Thailand pairs time-polished culture with a love of flavor and fun. In Bangkok, royal temples sparkle by day, while night markets and neon-lit alleys hum after dark. In Phuket, limestone cliffs guard emerald bays where longtail boats drift between islands straight off a postcard.

Bangkok began as a canal-laced river port and rose to become Siam’s capital in the late 18th century. Today’s city sets golden stupas beside cutting-edge cafes, Michelin-recognized street stalls, and rooftop bars with sweep-you-off-your-feet views. Phuket evolved from tin mining and spice routes to an island of heritage mansions, Sino-Portuguese shophouses, and soft-sand beaches.

Practical notes: temples require modest dress (shoulders/knees covered). Scams are rare but skip any unsolicited gem or tailor detours. Bring light clothing, sunscreen, and insect repellent; May–Oct is monsoon season in Phuket with brief tropical showers. Cashless payments are widely accepted, yet street vendors are still mostly cash-based.

Bangkok

Bangkok is a feast of contrasts: saffron-robed monks glide past skyscrapers; canal life endures behind the Chao Phraya River’s modern promenades. The Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew shelter the Emerald Buddha, while Wat Pho’s Reclining Buddha anchors one of the country’s oldest massage schools.

By day, ride boats to Thonburi’s wooden stilt houses; by night, chase aromas of wok-fired noodles, grilled pork skewers, and fresh mango sticky rice in Chinatown and Old Town. Coffee roasters, craft cocktail bars, and design-forward markets keep the city’s creative pulse unmistakably current.

• Top sights: Grand Palace & Wat Phra Kaew, Wat Pho, Wat Arun, Chinatown (Yaowarat), Jim Thompson House, canals of Thonburi, Pak Khlong Talat flower market.
• Where to stay (Bangkok):
  • Iconic luxury on the river: Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok or Anantara Riverside Bangkok Resort.
  • Boutique splurge with heritage: The Siam Hotel.
  • Stylish budget/hostel: Lub d Bangkok Siam or Niras Bankoc Cultural Hostel.
  • Browse more stays: VRBO Bangkok | Hotels.com Bangkok
• Getting in: Search flights to Bangkok on Trip.com or Kiwi.com. Suvarnabhumi Airport to the city: Airport Rail Link ~30 minutes; taxis ~45–70 minutes depending on traffic.

Day 1: Arrive in Bangkok + Old Town flavors

Afternoon: Arrive and check in. Grab a pick-me-up at % Arabica ICONSIAM (river views) or Brave Roasters at The Commons. If time allows, stroll Pak Khlong Talat, the 24-hour flower market perfumed with jasmine garlands and orchids.

Evening: Kick off with a tuk-tuk adventure that stitches together temples, markets, and street eats.

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

Expect smoky satay, sizzling pad thai, and a glittering Wat Arun across the river. If you still have energy afterward, end with a nightcap at Tropic City (award-winning tropical cocktails) or Tep Bar (Thai herbs and live music).

Day 2: Royal Bangkok, riverside ferry hops, and Chinatown

Morning: Beat the heat with a guided temple highlights tour that covers more in less time and explains centuries of symbolism.

Bangkok City Highlights Tour: Grand Palace & Three Iconic Temples

Dress modestly and carry a light scarf. Post-tour, cool off with Thai iced tea and pandan custard toast at On Lok Yun (since 1933).

Afternoon: Ride the river ferry to Wat Arun’s porcelain spires, then browse the artful alleys of Talat Noi—think Chinese shrines, street murals, and coffee stops like Patina or Mother Roaster. Lunch ideas: Prachak Pet Yang (Bang Rak roast duck since 1909) or Pe Aor for rich tom yum noodle bowls crowned with prawns.

Evening: Dinner at Thipsamai (charcoal-fired pad thai with farm eggs) or Krua Apsorn (royal-approved crab omelet). Cap with rooftop views: Octave Rooftop (360-degree skyline) or Sky Bar at Lebua for that famous river bend.

Day 3: Canals, crafts, and a river dinner cruise

Morning: See Bangkok’s quieter heart on the khlongs—traditional canals lined with wooden homes, hidden temples, and floating life.

Bangkok Canal Tour: 2-Hour Longtail Boat Ride

Hop off near the Khlong Bang Luang Artist House for coffee and a low-key traditional puppet show when scheduled.

Afternoon: Thai massage at Wat Pho’s school or Health Land. Late lunch: Nai Mong Hoi Thod (crispy oyster omelet) in Chinatown or Phed Mark for a fiery holy basil stir-fry (choose your spice level).

Evening: Celebrate the river with a leisurely dinner cruise—temples and palaces glow as you drift past.

The Newest Luxury 5-Star Bangkok Chao Phraya Dinner Cruise

Prefer a late-night bite? Jeh O Chula serves famous tom yum instant noodle hotpots until late.

Day 4: Fly to Phuket + Old Town heritage

Morning: Fly Bangkok to Phuket (about 1 hr 25 min; typical fares ~$35–120 one way). Compare options on Trip.com or Kiwi.com. Prebook a hotel transfer or airport taxi (45–70 min to most west-coast beaches).

Afternoon: Check in, then wander Phuket Old Town’s Thalang Road and Soi Romanee—Sino-Portuguese shophouses in gelato colors, Peranakan history, and breezy cafes. Coffee stops: Phuketique (signature French toast), The Feelsion (retro museum vibe). Lunch: Go Benz (braised pork noodle soup) or Tu Kab Khao (southern Thai staples like crab curry).

Evening: Dinner at One Chun (Michelin Bib Gourmand—try moo hong, a slow-braised pork belly). If it’s Sunday, the Walking Street “Lard Yai” market lines Thalang Road with snacks and live music. Otherwise, sunset drinks at Promthep Cape or Karon Viewpoint.

Phuket

Phuket brings together mellow beaches, rainforest hills, and a heritage-rich capital. Offshore, the Andaman Sea hides sea caves, mangroves, and schools of reef fish; onshore, southern Thai cuisine sings with turmeric, pepper, and chilies.

Balance beach time with Old Town’s mansions and local markets. Between day trips to Phi Phi and Phang Nga Bay, seek viewpoints like Big Buddha and Kata/Karon overlooks. Evenings can be easygoing beach grills or celebratory yacht-style sunset cruises.

• Where to stay (Phuket):
  • Top luxury: Amanpuri, Trisara Phuket, or JW Marriott Phuket Resort & Spa.
  • Romantic villas: The Shore at Katathani.
  • Family-friendly: Sunwing Kamala Beach or Centara Grand Beach Resort Phuket.
  • Social/budget: Lub d Phuket Patong.
  • Browse more stays: VRBO Phuket | Hotels.com Phuket
• Getting around: Use Grab for taxis, or rent a car/scooter if experienced (roads are hilly and can be slick during rains). Boats for day trips include speedboats, big boats, and luxury cruisers.

Day 5: Phi Phi Islands day trip (full day)

White-sand beaches, karst cliffs, and snorkel-lush coves define today. Early start recommended for calmer seas.

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

Typical stops include Maya Bay’s protected lagoon (no swimming near shore per conservation rules), Pileh Lagoon’s jade bowl, and snorkel sites teeming with damselfish. Bring a rash guard, reef-safe sunscreen, and motion bands if you’re wave-sensitive.

Day 6: Elephants, Big Buddha, and a sunset at sea

Morning: Meet Thailand’s gentle giants in an ethical setting—no riding, just observation and feeding as they roam forest and ponds.

A Morning with the Elephants at Phuket Elephant Sanctuary

After, stop by We Café (farm-to-cup) for smoothies and salads, then continue to Big Buddha for widescreen views over Kata, Karon, and Chalong Bay.

Afternoon: Beach time at Nai Harn or Kata. Late lunch beachside—grilled squid, som tam, and fresh coconuts at a local shack hit the spot.

Evening: Board a stylish bay cruise: sea caves, island photo ops, and a golden-hour dinner on deck.

Luxury Boat to James Bond Islands with Lunch and Sunset Dinner

Prefer land-based sunset? Reserve Baba Nest or head to Cape Panwa’s viewpoints for a mellow glow.

Day 7: Phuket Old Town brunch, last dips, and departure

Morning: Brunch at Raya (blue crab curry with rice vermicelli) or Tu Kab Khao’s crab fried rice. If you’d like one more cultural sweep, a quick city tour hits Wat Chalong, windmill viewpoint, and Kata/Karon overlooks; or keep it breezy with a final swim.

Afternoon: Airport transfer for your flight home or onward. Compare fares on Trip.com or Kiwi.com. If you have extra time, Chillva Market (Thu–Sat) is great for souvenirs and snacks.

Practical Dining Map (suggestions to slot into your days)

• Bangkok coffee/breakfast: On Lok Yun (old-school breakfast), Roast (specialty coffee and brunch), % Arabica ICONSIAM (river view).
• Bangkok lunch/dinner: Thipsamai (pad thai on charcoal), Prachak Roast Duck (since 1909), Krua Apsorn (royal Thai classics), Pe Aor (tom yum noodles), Nai Mong Hoi Thod (crispy oyster omelet), Jeh O Chula (late-night tom yum hotpot).
• Bangkok drinks: Tropic City (award-winning cocktails), Tep Bar (Thai herbs and live music), Sky Bar at Lebua (river panorama), Smalls (neighborhood favorite).
• Phuket coffee/brunch: Phuketique, The Feelsion Café, We Café (garden-fresh smoothies).
• Phuket lunch/dinner: One Chun (southern Thai), Tu Kab Khao (crab curry), Raya (heritage mansion; crab curry, moo hong), Mor Mu Dong (rustic seafood near mangroves), Catch Beach Club (Bang Tao; sunset).

Getting between cities

• Bangkok → Phuket flight: ~1 hr 25 min. Typical fares ~$35–120. Search on Trip.com or Kiwi.com. Morning departures help you maximize beach time.
• Local tips: In Bangkok, use river ferries and BTS to avoid traffic; in Phuket, plan extra time for transfers due to hilly roads and occasional showers.

In one week, you’ll have traced Bangkok’s royal road, eaten your way through night markets, glided along old canals, and hopped across Phuket’s most beautiful islands. Thailand rewards curiosity—linger in a lane, say yes to a snack you can’t pronounce, and follow the tide toward sunset.

Return soon: there are always more temples to uncover, more islands to wander, and another unforgettable bowl of noodles waiting around the corner.