1 Week Thailand Itinerary

By Urvish Shah•2024-04-01

Day 1: Phuket Old Town & Patong Beach

Phuket Old Town
Stroll through colorful Sino-Portuguese shophouses, boutique cafés, and street art-filled lanes. Don’t miss the quaint little bakeries serving traditional Portuguese egg tarts!
Patong Beach
Sink your toes into the soft sand, take a refreshing dip in the Andaman Sea, then rent a sun lounger and watch the world go by. As evening falls, explore Bangla Road’s neon-lit nightlife. While here, you can also visit the Big Buddha (it was closed when I was there). Also, make sure to try coconut smoothie.

Boat Trip to Koh Phi Phi
Cruise across jade-blue waters to the iconic Phi Phi Islands. Snorkel above vibrant coral reefs and swim alongside schools of tropical fish. The boat trip are easily bookable via Get Your Guide, or a lot of local tour operators who are present on pretty much every street corner.
Maya Bay & Pileh Lagoon
Marvel at Maya Bay’s towering limestone cliffs (made famous by “The Beach”) and drift through the emerald-green waters of Pileh Lagoon, framed by dramatic karst formations.
Phuket Sunday Night Market
Back on shore, wander the bustling market in Thalang Road. Sample local street food—try mango sticky rice and grilled skewers—while browsing handicrafts and souvenirs.

Phang Nga Bay
Navigate through a sea of limestone towers rising from mirror-like waters. Keep your camera ready for hidden caves and secret lagoons.
James Bond Island (Koh Tapu)
Pose for photos on the legendary rock that appeared in “The Man with the Golden Gun.” Nearby, kayak into sea caves and mangrove channels.
Monkey Bay & Hong Island
Meet the cheeky locals swinging in the trees at Monkey Cave, then relax on pristine white-sand beaches at Hong Island—perfect for a picnic lunch and a snorkel.

Transfer to Krabi
Enjoy a scenic drive (or ferry ride) from Phuket to Krabi, with limestone cliffs lining the coast.
Krabi Old Town
Discover charming wooden shop-houses, vintage street art, and the weekly walking street market (on weekends). Grab a cold coconut juice from a roadside stall.

Tiger Cave Temple (Wat Tham Suea)
Climb 1,237 steps to the summit for panoramic views of the surrounding rainforest and Andaman coastline. Inside the cave complex, spot golden Buddha statues and monks in saffron robes.
Emerald Blue Pool
Take a refreshing dip in this natural thermal spring, whose vivid turquoise waters are said to have therapeutic properties. The lush jungle setting makes for great photos.

Flight to Bangkok
Board a short domestic flight and arrive in the bustling capital, where skyscrapers meet ancient temples.
Khao San Road (Night)
Dive into the backpacker haven: neon bars, street-food stalls, and vendors selling everything from pad thai to faux tattoos. Ideal for people-watching and a nightcap.

Grand Palace & Wat Phra Kaew
Wander through gilded halls and ornate pavilions, culminating at the Emerald Buddha. Dress respectfully—covered shoulders and knees.
Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn)
Cross the river to admire the temple’s intricately tiled central prang. Climb steep steps for a unique riverside perspective.
Night River Cruise
Board a dinner cruise on the Chao Phraya River. Savor Thai cuisine as landmarks like the Wat Arun and Rama VIII Bridge glow in the night.

Bangkok City Stroll
Squeeze in last-minute shopping at Chatuchak Weekend Market (if it’s a weekend) or explore hip cafés in Ari.
Fly Home
Head to Suvarnabhumi Airport with unforgettable memories—and plenty of photos!

Tips & Notes

Weather: Expect tropical heat and occasional showers. Pack light, breathable clothing and a raincoat.
Transport: Taxis and tuk-tuks are plentiful, but negotiate fares or ensure the meter is used. Ferries and speedboats connect the islands—book tickets in advance during high season.
Culture: Remove shoes before entering temples, and be mindful of local customs. A small Thai phrasebook or translation app goes a long way!

Enjoy your journey through Thailand’s diverse landscapes, from island paradises to vibrant urban streets!