Thailand rewards slow travel. Over 30 days, you can savor Bangkok’s temples and street food, hike misty mountain trails in Chiang Mai, and island-hop from Phuket to emerald bays. From ancient capitals to modern specialty coffee, this itinerary leans adventurous while staying wallet-friendly.

Formerly Siam, Thailand has been an independent kingdom since the 13th century. You’ll meet layers of history in Ayutthaya’s ruins, Lanna heritage in Chiang Mai, and Sino-Portuguese shop-houses in Phuket Town. Expect brilliant flavors—fiery som tam, velvety khao soi, and grilled seafood—served in alleyways and night markets that never really sleep.

Practical notes: Dress modestly for temples (shoulders/knees covered). Carry small bills for tuk-tuks, songthaews, and markets. A local SIM and light clothing go a long way in the heat; rainy season brings sudden showers. Road travel and water tours are common; always wear life vests and helmets when provided.

Bangkok

Bangkok is a river city of golden spires and late-night noodles. Wander khlong canals in Thonburi, trace royal history at the Grand Palace, and bite into charcoal-kissed pad thai in the glow of neon Chinatown. Adventurous travelers can tuk-tuk between temples, bike the “Green Lung,” and eat with locals at curbside stools.

Getting in: Book your flight into BKK or DMK via Trip.com Flights or Kiwi.com. For a smoother arrival, optional fast-track service is available (fee applies).

Where to stay (budget to comfortable)

• Lub d Bangkok Siam (social, clean, top location by National Stadium BTS): Check availability
• Niras Bankoc Cultural Hostel (character-filled stay near Old City cafés): Check availability
• Anantara Riverside Bangkok Resort (resort feel on the Chao Phraya, great pool): Check availability
• Browse more options on Hotels.com Bangkok or apartments on VRBO Bangkok.

Days 1–3: Temples, canals, and Old City flavors

Start with the Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew, then glide to Wat Arun at sunset by ferry. Explore Wat Pho’s Reclining Buddha and massage pavilion. For a peek at old Bangkok life, ride a longtail through Thonburi’s stilt-house canals.

• Do this: Bangkok Canal Tour: 2-Hour Longtail Boat Ride — a relaxed, local-feel intro to the waterways. Book on Viator

  

• Eat/Drink:
  • Thipsamai (since 1939; pad thai wrapped in egg—go early or late).
  • Jay Fai (celebrated crab omelet; pricey but iconic; expect queues).
  • Raan Jay Fai-adjacent stalls for budget-friendly wok classics if you skip the line).
  • Gallery Drip Coffee (artful pour-overs near BACC), Roots at CentralWorld (Thai beans), and The Old Siam Café for iced Thai tea breaks.

Days 4–6: Chinatown nights and markets by tuk-tuk

After dark, Yaowarat (Chinatown) becomes a ribbon of steamers and woks. Hunt for peppery boat noodles, oyster omelets, and mango sticky rice. A tuk-tuk tour strings together night temples, markets, and street eats while keeping costs in check.

• Do this (award-winning): Bangkok by Night: Temples, Markets and Food Tuk-Tuk Tour. Book on Viator

  

• Food deep-dive: Bangkok Backstreets Food Tour with 15+ Tastings (small groups, chef-designed). Book on Viator

  

• Eat/Drink:
  • Jeh O Chula (famed tom yum mama noodles; late-night; number system queue).
  • Nai Mong Hoi Thod (crispy oyster omelet master since the 1960s).
  • On Lok Yun (retro breakfast café; kaya toast and Thai coffee).
  • Wallflowers (hidden coffee/tea salon in a floral shophouse).

Days 7–8: Bike Bang Krachao and modern Bangkok

Cycle the elevated paths of Bang Krachao, the “Green Lung,” shaded by palms. Back in town, explore contemporary Bangkok—art galleries around Charoen Krung and creative spaces along the river.

• Local tip: Rent a bike near Bang Nam Phueng Floating Market; carry cash for fruit smoothies and coconut pancakes.
• Cafés: Factory Coffee (competition-level espresso) and Roots Sathorn for Thai single-origin pours.

Days 9–10: Day trip to Ayutthaya + free day

Visit Ayutthaya, the once-glorious capital of Siam, with headless Buddhas and prang towers echoing Angkor. Return for a final Bangkok evening along the river.

• Do this: Small Group Tour to Ayutthaya Temples from Bangkok with Lunch. Book on Viator

  

• Optional river evening: The Newest Luxury 5-Star Bangkok Chao Phraya Dinner Cruise (splurge night). Book on Viator

  

Travel to Chiang Mai (Day 11, morning): Fly BKK/DMK → CNX (~1h15; ~$25–60) via Trip.com Flights or Kiwi.com. Budget alternative: overnight train (~11–13h; ~$30–45 in 2nd-class sleeper) via Trip.com Trains.

Chiang Mai

Ringed by mountains and hill forests, Chiang Mai is Thailand’s cool-headed cultural hub. Spend unhurried days among Lanna temples, café-hop on Nimmanhaemin, and hike cloud forests in Doi Inthanon. Night markets deliver craft goods and street snacks that keep the budget happy.

Where to stay (budget to comfortable)

• Green Sleep Hostel (Old City, friendly, great for walkers): Check availability
• Green Tiger House (vegetarian guesthouse, calm vibe near temples): Check availability
• 137 Pillars House (heritage boutique splurge for a special night): Check availability
• See more on Hotels.com Chiang Mai or VRBO Chiang Mai.

Days 11–13: Old City, cafés, and Monk’s Trail

Explore Wat Phra Singh and Wat Chedi Luang before climbing the orange-clad Monk’s Trail to Wat Pha Lat and on to Doi Suthep (bring water; modest clothing for temples). Evenings mean the Saturday Walking Street or Sunday Tha Phae Market for crafts and khao kha moo (stewed pork leg rice).

• Cafés to try: Ristr8to (world latte art champion), Akha Ama (ethically sourced hill-tribe beans), Graph Café (experimental coffee), and Woo Café (garden vibes + art).
• Eat: Khao Soi Mae Sai (northern curry noodles), Huen Phen (classic Lanna dishes; lunchtime), Kiat Ocha (Hainanese chicken rice), and Chang Phuak Gate night-stall pork skewers.

Days 14–16: Mountain day trips—Doi Inthanon and waterfalls

Chase cool air on Thailand’s highest peak. Hike the Kew Mae Pan nature trail—wooden boardwalks over cloud forest—and visit the Twin Pagodas and terraced Royal Project farms. Waterfalls like Wachirathan and Sirithan thunder after rains.

• Do this (combo, ethical): 3-in-1: Doi Inthanon Tour, Elephant Sanctuary, and Trekking Trail. Book on Viator

  

• Or focus on peaks: Doi Inthanon Waterfall and Royal Project Chiang Mai (small group). Book on Viator

  

Days 17–18: River fun and local life

Get adventurous with bamboo rafting and a waterfall swim, paired with visits to ethical elephant sanctuaries where you observe, feed, and walk alongside the animals (no riding). Return to town for a night bazaar feast: sai ua (spicy northern sausage) and nam prik noom (green chili dip).

• Do this: Chiang Mai Elephant Sanctuary, Bamboo Rafting and Waterfall Tour. Book on Viator

  

Days 19–20: Bike the countryside and Nimman café crawl

Rent bikes and cruise quiet lanes around Mae Rim (early start; helmet and sun protection). Back in town, do a café-hop in Nimman and shop local design stores; cap with craft beer at the North Gate area.

• Budget eats: Kad Na Mor (university market stalls), SP Chicken (Isaan-style roast birds), and mango sticky rice stands along Tha Phae Road.

Travel to Phuket (Day 21, morning): Fly CNX → HKT (~2h; ~$40–90) on Trip.com Flights or Kiwi.com. Overland options exceed 24 hours—fly to save time and budget.

Phuket

Phuket is more than party beaches—it’s a base for turquoise bays, sea caves, and island national parks. Stay near Phuket Town for culture and food, or by quieter beaches like Kata/Karon. Island-hop to Phi Phi and glide kayaks into hidden hongs in Phang Nga Bay.

Where to stay (budget to comfortable)

• Lub d Phuket Patong (budget-friendly, social, pool, near beach but easy to escape the noise): Check availability
• Sunwing Kamala Beach (good value for space and a calmer beach scene): Check availability
• JW Marriott Phuket Resort & Spa (Mai Khao serenity; big pools): Check availability
• Explore more on Hotels.com Phuket or VRBO Phuket. Splurge pick: Amanpuri.

Days 21–23: Phuket Town heritage and beaches

Stroll Sino-Portuguese shophouses on Thalang Road, ducking into museums and noodle shops. Hit Kata or Kamala for waves and golden-hour swims. Evenings in Phuket Town mean Hokkien-Thai dishes and cool cafés.

• Cafés: Campus Coffee Roasters (single-origin focus), The Tent Phuket (roastery and brunch), and Ryn (dessert + specialty coffee).
• Eat: One Chun Café & Restaurant (classic Phuket cuisine), Raya (crab curry), and Mor Mu Dong (riverside huts; grilled fish and southern herbs).

Days 24–26: Phi Phi Islands—snorkel and sea cliffs

Choose an early-bird speedboat for clear coves before the midday rush, snorkeling among parrotfish and giant clams. Maya Bay’s conservation rules change seasonally—tours adapt routes accordingly.

• Do this (top-rated): Phi Phi Islands Adventure Day Trip w/ Seaview Lunch by V. Marine. Book on Viator

  

• Alternative: Phi Phi, Maya Bay, & Khai Islands Premium Trip from Phuket (varied snorkeling). Book on Viator

  

Days 27–28: Phang Nga Bay caves and James Bond Island

Trade open water for limestone karst scenery. Canoe through sea caves into hidden lagoons called hongs while eagles circle overhead. Big-boat escorts mean a smoother ride and space to relax between paddles.

• Do this: Phang Nga Bay Sea Cave Canoeing & James Bond Island by Big Boat. Book on Viator

  

Days 29–30: Ethical elephant morning + beach-and-coffee finale

Spend a morning with rescued elephants—observe, feed, and learn about their rehabilitation. Afternoon: rent a bike for a coastal ride or café-hop around Phuket Town’s creative district. Celebrate your last night with crab curry and a seaside sunset.

• Do this (ethical): A Morning with the Elephants at Phuket Elephant Sanctuary. Book on Viator

  

Transport tips and budget guidance

• Local transport: In Bangkok, use BTS/MRT and river ferries; in Chiang Mai, hop songthaews or rent a bicycle; in Phuket, use local blue buses or Grab for tricky routes.
• Typical daily budget (budget-minded): $35–55 including hostel, street food, and a local activity; island tours or premium experiences add $40–100 per day.
• Coffee and breakfast: Street stall jok (rice porridge), soy milk with fried dough, or café sets ($2–6). Lunch/dinner at markets ($2–5).

Departing Thailand

Fly out from Phuket (HKT) or backtrack to Bangkok (1h25 flight, ~$30–70) via Trip.com Flights or Kiwi.com. Consider open-jaw tickets into Bangkok and out of Phuket to save time and cash.

In 30 days you’ll taste Bangkok’s markets, climb Chiang Mai’s mountains, and float between Phuket’s islands. It’s an adventurous loop through temples, trails, and tropical seas, balanced for a modest budget without skimping on unforgettable moments.