Thailand’s story spans ancient kingdoms, trade routes, and riverside capitals. From the Chao Phraya’s royal palaces to Chiang Mai’s Lanna-era temples and Phuket’s tin-baron mansions, you’ll trace centuries of culture in living color. Expect a heady blend of gilded stupas, sizzling woks, and turquoise bays.

Fun fact: Bangkok’s full ceremonial name has 168 letters. In Chiang Mai, monks still ring bells at dawn on the slopes of Doi Suthep. And Phuket’s Sino-Portuguese shophouses whisper of a 19th‑century boom that drew merchants from across the Indian Ocean.

Practical notes: Dress modestly for temples (shoulders and knees covered). The cool/dry season (Nov–Feb) is ideal; April’s Songkran water festival is wildly fun but soaking. Buy a local SIM at the airport, carry small bills for markets, and bring reef-safe sunscreen for island days.

Bangkok

Bangkok is a city of contrasts: sacred spires, sleek skytrains, and night markets humming till late. Base yourself by the river for classic views or in Siam/Silom for easy transit, then dive into neighborhoods—from Chinatown’s gold shops to Talat Noi’s street art and machine-part alleys.

Getting here: Book international flights to Bangkok (BKK or DMK) via Kiwi.com or Trip.com (flights). Typical fares from the US West Coast run $700–1,200 round‑trip; from SE Asia hubs $50–200 one‑way.

Days 1–5: Royal Bangkok, Canals, and Night Markets

• Rattanakosin highlights: Tour the Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew (Emerald Buddha), then walk to Wat Pho to see the 46‑meter Reclining Buddha. Cross the river ferry to Wat Arun at golden hour—its porcelain mosaics glow at sunset.
• Canal life: Glide through Thonburi’s khlongs by longtail boat to glimpse stilt houses, orchid-draped porches, and small riverside shrines. Add an hour at the Royal Barge Museum if you love craftsmanship.
• Chinatown (Yaowarat): Snack-hopping is the sport here—oyster omelets at Nai Mong Hoi Thod, peppery fish-ball noodles at Lim Lao Ngow, and toasted golden bread at Mont Nom Sod. Finish with herbal drinks at a teahouse or a craft cocktail at Teens of Thailand.
• Markets and modern Bangkok: If it’s a weekend, roam Chatuchak for ceramics and textiles, then cool off at art-forward Warehouse 30 or Bangkok CityCity Gallery. In the evening, browse Talad Rot Fai’s vintage stalls.

Where to stay (Bangkok): Browse Hotels.com: Bangkok or VRBO: Bangkok.

• The Siam Hotel (riverside design icon): Check availability
• Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok (grand old-world service): Check availability
• Anantara Riverside Bangkok Resort (resort-in-the-city vibe): Check availability
• Lub d Bangkok Siam (budget/social): Check availability
• Lub d Bangkok Silom (hostel): Check availability
• Niras Bankoc Cultural Hostel (Old City charmer): Check availability

Eat & drink (Bangkok): Breakfast at On Lok Yun (old-school toast and kai kata eggs) or Khao Gaeng Rang Nam (rice and curries). For lunch, Krua Apsorn (royal-style crab omelet), Thipsamai (pad thai over charcoal), or Pe Aor (creamy tom yum with prawns). Dinner ideas: Supanniga Eating Room (Isan/Eastern Thai), Baan Somtum (papaya salads and grilled chicken), or Jeh O Chula (late-night tom yum mama noodles). Coffee stops: Factory Coffee, Phil Coffee Company, Gallery Drip Coffee.

Featured Bangkok activities (choose one evening and one daytime):

• Bangkok by Night: Temples, Markets and Food Tuk‑Tuk Tour

  

  Zip through illuminated alleys to taste legendary street dishes and see temples after the crowds—cooler, atmospheric, and fun.

Chiang Mai

Ringed by mountains and moats, Chiang Mai blends saffron-robed ritual with easygoing cafés and craft studios. It’s the capital of Lanna culture, where woodcarvers, silversmiths, and coffee roasters thrive side by side.

Fly north in the morning of Day 6. Bangkok → Chiang Mai: 1h15–1h25 nonstop; ~$35–90 one-way. Search flights on Kiwi.com or Trip.com (flights). Romantic alt: overnight train (11–13 hours; ~$20–60 sleepers) via Trip.com (trains).

Days 6–9: Doi Suthep, Old City Temples, Crafts, and Northern Thai Flavors

• Doi Suthep at sunrise: Climb the naga staircase to Wat Phra That Doi Suthep as bells ring and the city wakes below. Pair with Bhubing Palace gardens or a Hmong village visit.
• Old City wander: Explore Wat Phra Singh’s lacquer and murals, Wat Chedi Luang’s 15th‑century chedi, and Lanna Folklife Museum for context. If it’s Sunday, the Walking Street Market fills Ratchadamnoen Road with artisans and snacks.
• Hands-on culture: Join a Lanna cooking class to master khao soi and sai ua sausage, or try a woodcarving/silver workshop in Wua Lai.
• River time: Drift the Mae Ping to see garden farms, stilted houses, and life along the riverbanks.

Where to stay (Chiang Mai): Browse Hotels.com: Chiang Mai or VRBO: Chiang Mai.

• 137 Pillars House (heritage teak elegance): Check availability
• Shangri‑La Hotel, Chiang Mai (resort amenities near Night Bazaar): Check availability
• Green Tiger House (vegetarian-friendly boutique): Check availability
• Green Sleep Hostel (budget Old City base): Check availability

Eat & drink (Chiang Mai): Seek khao soi at Khao Soi Mae Sai or Khao Soi Islam; gai yang (charcoal-grilled chicken) at SP Chicken; northern curries and herbs at Huen Phen; contemporary Lanna plates at Ginger & Kafe. Coffee culture is strong—Ristr8to (world-barista credentials), Graph Café (micro-roastery vibes), and Roastniyom (reliable throughout town).

Featured Chiang Mai activity:

• Chiang Mai Mae Ping River Cruise and Thai Farmer House Visit

  

  A gentle way to meet local life, taste farm snacks, and see the city from the water.

Phuket (with Phi Phi & Phang Nga Bay)

Phuket is more than beaches: it’s a cultural island with a photogenic Old Town, Hokkien noodle shophouses, and some of Thailand’s best southern cuisine. Use it as a springboard for day trips to karst-studded Phang Nga Bay and the Phi Phi archipelago.

Fly south on the morning of Day 10. Chiang Mai → Phuket: 2h–2h10 nonstop when available; ~$60–140. Compare routes on Kiwi.com or Trip.com (flights). If transiting via Bangkok, plan for 4–5 hours total.

Days 10–15: Beaches, Old Town, and Islands

• Phuket Old Town: Stroll Thalang and Dibuk Roads for pastel shophouses, Peranakan mansions, and cafés. Visit Thai Hua Museum for tin-mining history. Sundays bring a lively walking street market.
• Beach time: Families like Kamala and Kata; surfers favor Kata Noi; tranquil types head to Nai Harn or Ao Yon. For a relaxed afternoon, consider a lounger and a coconut at Surin Beach.
• Southern Thai cuisine: Try blue crab curry and moo hong braised pork at Raya; regional classics at One Chun; and rustic seafood under nipa palms at Mor Mu Dong.
• Optional wildlife with ethics: Visit an ethical elephant sanctuary in the morning only (no riding, no bathing)—a powerful, educational experience.

Where to stay (Phuket): Browse Hotels.com: Phuket or VRBO: Phuket.

• Trisara Phuket (private-villa seclusion): Check availability
• JW Marriott Phuket Resort & Spa (Mai Khao comfort): Check availability
• The Shore at Katathani (romantic, Kata Noi): Check availability
• Centara Grand Beach Resort Phuket (beachfront with pools): Check availability
• Sunwing Kamala Beach (family favorite): Check availability
• Lub d Phuket Patong (budget/social): Check availability
• Amanpuri (iconic headland retreat): Check availability

Eat & drink (Phuket): Breakfast on roti with curry at Roti Taew Nam or Hokkien mee at Mee Ton Poe. Lunch at One Chun for tumee sour fish curry and crab fried rice. Dinner at Raya (order the crab curry for the table) or Mor Mu Dong (grilled fish in banana leaves). Café hops: Campus Coffee Roaster, The Feelsion—both great between Old Town walks.

Featured Phuket & islands activities:

• Phi Phi Islands Adventure Day Trip w/ Seaview Lunch by V. Marine

  

  Snorkel clear coves, see Maya Bay’s dramatic cliffs, and lunch with a sea view on a well-run speedboat tour.

  
  
• Luxury Boat to James Bond Islands with Lunch and Sunset Dinner

  

  Kayak sea caves, visit Koh Tapu (the film-famous islet), and watch the bay blush at sunset on a comfortable big boat.

Optional Phi Phi overnight (if you extend): Swap a day trip for a night on the islands to enjoy empty early mornings. Try Zeavola Resort (Laem Tong seclusion): Check availability, or Holiday Inn Resort Phi Phi Island (family-friendly beachfront): Check availability.

Getting back

Fly Phuket → Bangkok for your international departure: ~1h25; ~$40–100. Compare fares on Kiwi.com or Trip.com (flights).

Sample pacing overview

• Days 1–5: Bangkok — palaces, canals, Chinatown eats, weekend markets; one evening tuk‑tuk food tour.
• Day 6: Morning flight/train to Chiang Mai; Old City stroll and night market.
• Days 7–9: Doi Suthep sunrise, crafts, river cruise, cooking class; café hopping.
• Day 10: Flight to Phuket; Phuket Old Town evening ramble.
• Days 11–15: Beach days plus two boat days (Phi Phi and Phang Nga Bay). Optional ethical elephant morning; final night market and fly out.

Extra logistics

• Local transport: Bangkok BTS/MRT for speed, river ferries for scenery, Grab for late nights. Chiang Mai and Phuket rely on songthaews/Grab.
• Costs snapshot (per person): City flights $35–140; longtail canal rides ~$15–25; temple entries $2–15; island day trips $85–170 including lunch and gear.
• Money & tips: Cash is king at markets; cards accepted at most hotels/restaurants. Tipping is appreciated but modest (round up small bills).

Another excellent daytime Bangkok option if you prefer a guided temple focus:

• Bangkok Royal Road – Top 3 Major Monuments

  

  See the Grand Palace, Wat Pho, and Wat Arun efficiently with a pro guide who handles tickets and timing.

  
  

Thailand rewards unhurried travel. With five days each in Bangkok’s royal precincts, Chiang Mai’s mountain-ringed lanes, and Phuket’s island gateways, you’ll taste the country’s history, kitchens, and coasts in balance. Expect to leave plotting your return—perhaps to the Isan plateau or the Gulf islands next.