Thailand—formerly Siam—balances gilded tradition with modern spark. Theravada Buddhism shapes daily rhythms, from temple bells at dawn to saffron-robed monks collecting alms. The country was never colonized, and that proud independence shows in its cuisine, crafts, and festivals.

Across one week, you’ll taste pad thai from sizzling woks, drift by longtail boat through Bangkok’s khlongs, and meet elephants with ethics at the heart of the experience. Expect grand temples, hidden sois, night markets, and coffee culture that rivals any capital.

Practical notes: The Thai baht (THB) is widely cash-friendly; carry small bills for markets. Dress modestly at temples (shoulders and knees covered). Peak travel season runs November–February; hot season is March–May. Use meter taxis, the BTS/MRT, or Grab; watch for tuk-tuk “gem shop” detours and always agree on prices first.

Bangkok

Bangkok is a city of contrasts: shimmering spires at the Grand Palace, orange-robed monks at Wat Pho, and ferries skimming the Chao Phraya. Food is a religion here—one block is peppered with street carts, the next with Michelin stars. Rooftops blaze at sunset while canal neighborhoods remain blissfully old-school.

Top sights include the Grand Palace, Wat Pho’s Reclining Buddha, riverside Wat Arun, and Jim Thompson House. Food pilgrims chase wok fire at Thipsamai, crab omelets at Jay Fai, and Southern Thai heat at Sorn. For coffee, Gallery Drip Coffee and Phil Coffee Company lead the third-wave scene.

• Where to stay (search by neighborhood): Old Town/Rattanakosin for temples and river access; Riverside for views and calm; Sukhumvit for nightlife and BTS connections.
  • VRBO Bangkok stays
  • Hotels.com Bangkok hotels
• Getting there & around: Fly into BKK (Suvarnabhumi) or DMK (Don Mueang). Search regional and long-haul fares on Trip.com Flights or Kiwi.com Flights. In-town, use BTS/MRT, river boats, or Grab.

Day 1: Arrival in Bangkok + First Tastes

Morning: In transit to Thailand.

Afternoon: Land at BKK/DMK, ride the Airport Rail Link or Grab to your hotel. Shake off jet lag with a river breeze: hop a Chao Phraya Express Boat to Tha Tien pier and stroll the alleys around Wat Pho for snacks like mango sticky rice and grilled pork skewers.

Evening: Ease in with dinner at The Deck by Arun Residence (Thai classics with Wat Arun views) or Supanniga Eating Room (heritage recipes, refined). Nightcap at Sala Rattanakosin Rooftop or a craft G&T at Teens of Thailand in Chinatown.

Day 2: Palaces, Temples, and Chinatown Night Feast

Morning: Visit the Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew at opening time; dress code enforced. Walk to Wat Pho to admire the 46-meter Reclining Buddha, then book a 30-minute traditional Thai massage at the on-site school.

Afternoon: Cross the river by ferry to Wat Arun; climb the central prang for views. Late lunch at Krua Apsorn (royal-approved crab omelet and green curry) or Raan Jay Fai if you’ve secured a reservation; expect queues and fiery stir-fries.

Evening: Food-crawl through Yaowarat (Chinatown): peppery peppery pepper soup at Nai Ek Roll Noodles, oysters omelet at Nai Mong Hoi Thod, and sweet finish with black sesame dumplings in ginger tea at Sweettime. Sip a cocktail at Tep Bar, where live traditional music meets Thai herb infusions.

Day 3: Khlong Life, Markets, and Rooftop Sunset

Morning: Take a longtail-boat tour of Thonburi’s canals from Wang Lang or Tha Chang pier; see stilt houses, orchid pots, and sleepy waterside shrines. If it’s a weekend, continue to Taling Chan Floating Market for grilled river prawns and boat noodles; on weekdays, swap for Or Tor Kor Market’s immaculate fruit stalls.

Afternoon: Art and design stop at Jim Thompson House for mid-century Thai craft history. Coffee at Gallery Drip Coffee next door or drop into Rocket Coffeebar for a light lunch (smorrebrod and salads). Shoppers: if it’s Saturday/Sunday, Chatuchak beckons; otherwise, explore the new-wave Jodd Fairs (Rama 9) for trend-driven bites.

Evening: Sunset from Mahanakhon SkyWalk followed by dinner at Nahm (elegant central Thai tasting menus) or the Southern Thai powerhouse Sorn (book well in advance). Cap the night at Mahanakhon SkyBar or the dome-topped Sky Bar at Lebua for cinematic cityscapes.

Chiang Mai

Set against forested hills, Chiang Mai moves at a gentler pace. The moated Old City hides teak houses, gilded wats, and courtyard cafes, while the Nimmanhaemin district brings art galleries, co-working spots, and specialty roasters.

Highlights include Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, the Sunday Walking Street, and ethical elephant encounters. Taste Northern Thai signatures—khao soi with crispy noodles, nam prik noom chili dip, and herb-stuffed sai ua sausage—best savored at family-run spots.

• Where to stay (search by neighborhood): Old City for temple-hopping on foot; Nimman for cafes, boutiques, and nightlife.
  • VRBO Chiang Mai stays
  • Hotels.com Chiang Mai hotels
• Getting there: Fly BKK/DMK → CNX in ~1h15m (often $30–$90) via Trip.com Flights or Kiwi.com Flights. Prefer slow travel? The overnight sleeper train takes ~11–13 hours; book on Trip.com Trains.

Day 4: Fly to Chiang Mai + Old City Wanders

Morning: Flight Bangkok → Chiang Mai (~1h15m). Typical fares run $30–$90; morning departures maximize your time. Grab a taxi or prebook a hotel transfer from CNX (15–25 minutes to Old City/Nimman).

Afternoon: Check in, then make a gentle loop: Wat Phra Singh’s Lanna-era murals, Wat Chedi Luang’s 14th-century brick stupa, and a quiet monk chat (afternoons) to learn about Buddhist life. Coffee at Ristr8to (award-winning latte art) or Graph Cafe (minimalist, creative drinks).

Evening: Dinner at Huen Phen (classic Northern recipes—try the gaeng hang lay pork curry) or Tong Tem Toh (smoky sai ua sausage and larb kua). Browse the Night Bazaar; on Saturdays, Wua Lai Walking Street comes alive with handicrafts and street snacks.

Day 5: Ethical Elephant Day (Full-Day Tour)

Spend the day at Elephant Nature Park, a respected sanctuary focused on rescue and rehabilitation. Hotel pickup is typically 7:30–8:00 a.m., returning around 5:00–5:30 p.m. Expect feeding, observing herds roam, and learning about the elephants’ stories—no riding or performances. Bring closed-toe shoes, a refillable bottle, sunscreen, and modest attire you don’t mind getting dusty. Book at least a week ahead in high season.

Day 6: Doi Suthep, Hmong Village, and a Thai Cooking Class

Morning: Drive or songthaew up to Wat Phra That Doi Suthep; climb the naga staircase for sunrise light over the city. Continue to a nearby Hmong village for simple mountain views and textiles, or hike a short stretch of the Monk’s Trail down.

Afternoon: Thai cooking class: Thai Farm Cooking School (organic garden just outside town) or Praew’s Thai Home Kitchen (intimate, market visit). You’ll pound curry paste and master khao soi, pad kra pao, and mango sticky rice; plan 4–5 hours.

Evening: Reward yourself at Fah Lanna Spa (classic Lanna treatments), then dinner at Khao Soi Mae Sai or Khao Soi Khun Yai for the city’s signature bowl. For a final toast, sip local craft beer at My BEER Friend Taproom or cocktails at Midnight Chicken’s speakeasy next door after crispy fried chicken and sticky rice.

Day 7: Morning Markets and Departure

Morning: Browse Warorot Market for tea, spices, and handwoven textiles; grab breakfast at Blue Diamond (vegetarian-friendly) or Rustic & Blue (Nimman) for brunch. Last-minute coffee at Akha Ama, supporting hill-tribe growers.

Afternoon: Transfer to CNX for your flight. Short hops to Bangkok run all day; connect onward across Asia using Trip.com Flights or Kiwi.com Flights. If you prefer the rails back to Bangkok, check timetables and sleepers on Trip.com Trains.

Food & Drink Shortlist (Save This!)

• Bangkok breakfast/coffee: Phil Coffee Company (Sukhumvit 61), Brave Roasters (Ari), Luka (Silom) for eggs benedict and cold brew.
• Bangkok lunch: Thipsamai (Legendary pad thai), Somtum Der (Isan papaya salads and grilled chicken), Pe Aor (creamy tom yum noodle bowls).
• Bangkok dinner: Jay Fai (fiery wok seafood; reserve/queue), Nahm (refined Thai), Baan (home-style Thai by Chef Ton) for family-style spreads.
• Chiang Mai breakfast/coffee: Akha Ama, Ristr8to, Graph One Nimman.
• Chiang Mai lunch: Khao Soi Khun Yai, Khao Soi Mae Sai, SP Chicken (rotisserie with tamarind dip).
• Chiang Mai dinner: Huen Phen (Northern set meals), Tong Tem Toh (grilled meats, spicy dips), Ginger Farm Kitchen (farm-to-table Thai).

Getting Between Cities (At a Glance)

• Bangkok ⇄ Chiang Mai by air: ~1h15m; $30–$90. Search on Trip.com Flights or Kiwi.com Flights.
• Overnight train: 11–13 hours with AC sleepers (~$25–$45). Book via Trip.com Trains. Bring a light layer; stations are well-signed.

By weaving Bangkok’s energy with Chiang Mai’s serene lanes, this 7-day Thailand itinerary delivers temples, river life, markets, and meals you’ll talk about for years. Let the spice, smiles, and sunsets guide your pace—and save room for one more bowl of khao soi.