and Railay for dramatic limestone scenery and easy access, Phuket for the widest choice of flights and hotels, and Koh Samui if you are travelling between June and October when the Andaman coast is wettest.
This itinerary is AI assisted and reviewed before publishing. Costs, opening hours and transport schedules change, so confirm current details before you book. Some links above are affiliate links that support GlobeDude at no extra cost to you.
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