Thailand has welcomed travelers for centuries—from Ayutthaya’s trade days to Bangkok’s boom and the Andaman Sea’s pearl-like islands. Today, you’ll find sacred temples beside sizzling street carts, and long-tail boats drifting past mangroves where water monitors sunbathe. It’s a country that rewards unhurried wanderers.

Food is a thread through it all: fiery tom yum, charcoal-scented moo ping, and sweet-salty mango sticky rice. Respect local customs at temples (shoulders and knees covered), carry small bills for markets, and hydrate—the tropical sun is real. ATMs are common; cash is still king in smaller shops and street stalls.

For this relaxing, budget-conscious week, you’ll split time between Bangkok and Phuket. Fly into Bangkok, then hop a short domestic flight south. Use Trip.com or Kiwi.com for flight deals; Bangkok’s BTS/MRT and river ferries keep city travel breezy, and Phuket’s beaches and old town invite a slower rhythm.

Bangkok

Bangkok is a great place to start slow. Dawn monks collect alms; by day, palace roofs flash gold; after dark, alleys bloom with skewers, noodles, and neon night markets. The Chao Phraya River is the city’s spine—ride a ferry to catch breezes and glimpses of old Thonburi’s stilted homes.

Top sights range from the Grand Palace and Wat Pho’s reclining Buddha to Wat Arun’s riverside prang. Beyond the icons, wander Chinatown for hawker feasts, or take a long-tail through khlongs (canals) where life unfolds at water level. For gentle afternoons, duck into air-conditioned cafes and let time stretch.

• Stay (budget to midrange): Hostel comfort near the action at Lub d Bangkok Siam or the heritage-tinged Niras Bankoc Cultural Hostel. Upgrade your resort feel across the river at Anantara Riverside Bangkok Resort. Splurge-worthy legend: Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok. Browse more options on Hotels.com or VRBO.
• Getting there: Fly into BKK or DMK; compare fares on Trip.com or Kiwi.com. Airport Rail Link, BTS, MRT, and river boats keep costs low and journeys cool.
• Eat and sip: Breakfast classics at On Lok Yun (soft bread, kaya, Thai coffee). Pad thai with wok fire at Thipsamai (go early). Chinatown’s Yaowarat Road for grilled squid, oyster omelets, and pandan desserts. Slow coffee at Gallery Drip Coffee (BACC) or Phil Coffee Company; budget-friendly, flavorful dinners at Soi Polo Fried Chicken and Krua Apsorn (royal-approved curries).

Day 1: Arrive and Unwind by the River

Afternoon: Land in Bangkok and check in. Ride the Chao Phraya ferry to feel the city’s pulse. Stop for a late lunch: boat noodles at Victory Monument or a curry-and-rice stall near your hotel (look for big pots and lots of locals).

Evening: Consider easing into the city with a serene river dinner cruise—views without the crowds.

The Newest Luxury 5-Star Bangkok Chao Phraya Dinner Cruise: two hours of temples and skyline by night with live music and Thai dishes. If you’d rather keep it ultra-budget, grab satay, papaya salad, and mango sticky rice at Saphan Taksin’s night eats and stroll the riverfront.

Day 2: Bangkok’s Royal Road—Temples Without the Rush

Morning: Beat the heat with a guided half-day of the big three. This clusters Bangkok’s marquee temples with efficient transport and local context.

Bangkok Royal Road – Top 3 Major Monuments: Grand Palace (Emerald Buddha), Wat Pho’s 46m reclining Buddha, and a ferry crossing to Wat Arun. Dress modestly; bring a light scarf/sarong.

Afternoon: Lunch on Rattanakosin: try beef massaman and crab fried rice at Krua Apsorn. Then retreat to a cafe—The Old Siam for Thai desserts—or get a restorative Thai massage (THB 300–600 at reputable local shops).

Evening: Chinatown food crawl: fish-ball noodles at Nai Meng, tender braised goose at Nai Ek Roll Noodles, and crispy roti with condensed milk. End with herbal drinks or iced chrysanthemum tea—refreshing and wallet-friendly.

Day 3: Markets, Khlongs, and a Night Tuk-Tuk Tasting

Morning: Venture beyond the city center to Thailand’s photogenic market pair—train meets canal. It’s touristy but uniquely Thai and great for first-timers.

Half-Day Railway Market and Floating Market Tour: watch vendors fold awnings as a train inches through Maeklong, then boat through Damnoen Saduak’s canals for coconut pancakes and boat noodles.

Afternoon: Back in town, glide the quieter Thonburi canals for a look at everyday riverside life.

Bangkok Canal Tour: 2-Hour Longtail Boat Ride: stilt houses, tiny temples, and lotus ponds. It’s breezy and blissfully slow.

Evening: Cap Bangkok with a tuk-tuk night food tour—easy on logistics and big on flavor.

Bangkok by Night: Temples, Markets and Food Tuk-Tuk Tour: award-winning route featuring sizzling street eats and after-hours temple views without daytime heat.

Phuket

Phuket is Thailand’s soft-landing into island time. Settle into a hammock, wander pastel Sino-Portuguese shophouses in Old Town, and let the Andaman’s blues do the heavy lifting. You can keep it simple: fruit shakes, a good book, and tide schedules.

Beaches each have a mood: Kamala for calm, Kata for gentle surf, Nai Harn for clear water, and Laem Singh for a tucked-away feel. Inland, rubber plantations give way to shrines and noodle shops; evenings hum with night markets, grilled seafood, and cool desserts.

• Stay (budget to midrange): Sociable and steps to the shore at Lub d Phuket Patong. Family-friendly and easy-going at Sunwing Kamala Beach or splash-out sandfront at Centara Grand Beach Resort Phuket. Ultra-splurge: Trisara Phuket or Amanpuri. Browse widely on Hotels.com or VRBO.
• Getting there from Bangkok: 1h20 nonstop flight (BKK/DMK to HKT). Typical low-cost fares from ~$35–$80 one-way when booked early. Compare on Trip.com or Kiwi.com. Airport to Kamala/Kata is ~45–70 minutes by taxi or shared minivan.
• Eat and sip: Old Town staples include One Chun (southern curries), Go Benz (peppery pork rice soup), and Tu Kab Khao (crab and gaeng som). Beachside days call for grilled corn, fresh coconuts, and banana roti. Coffee lovers: Campus Coffee Roaster in Old Town; Bake at Cherngtalay for croissants and cold brew.

Day 4: Bangkok to Phuket—Beach Breather

Morning: Fly south to Phuket on an early flight. Book via Trip.com or Kiwi.com. Grab a shared minivan or taxi to your hotel.

Afternoon: Ease in with a beach session at Kamala or Kata: float, nap, repeat. Lunch on the sand—grilled fish with lime and chili, fresh fruit shakes.

Evening: Head to Phuket Old Town: colorful shophouses, lantern-lit lanes. Dinner at One Chun (southern-style turmeric curries, crabmeat stir-fries). Finish with coconut ice cream or a roti stand.

Day 5: Phang Nga Bay—Sea Caves and Slow Water

This day tour is relaxed and scenic: limestone karsts, emerald water, canoeing through sea caves and lagoons. It’s less frantic than island-hopping speedboats and perfect for a mellow pace.

Phang Nga Bay Sea Cave Canoeing & James Bond Island (Big Boat): guides paddle you through “hongs” (hidden lagoons). A calm, photogenic day with island stop-offs.

Alternative for island fans: early-start Phi Phi for clearer coves.

Phi Phi Islands Adventure Day Trip: early-bird departures help beat some crowds; expect snorkeling over bright coral, turquoise lagoons, and a seaview lunch.

Day 6: Ethical Elephant Morning + Poolside Afternoon

Morning: Meet rescued elephants at an ethical sanctuary. You’ll walk alongside them, watch them forage and bathe, and learn their stories—no riding.

A Morning with the Elephants at Phuket Elephant Sanctuary: Phuket’s pioneering no-ride sanctuary—quiet, meaningful, and aligned with animal welfare.

Afternoon: Pool-and-book time or a gentle beach club session. For a splashy treat, consider this floating pool day experience (fun but optional for budget travelers):

YONA Beach Club: a floating day club with a giant pool and Andaman views; great for sunset photos.

Evening: Dinner at Go Benz (peppery pork rice soup, crispy pork, long queues but fast turnover). Wind down with a foot massage and fresh fruit shakes.

Day 7: Slow Morning and Departure

Morning: Sunrise stroll on the sand; coffee at Campus Coffee Roaster. Pick up last snacks: dried mango, roasted cashews, or Phuket pineapple.

Afternoon: Fly out from Phuket. Search one-ways or open-jaws on Trip.com or Kiwi.com. Aim to reach HKT 2–2.5 hours pre-flight to cushion island traffic.

Budget-wise tips (aimed at your 37/100 budget)

• Prioritize street food and local shophouses—full meals often under THB 120–200.
• Use public transit in Bangkok (BTS/MRT + river ferries) and shared transfers in Phuket.
• Choose 1–2 paid day tours total; keep other days free and beachy.
• Book domestic flights early and travel with carry-on to avoid fees.

Getting between cities: Bangkok to Phuket flight ~1h20; check multiple time slots on Trip.com or Kiwi.com. Expect total hotel-to-hotel time ~4–5 hours (check-out, airport ride, flight, baggage, transfer).

This week steers you toward slow joys: temple courtyards glowing at dusk, canal breezes, and long, lazy beach afternoons. With a couple of well-chosen tours and plenty of unscheduled time, you’ll taste Thailand’s best without rushing—and return home rested, sun-kissed, and well-fed.