| 8 mins read
Thailand is a colourful gem of Southeast Asia and attracts travellers from all walks of life with its diverse tapestry of culture, serene beaches, vibrant jungles, and bustling cities. From the ornate temples of Bangkok to the picturesque islands of Phuket, it offers its visitors genuine hospitality, mouthwatering cuisine, and a rich heritage that seamlessly blends tradition with modernity.
With so much to explore, creating a memorable and efficient travel itinerary can be a bit challenging. To help streamline your journey, here is a well-crafted 9-day itinerary that will allow you to make the most of your trip!
Day of Arrival & Day 1 - Bangkok
Bangkok is the perfect introduction to the surreal amalgamation of ancient traditions and modern architecture in Thailand. Just by walking along a single street in Bangkok, you can see both a centuries-old temple and a futuristic shopping complex juxtaposed.
After landing in this bustling city, acclimate yourself to the culture and hustle of the city by beginning your food journey in Chinatown, one of the most popular haunts for street food. For the best recommendations, ask your local guide for their favourite food and drink places because Bangkok is teeming with both food carts and Michelin-star restaurants! You can end your day by grabbing a drink on a rooftop and watching the sunset over Wat Arun.
The next day, visit some of the numerous temples in Bangkok, the most popular of which are the Temple of the Emerald Buddha and the Temple of the Reclining Buddha (Wat Pho). For a relaxing afternoon, walk around Lumpini Park, which offers a cool atmosphere to take a break from the heat. The park also offers boat rides and other activities like guided tai chi and aerobics sessions.
In the evening, indulge in some shopping at the Chatuchak Weekend Market, one of the world’s largest weekend markets (open on Saturdays and Sundays, with the plant section of the market open on Thursdays and Fridays) or Talat Khlong Suan Roi Pi, a 100-year-old marketplace, browsing through a variety of clothing, accessories, and souvenirs.
Bangkok is home not only to places steeped in ancient history but also to more contemporary art and culture. Experience the modern art and culture of Bangkok at Warehouse 30, an abandoned block of WWII-era warehouses that has been transformed into a creative space for artists and designers. You will find gorgeous little cafes, boutiques, and galleries to wander through! Undoubtedly, the choices for activities in Bangkok are unending. Choose wisely, and if you can’t do them all, well, you could always go back!
Day 2 - Day Trip to Ayutthaya
The expansive Ayutthaya Historical Park was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1991 and is only an hour's ride from Bangkok by train. Entering this stunningly preserved capital of the ancient Kingdom of Siam is like entering a time capsule and a perfect place to absorb the traditions and history of Thailand. You can stroll around the temple ruins for a glimpse at the civilisation, traditions, and beliefs of the bygone era.
Ayutthaya is home to Wat Mahathat, which was the royal temple of the old kingdom. Wat Mahathat is renowned for the sandstone image of Buddha’s head entwined in the roots of a banyan tree and is a cornerstone of spiritual and historical importance in Thailand.
After enjoying a guided tour of Ayutthaya, visit the Chao Sam Phraya National Museum to further appreciate the historical, cultural, and spiritual importance of the place in the hearts of the local community.
Day 3 - Day Trip from Bangkok to Tham Phraya Nakhon
Journey towards a stunning hidden shrine of Tham Khao Luang located in Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park in Phetchaburi, a 4-hour drive from Bangkok. The one-way trip will take you through a 1,410-foot hike up steep steps in the forest to the cave entrance. The entrance fee to Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park is 200 Thai Baht per person, with no additional fee for the cave.
Day 4 - Pattaya
Formerly known mainly for its nightlife, Pattaya has, in recent days, evolved into an all-around destination. Only a 2-3 hour drive from Bangkok, Pattaya is perfect for families, adventure-seekers, and party-goers alike. Amongst its many beaches, Jomtien Beach is a must-visit as it offers a wide array of watersports like windsurfing, water skiing, snorkelling, sailing, and other adventurous activities (like Bungee jumping, cycling, skydiving, and go-karting), making the place a popular destination for adventurers.
Pattaya also houses many famous temples, like the Sanctuary of Truth, one of the most iconic buildings in the city, the Wat Phra Yai (Big Buddha Temple), Wat Yansangwararam, and many more. A guided tour of the Sanctuary of Truth will introduce you to its intricate wooden carvings illustrating traditional Thai, Cambodian, Chinese, and Indian art and philosophy. For art lovers, Pattaya houses one of the largest indoor illusion art museums, the Art in Paradise, containing interactive three-dimensional paintings. For those seeking a unique cultural experience, explore the Pattaya Floating Market by boat.
End the day at the Walking Street, a holy grail for party-goers, as it comes alive at night with its restaurants, cafes, nightclubs, and other entertainment venues. It is the prime hotspot for anyone seeking to immerse themselves in the contemporary culture of Thailand as the local and global community come together to celebrate life.
Day 5 - Pattaya to Rai Leh
Rai Leh, an ancient city on Thailand's west coast, lies roughly halfway between Bangkok and Phuket and is accessible through a 2-hour flight from Pattaya. While it once thrived as a vital trading port in Southeast Asia, today, it's renowned for its cliffs and beaches. Rai Leh offers ample rock climbing opportunities for beginners and experienced climbers, as well as scenic spots for swimming and sunbathing. The city also has beautiful temples like Wat Tham Sua (Tiger Cave Temple).
Day 6 - Rai Leh to Phuket
Phuket is the largest island in Thailand, located on the coastline of the Andaman Sea and is a 3-hour drive from Rai Leh. Brimming with vibrant beaches, charming culture, and stunning temples, the island is a haven for travellers all year round.
Located around a 4-hour drive from Phuket, the Khao Sok National Park is Phuket, Krabi, Khao Lak and Koh Samui, and is one of the most popular destinations in Thailand. Covered by the oldest evergreen rainforest in the world, enormous limestone mountains, cavernous valleys, breathtaking lakes, exciting caves, and a wealth of wildlife, Khao Sok is a nature lover’s paradise!
Day 7: Phi Phi Islands
Since all the previous days have been mainly spent exploring the historical, architectural and cultural marvels of the country, reserve the last few days to rejuvenate and soak in the natural beauty. And what better place to do this than the world-famous Phi Phi Islands?
On day 7, take a nifty 1-hour speed boat to Phi Phi Islands, an archipelago located to the southwest of Phuket, where you can check into a beautiful sea-front accommodation on the serene island and just enjoy a day off from constant activities. Spend the afternoon sunbathing at Loh Dalum Beach or Long Beach and take a short hike to the sunset viewpoint for a breathtaking view. In the evening, the restaurants and bars of Phi Phi Island come alive with a lively atmosphere and a traditional culinary experience to die for. Remember to visit Ton Sai village for a little shopping before ending the day with amazing food and a stunning fire show at one of the beachfront bars.
Day 8: Island Hopping in Phi Phi Islands
After a day of relaxing, surely you would be rejuvenated enough to embark on one last journey of adventure(s)! This is the day to opt for one of the most popular excursions in the Phi Phi Islands, and that is an island hopping tour paired with water adventures. Today, Phi Phi Don and Phi Phi Leh are considered two of the best places for snorkelling in the country, and during the island hopping tour, remember to add Phi Phi Leh, Bamboo Island, or Maya Bay, which have garnered quite a great attention in the recent times.
So, grab the snorkelling equipment and enter the seas to feel like you are travelling through the ancient city of Atlantis! Moreover, choose to either spend another night on the serene island or return to enjoy Phuket's nightlife.
Day 9: Departure from Phuket
Depending on the flight timing, your guide can curate experiences for the day. However, if you do have some time before flying out, roam around Old Phuket, a fusion of colonial-style buildings, modern street art, chic boutiques, and art galleries. It sounds like an odd mix, but somehow it works!
The most iconic spot to visit in Phuket is the Big Buddha, standing 45 meters tall at Nakkerd Hill. The top of the hill also offers a gorgeous panoramic view of the island and the Arabian Sea. To complete this spiritual and cultural experience, visit the Wat Chalong and Wat Phra Thong temples with a knowledgeable local who can relay information about the religious practices and share anecdotes about little-known architectural and historical facts. To end the day, hop on to Patong Beach for a relaxing time in the setting sun and let yourself have some fun in the bustling nightlife along Bangla Road.
Depart from Phuket with lots of smiles and memories!