Budget Overview
Backpacker
$1,000–1,500/month
per day
Mid-range
$1,800–2,800/month
per day
Luxury
$3,500–6,000/month
per day
Day-by-Day Itinerary
- 1
Land Bangkok, Fly to Chiang Mai Same Day
Chiang Mai- Fly Bangkok–Chiang Mai (1h 10m)
- Check in to monthly serviced apartment near Nimman
- Buy SIM (AIS or dtac, 1,000 THB unlimited monthly)
Domestic flightMonthly Nimman serviced apartment (15,000–25,000 THB/month)$60·$120·$280 - 2
Chiang Mai Settling-In Week Begins
Chiang Mai- Co-working day at Punspace, CAMP, or Mana
- Test internet speeds at 3 cafés
- Build daily food routine (Khao Soi at Khao Soi Khun Yai, Thai breakfast at MAYA mall)
Same apartment$25·$55·$130 - 7
First Saturday — Old City + Walking Street
Chiang Mai- Doi Suthep morning visit
- Old City walking tour
- Sunday Walking Street evening (Tha Phae Road)
Same apartment$30·$70·$180 - 14
Two-Week Mark — Optional Pai Weekend
Chiang Mai- Optional weekend trip to Pai (3h drive, 762 curves)
- Hot springs, viewpoints, hostel atmosphere
- Return for Monday work
Minivan or rental carPai guesthouse or back to Chiang Mai$50·$110·$280 - 15
Fly to Bangkok — Sukhumvit Base
Bangkok- Fly Chiang Mai–Bangkok
- Check in to Sukhumvit serviced apartment (Asok or Phrom Phong)
- BTS exploration
Domestic flightMonthly Sukhumvit apartment (25,000–40,000 THB/month)$70·$140·$320 - 16
Bangkok Work Week Begins
Bangkok- Test co-working at WeWork, JustCo, or The Hive
- Build morning routine — coffee at Roots or Roast
- Sukhumvit Soi 11/Asok night life if interested
Same apartment$30·$75·$180 - 21
Bangkok Weekend — City Exploration
Bangkok- Chatuchak Market
- Chao Phraya river day
- Rooftop bar evening
Same apartment$40·$100·$280 - 22
Fly to Krabi, Onward to Koh Lanta
Koh Lanta- Bangkok–Krabi flight (1h 20m)
- Minivan + ferry to Koh Lanta (3h)
- Check in to monthly bungalow on Klong Dao Beach
Flight + minivan + ferryMonthly Koh Lanta bungalow (10,000–18,000 THB/month)$55·$130·$290 - 23
Beach Workweek Begins
Koh Lanta- Test internet — Lanta has decent fibre at most resorts
- Explore beach work cafés (Robinson Crusoe, Same Same)
- Sunset on Klong Dao
- Order monthly grocery basket from Tesco Lotus
Same bungalow$25·$55·$140 - 28
Final Weekend — Snorkelling Day Trip
Koh Lanta- Day trip to Koh Rok or 4-Island tour
- Final beach dinner
- Pack and prepare for departure
Same bungalow$60·$140·$350 - 30
Departure
Koh Lanta- Minivan + ferry back to Krabi airport
- Onward international flight
Minivan and ferryN/A$30·$60·$150
Plan Your Trip
Chiang Mai
Bangkok
Koh Lanta
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.