Essential Thailand: Bangkok & Phuket - 9 Days

Highlights

• Admire Bangkok's and Ayutthaya's temples, palaces, canals, and ruins 
• Explore Phuket's colonial Old Town, sandy beaches, and stunning limestone cliffs
• Weave around the islands of Koh Phi Phi by speedboat and explore hidden coves
• Canoe and snorkel around Phang Nga Bay as you discover the famous Bat Cave

Brief Itinerary

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Bangkok, Evening Food Tour by Tuk-Tuk

Welcome to Thailand! Your adventure begins upon arrival in Bangkok, where a driver will meet you at the airport and escort you to your hotel. After some rest, you can discover Bangkok at your leisure. The city combines the old with the new, and there's something for everyone. Visit Chinatown and try delicious street food, or spend time at the Siam Paragon shopping mall. On weekends, don't miss Chatuchak Market, one of the world's largest outdoor markets. Catch a kickboxing fight to experience Thailand's signature sport, take in a puppet show for some cultural immersion, or visit Warehouse 30 for modern art exhibitions.

In the evening, meet your guide and head to Chinatown or Yao-Wa-Rat, where you'll find plenty of street food. Visit stalls and try a variety of finger food, such as kai-satay (chicken barbecue). Don't miss out on the most well-known Thai dish, pad-thai (stir-fried noodles), and delicious seafood boiled with rice. After dessert and perhaps a Chinese herbal tea, take a tuk-tuk to see Bangkok illuminated at night before returning to your hotel.

Day 2: Full-Day Temples Tour, Grand Palace & Klong Tour

Get ready to explore Bangkok's most remarkable sites today as you meet your guide at the hotel lobby and start your explorations at Wat Traimit to see the Golden Buddha statue. Head to Wat Pho to admire the beauty of its architecture and see its giant, Reclining Buddha. Spend time visiting the Grand Palace, Coronation Hall, Funeral Hall, and the famous Emerald Buddha. The Grand Palace is the most famous landmark in Bangkok, which used to be the residence of the royal family since 1782 and still is used for official ceremonies. 

After a traditional Thai lunch at a local restaurant, hop aboard a long-tail boat and cruise along the canal to see Thai houses and typical rural life. Wrap up your sightseeing with a visit to Wat Arun ("Temple of Dawn"), one of the city's most remarkable temples. You'll then return to your hotel. 

Day 3: Day Trip to Ayutthaya

Leave Bangkok early this morning to head east to the Summer Palace at Bang Pa-In, built by King Rama IV at a time of growing European architectural influence in Thailand. Then board a long-tail boat to reach the center of Ayutthaya. On the way, admire the verdant scenery and the local life along the river. Have lunch at a local restaurant. In the afternoon, continue with visits to various temples in Ayuthaya, once Thailand's ancient capital, from 1350 to 1767 before the invasion of the Burmese army.

Explore the ruined temples in Ayutthaya Historical Park by tuk-tuk. Start your discoveries with Wat Phanan Cheong, one of the most beautiful 62-foot (19 m) tall Buddha statues. Then head to one of the oldest temples in this area, Wat Mahathat, followed by Wat Phra Sri Sanphet. Visit the Elephant Camp, where you'll learn about and get up close to these fascinating animals. Then stop at Wat Lokkaya with its giant Reclining Buddha and Wat Chai Wattanaram, which once served as a royal temple. After the tour, you'll return to Bangkok.

Day 4: Fly to Phuket

Savor your remaining moments in Bangkok before your private driver escorts you to the airport to catch a quick 1.5-hour flight to Phuket. Thailand's largest island is located off the country's west coast on the Andaman Sea and is known for its diverse landscapes—from its famous sandy beaches to forested hills, mountains, limestone cliffs, low plains, lagoons, and lush tropical forests. Upon arrival at the airport, you will be transferred to your hotel and have the rest of the afternoon free to explore.

Relax at the beach and go swimming or snorkeling. You could also visit the aquarium in Cape Panwa to see the exotic marine life on the island. If you're into adrenaline rushes, challenge yourself with a zipline adventure at Flying Hanuman, an eco-adventure outfit. Visit Phuket's lively Old Town, where you'll stroll among colorful Sino-Portuguese shophouses, colonial mansions, and cafés. Don't miss the night markets and visit the busy Bangla Road for a drink.

Day 5: Explore the Phi Phi Islands by Speed Boat

Get ready for an escapade in paradise as you head to Koh Phi Phi on a full-day boat tour. You'll be picked up at your hotel and transferred to Phuket Pier, where you'll board a speed boat to Phi Phi Ley ("Maya Beach"). Known for its crystal-clear waters with limestone cliffs that jut out from the ocean, you'll marvel at the stunning scenery during the one-hour ride to the island. Once there, enjoy swimming and taking beautiful pictures at Pileh Lagoon and Viking Cave. You will be amazed by this secluded hideaway surrounded by cliff formations on three sides.

Next, head to Phi Phi Don, and on the way, you'll pass the beautiful Monkey Beach, home to curious long-tailed macaques who will clamber down the cliffs to greet you. If you still need more beach time, there's plenty at Phi Phi Don, where there's an opportunity to go snorkeling and have a traditional Thai lunch. In the afternoon, visit Bamboo Island for more swimming or relax on the beach. From here, you will return to Phuket and be transferred to your hotel.

Day 6: Canoe & Snorkel Phang Nga Bay

Head out early this morning as you make your way to Ao Por Pier. Upon arrival at the pier, break for tea or coffee before boarding the luxury boat. The first stop will be Panak Island, famous for its stalactites and lagoons. Enjoy canoeing to the Bat Cave, where you'll spot bats sleeping above your head on the cavern's ceiling. Continue to Hong Island with your guide and paddle to explore hidden caves. You'll enter its two extraordinary lagoons before high tide. Return to the boat to enjoy a delicious buffet lunch. 

In the afternoon, zoom and weave around Tapu Island (also known as James Bond Island) to discover the famous movie location where "The Man with the Golden Gun" was filmed. You'll also visit Khao Phing Kan Island, an idyllic spot where you can enjoy swimming and snorkeling. In the afternoon, return to the boat and head back to Phuket.

Day 7: Beach Day in Phuket

Phuket is known for its outstanding beaches, offering a wide variety of scenery, atmospheres, facilities, and even textures of sand. Spend your day relaxing at one of the island's loveliest stretches of shore. You have many options to choose from. Kata Beach is always reliable, with soft white sand, shady palm trees, water sports, and a laid-back atmosphere. You can easily spend the day there with a handful of food and drink vendors. Another idea is Nai Harn Beach, located at the end of Phuket, which is popular, but thanks to the relatively small bay, it hasn't developed like others nearby.

If you seek a more isolated atmosphere, head to Freedom Beach, possibly the best white sandy beach in Phuket. Though it's more challenging to get to (you must hike a steep path or take a long-tail boat to arrive), you'll escape the motorized water sports and beach vendors for a peaceful environment.

Day 8: Explore More of Phuket, Half-Day Sightseeing Tour

Enjoy another free morning to explore Phuket. If you're still thirsty for the beach, check out the tree-lined Rawai, which is great for a seafood lunch, or try the sandy shores of the nightlife hub Patong. There's also the long stretch of white sand in Karon. Those looking for peace and quiet can visit the crystal blue waters and quiet atmosphere of Kata Noi or the 7-mile (11 km)  stretch of the wild and untouched Mai Khao. Consider exploring other parts of the island, like the Old Town, if you want a break from the beach. Or, you can take an optional guided tour to see all the gems in town.

Start your tour with a scenic drive along the bays with the golden sand and turquoise sea. Stop at a viewpoint overlooking this magnificent panorama. The beautiful peninsular adjacent to the famous Promthep Cape is the perfect place to view a spectacular sunset. The highlight of the day is a visit to Chalong Temple, the largest temple on the island decorated with beautiful ornament. Wrap up your sightseeing with a visit to a cashew nut factory, where you will be able to sample no fewer than 10 flavors of cashew nuts. The rest of the day is free after you return to your hotel.

Day 9: Depart Phuket

It's time to say sawadee ka (goodbye) to Thailand. When the time comes, your driver will be waiting to take you to the airport for your departing flight. Safe travels!

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