Seven days in Thailand gives you a taste of the country's extraordinary diversity — the frenetic energy of Bangkok, the spiritual calm of Chiang Mai's temples, and the turquoise waters of the southern islands. This itinerary covers the classic highlights with a focus on authentic experiences over tourist traps. Domestic flights are essential to cover the distances efficiently.
Days 1–2: Bangkok
Fly into Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) and take the Airport Rail Link to the city centre (30 minutes, THB 45). Day 1: the Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew (Temple of the Emerald Buddha) — the most important religious site in Thailand and one of the most spectacular temple complexes in Asia. Book tickets in advance (THB 500); dress code strictly enforced (cover shoulders and knees). Wat Pho (the Temple of the Reclining Buddha) is next door — the 46-metre gold reclining Buddha is extraordinary, and the temple is the birthplace of traditional Thai massage. Cross the Chao Phraya River by ferry to Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn) — the most photogenic temple in Bangkok, particularly at sunset. Evening: Chinatown (Yaowarat) for the best street food in Bangkok — the crab omelette and roast duck at the street stalls are outstanding. Day 2: the Chatuchak Weekend Market (Saturday and Sunday — the world's largest weekend market, with 15,000 stalls) or the Or Tor Kor fresh market (the finest fresh produce market in Bangkok). Afternoon: Jim Thompson House (the home of the American silk entrepreneur who disappeared in 1967 — a beautiful collection of Thai art and architecture). Evening: rooftop bar at Vertigo (Banyan Tree Hotel) or Sky Bar (Lebua State Tower) for Bangkok's extraordinary skyline at night.
Day 3: Bangkok to Chiang Mai
Take the overnight sleeper train from Bangkok Hua Lamphong station to Chiang Mai (12 hours, from THB 600 for a second-class sleeper) — one of the great train journeys in Southeast Asia, arriving fresh in the morning. Alternatively, fly (1 hour, from THB 800). Chiang Mai is Thailand's cultural capital — a walled old city surrounded by a moat, with over 300 temples. Check into your hotel and spend the afternoon exploring the old city. Wat Chedi Luang (a 14th-century temple with a partially ruined chedi) and Wat Phra Singh (the most revered temple in Chiang Mai, with a beautiful Lanna-style chapel) are the highlights. Evening: the Sunday Walking Street market on Wualai Road — the best night market in Chiang Mai, with local crafts, street food, and live music. If it's not Sunday, the Night Bazaar on Chang Khlan Road is open every evening.
Day 4: Chiang Mai — Doi Suthep & Elephant Sanctuary
Morning: Doi Suthep — the most sacred temple in northern Thailand, perched on a mountain 1,073m above Chiang Mai. Take a songthaew (red shared taxi) from the old city (THB 50 each way). The 309-step naga staircase leads to the temple — extraordinary views over Chiang Mai and the surrounding mountains. Afternoon: an ethical elephant sanctuary. The Elephant Nature Park (book in advance — it fills up weeks ahead) is the gold standard — a rescue sanctuary where elephants roam freely and visitors feed and bathe them without riding. Half-day and full-day programmes available. This is one of the most memorable experiences in Thailand. Evening: a Thai cooking class — Chiang Mai has dozens of excellent cooking schools. Learn to make pad thai, green curry, and mango sticky rice. The Chiang Mai Thai Cookery School and Asia Scenic Thai Cooking are both excellent.
Day 5: Chiang Mai to the Islands
Fly from Chiang Mai to Koh Samui (1.5 hours via Bangkok, from THB 1,500) or to Krabi (2 hours via Bangkok, from THB 1,800). Koh Samui is the better choice for first-time visitors — more developed, with excellent beaches and a good range of accommodation. Krabi is better for dramatic scenery and island hopping. Check into your beach hotel and spend the afternoon on the beach. Koh Samui: Chaweng Beach is the most lively; Lamai is slightly quieter; the north coast (Mae Nam, Bophut) is the most relaxed. Krabi: Ao Nang is the main beach town; Railay Beach (accessible only by longtail boat — no road access) is the most spectacular, with towering limestone cliffs. Evening: fresh seafood at a beachside restaurant — grilled fish, tiger prawns, and green mango salad.
Day 6: Island Hopping
From Koh Samui: take a day trip to Koh Phangan (30 minutes by ferry) — the famous Full Moon Party beach, but also beautiful quiet beaches at Haad Rin and Haad Yao. Or take a snorkelling trip to Ang Thong Marine National Park — 42 islands with extraordinary coral, emerald lagoons, and dramatic karst scenery. From Krabi: take a longtail boat to Railay Beach (15 minutes from Ao Nang) and spend the day swimming, rock climbing (Railay is one of the world's great sport climbing destinations), and exploring the caves. The 4-Island Tour (Koh Poda, Chicken Island, Tup Island, and Phra Nang Cave Beach) is the best day trip from Krabi — book through any guesthouse. Phra Nang Cave Beach is one of the most beautiful beaches in Thailand — a white sand beach beneath towering limestone cliffs with a sacred cave shrine.
Day 7: Final Beach Day & Departure
Spend the morning on the beach — a final swim, a Thai massage on the sand (THB 300/hour), and a last bowl of tom yum. Afternoon: transfer to the airport. Koh Samui has its own airport (USM) — flights to Bangkok (1 hour) connect to international departures. Krabi Airport (KBV) is 15km from Ao Nang — flights to Bangkok (1.5 hours). Allow plenty of time for connections through Bangkok — Suvarnabhumi (BKK) is large and can be slow. Alternatively, extend your trip: Koh Tao (the best budget diving in Asia, 2 hours by ferry from Koh Samui) or Koh Lanta (a relaxed island south of Krabi, 2 hours by ferry) are excellent additions for a 10-day trip.
