Two dynamic destinations, one week of rich culture and flavor. Begin in Chennai, the gateway to South India, shaped by powerful dynasties, colonial chapters, and a classical arts heartbeat. Its living temples and coastal neighborhoods tell stories in stone and spice.

Fly next to Bangkok, where saffron-robed monks share streets with sizzling woks and neon-lit tuk tuks. Temples gleam by the Chao Phraya River, canals reveal a slower rhythm, and night markets present a rolling feast. It’s a city that rewards curiosity at every turn.

Practical notes: Dress modestly for temples (shoulders and knees covered). Hydrate—both cities run warm year-round. For flights and trains, compare fares on Trip.com Flights, Kiwi.com, and (for Asia rails) Trip.com Trains. South Indian filter coffee, Thai iced milk tea, and lots of sunscreen belong in your daily routine.

Chennai

Chennai rewards early mornings: temple bells in Mylapore, fishermen hauling nets at sunrise, and the aroma of ghee-drenched dosa crackling on a hot tawa. Art enthusiasts love the Government Museum’s Chola bronzes; music fans time trips with the December Margazhi season.

• Top sights: Kapaleeshwarar Temple, San Thome Basilica, Fort St. George, Marina Beach, Mahabalipuram’s UNESCO monuments (easy day trip).
• What to eat: soft idlis with cascading sambar at Ratna Cafe, “Chicken 65” where it was popularized at Buhari, Chettinad curries, and banana-leaf vegetarian thalis.
• Good to know: Traffic is real—cluster sights by neighborhood. Carry small bills for auto-rickshaws and street eats.

Where to stay (Chennai):

• High-end: The Leela Palace Chennai (bay views, refined South Indian dining).
• Resort feel: Taj Fisherman’s Cove Resort & Spa (beachfront, great if you love the sea).
• City comfort: Taj Club House (central, good pool and restaurants).
• Budget: Treebo Trend Nestlay Casa (clean, good value near the action).
• Browse more: Hotels.com: Chennai or VRBO: Chennai.

Getting to Chennai: International flights arrive at MAA; taxis and app cabs take 45–75 minutes to the center (~INR 500–1,200). Compare fares on Trip.com Flights or Kiwi.com. The metro links the airport to central stations (INR 20–60).

Day 1: Arrive, Coffee, and a Temple-Gilded Sunset

Afternoon: Land in Chennai and settle into your hotel. Shake off jet lag over a South Indian coffee at Amethyst’s Garden Cafe (leafy bungalow, boutique on site) or Chamiers (old-world decor, good bakes). If you’re hungry, go easy with mini idlis at Murugan Idli Shop (ghee podi is a must).

Evening: Head to Mylapore’s Kapaleeshwarar Temple. The gopuram’s riot of color—myth on myth—is magical at dusk. Stroll around the temple tank and peek at flower stalls. Dinner nearby at Mylai Karpagambal Mess (home-style vegetarian classics) or hop to Buhari on Mount Road to try their famous Chicken 65 with flaky parottas.

Night: Walk Marina Beach for a sea breeze and street snacks (sundal, spicy corn). Early lights-out—tomorrow dives deeper.

Day 2: Stories of Old Madras + Street Food Safari

Morning: Explore Mylapore with an expert storyteller on the Private Peacock Trail Walking Tour in Mylapore.

Listen to origin tales of Hindu deities, learn temple etiquette, and decode the Kolam patterns at thresholds. Breakfast after at Ratna Cafe—idlis here wear sambar like a velvet shawl.

Afternoon: Trace colonial footprints at Fort St. George and the Indo-Gothic San Thome Basilica. Then Chennai Government Museum for exquisite Chola bronzes—look for the fluid grace of Nataraja. Coffee at The Brew Room (garden nooks, cold brew on tap).

Evening: Dive into North Chennai’s snack wonderland on the Sowcarpet Street Food Walking Tour.

Sample pani puri, kachori chaat, and rose milk—guided helps you find the best stalls and keep things hygienic.

Day 3: UNESCO Stones by the Sea—Mahabalipuram Day Trip

All day: Follow the old Pallava coastline to the Shore Temple, Pancha Rathas, and Arjuna’s Penance on the Mahabalipuram Day Tour from Chennai (with Lunch, Guide, Entrances).

It’s 60–90 minutes each way along the scenic East Coast Road; granite sanctuaries glow at golden hour. Back in Chennai, dine at Ente Keralam (buffalo curd fish moilee, flaky parotta) or The Marina for fresh seafood fry with curry leaves.

Morning flight to Thailand (Day 4): Nonstop Chennai–Bangkok is about 3h45m on several carriers; typical one-way fares range ~$120–260 depending on season. Compare on Trip.com Flights or Kiwi.com. Aim for a morning departure to maximize your first Bangkok afternoon.

Bangkok

Bangkok is a tapestry: royal palaces, waterside wats, and alleyway kitchens perfuming the night with garlic and chilies. Ride the BTS above it all, then dip into canals where wooden homes tilt over the water and smiles come easy.

• Top sights: Grand Palace & Wat Phra Kaew, Wat Pho’s reclining Buddha, Wat Arun at sunset, Chinatown’s Yaowarat, the klongs (canals).
• Signature bites: Pad thai at Thipsamai, crab omelet at Jay Fai (queues!), khao soi at Ong Tong, tom yum at Jeh O Chula, fiery pad kra pao at Phed Mark.
• Good to know: Respectful templewear required; carry a light scarf. Use BTS/MRT or river boats to skip traffic; Grab works well late at night.

Where to stay (Bangkok):

• Iconic luxury: Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok (riverside elegance, legendary service).
• Design-forward boutique: The Siam Hotel (serene urban resort with Thai antiques).
• Leisure by the river: Anantara Riverside Bangkok Resort (ferry to the BTS, big pool).
• Stylish hostels: Lub d Bangkok Siam, Niras Bankoc Cultural Hostel, or Lub d Bangkok Silom.
• Browse more: Hotels.com: Bangkok.

Arrival: From BKK, the Airport Rail Link reaches Phaya Thai in ~30 minutes (~45 THB). A taxi to riverside hotels is 45–75 minutes depending on traffic (250–450 THB plus tolls).

Day 4: Fly to Bangkok, Temples by Day, River by Night

Afternoon: Check in and head straight to Rattanakosin. If you prefer a guided romp through the big three, book the Bangkok Royal Road – Grand Palace, Wat Pho, Wat Arun.

It’s efficient, culturally rich, and ideal if you’re short on time.

Evening: Celebrate your first night on the water with The Newest Luxury 5-Star Chao Phraya Dinner Cruise.

Temples and prang spires glow gold as you dine—bring a light layer for the river breeze.

Day 5: Old Bangkok, Canal Life, and Rooftop Views

Morning: Breakfast at On Lok Yun (vintage café vibes, Thai-style toast and eggs) or Sarnies (excellent flat whites, sourdough). Revisit any temple you rushed yesterday; then detour to the flower market (Pak Khlong Talat) for a kaleidoscope of jasmine and marigold garlands.

Afternoon: See Bangkok’s watery backstreets on a 2-Hour Longtail Boat Canal Tour.

Glide past teak stilt houses and hidden temples, and watch life unfold at water level.

Evening: Pad thai at Thipsamai (char-kissed noodles; orange juice is famous) or stir-fried crab at Jay Fai if you’re patient. Cap the night with crafted cocktails at Teens of Thailand (gin-forward) or Tep Bar (Thai herb infusions, nightly live music).

Day 6: Markets on Rails, Night Eats by Tuk Tuk

Morning: Experience two uniquely Thai spectacles on the Half-Day Railway Market and Floating Market Tour.

Watch umbrellas fold as the train slides through Maeklong, then boat through Damnoen Saduak for coconut pancakes and boat noodles.

Afternoon: Return for a Thai massage (1–2 hours) and a café fix at Roast or Gallery Drip Coffee. If shopping calls, explore Thai designers at Siam Square or handicrafts at a riverside community mall.

Evening: Eat your way across the city on the award-winning Bangkok by Night: Temples, Markets and Food Tuk-Tuk Tour.

You’ll hit local-favorite stalls, a temple shimmering after dark, and late-night desserts—no logistics, just flavors.

Day 7: Last Bites and Departure

Morning: If it’s a weekend, browse Chatuchak Market for ceramics and textiles; otherwise, stroll Banglamphu’s indie shops. Brunch on khao soi at Ong Tong (Ari) or order a spicy pad kra pao at Phed Mark (great fried egg crown).

Afternoon: Head to BKK or DMK with buffer time for traffic. Airport Rail Link is predictably swift; taxis are easiest with luggage. Compare any last-minute flight changes on Trip.com Flights or Kiwi.com.

Where to eat and drink (quick list to mix into your days):

• Chennai breakfast: Ratna Cafe (idli-sambar), Sangeetha (ghee roast dosa), The Brew Room (garden coffee).
• Chennai lunch/dinner: Ente Keralam (fish moilee), The Marina (grilled catch of the day), Buhari (Chicken 65), Junior Kuppanna (Kongu Nadu biryani).
• Bangkok daytime: Krua Apsorn (royal Thai recipes), Nai Mong Hoi Thod (crispy oyster omelet), Roast (brunch and coffee).
• Bangkok night: Thipsamai (pad thai), Jeh O Chula (tom yum “mama” noodles after 10 p.m.), Tep Bar or Teens of Thailand (craft cocktails).

Getting between cities: Chennai (MAA) to Bangkok (BKK/DMK) nonstops ~3h45m; fares ~$120–260 one-way. Book early for the best prices via Trip.com Flights or Kiwi.com. In-city, rely on metro/BTS, river ferries, and taxis with clear destination notes.

Optional add-ons if you have extra time: In Chennai, consider a home-cooking class like Private In-Home Vegetarian Cooking Class.

In Bangkok, food lovers can also try the Bangkok Michelin Food by Tuk Tuk.

In a single week you’ll trace stone-carved epics on India’s Coromandel Coast and taste Bangkok’s future-meets-tradition foodscape, from canals at noon to neon at midnight. This plan keeps logistics light and experiences deep—temples, markets, beaches, and beautiful plates, stitched into one memorable journey.