1 Week in Thailand - 4 Unique Itinerary Ideas

Itinerary #1: Gems of Thailand: Bangkok & Phuket

This seven-day itinerary takes you through the classic landmarks of Bangkok, including a long-tailed boat ride on the Chao Phraya River. Then fly to Phuket to discover the beaches and sea caves of Phang Nga Bay. 

On your first day in Bangkok, relax at your hotel or walk along the boat-filled Chao Phraya River to see some of this capital city's landmarks, like the Rattanakosin royal district, the Grand Palace, sacred temples, and the famous Reclining Buddha. On Day 2, hop aboard a long-tail boat on the Chao Phraya River to admire the temple architecture and shrines, the Artist Village, and feed the holy catfish. For Day 3, venture via tuk-tuk to see Lumphini Park, Chinatown, and Chatuchak Weekend Market's 15,000 stalls for an exciting eating and shopping experience.

Your fourth day brings you on an adventure to the blue waters and sandy beaches on the island of Phuket. Spend the day at Kalim or Freedom beaches, seek out a 4WD tour of the island, or take a trip to Monkey Hill. In the evening, Bangla Road provides a taste of Thailand's nightlife. Day 5 is for exploring the coast and Phuket's "Tidal Nape" sea caves that can be found inside Phang Nga Bay. End your journey with a free day in Phuket on Day 6. See Karon View Point or the Big Buddha before visiting the monastery of Wat Chalong and the Old Town district for dinner. Learn more

Itinerary #2: Explore Southern Thailand: Krabi Island Hopping Adventure

During this seven-day island hopping adventure, you'll tour everything Krabi has to offer. From beaches and speedboats to exploring caves and encountering elephants, it's the ultimate island experience. 

On your first day in Thailand, visit the sandy stretches of Railay Beach or Ao Nang Beach, or stroll along the Ao Nang Landmark Night Market. For your second day, take a speedboat tour of the Andaman Sea islands and the beaches of Phra Nang and Koh Kai, and visit Princess Cave. Witness Koh Tub's sea phenomenon, then snorkel and swim at Koh Poda. On Day 3, admire Wat Kaew's giant golden Buddha before moving on to Ao Thalane, a fishing village north of Krabi. Kayak along mangrove forests and into Crocodile Cave. Swim or bird watch among the emerald waters of Sa Kaew Lagoon. 

Day 4 is all about elephants. You'll learn about their preservation, trek with them through dense jungle, and bathe these majestic creatures. Explore Krabi at your own pace on Day 5 by renting a boat and visiting Thung Teao Forest Natural Park and the Crystal Lagoon. Then you'll board a catamaran to cruise past the Krabi Downtown Canal, mangrove forests, and Khanarb Nam Mountain for views of Koh Kai, Poda Island, Talay Waek, and Tub Island. Day 6 is for touring the Tiger Cave Temple and Khao Khanap Nam, two prominent mountains that jut out of the water above the Krabi River. Learn more

Itinerary #3: Nature & Culture in Thailand: Chiang Mai, Khao Son National Park & Phuket

Explore nature and culture with this seven-day Thailand itinerary. You'll experience Chiang Mai's cuisine, play with elephants, safari in Khao Sok National Park, and enjoy the beaches and nightlife of Phuket. 

On Day 1, tour Chiang Mai's Old Town and its temples, such as Wat Phra Singh, the 15th-century Wat Chedi Luang, and the mountainside Doi Suthep. For Day 2, enjoy an ethical experience feeding, washing, and playing in the mud with rescued elephants at a local sanctuary. On the third day, fly to Surat Thani near the Taki River, the gateway to the islands of Koh Samui, Koh Tao, and Koh Pha Ngan. Transfer to Khao Sok National Park to stay in a private treehouse and for a thrilling night safari through the tropical rainforest.

Day 4 brings adventures on Cheow Lan Lake in Khao Sok National Park, where you can spot wildlife like leopards and hundreds of bird species. Start Day 5 hiking through the jungle before transferring to Phuket to explore everything from nightlife to historic architecture. Visit temples in the Old Town and partake in authentic Chinese cuisine and fusion Thai food. Day 6 in Phuket is at your own pace. Admire views of the Andaman Sea from Karon View Point and the iconic Big Buddha statue. Or, opt for a day at the beach at Patong and Karon with upbeat party vibes or Kata Noi and Mai Khao for a serene experience. Learn more

Itinerary #4: Highlights of Northern Thailand Trekking

Trek along the Phu Chi Fa escarpment, amid terraced rice paddies, and through traditional villages on this seven-day trekking itinerary. Culminate your adventure by summiting Doi Chiang Dao.

Arriving in Chiang Mai, you'll set out to explore Wat Srisuphan, the pagoda of Wat Chedi Luang, and the Bo Sang Handicraft Village. Indulge in a traditional dinner and the Chiang Mai night bazaar with vendors selling their wares. Day 2 brings a 5-mile (8-km) hike to the temple ruins on Doi Suthep Mountain, while the following day begins with a scenic drive to the Hmong village of Phu Chi Dao and along the Phu Chi Fa escarpment. The trek winds up and down hills for 5.5 miles (9 km) and offers sweeping views. It ends at Chiang Khan, where you'll stay in a resort surrounded by rice paddies. 

Venture back into the mountains on Day 4 to Payao and Nan Province, a place seldom visited by travelers and home to the Yao and Hmong people. After driving to the trailhead, begin your climb up Phu Lanka Mountain. Walk alongside the terraced rice paddies east of Chiang Khan on Day 5 and transfer to Chiang Dao for an overnight near the national park. Your last day sees you summiting Doi Chiang Dao. After the 9-mile (14-km) hike, stay in the town of Fang. And if you have time before departure, consider a Thai massage, cooking class, or a trip to the Ob Khan Gorge in Chiang Mai. Learn more

More Great Thailand Itineraries

Looking for more inspiration for your trip to Thailand? Check out these other Thailand itineraries, with outdoor adventures, cultural trips, and best-of tours to his the highlights.