6 Days in Thailand - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas

Itinerary #1: City to Sea: Bangkok & Phuket

This city-to-sea itinerary combines two popular destinations, Bangkok and Phuket, so it's well-suited to first-timers looking for a classic tour and those that want to experience the buzz of Bangkok and laidback island life. You'll visit cultural sites, sample various cuisines in Bangkok, and then enjoy beach time and water sports in Phuket. 

Dive into your Thailand journey with a Chinatown street food tour on Day 1. Zip around in a tuk-tuk and sample local snacks such as fried grasshoppers and grilled squid. If you're visiting on the weekend, save time for Chatuchak Market, one of the largest outdoor markets in the world, with over 15,000 stalls. On Day 2, take a guided tour to some of Bangkok's best, including the glittering Grand Palace and the giant Reclining Buddha at Wat Pho. Cruise the canals on a long-tail boat and observe rural life along the waterways, then end with sunset at Wat Arun. Catch a flight to Phuket, a popular island in the Andaman Sea, on Day 3.

On arrival in Phuket, soar through the forest canopy on a zipline excursion at Flying Hanuman, check out the shophouses, cafés, and colonial mansions in Old Town, then stroll the night market and grab a drink on Bangla Road. Take a boat tour to Ko Phi Phi with stops at Phi Phi Ley (Maya Beach) and Pileh Lagoon, followed by a cruise past Monkey Beach, where you'll spot mischievous macaques, then do some snorkeling at Phi Phi Don. Spend your final day relaxing on the beach—options include Kata, Nai Harn, or if you're up for a hike (or hiring a long-tail boat to get you there), Freedom Beach. Learn more 

Itinerary #2: Thailand's Temples: Bangkok & Chiang Rai

History and anthropology enthusiasts will enjoy the temple tours and museum visits, including a day trip to Ayutthaya, on this Bangkok and Chiang Rai itinerary. With an opportunity to spend a few days in the north, it's also suited to travelers interested in northern Thailand's cuisine and hill tribe culture.

Ease into your adventure with a traditional massage on your first day. Then, get your street food fix in Chinatown, or if you're looking for a cultural experience, watch a puppet show, check out art exhibits at Warehouse 30, or attend a muay Thai (Thai boxing) match. Visit the city sites, including the Grand Palace and the Reclining Buddha, on Day 2 and enjoy a traditional Thai lunch at a local restaurant. Take a day trip to UNESCO-listed Ayutthaya, where you'll have a chance to visit Bang Pa-in Summer Palace, ride a long-tail boat, and visit Wat Yai Chaimongkol and other temples and ruins. Be sure to sample candy floss roti in the Muslim Quarter.

Fly north to Chiang Rai on Day 4. Spend the day getting acquainted with northern Thailand: visit the Blue Temple, learn about local culture at the Hill Tribe Museum, feast on street food, and shop for souvenirs at the Night Bazaar. On Day 5, head to the Golden Triangle (where the Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar borders meet), then get a history lesson at the Opium Museum. Spend your final morning wandering Wat Rong Khun, the "White Temple," before lunch—your last chance to slurp a bowl of khao soi (a popular soup of noodles and chicken or beef in a coconut curry)—en route to the airport. Learn more

Itinerary #3: Historic Thailand: Bangkok & Kanchanaburi

With a stay in Kanchanaburi and visits to the museum and sites there, this six-day tour is ideal for travelers seeking a deep dive into the history of the Thai-Burma Railroad. It also comprises highlights of Bangkok and Ayutthaya, including the Grand Palace and the banyan root-wrapped Buddha head at Wat Phra Mahathatone, so it's great for photographers too. Given the darker history of this itinerary, it may not be the best option for younger children.  

Take your pick of activities on arrival in Bangkok: witness the national sport at a kickboxing match, snack on street food in Chinatown, or shop at Siam Paragon. Explore the sites using a variety of transport options on Day 2, including boats, buses, the BTS/MRT (Bangkok's Skytrain and transit system), and tuk-tuks. Visit the Grand Palace, the Reclining Buddha at Wat Pho, and the Emerald Buddha at Wat Phra Kaew. Head north to Kanchanaburi on Day 3, with a stop to see heritage sites in Ayutthaya, including Wat Phanan Choeng and the famous Buddha head held by banyan tree roots at Wat Phra Mahathat. 

Take a dip in the pools at the seven-level waterfall in Erawan National Park. Then learn the tragic history of the Thai-Burma Railway through stories at Hellfire Pass before riding the train along the Kwai Noi River and feasting on western Thai cuisine at Kanchanaburi night markets. Dive deeper into local history with a samlaw (three-wheeled pedicab) tour to the Allied War Cemetery, the famous Bridge on the River Kwai, and the JEATH War Museum. Spend your final morning souvenir shopping in Bangkok and filling up on paa tong koo (Thai donuts), jok (rice porridge), and one last Thai iced tea or coffee. Learn more

Itinerary #4: Thailand Island Escape

This Island escape is designed for sun-seekers who want to skip the urban and heritage sites and head straight for the islands. You'll spend your time beach hopping on Ko Mak and Ko Kood, with options for watersports, hiking, and visiting waterfalls. Although the travel to and from the islands is four hours, one way from Bangkok to Laem Ngop Pier, once you arrive, you can relax. And on Ko Mak, many things are reachable on foot or bicycle, making this a suitable itinerary for families and couples interested in a slow-paced beach vacation.

Your driver will transfer you to Laem Ngop Pier on arrival, and you'll catch a speed boat to Ko Mak Island. Grab a bite at a beachside restaurant in Ao Khao, or simply relax on the sand after your long journey and catch the sunset from Ao Suan Yai. Take a boat trip to Ko Rang on Day 2 and explore the underwater world with a snorkeling adventure there. On Day 3, board a speedboat to Ko Kood, the second largest island in the Ko Chang National Park, where you hike through the jungle to waterfalls and then spend time sunbathing, swimming, and snapping vacation photos on the iconic swings over the sea. 

Take a pickup truck tour on Day 4 that includes beach hopping around Ko Kood, a stop at Klong Chao waterfall for a dip in the natural pool, and lunch in Ao Salad, an old fishing village with some intriguing pirate history. Make the most of your final day on Ko Kood: start with a swim near Klong Chao, then visit Rat Bamrung Buddhist temple and enjoy the long stretch of beach and shallow waters of Ao Tapao (perfect for young children!). Fit in one last snorkeling session at Bang Bao before sitting down to a celebratory feast of Thai flavors. Head back to Bangkok on Day 6 for your departure flight. Learn more

Itinerary #5: Honeymoon Escape

This honeymoon getaway is perfect for couples who love a mix of urban and outdoor adventure combined with some relaxation. Enjoy street food, historic sites, and the buzz of Bangkok, then head for Ko Lanta to experience the romantic island vibes with bonding activities such as Thai cooking lessons, swimming through the Emerald Cave, and of course, a couple's Thai massage. 

Start your honeymoon in Bangkok with a couple's Thai massage and spa treatment. If you have the energy to explore, head for Chinatown to sample some street food. On Day 2, rise early to witness a morning ritual conducted by monks at Wat Pho, then wander the grounds of the Grand Palace. Take a private long-tail boat ride on the Chao Phraya River and observe the traditional life along the canals, then snap some photos together while experiencing the soft sunset colors at Wat Arun. Fly to Krabi on Day 3 and transfer to your Thai-style villa at a romantic resort in Ko Lanta.

Take a jungle hike on Day 4, then hit the beach for sunbathing and snorkeling. In the afternoon, create tasty Thai food together in a cooking class. Then celebrate with tropical sunset cocktails and a couple's massage in the evening. Spend the last full day of your honeymoon on a private long-tail boat tour. You'll have a chance to swim through the Emerald Cave to a lagoon, then experience the colorful fish in the calm waters around Ko Ngai before indulging in a flavorful Thai lunch in Ko Kradan and, finally, snorkeling hand in hand at Ko Chuak. 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 hit the highlights.