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Itineraries/7 Days in Thailand: Bangkok, Chiang Mai & the Beach
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7 Days in Thailand: Bangkok, Chiang Mai & the Beach

A week in Thailand packs in Bangkok's street food and temples, Chiang Mai's old city and night markets, and a final beach day on Koh Samui or Phuket — the classic intro to the country without a wasted day.

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Budget Overview

Backpacker

$35–50/day

per day

Mid-range

$80–120/day

per day

Luxury

$200–350/day

per day

Day-by-Day Itinerary

  1. 1

    Arrive Bangkok

    Bangkok
    • Check in, rest, explore Khao San Road or Silom
    • Street food dinner
    Budget guesthouse Khao San area or mid-range Silom hotel$30·$80·$200
  2. 2

    Bangkok Temples & River

    Bangkok
    • Grand Palace & Wat Phra Kaew
    • Wat Pho reclining Buddha
    • Chao Phraya river ferry to Wat Arun
    Same Bangkok hotel$35·$90·$220
  3. 3

    Bangkok Markets & Fly to Chiang Mai

    Chiang Mai
    • Morning Chatuchak Weekend Market (Sat/Sun) or MBK
    • Afternoon flight to Chiang Mai
    • Evening Night Bazaar
    Flight BKK–CNX (~1 hr)Old City guesthouse or boutique hotel$55·$110·$250
  4. 4

    Chiang Mai Old City & Doi Suthep

    Chiang Mai
    • Doi Suthep temple mountain views
    • Old City moat walking tour
    • Sunday Walking Street (if applicable)
    Old City boutique hotel$30·$75·$180
  5. 5

    Chiang Mai Day Trip & Fly South

    Koh Samui
    • Morning elephant sanctuary visit
    • Afternoon flight to Koh Samui or Phuket
    • Beachside dinner
    Flight CNX–USM or CNX–HKT (~1.5 hr)Beach bungalow or resort$60·$130·$300
  6. 6

    Beach Day

    Koh Samui
    • Chaweng or Lamai beach swim and relax
    • Snorkel trip or kayak rental
    • Sunset cocktails
    Beach resort$35·$100·$280
  7. 7

    Depart

    Koh Samui
    • Morning swim or spa
    • Transfer to airport
    • Depart Thailand
    N/A$20·$50·$120

Plan Your Trip

Bangkok

HotelsThings to DoFood Guide

Chiang Mai

HotelsThings to DoFood Guide

Koh Samui

HotelsThings to DoFood Guide

Disclaimer

Daily budgets are approximate and based on typical costs. Prices vary by season, exact accommodation choice, and spending habits. Always check current transport prices before booking.
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Frequently Asked Questions

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Thailand for First-Timers: Essential 10-Day Route
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Bangkok, Chiang Mai & Phuket: Thailand's Classic Triangle
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All Itineraries

Current Weather

overcast clouds

35°C

overcast clouds

Feels 42°
63%
14 km/h

Trip at a Glance

📅
Duration
7 days
🧭
Difficulty
Easy
💸
Budget (backpacker)
$35–50/day/day
🏨
Budget (mid-range)
$80–120/day/day
✨
Budget (luxury)
$200–350/day/day
☀️
Best months
November, December, January

Best For

  • First visit
  • Mix of city, culture & beach
  • Short holidays

Not Ideal If…

  • Deep island-hopping
  • Slow travel

Best Months

NovemberDecemberJanuaryFebruaryMarch

Last verified April 2026

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