Thailand-3-day-itinerary
Day 1: Bangkok
- Places to Go:
- The Grand Palace (9:00 AM - 3:30 PM)
- Be respectful and dress modestly when visiting the palace
- Try to avoid visiting during peak hours or on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays
- Wat Phra Kaew (Temple of the Emerald Buddha) (inside The Grand Palace)
- One of Thailand’s most sacred sites
- Home to the revered Emerald Buddha image
- The Grand Palace (9:00 AM - 3:30 PM)
- Activities:
- Take a Tuk-Tuk ride through Bangkok’s bustling streets (after visiting The Grand Palace)
- Visit the famous Jim Thompson House and Museum (9:00 AM - 6:00 PM)
- A beautiful example of traditional Thai architecture
- Learn about the life and work of American entrepreneur Jim Thompson, who helped revive Thailand’s silk industry
- Things to Know:
- The Grand Palace is a sacred site and dress code is strictly enforced (no shorts or sleeveless shirts allowed)
- Be prepared for crowds and long lines at popular attractions like The Grand Palace
- Try some delicious street food from vendors throughout the city, but be aware of scams and make sure to eat from reputable stalls
- Visa Requirements:
- If you’re a citizen of a country eligible for a visa on arrival (VOA), you can obtain one at Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport or other designated immigration checkpoints
- Citizens of certain countries, including the US and UK, do not need to apply for a VOA but can instead get an e-visa online in advance
- Transportation:
- Use the BTS (Skytrain) or MRT (Subway) to navigate Bangkok’s traffic-heavy streets
- Take a Tuk-Tuk ride or taxi from The Grand Palace to other destinations, but be sure to agree on prices before departing
Day 2: Ayutthaya and Chiang Mai
- Places to Go:
- Explore the ancient city of Ayutthaya (9:00 AM - 5:00 PM)
- A UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Discover ruins of temples, palaces, and other historical structures from the 14th century
- Visit Wat Phra That Doi Suthep in Chiang Mai (9:00 AM - 7:00 PM)
- A stunning temple perched on top of a hill
- Offers breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside
- Explore the ancient city of Ayutthaya (9:00 AM - 5:00 PM)
- Activities:
- Take an elephant ride through Ayutthaya’s ancient ruins
- Visit the famous Chiang Mai Night Bazaar (6:00 PM - 10:00 PM)
- A bustling marketplace filled with vendors selling everything from souvenirs to street food
- Things to Know:
- Wear comfortable shoes and bring plenty of water when exploring Ayutthaya’s ruins, as you’ll be doing a lot of walking
- Try some of the delicious street food at Chiang Mai Night Bazaar, but make sure to eat from reputable vendors
- Be mindful of scams targeting tourists in both Ayutthaya and Chiang Mai
- Visa Requirements:
- Same requirements as Day 1 apply for visa on arrival or e-visas
- Transportation:
- Take a bus, minivan, or taxi from Bangkok to Ayutthaya (approximately 2 hours)
- Use the airport shuttle service or taxis to get to Chiang Mai Airport
Day 3: Phi Phi Islands and Phuket
- Places to Go:
- Visit Maya Bay on the Phi Phi Islands (9:00 AM - 5:00 PM)
- A stunning beach made famous by the movie “The Beach”
- Enjoy snorkeling or swimming in the crystal-clear waters
- Explore Phuket Old Town and its many shops, restaurants, and historical sites
- Visit Maya Bay on the Phi Phi Islands (9:00 AM - 5:00 PM)
- Activities:
- Take a boat tour of the Phi Phi Islands to see other beaches and snorkel in the surrounding waters
- Visit the famous Patong Beach on Phuket (9:00 AM - 10:00 PM)
- A bustling beach with many shops, restaurants, and nightlife options
- Things to Know:
- Be prepared for crowds and long lines at popular beaches like Maya Bay
- Try some of the delicious seafood at local restaurants on Phuket or the Phi Phi Islands
- Be mindful of your belongings and keep an eye out for scams targeting tourists in both areas
- Visa Requirements:
- Same requirements as Day 1 apply for visa on arrival or e-visas
- Transportation:
- Take a boat from Phuket to the Phi Phi Islands (approximately 1 hour)
- Use taxis or songthaews (red trucks) to get around Phuket Old Town and Patong Beach