Thailand rewards curiosity. From the royal splendor of Bangkok’s Grand Palace and the reclining Buddha of Wat Pho to the narrow khlongs where wooden houses lean into the water, the capital is a place where history and street food share the same sidewalk. Chiang Mai, once the Lanna Kingdom’s capital, trades neon for mountain breezes, gilded chedis, and artisan workshops that still hand‑make umbrellas and silver.

Expect bold flavors—fiery som tam, wok‑seared pad thai, coconut‑rich khao soi—served at streetside shophouses that are institutions unto themselves. Night markets are a nightly ritual; river cruises show the cities from their oldest highways; and temple roofs shimmer at sunrise and dusk. Dress modestly for temples (shoulders and knees covered), carry small change for boats and markets, and bring sunscreen for long days outdoors.

Practical notes: Bangkok is best navigated via BTS Skytrain, MRT, river ferries, and Grab for short hops. In Chiang Mai, most sights cluster within the Old City; red songthaews and Grab make easy connections further afield. For flights into Thailand or between cities, search deals on Trip.com Flights or Kiwi.com. Thailand rail is scenic for longer journeys—see Trip.com Trains.

Bangkok

Bangkok’s story begins upriver in Ayutthaya, then explodes into color in Rattanakosin (the Old City), where the Grand Palace, Wat Pho, and Wat Arun line the Chao Phraya. Cross the river by long‑tail boat, sample Chinatown’s wok fire at night, and slip into quiet canals where Bangkok’s wooden stilt houses recall a different pace.

• Don’t miss: Grand Palace & Emerald Buddha, Wat Pho’s 46‑meter Reclining Buddha, Wat Arun at sunset, Chinatown (Yaowarat), Banglamphu & Khao San’s backpacker lore, ICONSIAM and Asiatique riverside.
• Eat and drink: Thip Samai for classic pad thai; Krua Apsorn for crab omelet and royal‑style curries; Jay Fai for wok‑kissed seafood (long waits); Nai Mong Hoi Thod for oyster omelet; On Lok Yun for old‑school breakfast; Sarnies or Roast for specialty coffee.
• How to arrive: Suvarnabhumi (BKK) to city via Airport Rail Link (30 minutes to Phaya Thai). Find fares on Trip.com Flights or Kiwi.com.

Where to stay (Bangkok): For riverside serenity, the storied Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok or family‑friendly Anantara Riverside Bangkok Resort. For design‑forward splurge, The Siam Hotel. Boutique/hostel picks: Lub d Bangkok Siam, Lub d Bangkok Silom, or Niras Bankoc Cultural Hostel. Browse more on VRBO Bangkok or Hotels.com Bangkok.

Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai’s moat‑ringed Old City houses teak monasteries and monk‑led chanting at dusk. Climb to Wat Phra That Doi Suthep for a mountain panorama, then wander lanes of wooden houses and cafés roasting beans from nearby hills. Night bazaars hum with artisans hammering silver and carving wood, keeping Lanna traditions alive.

• Don’t miss: Doi Suthep at sunrise, Wat Chedi Luang and Wat Phra Singh, Warorot Market, Sunday Walking Street, Nimmanhaemin’s cafés and boutiques, handicraft villages of Baan Tawai and Bo Sang.
• Eat and drink: Khao Soi Khun Yai or Khao Soi Mae Sai for Chiang Mai’s iconic curry noodles; Tong Tem Toh for spicy northern dishes; Huen Phen for Lanna classics; coffee at Ristr8to, Graph Café, and Akha Ama.
• Getting there: Fly Bangkok–Chiang Mai in ~1h15 (often $30–$80 one‑way). Search deals on Trip.com Flights or Kiwi.com. Scenic overnight train (10–13h; ~$20–$40 sleeper) via Trip.com Trains.

Where to stay (Chiang Mai): Splurge on heritage at 137 Pillars House or resort comforts at Shangri‑La Hotel, Chiang Mai. Great midrange eco‑minded Green Tiger House; budget‑friendly Green Sleep Hostel. Browse more on VRBO Chiang Mai or Hotels.com Chiang Mai.

Day 1: Arrive in Bangkok, Riverside First Impressions

Afternoon: Arrive at Suvarnabhumi (BKK) and ride the Airport Rail Link to Phaya Thai (≈30 minutes), then BTS or taxi to your hotel. Drop your bags and stroll the river promenade—ICONSIAM’s indoor market is an easy place to graze on mango sticky rice and boat noodles while you shake off jet lag.

Evening: Toast your first night with a Chao Phraya dinner cruise—temples and palaces glow in gold as you glide past. Book the 8–10 p.m. sailing here: The Newest Luxury 5-Star Bangkok Chao Phraya Dinner Cruise.

Pre‑ or post‑cruise bites: Grab a preboard coffee at Sarnies (roastery in a century‑old shophouse) and, after docking, wander Asiatique’s riverfront for late‑night desserts or Thai craft beer.

Day 2: Bangkok’s Royal Road + Night Tuk‑Tuk Eats

Morning: Cover the big three with an expert guide—Grand Palace & Emerald Buddha, Wat Pho, and cross‑river Wat Arun. Respectful attire required (shoulders/knees covered). Reserve: Bangkok Royal Road – Top 3 Major Monuments.

Afternoon: Refuel at Krua Apsorn (order the crab omelet and green curry) or Thip Samai for a smoky pad thai cooked over charcoal. Cool off with a traditional Thai massage near Wat Pho, then ferry back across the river to admire Wat Arun’s porcelain mosaics up close.

Evening: Hop into a three‑wheeler for Bangkok’s best after‑dark eats and hidden temples. This award‑winning ride pairs night markets, street snacks, and secret viewpoints: Bangkok by Night: Temples, Markets and Food Tuk‑Tuk Tour.

Day 3: Railway Market, Floating Market, and Canals

Morning: Leave early to watch vendors whisk awnings off the tracks as the train rolls through Maeklong, then boat through Damnoen Saduak’s canals for fruit, noodles, and scenes of rural river life. Book the small‑group excursion: Half‑Day Railway Market and Floating Market Tour.

Afternoon: Return to Bangkok and grab a late lunch in Chinatown: Nai Mong Hoi Thod for an extra‑crispy oyster omelet or roast duck rice at Prachak on Charoen Krung. For coffee, slip into Phil Coffee Company or Blue Whale for an iced butterfly‑pea latte.

Evening: Explore Yaowarat’s neon avenues—try peppery boat noodles, mango sticky rice, and grilled skewers. Nightcap at a rooftop like Octave (360‑degree city views) or a hidden speakeasy along Soi Nana (Chinatown), depending on your vibe.

Day 4: Morning Flight to Chiang Mai, Old City Wandering

Morning: Fly Bangkok (BKK/DMK) to Chiang Mai (CNX), ~1h15; tickets often $30–$80. Search fares on Trip.com Flights or Kiwi.com. CNX is 15–20 minutes from the Old City by taxi or Grab.

Afternoon: Check in, then loop the Old City: Wat Chedi Luang’s weathered brick chedi and Wat Phra Singh’s Lanna‑era murals. Coffee crawl at Ristr8to (award‑winning latte art) or Akha Ama (beans from hill‑tribe growers).

Evening: Eat khao soi—the city’s signature curry noodle soup—at Khao Soi Khun Yai (daytime) or Khao Soi Mae Sai (later hours). Shop the Night Bazaar and Warorot Market for textiles, spices, and handmade woodwork. Casual drinks at Ploen Ruedee Night Market’s live‑music courtyard.

Day 5: Doi Suthep Sunrise, River Life, and Lanna Flavors

Morning: Head up to Wat Phra That Doi Suthep early—ring the bells as the city wakes beneath you. After descending, float the Mae Ping past gardens and stilt houses on this gentle cultural cruise: Chiang Mai Mae Ping River Cruise and Thai Farmer House Visit.

Afternoon: Lunch on nimman favorites at Tong Tem Toh (crispy pork belly, spicy nam prik ong). Browse Nimmanhaemin’s boutiques and art spaces; break for a pour‑over at Graph or a coconut ice cream near the moat.

Evening: Sit‑down Lanna dinner at Huen Phen (try gaeng hung lay pork curry and sai ua sausage). If it’s Sunday, the Walking Street market fills Ratchadamnoen Road with crafts and music—arrive by 5 p.m. to beat the crowds.

Day 6: Cooking, Crafts, and a Slow Night Market

Morning: Join a Thai cooking class with a market visit—learn to balance sweet, sour, salty, and spicy while making tom yum, green curry, and mango sticky rice. Many schools include hotel pickup and cater to vegetarians; book at least a day ahead.

Afternoon: Head to Bo Sang (Umbrella Village) to watch hand‑painting, or Baan Tawai for woodcarving. Back in town, unwind with a foot massage near Tha Phae Gate and grab a late coffee at Akha Ama La Fattoria.

Evening: Graze at Chang Puak (North Gate) night food stalls—charcoal‑grilled chicken, pork skewers, and bowls of khao kha moo (braised pork leg) made famous by the “Cowgirl Hat Lady.” For a quiet drink, try a craft‑beer bar off Nimman or a riverside wine at The Good View.

Day 7: Morning Markets and Farewell

Morning: Early stop at Warorot Market for last‑minute spices, Chiang Mai coffee beans, and handwoven scarves. Brunch at Rustic & Blue (farm‑to‑table plates) or SS1254372 Café (artsy space with great Thai iced coffee).

Afternoon: Airport transfer (15–20 minutes). If flying onward internationally via Bangkok, aim for at least a 2.5–3‑hour connection window. For tickets and schedules, check Trip.com Flights or Kiwi.com.

Bangkok hotel picks (quick links): Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok | Anantara Riverside Bangkok Resort | The Siam Hotel | Lub d Bangkok Siam | Niras Bankoc Cultural Hostel | Browse: VRBO Bangkok / Hotels.com Bangkok

Chiang Mai hotel picks (quick links): 137 Pillars House | Shangri‑La Hotel, Chiang Mai | Green Tiger House | Green Sleep Hostel | Browse: VRBO Chiang Mai / Hotels.com Chiang Mai

In seven days you’ll have traced royal Bangkok, sailed the Chao Phraya, tasted market‑fresh bites, climbed to Doi Suthep’s hilltop, and cruised Chiang Mai’s Mae Ping. Thailand’s rhythm is easy to fall into—one temple at sunrise, one night market at a time—leaving just enough unsolved magic to bring you back.