Thailand is a tapestry of royal history, glittering temples, mountain jungles, and a food scene that thrills at every price point. Once called Siam, the kingdom flourished along river trade routes, and you still feel that pulse as boats glide the Chao Phraya in Bangkok and longtails skim the khlongs (canals). In the north, Lanna heritage lives on in Chiang Mai’s temples, markets, and traditions.

This 7-day itinerary focuses on two destinations for a smooth, exciting flow: 3 days in Bangkok and 4 days in Chiang Mai. You’ll temple-hop, taste Michelin-rated street food, zip through the city in a tuk-tuk, then head into the mountains for waterfalls, the highest peak in Thailand, and ethical time with elephants.

Practical notes: dress modestly for temples (shoulders/knees covered), carry small bills for street food, and use Grab or public transit in Bangkok. November–February is cooler and drier; April–May is hot; June–October is rainy but lush. Respect local laws (including strict rules about the monarchy) and always choose ethical wildlife experiences.

Bangkok

Bangkok is equal parts royal pageantry and neon nightlife—temples plated in gold, markets where grills hiss through midnight, and a river that reveals the city’s heart. The Grand Palace and Wat Pho are musts; nearby, artisans hammer gold leaf and monks chant at dawn.

Eat like a local: sip thick, smoky Thai iced coffee, crunch into oyster omelets in Chinatown, and try the famous pad thai at Thipsamai. When the heat peaks, ride the BTS Skytrain or a canal boat; after dark, rooftop bars and live-music shophouses buzz.

• Where to stay (Bangkok): Mid-range riverside resort vibes at Anantara Riverside Bangkok Resort. Design-forward budget at Lub d Bangkok Siam or heritage-budget at Niras Bankoc Cultural Hostel. Splurge icons: Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok or The Siam Hotel. Browse more: VRBO Bangkok | Hotels.com Bangkok
• Getting to Bangkok: Find flights on Trip.com or Kiwi.com. Suvarnabhumi (BKK) has the Airport Rail Link; Don Mueang (DMK) is for many low-cost carriers.

Day 1: Arrival, Old Town wander, and a tuk-tuk night feast

Afternoon: Land in Bangkok and check into your hotel. Shake off jet lag with an Old Town stroll: peek at Rattanakosin-era shophouses and sample mango sticky rice at a family stall near Democracy Monument. Coffee fix at Gallery Drip Coffee (slow-bar) or Brave Roasters (Thai beans).

Evening: Kick off with an award-winning night ride—Bangkok by Night: Temples, Markets and Food Tuk-Tuk Tour.

Expect 4–5 hours of tastings (think charcoal-grilled pork skewers, pad thai, and surprise desserts), quick temple stops glowing after dark, and local markets without the daytime heat. Nightcap options: craft cocktails at Teens of Thailand (gin-focused) or traditional herbal infusions with live music at Tep Bar.

Day 2: Palaces, rivers, and dinner on the Chao Phraya

Morning: Beat the crowds at the Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew (Emerald Buddha), then stroll to Wat Pho to see the Reclining Buddha and the renowned massage school. Dress code enforced; rent cover-ups at entrances if needed. Brunch nearby at On Lok Yun (old-school Thai breakfast) or swing to Thipsamai for wok-fired pad thai with orange juice squeezed to order.

Afternoon: See Bangkok’s “Venice of the East” by longtail on the Bangkok Canal Tour: 2-Hour Longtail Boat Ride.

Glide past stilt houses, orchid pots, and waterside temples; wave at kids fishing on wooden steps. Grab a late lunch in Bang Rak: Prachak for roast duck over rice or Jok Prince for smoky congee.

Evening: Dine while the city sparkles aboard The Newest Luxury 5-Star Bangkok Chao Phraya Dinner Cruise.

Expect 2 hours of river breezes, Thai and international dishes, and views of Wat Arun lit up like a lantern.

Day 3: Floating markets, train-through-a-market, and Chinatown

Morning: Early start for the famous market combo: Half-Day Railway Market and Floating Market Tour in Thailand.

Watch vendors whisk awnings in as the train slides through Maeklong, then boat the canals at Damnoen Saduak for boat noodles and coconut ice cream. Return to the city around midday.

Afternoon: Cool off at a cafe—Factory Coffee (competition-grade espresso) or Roast at EmQuartier—and hop the BTS back to your hotel pool. Optional temple add-on: Wat Arun’s riverside spires at golden hour.

Evening: Chinatown (Yaowarat) street-food safari: crispy oyster omelets at Nai Mong Hoi Thod, peppery fish-ball skewers, and sweet-salty durian sticky rice for the bold. For a sit-down, Try Guay Jub Ouan Pochana (peppery rolled rice noodles with pork). Craft cocktails with Thai botanicals at Asia Today to finish.

Travel to Chiang Mai

• Morning departure (Day 4): Fly BKK/DMK → CNX in ~1h15–1h30; fares often $35–80 one-way on low-cost carriers. Search Trip.com flights or Kiwi.com.
• Scenic alternative: Overnight sleeper train (~11–13 hours; $25–50 for air-con bunks). Book via Trip.com trains.

Chiang Mai

Laid-back and creative, Chiang Mai is encircled by mountains and moats, with a walkable Old City full of teak houses and saffron-robed monks. The Lanna capital’s temples—Wat Phra Singh, Wat Chedi Luang—glow at sunset, while the river and Nimman district brim with cafes and live music.

Eat northern: khao soi (curry noodle soup), sai ua (herb sausage), and nam prik noom (green chili dip). Coffee culture is superb thanks to hill-tribe beans; try Ristr8to for latte art theatrics, Akha Ama for social-impact brews, and Graph for minimalist cool.

• Where to stay (Chiang Mai): Mid-range boutique at Green Tiger House. Upscale comfort at Shangri-La Hotel, Chiang Mai. Splurge heritage at 137 Pillars House. Budget favorite: Green Sleep Hostel. Browse more: VRBO Chiang Mai | Hotels.com Chiang Mai

Day 4: Fly north, Old City temples, and jazz

Morning: Depart Bangkok for Chiang Mai by air or night train (see options above). Drop bags and refresh with northern Thai iced tea at Akha Ama or an espresso at Ristr8to.

Afternoon: Walk the Old City: Wat Phra Singh’s Lai Kham chapel murals, Wat Chedi Luang’s 15th-century brick stupa, and tiny Wat Chiang Man with crystal Buddha images. Late lunch: Khao Soi Khun Yai (rustic, beloved) or Khao Soi Mae Sai (silky broth, extra chili oil).

Evening: Dinner in Nimman: Tong Tem Toh for grilled pork jowl and spicy northern dips, or Huen Phen for classic Lanna recipes. Live music at North Gate Jazz Co-Op—standing-room energy, friendly crowd.

Day 5: Doi Inthanon—“Roof of Thailand,” waterfalls, and hill vistas

Full-day small-group escape: Bestseller! Doi Inthanon, Waterfall & Royal Project : Chiang Mai.

Visit Thailand’s highest point, stroll cool forest boardwalks, admire the King and Queen twin pagodas, and feel mist on your face at cascading waterfalls. Expect 8–9 hours door-to-door. Post-tour dinner: SP Chicken (rotisserie over coconut husk coals) or Dash! Teak House for a pretty setting and easy Thai favorites.

Day 6: Ethical elephant time, sticky waterfall, and bamboo rafting

Another full-day adventure with variety: Chiang Mai Elephant Sanctuary, Bamboo Rafting and Waterfall Tour.

Spend time at an ethical sanctuary (no riding), visit a local waterfall (often the fun “sticky” limestone falls), and float a bamboo raft through jungle scenery. Bring water shoes and a change of clothes. Evening reward: massage at a reputable spa, then casual dinner at Khao Soi Nimman or a sizzling plate at Lert Ros (grilled fish, nam jim dipping sauce).

Day 7: Sunrise temple, last tastes, and departure

Morning: Catch sunrise at Wat Phra That Doi Suthep above the city—ring the bells and gaze over the valley. Coffee and croissants at Graph One Nimman or a final northern breakfast of jok (rice porridge) with soft egg and ginger.

Afternoon: Shop for woven textiles and celadon ceramics around the Old City. Depart from Chiang Mai International (CNX), or fly via Bangkok for your onward international connection. Check fares and times on Trip.com or Kiwi.com.

Evening: If you have a late flight, graze the Sunday Walking Street (if it’s Sunday) for handmade crafts and steamed banana cakes, or the Night Bazaar for souvenirs and live bands. Final bite: sai ua sausage and sticky rice to-go for the plane.

Extra Bangkok and Phuket options (if you extend)

Craving island spray on a future trip? From Phuket, iconic day trips include Phang Nga Bay’s caves and James Bond Island or Phi Phi’s cliffs and lagoons:

• Luxury Boat to James Bond Islands with Lunch and Sunset Dinner

  

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

  

Food and budget tips

• Costs: Street food $2–5, mid-range restaurants $8–15, cocktails $6–12. Local transit (BTS/MRT) $0.80–$2 per ride; river ferries $0.30–$1.50. Your mid-range budget (61/100) fits boutique hotels, guided day trips, and nightly feasts without overspend.
• Etiquette: Shoes off in temple buildings, never touch a monk (women especially), and use both hands to receive items. Tipping 10% is appreciated in sit-down spots; round up for taxis.
• Getting around: In Bangkok, use BTS/MRT and river ferries to dodge traffic; Grab for late nights. In Chiang Mai, songthaews (red trucks) and Grab are easy.

Trip summary: In one week you’ll dive into Bangkok’s royal landmarks, canals, markets, and night tours, then trade skyscrapers for Chiang Mai’s cool mountains, waterfalls, and ethical elephant time. It’s fast-moving yet balanced—packed with street food, culture, and outdoor adventure that feels like Thailand at its best.