(FREE DOWNLOAD TEMPLATE) Thailand Itinerary 7 Days: Day-By-Day Plans Filled With Joy

Planning your first trip to Thailand? A 7-day Thailand Itinerary is a common schedule for anyone who has a short time enjoying this country. You will have enough time to relax, wander around the attractions, and taste all the specialities without breaking the bank.

The best way to spend a week in Thailand is visiting 02 cities, whether you like the energetic vibe of cities and beaches like Bangkok and Phuket, or the peaceful antiquity of the capital and cultural escape of Bangkok and Chiangmai, respectively.

Here are some detailed Thailand itineraries for 7 days with a downloadable version to help you plan your trip!

How To Plan A 7-Day Trip To Thailand?

Bangkok is actually very easy to plan for. Don’t worry.

• Pick 2 destinations and include a day trip or two. Jetlag and moving between destinations can easily eat up a whole day in itself. Only do three destinations if you have 10 days or 2 weeks,

• Consider domestic flights (AirAsia, Nok Air, Thai Lion). They are cheap ($30-$60) and will take you to most places within 1 hour.

• Cash is still king. Bring about 20,000 baht for safe measure.

• Pack light and only the necessities.

• Check if your luggage meets the airline’s regulations to avoid additional baggage fees.

• Read more info on planning a trip to Thailand, including weather and visa info, here.

You could do a full week in one place. Or consider doing Bangkok and one additional place base on your preference.

Fly into Bangkok and immediately catch a connecting flight to your second destination. Spend most of your trip there, then loop back to Bangkok for your final 2-3 days.

You'll likely be jetlagged when you land. It’s better to spend a day transiting and recove than exploring in the middle of Bangkok's intensity.

It’s easier to shop till you drop before going home. You can go wild at Chatuchak Market and MBK without dragging purchases around the country for a week.

Lastly, most international flights leave from Bangkok anyway, so you don’t have to bother with dashing across the country to catch your flight home.

Not sure how to pick? Here’s a quick start guide: 

Be ready to immerse yourself in the new sights and sounds in this Thailand itinerary for 7 days. Photo by Kalyakan - stock.adobe.com

Your Detailed 1-week Thailand Schedule - The City & Beaches (Bangkok + Phuket)

If you are a carefree traveller who wants to dive into the enthusiastic atmosphere of the crowd, with exciting activities available 24/7, then Bangkok and Phuket are the main destinations to go on your Thailand itinerary 7 days.

Day 1-4: Phuket

Getting from Bangkok to Phuket, we would recommend you travel by plane, as it will only take around 1.5 hours.

Being the largest island in Thailand, the must-visit place here is, of course, the beaches, which are known for the soft golden sand and turquoise water. Some of the most famous ones are Banana Beach, Kata Noi Beach, and Patong Beach. 

If you visit the island from November to March, it is unavoidable that the beaches will be packed with tourists. And if you are after some peace and quiet, the island does offer some secluded beaches like Freedom Beach, Nai Han Beach, and Mai Khao Beach.

Spend your day enjoying the wonderful beaches, and once the sun goes down, it’s time to dive into the notorious nightlife here. The entire island is lit up with beach clubs and signature performances.

The streets are packed with performers to attract tourists into the cabaret and traditional Thai dance shows. If you are wondering what show to choose, go for the Siam Niramit. Within 80 minutes, you will get to admire the diversity of Thai culture, from myths, traditions, arts, and costumes. 

Phuket is popular for its beautiful beaches. Photo by powerbeephoto on stock.adobe.com

In the last 2 days, you can start going on an exploration by going on island-hopping tours from Phuket. The most famous tour is to the Phi Phi Islands, an archipelago of 6 islands that can be accessed from Phuket and Krabi by speedboats or ferries.

Day tour and overnight trips are available. In a day tour, you will get to visit the most popular spots like Maya Beach, Bamboo Island, and snorkel in the crystal clear water. Meanwhile, spending a few nights here gives you more time to visit the Viking Cave, admire the panoramic view, or delve into the wonder of natural habitats here.

Other options to go island hopping are Phang Nga Bay - where James Bond was filmed, Racha Islands and Similan Islands - the best beaches to go scuba diving, Khao Sok island - home to a national park popular with old rainforest and diverse wildlife, etc.

Days 5-7: Bangkok

Besides being a youthful city full of dazzling entertainment activities, Bangkok has a rich history. Being Thailand’s capital city since 1782, the development of Bangkok goes hand in hand with the development of the country, with historical monuments and cultural stories scattered all around the city.

Day 5

Start your cultural trip by visiting the Grand Palace in Bangkok, an architectural masterpiece with golden-lacquered buildings built right after this city became the capital.

Next, you can walk or ride a tuk-tuk to visit the Wat Pho Temple nearby. The pagoda is famous for being the biggest and oldest temple complex in Bangkok, with the massive reclining Buddha statue and the largest collection of Buddha images in the country. 

After a long day, visit the Soi Rambuttri street to travel back to Bangkok in ancient times. You can easily find the signature dishes of Bangkok or unique handicrafts in local stalls here.

Bangkok is a paradise for culture-loving travellers with its long history. Vlad_g on stock.adobe.com

Day 6

Wake up early to experience the riverine culture here by exploring a floating market or booking a longtail boat trip Some popular floating markets not so far away from the centre of Bangkok are Damnoen Saduak, Taling Chan, Khlong Lat Mayom, or Tha Kha. Most of these will be packed with tourists, so be prepared for the crowds. It doesn’t take any entry fee, but there will be if you want to hop on boat rides.

Afterwards, make a beeline for Bangkok Chinatown, packed with distinguished architecture, cuisine and specialities. You should arrive in the late evening to soak in the lively atmosphere.

Another way to make the most of your is to travel to Ayutthaya as a day trip from Bangkok by train or by bus. Once arriving, rent a bike or a tuk-tuk to explore iconic ruins in the UNESCO World Heritage Ayutthaya Historical Park. It’s best to book a tour to plan your destinations, transportation and to introduce interesting stories about the monuments here.

Day 7

On the last day of your 7 days in Thailand, it’s best to keep things simple and then head to the airport. Savour the last few hours by walking around the hotel, have a final taste of the local goods or buy the last souvenirs. 

If you’re planning to claim a tax refund, make sure your paperwork is ready before you arrive at the airport. And if there’s still time before boarding, skim through the duty-free shops in Phuket International Airport.

Spend the last day taking in all of Bangkok one last time. Photo by TMR Studio on stock.adobe.com

Bangkok Restaurants Recommendations

• Jay Fai: Don’t miss out on this Michelin-starred food stall that has long been an icon for Thailand streetfood if you are ready to queue. Famous for the image of an auntie cook, the restaurant’s signature dish is golden-brown crab omelettes.

• Jay Jia Yentafo: Another Michelin street food stall, having been open for more than 30 years. The shop is popular for the pink soup and delicious homemade shrimp balls.

• K. Panich: One of the most famous spots for mango sticky rice in Bangkok. The shop was opened in 1927, and still preserved its signature recipe for making sticky rice ever since.

Your Detailed 1-week Thailand Schedule - The City & Culture Escape (Bangkok + Chiang Mai)

If you are more of a history and culture norm, then having your Thailand itinerary 7 days in the capital city, Bangkok and the cultural escape Chiang Mai might be the best way to spend one week in Thailand.

Day 1-4: Chiang Mai

To head to the next stop, Chiang Mai, it only takes a few hours to fly from Bangkok. There are various domestic flights in Thailand (AirAsia, Nok Air) per day.

If you are up for it, book an overnight sleep train. Do note that the whole journey is 10+ hours. So prepare accordingly: bring a portable power bank, wifi hotspot/eSIM, a jumper, snacks, and water.

Different from Phuket, Chiang Mai brings a soft, peaceful vibe of a small city with friendly people. It will only take you around a day to explore the entire centre of the city. 

The most significant monuments you might see right away are the city’s gates, a collection of ruins of the ancient city walls. Other popular destinations are the Wat Phra Singh, a revered temple built since the 14th century, famous for its golden chedis, and Wat Doi Suthep, an ancient and sacred temple, which is believed to keep the relics of Buddha.

Besides the historical side, dive into the aesthetic vibe of the city by wandering around Nimmanhaemin Road. This area has a concentration of cafes, shops, and art complexes like One Nimman or Maya Lifestyle. If you look for a delicious cup of coffee, go to Roast8try Coffee Lab, a famous local roastery.

Escape the hustle and bustle. Photo by exs on stock.adobe.com

During the night, spend time walking around the night markets here. As the city is small, you can easily experience different ones in a night. The most popular ones are the Night Bazaar, Tha Pae Walking Street, Ploen Ruedee Night Market, Anusarn Night Market, etc. Just keep in mind that some only open at weekends, so check your schedule beforehand.

If you want a unique coffee experience that is immersed in nature, the Carp Cafe, which has an oasis setting and koi fish swimming around, should be the first option. The coffee shop is only 20 minutes away from the Chiang Mai airport, so it should be convenient to plan your visit too.

Over the next 02 days, extend your experience a little further north to enjoy the distinguished northern culture and nature of the city, as most destinations will be in the outskirts.

The most popular destination travellers can’t miss out on is probably the Elephant Jungle Sanctuary. Some provide an ethical elephant sanctuary experience, where you can feed, bathe, or walk with an elephant. The natural landscape here is also worth admiring, with waterfalls, rivers, diverse fauna, etc.

If you are looking for a relaxing experience to calm your mind, then the hot springs at San Khamphaeng or the rice fields in Pa Bong Piang might be the ones that attract you. Only less than an hour away from Chiang Mai old city, both are surrounded by lush green scenery and cosy homestays, offering a chance for tourists to interact with the locals and enjoy a countryside life. 

The international airport in Chiang Mai is not as big or as bustling with shops as those in Bangkok, so make sure you have everything you need before heading to the airport. 

Save a few days to visit the countryside destinations of Chiang Mai. Photo by artpritsadee on stock.adobe.com

Must-try Restaurants in Chiangmai

• Kat’s Kitchen: Appeared on many lists of recommendations for the best restaurants in Chiang Mai, those who want to visit this place will definitely have to queue. But don’t worry, it won’t be for long. This place offers a variety of Chiang Mai signature dishes, from Khao Soi to fried rice, and tomyum, etc.

• Kuaytiaw 3 baht: Only 3 baht per bowl, the restaurant offers many types of noodles with different broths and toppings. Each is in a small portion, so you can try everything. 

• Tong Tem Toh: If you want to try out the diversity of Northern Thai cuisine, this restaurant can offer it all with its massive menu. Located near One Nimman, you can combine the plans to make it more convenient.

Days 5-7: Bangkok

Bangkok is one of the most popular cities for any tourist to visit in Thailand, especially those who expect to experience the modern lifestyle of this country to the fullest. The city is very developed, so you can move around Bangkok easily from your hotel by MRT, BTS, bike booking application like Grab or riding a tuk-tuk.

After boarding the Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK), you can replenish your energy by getting a Thai massage. You will find many local stores on the street or at the local markets, with partial or full body options. 

When you are energised, it’s time to roam the famous (and huge) shopping malls here. Each mall is different; some have luxurious brands like SIAM Paragon, others are more youthful with indie brands like SIAM Discovery, and others offer a bit of everything like ICONSIAM.

Shopping in Bangkok Malls is a worthy experience. Photo by pierrick on stock.adobe.com

A Chao Phraya River Cruise is another way to enjoy the city from the water. Most cruises will also allow you to visit Wat Arun and take pictures, as the famous pagoda is right next to the river. 

When the night comes, have a meal at a local Michelin restaurant and prepare to party. Bangkok rooftop bars are one of the things that make this city a must-visit destination, not to mention various drag bars and world-class cocktail bars. These places are definitely worth a visit, even if you are not a fan of alcohol.

During the night, if you want to continue your shopping, visit food stalls and restaurants within the malls. Don’t underestimate the food here, as some malls even have an entire local food market section and many popular national brands. If you want something more local, head to Jodd Fair Night Market, where food stalls offer a diverse world of Thai tastes.

With the last few hours, joining a Bangkok street food tour is not a bad choice, as the taste will be entirely different once you move to the Southern or Northern side. Some signature dishes you can try out are Pad Thai (stir-fried noodles), Gaeng Keow Wan (green curry), Khao Niao Mamuang (mango sticky rice), Som tam (green papaya salad), After You Butter Bun, etc.

Customise Your Own Journey

Is 7 days enough for Thailand? Maybe not, but it’s enough for you to have an unforgettable trip and leave behind lasting impressions to return on longer itineraries later.

Now, if you are ready to start planning your Thailand Itinerary 7 days, then it’s time to take action with our downloadable version! You can alter or add on different destinations you like, the suggested timeline frame is already prepared for you.

Claire Thuc