Thailand’s story stretches from ancient kingdoms to bustling megacities and dreamy tropical shores. In Bangkok, gilded stupas rise over canals where wooden homes still perch on stilts, while Phuket launches you toward coral gardens, sea caves, and cinnamon-colored sunsets. Together, they create a one-week journey that’s equal parts history, flavor, and salt-sprayed adventure.

Food is the country’s heartbeat: wok-fired pad thai, coconut-laced curries, charcoal-grilled pork skewers, and herbal salads. Bangkok’s street stalls and Michelin Bib Gourmand venues fuel your days, while Phuket serves briny seafood under lantern-lit verandas. Expect warm hospitality, temple etiquette (cover shoulders and knees), and spicy dishes you can always request “pet nid noi” (a little spicy).

Practical notes: Taxis and ride-hails are abundant; the BTS/MRT and river boats in Bangkok are quick and affordable. For domestic hops, short flights keep travel time low. Carry small bills for markets, hydrate often, and dress modestly for religious sites. This itinerary assumes an afternoon arrival on Day 1 and an afternoon departure on Day 7.

Bangkok

Bangkok fuses royal grandeur with alleyway life—opulent palaces and temple spires by day, neon markets and rooftop bars by night. Glide the Chao Phraya River, sample Chinatown’s sizzling woks, and step into serene cloisters at Wat Pho before cayenne and lemongrass lead you to a late-night tuk-tuk feast.

Top sights include the Grand Palace and Emerald Buddha, Wat Arun’s porcelain spires, and Wat Pho’s reclining Buddha and traditional massage school. Don’t miss a canal (khlong) ride in Thonburi to see the city’s quieter, wooden-slat soul.

• Where to stay (Bangkok):
  • Heritage icon: Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok (riverside, historic Thai teak house bar, outstanding service).
  • Boutique hideaway: The Siam Hotel (art deco Thai design, private boat, serene river setting).
  • Resort feel in the city: Anantara Riverside Bangkok Resort (tropical grounds, boat shuttles).
  • Stylish budget: Lub d Bangkok Siam or Niras Bankoc Cultural Hostel (historic quarter). Also see Lub d Bangkok Silom for a social vibe.
  • Browse more: VRBO in Bangkok or Hotels.com: Bangkok.
• How to get there: Book international flights to BKK/DMK on Trip.com Flights or Kiwi.com. Taxi to town: ~45–60 minutes, ~$10–15 plus tolls.

Day 1: Arrival, Riverside Glow, and Tuk-Tuk Tastes

Afternoon: Land in Bangkok and settle into your hotel. Grab a first Thai iced tea and stroll the river promenade near your stay to shake off jet lag.

Evening: Cross to Wat Arun at golden hour for photos, then dive into a small-group tuk-tuk night crawl—temples lit up, markets whirring, and street food curated by a local guide: Bangkok by Night: Temples, Markets and Food Tuk-Tuk Tour. It’s award-winning for good reason.

Dinner ideas (if you’d rather DIY): In Chinatown, try Nai Mong Hoi Thod for crispy oyster omelets and Guay Jub Ouan Pochana for peppery rolled rice-noodle soup. Cap the night with Thai craft cocktails at Tep Bar (live traditional music) or a river-view mocktail near Memorial Bridge.

Day 2: Royal Bangkok, Canals, and a Dinner Cruise

Morning: Beat the heat at the Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew (dress code enforced), then walk to Wat Pho for the reclining Buddha and a traditional massage at the on-site school.

Afternoon: Cruise Bangkok’s quieter side on a longtail boat through Thonburi’s canals: Bangkok Canal Tour: 2-Hour Longtail Boat Ride. Wave to locals on stilted porches and spot hidden temples.

Evening: Glide past Wat Arun and Rama VIII Bridge lights on a river feast: The Newest Luxury 5-Star Bangkok Chao Phraya Dinner Cruise. It’s a 2-hour skyline serenade with live music.

Where to eat today: Breakfast at On Lok Yun (1930s Thai-Western diner), coffee at Sarnies Bangrak (house roaster), lunch at Thipsamai for wok-seared pad thai or Roti Mataba for flaky curry-stuffed roti, and a pre-cruise snack of mango sticky rice from Kor Panit (old-school favorite).

Day 3: Markets, Art, and Michelin-Noted Street Bites

Morning: If it’s a weekend, roam Chatuchak Weekend Market (ceramics, vintage, plants). Weekdays, explore Jim Thompson House’s teak architecture and stop at Bangkok Art & Culture Centre. Coffee at Rocket Coffeebar (Scandi-style) or Gallery Drip (hand-pour).

Afternoon: Wander Talat Noi’s street art and Chinese shophouses, pausing at Charoen Krung’s creative studios. Grab khao man gai (chicken rice) at Go-Ang Pratu Nam (Bib Gourmand) or a coconut ice cream from Nuttaporn near the old city.

Evening: Join a guided “best-of” tasting by tuk-tuk—efficient, delicious, and cultural storytelling baked in: Bangkok Michelin Food by Tuk Tuk - Hotel-pickup Lunch or Dinner. Afterwards, sip a nightcap with river breezes or try a sky-high view at a rooftop bar.

Travel to Phuket (Day 4 morning): Fly Bangkok to Phuket (~1h20). Typical fares range ~$35–$120 one-way; search times and deals on Trip.com Flights or Kiwi.com. Airport to Patong/Kata/Karon: ~45–70 minutes by taxi or prebooked transfer.

Phuket

Phuket is your launchpad to the Andaman Sea—emerald water, cathedral-like sea caves, and long-tail boats framed by jungle. Inland, Old Phuket Town charms with Sino-Portuguese facades, Sino-Thai kitchens, and lively Sunday night markets.

Beyond the beaches (Kata, Karon, Kamala, Nai Harn), save time for Phang Nga Bay’s limestone towers and a respectful morning with rescued elephants. Evenings invite beach clubs and night markets with sizzling squid, roti pancakes, and fresh coconuts.

• Where to stay (Phuket):
  • Ultra-luxe: Amanpuri (iconic retreat) or Trisara Phuket (private-pool villas, sublime dining).
  • Upscale beachfront: JW Marriott Phuket Resort & Spa, The Shore at Katathani (romantic villa stays), Centara Grand Beach Resort Phuket.
  • Family favorite: Sunwing Kamala Beach.
  • Social/budget: Lub d Phuket Patong.
  • Browse more: VRBO in Phuket or Hotels.com: Phuket.

Day 4: Touchdown, Beach Time, and Phuket Old Town

Morning: Fly to Phuket and check in. Grab breakfast at Bake (Cherngtalay) or The Gallery Café by Pinky (Phuket Town) for proper coffee and eggs with Thai twists.

Afternoon: Ease into island life on Kata or Kamala Beach—gentle waves, chair rentals, and beach massage. Snorkel along Kata’s southern rocks if visibility cooperates.

Evening: Explore Old Phuket Town’s pastel shophouses on Thalang and Dibuk Roads. Dinner at One Chun (Southern Thai classics like gaeng poo bai cha-plu—crab curry with betel leaves), Tu Kab Khao (moo hong, slow-braised pork), or Raya (blue crab curry with rice vermicelli). For drinks, try Dibuk House (Thai botanicals) or a casual reggae bar on Yaowarat Road.

Day 5: Phi Phi Islands Sunrise Speedboat (Full-Day)

Beat the crowds and see Maya Bay, Pileh Lagoon’s jade bowl, bamboo-lined shores, and bright reefs on a small-group sunrise run: Luxury Small Group Phi Phi Sunrise from Phuket. Expect an early pickup, multiple snorkel stops, and breakfast on board. Pack reef-safe sunscreen, a rash guard, and motion bands if you’re wave-sensitive.

Post-tour eats: Refuel with khao soi or massaman curry at The Feelsion Café (retro Thai décor) or seafood skewers at Chillva Night Market if it’s open.

Day 6: Phang Nga Bay, Sea Caves, and a Sunset Dinner at Sea (Full-Day)

Sail a stylish daybed-equipped boat across Phang Nga Bay, kayak into mangrove caves, and pose at James Bond Island before a sunset dinner onboard: Luxury Boat to James Bond Islands with Lunch and Sunset Dinner. It’s a photogenic, low-stress way to see the bay’s greatest hits.

Alternate (more active): Big-boat canoeing focused on sea caves: Phang Nga Bay Sea Cave Canoeing & James Bond Island by Big Boat.

Day 7: Ethical Elephants, Brunch, and Departure

Morning: Spend a meaningful half-day at an ethical sanctuary where elephants roam forested land. Learn their backstories, walk with them at a respectful distance, and observe natural behaviors: A Morning with the Elephants at Phuket Elephant Sanctuary.

Afternoon: Brunch with excellent beans at Campus Coffee Roasters (Old Town) or The Shelter Coffee (Rawai), then transfer to the airport. Search return flights on Trip.com Flights or Kiwi.com. If you have extra hours, unwind at YONA Beach Club—a floating beach club with pools and DJ sets.

More Phuket eats to bookmark: Laem Hin Seafood (over-water piers; order steamed fish with lime), Mor Mu Dong (rustic pavilions over mangroves; turmeric grilled fish), and beachside sundowners at Kata’s Surf House or Kamala’s laid-back bars.

Optional swaps (season/weather dependent): If seas are rough, switch to Old Town cultural tours, a private temple and giant water lily pond photo jaunt (Phuket Giant Water Lilies & Temple Tour), or a spa day.

In one week, you’ll have traced Bangkok’s sacred skyline, tasted your way through markets, and sailed Phuket’s legendary bays. It’s a well-paced loop that balances culture and cuisine with ample beach time—and plenty of reasons to come back for Northern Thailand next.