Thailand charms first-time and repeat visitors alike with glittering temples, floating markets, mountain sanctuaries, and some of Asia’s best street food. From the Chao Phraya River’s glow to misty northern hills, it’s a country made for unhurried mornings and lively nights. This 7-day Thailand itinerary pairs Bangkok’s energy with Chiang Mai’s calm to match your “Relaxing” vibe.

Bangkok began as a trading post and blossomed into a megacity where royal palaces sit beside shophouse alleys and rooftop bars. Chiang Mai—founded in 1296—was the Lanna Kingdom’s capital, and its old city walls still cradle golden stupas, teak houses, and easy-going cafes. Between the two, you’ll find live jazz, neighborhood night markets, and warm Thai hospitality.

Practical notes: Thailand’s cool/dry season (Nov–Feb) is the easiest for city wandering; summer showers are brief but refreshing. Cash is handy (baht), though cards are increasingly accepted. Eat where it’s busy, hydrate, and build in foot massages—your best-value reset after each day of walking.

Bangkok

Bangkok is big-hearted and buzzing: royal history at the Grand Palace, buddhas reclining and sky-piercing, canals laced through quiet neighborhoods, and food stalls serving everything from boat noodles to mango sticky rice. When the sun goes down, the city hums with live music—from molam and jazz to indie rock—alongside neon night markets.

• Top sights: Grand Palace & Wat Phra Kaew, Wat Pho, Wat Arun at sunset, Chinatown (Yaowarat), Bangkok Art & Culture Centre, Lumpini Park.
• Nightlife & concerts: Saxophone Pub (classic live jazz/blues), Smalls (eclectic sets and great cocktails), Tep Bar (traditional Thai music sets), live bands around Khao San and Rambuttri.
• Budget bites: Jok Prince (smoky congee), Nai Ek Roll Noodles, Thipsamai (old-school pad thai), boat noodles at Victory Monument.

Stay (budget-forward): For deals and apartments, browse VRBO Bangkok or compare hotels on Hotels.com Bangkok. Specific good-value picks: Lub d Bangkok Siam (social, steps from BTS), Niras Bankoc Cultural Hostel (Old Town, heritage feel). For riverside relaxation, midrange-to-splurge options include Anantara Riverside Bangkok Resort and Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok.

Getting in: Search international and regional flights via Trip.com Flights or Kiwi.com. From Suvarnabhumi, the Airport Rail Link reaches downtown in ~30 minutes; from Don Mueang, local trains or taxis/ride-hails are easiest.

Day 1: Arrive in Bangkok, easy evening

Morning: Travel day. If you’re still selecting flights, compare prices and times on Trip.com Flights or Kiwi.com.

Afternoon: Check in and refresh. Grab a first snack: grilled pork skewers (moo ping) and sticky rice from a street cart, or a bowl of spicy boat noodles near Victory Monument (bowl sizes are small—order two!).

Evening: Ease into Bangkok with a night tuk-tuk experience that blends food, temples, and markets:

Bangkok by Night: Temples, Markets and Food Tuk-Tuk Tour

Award-winning route through illuminated temples and late-night bites—great first look without daytime heat.

After the tour, sip a lemongrass soda or beer and call it a night. If you’ve got energy, detour to Smalls (great late-night vinyl and rooftop nook).

Day 2: Temples, Chinatown eats, river lights

Morning: Visit Wat Pho when gates open to see the Reclining Buddha in relative quiet and book a 30–60 min Thai massage at the on-site school (excellent value). Ferry across to Wat Arun; climb the central prang for river views.

Afternoon: Late lunch in Chinatown (Yaowarat): try Nai Ek Roll Noodles (peppery pork noodle soup) or T&K Seafood for stir-fried morning glory and grilled prawns. Explore Chinese shrines and gold shops, then cool off with Thai tea.

Evening: Unwind with a laid-back dinner cruise—live performances, skyline views, and an easy seat after a walking-heavy day:

Bangkok Sawasdee Chaophraya Dinner Cruise from ICONSIAM

Buffets, live Thai music/dance, and the Grand Palace lit up from the water.

Nightcap with live music: Saxophone Pub near Victory Monument hosts tight jazz and blues sets nightly; arrive before 8:30 pm to snag a table with minimal cover.

Day 3: Parks, art, night market, optional fight night or concert

Morning: Coffee and croissants at Gallery Drip Coffee (inside BACC), then browse contemporary art at Bangkok Art & Culture Centre. Prefer green? Stroll Lumpini Park and watch tai chi by the lake.

Afternoon: Affordable lunch at Soi Polo Fried Chicken (crispy chicken with toasted garlic and papaya salad). Rest up with a foot massage (250–350 THB) near your hotel.

Evening: Head to Jodd Fairs (Rama 9) for an easygoing market dinner—grilled squid, pad kra pao, and Thai milk tea under string lights. If you want a big-ticket night activity, choose one:

• Muay Thai Boxing Show Tickets at Rajadamnern Stadium

  

  Thailand’s national sport, electric atmosphere, bouts most nights.
• Live music alternative: Tep Bar for traditional Thai instruments with cocktails infused with herbs, or neighborhood bands around Rambuttri for low-key covers.

Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai moves at a gentler pace: saffron-robed monks at dawn, leafy lanes, and mountain air. Cafes and craft shops fill the old city, while night bazaars and weekend walking streets serve up handmade goods and northern bites like khao soi and sai ua (herb sausage).

• Top sights: Wat Phra Singh and Wat Chedi Luang, Doi Suthep viewpoint at golden hour, Nimmanhaemin’s cafes, riverside promenades.
• Live music: North Gate Jazz Co-Op (legendary jam nights), Thapae East – Venue for the Arts (eclectic sets), Boy Blues Bar (classic riffs above Night Bazaar).
• Food to try: Khao soi (curried noodle soup), gaeng hang lay (gingery pork curry), nam prik ong (tomato-chili dip) with crunchy veggies.

Stay (budget-forward): Search deals on VRBO Chiang Mai or Hotels.com Chiang Mai. Try Green Sleep Hostel (clean, social, Old Town), Green Tiger House (quiet, veg-friendly bistro), or upgrade to Shangri-La Chiang Mai for resort-style pools.

Getting there from Bangkok (morning departure): Fly 1h15 (often $30–$70 one-way) via Trip.com Flights or Kiwi.com. Budget-friendly overnight trains (11–13 hours) with AC sleepers run from Krung Thep Aphiwat; check schedules on Trip.com Trains (approx. 900–1,300 THB in 2nd-class sleeper).

Day 4: Travel to Chiang Mai, old city stroll, jazz night

Morning: Fly BKK–CNX (aim for a departure 8–10 am; ~1h15). Alternatively, arrive this morning if you took the overnight sleeper train. Taxi or songthaew to your hotel (100–250 THB).

Afternoon: Settle in, then wander the old city: Wat Phra Singh’s Lanna roofs and Wat Chedi Luang’s weathered brick stupa. Coffee stop at Graph Café or Akha Ama for locally roasted beans.

Evening: Dinner at Khao Soi Khun Yai (closes by late afternoon; if missed, try Khao Soi Mae Sai or Tong Tem Toh in Nimman). Catch live music: North Gate Jazz Co-Op’s jam session is spirited and close-knit—arrive just before showtime for a good spot.

Day 5: Mountains, elephants, and waterfalls (full-day)

3-in-1: Doi Inthanon Tour, Elephant Sanctuary, and Trekking Trail

This relaxed-paced day pairs an ethical elephant visit with Thailand’s highest peak and a forest walk. It’s scenic, refreshing, and a great nature counterpoint to Bangkok’s buzz. Pack a light rain jacket and sandals you don’t mind getting wet.

Day 6: Spa time, cafes, night market tunes

Morning: Treat yourself to a traditional Thai massage or herbal compress at a reputable spa in the old city (1–2 hours; many offer packages under 800 THB). Brunch at The Larder Café or Rustic & Blue (Nimman) for eggs, smoothie bowls, and strong coffee.

Afternoon: Take a gentle ride up to Wat Phra That Doi Suthep (go after 3 pm for softer light and fewer tour buses). If you prefer flat city time, explore craft shops and galleries around Wua Lai Road and One Nimman.

Evening: Dinner at Huen Phen (classic northern recipes) or Ginger & Kafe (lovely garden setting). Browse the Saturday Wua Lai Walking Street or Sunday Walking Street if timing matches—street musicians pop up along the route. For consistent live music, head to Boy Blues Bar (above Night Bazaar) or Thapae East for indie and jazz sets.

Day 7: Slow morning and depart

Morning: Final coffee at Ristr8to (award-winning latte art) or a bowl of jok (rice porridge) from a local stall. Pick up last souvenirs: handwoven textiles, ceramic mugs, or Chiang Mai coffee beans.

Afternoon: Fly back to Bangkok or onward via Trip.com Flights. If you’re extending, consider a budget beach add-on later (Phuket or Krabi) and bookmark Kiwi.com for flexible multi-city searches.

Optional add-ins (Bangkok, if you have extra time or swap a night):

• Bangkok Michelin Food by Tuk Tuk – Lunch or Dinner

  

  A curated dash between Bib Gourmand gems—great for food-focused travelers who want guidance and minimal walking.

Daily dining cheat sheet (budget-focused): Breakfasts 50–150 THB at street stalls/cafes; lunches 80–200 THB for noodle soups, khao man gai, or khao soi; dinners 120–300 THB at casual spots; massages 250–500 THB/hour. Use BTS/MRT in Bangkok (fares ~17–47 THB) and red songthaews or Grab in Chiang Mai.

Summary: In one mellow week, you’ll taste Bangkok’s temples, markets, river lights, and live music, then reset in Chiang Mai with mountain air, cafes, and gentle nights out. It’s a restful loop with just enough sparkle after dark—tuned to your budget and your “Relaxing” vibe.