updated 18.12.2024
If you’re short on time, but really want to take a vacation in Thailand, here we present a 7 day Thailand itinerary that’ll have you enjoying a rich range of experiences and landscapes. Covering Bangkok’s blend of beautiful ancient attractions and modern buzz, plus natural wonders and time on an idyllic island, it sure packs plenty into a one-week trip.
This Thailand itinerary 7 days kicks off in Bangkok © Shutterstock
Covering some of the most beautiful places to visit in Thailand — and a fair few of the best things to do in Thailand — this Thailand itinerary for 7 days has been crafted to cover a spread of destinations that provide a fabulous flavor of the country.
So, before going into day-by-day detail, here’s a handy overview of what might just be the best Thailand itinerary for 7 days.
Want to stay longer than a week? See our 10 days in Thailand itinerary.
You could also contact our local experts to have them curate your perfect personalized Thailand itinerary.
Bangkok street food © Shutterstock
After arriving in Bangkok — Thailand’s frenetic, culture-packed capital — check-in to your hotel, shake off any jet-leg and spend your first few hours getting a sense of the city’s inimitable spirit.
If you’re keen to uncover culture, you could spend a couple of hours in Jim Thompson House — a beautiful museum that showcases traditional Thai architecture and art as it reveals Thompson’s contributions to the Thai silk industry through his impeccably preserved home.
Come the evening, head to the Asiatique Riverfront Market to shop for souvenirs, sample street food and enjoy a riverside dinner, after wising up on the best places to eat Bangkok.
Before heading back to your accommodation, you could take a ride on the Asiatique Sky Ferris Wheel to see the city illuminated at night.
Editor’s tip: with just one night in the city, we suggest choosing where to stay in Bangkok wisely.
Wat Pho temple, Bangkok © Shutterstock
A full day exploring Bangkok’s top attractions awaits on day 2 of this 7 day Thailand itinerary, kicking off at the iconic Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew (Temple of the Emerald Buddha).
Next, head to Wat Pho (Temple of the Reclining Buddha) to marvel at the impressive 46-meter-long golden Buddha statue.
After lunch, take a boat ride along the Chao Phraya River to Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn) — its striking spires are something else.
Depending on your tastes — and the time of your visit — you could spend the afternoon exploring the bustling Chatuchak Market (open on weekends), or head to the MBK Center to shop.
End your day with dinner at a rooftop bar for breath-taking views of Bangkok’s skyline — very different landscapes are in store tomorrow.
Cheow Lan Lake, Khao Sok National Park, Thailand © Shutterstock
On day 3, it’s time to transfer to the joyous wonders of Khao Sok National Park.
Take an early flight to Surat Thani (1 hour 15 minutes), followed by a 2-hour drive to Khao Sok National Park — one of Thailand’s most beautiful natural areas.
After settling into your accommodation (we recommend staying in a jungle lodge or floating bungalow on Cheow Lan Lake), spend the afternoon enjoying a guided canoe tour. Be sure to keep a close eye out for monkeys and hornbills in the surrounding rainforest.
Then, as the sun sets, enjoy a relaxing dinner at your lodge — how that’s for a way to start your Khao Sok experience?
Phraya Nakhon cave, Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park © Shutterstock
You’ll experience a bounty of Khao Sok National Park’s natural wonders on day 4, beginning with a longtail boat tour of Cheow Lan Lake.
Picture yourself surrounded by towering limestone cliffs and emerald-green waters, with opportunities to swim and visit secret caves, among them Coral Cave or Pakarang Cave.
In the afternoon, land adventures await, thanks to guided jungle trek that’ll give you insights into local flora and fauna.
Alternatively stick to the water and take an leisurely canoe or bamboo raft ride along the Sok River.
Come nightfall, join a nocturnal safari to experience the rainforest and its wildlife after dark.
Khao Sok National Park, Thailand © Shutterstock
Another shift in scenery comes on day 5, when you’ll transfer from Khao Sok National Park to Koh Lanta — an island that’s easily one of the most beautiful places to visit in Thailand.
The journey involves a scenic drive to Krabi (2–3 hours), followed by a 1-2-hour ferry ride to Koh Lanta. Along the way, you’ll get to enjoy sublime views of the Andaman Sea and picturesque islands.
After checking-in to your accommodation, spend the afternoon exploring Klong Dao Beach, or enjoy a stroll through Saladan Village, the island’s main hub.
As evening falls, head to a beachfront restaurant to enjoy fresh seafood and Thai delicacies like grilled fish, massaman curry, or green papaya salad, while watching the sun set over the Andaman Sea.
Editor’s tip: if blissing out on the beach is top of your travel wish-list, read up the best Thailand islands, and the best beaches in Thailand.
On day 5, transfer to Koh Lanta via Krabi (pictured) © Shutterstock
Start your day with a visit to Mu Ko Lanta National Park — a spectacular landscape of rugged cliffs and lush jungles criss-crossed by trails, with a picturesque lighthouse presiding over the surrounding waters.
Come the afternoon, it’s time to return to the coast — either bliss out on a beach, or else snorkel the likes of Koh Rok or Koh Haa.
After your aquatic adventure, you could spend the early evening exploring Old Town Koh Lanta, with its wooden stilt houses, shops and local eateries.
Spend your last morning in Koh Lanta soaking up the sun on Long Beach or taking a yoga class by the sea.
After breakfast, take a ferry back to Krabi and transfer to Bangkok, ready for your evening flight home.
Koh Lanta sunset © Shutterstock
Whether you intend to take a guided trip, or fancy backpacking Thailand, keep reading for Thailand travel advice that’ll make your 7 day Thailand itinerary all the more rewarding.
New to the country? Read our Thailand travel tips for first-timers. If you’re going it alone, wise up on solo travel in Thailand
If you’re wondering when to go to Thailand, the best overall time is during the drier, cooler months of November to February, which are also peak season months.
That said, Thailand's weather patterns vary across regions, so here’s an overview of the best time to visit different areas.
Khao San, Bangkok, Thailand © Shutterstock
When it comes to getting around Thailand, be assured that it’s straightforward, with a range of options to suit different budgets and travel styles.
Here’s a run-down of the options.
Thailand’s domestic flight network is extensive and ideal for long-distance travel.
Flights are fast (typically 1–2 hours) and affordable, especially if booked in advance.
Thailand’s rail network is a scenic, budget-friendly way to travel, with the State Railway of Thailand offering routes connecting Bangkok to Chiang Mai, Ayutthaya, and the south.
Long-distance buses and minivans are economical, with companies like Green Bus and VIP buses providing comfortable services between major destinations.
In cities, iconic tuk-tuks are fun for short rides, but be sure to bargain and agree on a price.
Taxis are more comfortable, but it’s best to use metered options or ride-hailing apps for fairer pricing.
For island travel, ferries connect hotspots like Koh Samui, Koh Phangan and Koh Tao. Meanwhle, longtail boats are common for exploring smaller islands and beaches.
Renting a motorbike or scooter is popular way to explore towns and islands. Rental rates are typically $5–$10 per day.
Make sure you have an international driver’s license, insurance, and wear a helmet.
In rural areas or smaller towns, songthaews are a budget-friendly way to get around.
Editor’s tip: here’s how to get to Thailand in the first place.
Bangkok tuk tuk © Shutterstock
As is always the case, depending on your travel style — and how deep your pockets are — the cost of a 7-day vacation in Thailand will vary considerably.
That said, while you could splash out on fancy luxury accommodation, Thailand remains a very affordable vacation destination, with a mid-range trip amounting to $700–$1,000 USD per person — excluding international flights — across a 7-day Thailand itinerary.
Here’s a breakdown of average costs:
Thailand offers visa-free entry for citizens of dozens of countries, for stays of up to 30 days.
These include visitors from the UK, US and EU.
Thinking of staying for longer than 30 days? Read up on how to get a Thailand visa.
While it is possible to experience stacks of amazing attractions during a 7 day Thailand itinerary — such as that detailed above — extending your vacation comes highly recommended.
For example, our suggested 10 days in Thailand itinerary could have you exploring everywhere from Bangkok and Ayutthaya, to Chiang Mai and the North, and a trio of stunning islands.
Confused about where to go, and for how long? Contact our local experts to have them curate your perfect personalised Thailand itinerary for any duration.
From travel safety to visa requirements, discover the best tips for visiting Thailand
written by
Joanne Owen
updated 18.12.2024
