Two global icons—Bangkok and Dubai—deliver a week of contrast and wonder. In Bangkok, the Chao Phraya River curls past royal palaces, incense-scented temples, and laneways brimming with wok-fire street food. In Dubai, a futuristic skyline frames old-world trading alleys, sweeping beaches, and the world’s tallest tower.

Bangkok’s story stretches back to the Ayutthaya Kingdom; gilded spires and mural-lined chapels whisper centuries of devotion. Dubai’s rise is recent yet riveting: pearl-diving creeks transformed into megaprojects like Palm Jumeirah and Dubai Marina. In both, hospitality takes center stage—one with spice and smiles, the other with precision and polish.

Pack lightweight, respectful clothing for Bangkok’s temple dress codes (shoulders and knees covered), and mind Dubai’s modesty norms, especially around mosques and during Ramadan. Bring an appetite: from Bangkok’s crispy oyster omelets and fragrant curries to Dubai’s kebabs and Emirati dishes, this itinerary is a delicious deep dive.

Bangkok

Bangkok is a rush of color and cadence: saffron-robed monks, tuk-tuks threading traffic, river boats gliding past teak houses. The “City of Angels” rewards early temple visits, canal rides through old Thonburi, and late-night forays into Chinatown’s neon-lit food scene.

• Top sights: Grand Palace, Wat Pho, Wat Arun, canals of Thonburi, Chinatown (Yaowarat), ICONSIAM, Mahanakhon SkyWalk.
• Why go now: New cafés and galleries are blossoming alongside time-honored markets; Michelin noticed the street food years ago—and it’s only getting better.
• Good to know: BTS Skytrain/MRT rides cost roughly 17–60 THB; taxis and Grab are affordable; river ferries are scenic and practical.

Where to stay (Bangkok):

• Search more stays: VRBO Bangkok | Hotels.com Bangkok
• Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok (riverside icon, old-world service): Check rates
• The Siam Hotel (boutique art deco sanctuary on the river): Check rates
• Anantara Riverside Bangkok Resort (resort vibe with boat shuttle): Check rates
• Lub d Bangkok Siam (budget social hub near BTS): Check rates
• Niras Bankoc Cultural Hostel (Old Town, heritage feel): Check rates
• Alt budget: Lub d Bangkok Silom (hostelworld): See details

Getting there: Fly into Bangkok Suvarnabhumi (BKK) or Don Mueang (DMK). Compare fares on Trip.com Flights and Kiwi.com. From BKK, the Airport Rail Link to the city runs ~35 THB–45 THB; taxis to riverside neighborhoods are ~400–600 THB including tolls.

Day 1: Arrival, Wat Arun at Sunset, and Night Tuk-Tuk Tastes

Afternoon: Land in Bangkok and check into your hotel. Stretch your legs along the Chao Phraya promenade, then ferry to Wat Arun for sunset—the porcelain-spangled spire glows peach and gold as the river traffic hums.

Evening: Dine in the old quarter: try Krua Apsorn (crab omelet, yellow curry with lotus stems), or riverside Supanniga Eating Room (Isan and Trat family recipes; tamarind prawns are a favorite). Then hop aboard a small-group night tour to weave through temples and markets by tuk-tuk:

Bangkok by Night: Temples, Markets and Food Tuk-Tuk Tour

Expect fragrant curries, secret viewpoints, and a new appreciation for Bangkok after dark.

Day 2: Royal Bangkok, Canals, and a River Dinner Cruise

Morning: Dress modestly for the Grand Palace (500 THB; go right at opening), Wat Phra Kaew (Emerald Buddha), and nearby Wat Pho (200 THB; home of the Reclining Buddha and a revered massage school). Coffee at Blue Whale Café (butterfly pea latte; nautical hues) or Gallery Drip Coffee (hand-poured beans) en route.

Afternoon: Slurp legendary pad thai at Thip Samai (the “superb” version with shrimp roe) or peppery boat noodles at Victory Monument boat noodle alley. Then glide through Thonburi’s khlongs on a longtail boat to see stilt homes, waterside shrines, and monitor lizards sunning themselves:

Bangkok Canal Tour: 2-Hour Longtail Boat Ride

Evening: Board a sleek riverboat for dinner as the skyline twinkles and temple spires shimmer:

The Newest Luxury 5-Star Bangkok Chao Phraya Dinner Cruise

Alternatively, enjoy tom yum goong and river prawns at Baan Phadthai or modern Thai at Baan by Chef Thitid (comfort dishes with top ingredients).

Day 3: Full-Day Ayutthaya Temples (UNESCO) with Lunch

Trace Siam’s former glory among prang spires and headless Buddhas draped in saffron. This small-group day trip includes key ruins like Wat Mahathat (Buddha head in tree roots), Wat Phra Si Sanphet, and lunch at a local spot:

Small Group Tour to Ayutthaya Temples from Bangkok with Lunch

Prefer a DIY route? Trains from Hua Lamphong to Ayutthaya take ~1.5 hours (20–65 THB). For dinner back in Bangkok, go casual at Somtum Der (papaya salads, grilled chicken) or reserve Nahm (elegant, bold Thai flavors) if you want a special night.

Day 4: Markets, Modern Bangkok, Rooftops

Morning: Breakfast at On Lok Yun (nostalgic Thai toast, soft eggs) or Luka (excellent coffee, sourdough). Browse Pak Khlong Talat, the flower market, then ride the BTS to Siam to sample specialty coffees at Roast (EmQuartier) or % Arabica.

Afternoon: Shop Thai designers at ICONSIAM (don’t miss SookSiam’s regional food hall). Lunch at Soi Polo Fried Chicken (legendary crispy chicken with sticky rice) or Nai Mong Hoi Thod (Chinatown’s crispy oyster omelet). Take a siesta or Thai massage near Wat Pho.

Evening: Aim for a sky-high finale: cocktails at Mahanakhon SkyBar or Sky Bar at Lebua before dinner at Jay Fai (fiery crab omelet; arrive early to queue) or Supanniga Eating Room (if you missed it). Pack for tomorrow morning’s flight.

Dubai

Dubai pairs audacious architecture with a soulful creekside past. Wander spice-scented souks, step aboard an abra across Dubai Creek, then zip to the 124th floor of Burj Khalifa for desert-to-sea vistas. Evenings invite beach walks and yacht-lined marinas.

• Top sights: Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall fountain shows, Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood, Gold & Spice Souks, Dubai Marina, JBR Beach, Palm Jumeirah.
• Don’t miss: A red-dune desert safari—dune bashing, camel rides, and a starlit BBQ evoke the region’s Bedouin roots.
• Transport: Metro fares ~3–8 AED; taxis and Careem are plentiful. From DXB to Downtown, taxis are ~45–70 AED.

Where to stay (Dubai):

• Search more stays: VRBO Dubai | Hotels.com Dubai
• Atlantis, The Palm (aquatic playground for families/friends): Check rates
• Burj Al Arab Jumeirah (iconic sail silhouette; ultimate splurge): Check rates
• Rove Downtown Dubai (smart value near Burj Khalifa): Check rates

Getting there and between cities: Fly Bangkok → Dubai in ~6.5–7 hours nonstop (typical one-way $220–450 depending on season). Compare options on Trip.com Flights and Kiwi.com. In Dubai, the Metro links DXB to Downtown in ~25–35 minutes; taxis are efficient 24/7.

Day 5: Fly to Dubai, Marina Night Views by Yacht

Morning: Depart Bangkok on a morning flight to Dubai (aim for a ~09:00 departure). Eat a light airport breakfast; coffee at % Arabica or The Coffee Club in-terminal.

Afternoon: Arrive at DXB early afternoon. Check into your hotel and unwind. Explore JBR (The Walk) for a beach stroll and gelato. Late lunch at Bu Qtair (market-style fried/grilled fish near Umm Suqeim) or Ravi Restaurant (beloved Pakistani curries in Satwa).

Evening: See Dubai’s coastline the glamorous way on a shared luxury yacht tour—ideal for first-night orientation with skyline photo ops:

Dubai Marina Luxury Yacht Tour with Optional Breakfast or BBQ

Dinner afterward at Pier 7 (multi-restaurant tower; Atelier M for views, Asia Asia for pan-Asian plates) or Al Fanar (Emirati classics like machboos and luqaimat).

Day 6: Old Dubai, Souks, and Burj Khalifa “At The Top”

Morning: Coffee at The Sum of Us or RAW Coffee Company, then dive into the historic heart with a guided walk through Al Fahidi, textile lanes, spice mounds, and gold displays (abra ride included):

Dubai Aladdin Tour: Souks, Creek, Old Dubai and Tastings

Lunch at Arabian Tea House (garden courtyard; regag bread, chicken machboos) or Al Khayma Heritage Restaurant (slow-cooked lamb, Emirati desserts).

Afternoon: Browse Dubai Mall’s aquarium and fountain promenade, or dip into contemporary culture at Alserkal Avenue’s indie galleries (espresso at Nightjar). Rest before golden hour.

Evening: Time your summit for sunset at the world’s tallest building—an unforgettable sweep of lights and dunes:

Burj Khalifa At The Top ticket with Optional Premium Access

Dinner nearby at Zuma (contemporary Japanese), Time Out Market (local chef stalls), or cocktails with a view at Level 43 Sky Lounge.

Day 7: Morning Desert Safari and Departure

Morning: Cap the trip with a red-dune adventure—sandboarding, camel rides, and refreshments fit neatly into a half-day, leaving time to fly out:

Dubai: Half-Day Desert Safari, Camels, Quad Bike & Refreshments

Alternatively, book the premium evening version if you have a late-night flight and want BBQ and live performances in camp.

Afternoon: Shower, check out, and head to DXB. If time allows, grab a quick lunch at Al Ustad Special Kebab (since 1978; melt-in-mouth kebabs) before your ride. Compare return flights on Trip.com Flights or Kiwi.com.

Practical Eating & Coffee Cheat Sheet

• Bangkok breakfast/coffee: On Lok Yun (Thai diner classics), Blue Whale Café (IG-famous lattes), Roast (brunch, single-origin coffee), Luka (craft café in a shophouse).
• Bangkok lunch/dinner: Thip Samai (pad thai), Krua Apsorn (royal-style Thai), Somtum Der (Isan), Supanniga Eating Room (Trat/Isan), Jay Fai (street-food legend; queue early).
• Dubai breakfast/coffee: The Sum of Us (house-roasted beans), RAW Coffee Company (industrial roastery), Nightjar (cold brew and small plates).
• Dubai lunch/dinner: Al Ustad Special Kebab (Iranian), Ravi (Pakistani), Bu Qtair (fresh fish), Al Fanar (Emirati), Zuma (Japanese fine dining), Pier 7 (multiple concepts with views).

Getting around & etiquette: In Bangkok, cover shoulders/knees for temples; remove shoes before entering chapels. In Dubai, public displays of affection are discouraged; alcohol is served in licensed venues. Ramadan brings daytime dining restrictions and magical after-dark feasts.

Estimated costs (per person): Bangkok BTS/MRT day of transit ~$5–7; Grand Palace 500 THB (~$14); longtail canal ride from $20–30; Ayutthaya day tour ~$45–70. Dubai Metro day of transit ~$6–10; Burj Khalifa At The Top from ~AED 179–259 (~$49–70); shared yacht tour ~$60–90; desert safari (morning) ~$45–75.

Optional add-ons if you extend: Bangkok’s floating markets (weekends best), a Thai cooking class, or Dubai’s Museum of the Future and Aquaventure Waterpark.

Summary: In just one week, you’ll savor Bangkok’s temple glow, canal life, and street eats, then pivot to Dubai’s sky-high viewpoints, timeworn souks, and red-dune desert. It’s a fast-paced, flavor-packed ride—from river breezes to desert stars—that you’ll talk about for years.