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Itineraries/Bangkok, Chiang Mai & Phuket: Thailand's Classic Triangle
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Bangkok, Chiang Mai & Phuket: Thailand's Classic Triangle

Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and Phuket form Thailand's 'classic triangle' — and for good reason. Three days in each destination hits the big-city buzz, northern mountain culture, and Andaman coast beauty without any wasted travel days.

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Budget Overview

Backpacker

$35–50/day

per day

Mid-range

$80–120/day

per day

Luxury

$200–380/day

per day

Day-by-Day Itinerary

  1. 1

    Arrive Bangkok

    Bangkok
    • Arrive and check in
    • Khaosan Road or Silom evening
    Sukhumvit BTS hotel$30·$80·$200
  2. 2

    Bangkok Royal & River

    Bangkok
    • Grand Palace, Wat Pho, Wat Arun
    • Chao Phraya river express boat
    • Chinatown evening food walk
    Sukhumvit BTS hotel$35·$90·$220
  3. 3

    Bangkok Modern & Markets

    Bangkok
    • Chatuchak Weekend Market (Sat/Sun)
    • Jim Thompson House
    • Rooftop bar evening
    Sukhumvit BTS hotel$40·$90·$230
  4. 4

    Fly to Chiang Mai

    Chiang Mai
    • Morning flight north
    • Old City moat walk
    • Nimman café district
    Flight BKK–CNX (~1 hr)Old City boutique guesthouse$50·$105·$240
  5. 5

    Doi Suthep & Night Market

    Chiang Mai
    • Doi Suthep sunrise or morning
    • Wat Chedi Luang Old City
    • Saturday or Sunday Night Market
    Old City boutique guesthouse$30·$75·$180
  6. 6

    Elephant Sanctuary & Cooking Class

    Chiang Mai
    • Ethical elephant sanctuary half-day
    • Thai cooking class afternoon
    • Night Bazaar
    Old City boutique guesthouse$65·$140·$290
  7. 7

    Fly to Phuket

    Phuket
    • Morning flight south
    • Kata or Karon beach
    • Bangla Road or beach bar evening
    Flight CNX–HKT (~1.5 hr)Kata or Karon beach hotel$55·$120·$300
  8. 8

    Phuket Islands & Coast

    Phuket
    • Phi Phi speedboat day trip OR Phang Nga Bay tour
    • Big Buddha viewpoint
    • Rawai seafood
    Kata or Karon beach hotel$50·$115·$270
  9. 9

    Depart Phuket

    Phuket
    • Morning beach or Phuket Old Town walk
    • Depart HKT airport
    N/A$20·$50·$120

Plan Your Trip

Bangkok

HotelsThings to DoFood Guide

Chiang Mai

HotelsThings to DoFood Guide

Phuket

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

Related Itineraries

10 Days in Thailand: The Complete Classic Route
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7 Days in Thailand: Bangkok, Chiang Mai & the Beach
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Thailand for First-Timers: Essential 10-Day Route
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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
9 days
🧭
Difficulty
Easy
💸
Budget (backpacker)
$35–50/day/day
🏨
Budget (mid-range)
$80–120/day/day
✨
Budget (luxury)
$200–380/day/day
☀️
Best months
November, December, January

Best For

  • Thailand's three unmissable hubs
  • City-nature-beach balance

Not Ideal If…

  • Travelers who dislike flying
  • Those seeking off-grid experiences

Best Months

NovemberDecemberJanuaryFebruaryMarch

Last verified April 2026

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