7 Day Thailand Itinerary: 4 AMAZING Routes You Can Combine

7 Day Thailand Itinerary

Ready for an amazing 7 Day Thailand itinerary?? Where your days are filled with drinking coconuts, long beach walks, and jungle adventures? Thailand is one of our favorite destinations in the world… And considering we’ve been to over 70 countries that’s saying a lot! We have spent time exploring vast mainland, the big cities, and hopping through the beautiful islands. In this article, we’ll share some of the most fun one week Thailand itineraries based on our own favorite routes and experiences.

What You’ll Find in Our Thailand Itinerary Guide 

  • Multiple Thailand 7 Day itinerary routes with day to day recommendations. 
  • Where to stay, our favorite local restaurants, and activities. 
  • How to get between the different cities and islands. 
  • Tips for saving money, whether you’re on a luxury vacation or budget backpacking trip.

Thailand Itinerary

Planning Your 7 Day Thailand Itinerary

Are you planning your trip to Thailand, but don’t know where to start? Here are the 10 most important things to figure out first.

1. How long is your Thailand Itinerary? 

2. Decide where you want to go. Are you more into the cities and temples of Chiang Mai, or looking to island hop (these are some of our favorites!

3. What time of year are you going? Visiting during the rainy season will be much different than high season. We cover the best time to visit Thailand for perfect weather in this post.

4. Figure out your budget for your 7 day Thailand itinerary. This country offers something for every type of traveler, including backpacking and high-end holidays. 

5. Plan your route!! Which is obviously what you’re looking to do now.

6. Check the flight prices with Skyscanner then compare your exact dates here to make sure you are getting the best price. Coming from other major hubs in Southeast Asia can be cheap, while international flights will be more expensive. 

7. Understand the transport options between your destinations. For a 7 day Thailand itinerary you’ll want to book ferries and domestic flights in advance (this is the website we use).

8. Pick the right accommodations for your stay. Don’t worry, we cover all the different options and budgets.

9. Plan for any extra activities or tours such as a cooking class in Chiang Mai or Maya Bay Boat Tour.

10. Finalize all your travel plans and get ready for takeoff! 

These are just some quick ideas for figuring out your own Thailand itinerary. We actually wrote an entire post below that breaks down everything so you can easily get your vacation started.

→ How to Plan Your Trip to Thailand in 10 Easy Steps

Best 7 Day Thailand Itinerary

Combining Each 7 Day Thailand Itinerary

At first, we wanted to share a massive one month Thailand itinerary like we did with Vietnam & Argentina. However, we know visiting the country for that long isn’t possible for everyone.

We also understand that some travelers might be looking to explore the national parks. Others may want to stick to the beautiful beaches, or gravitate towards the mountains of Northern Thailand. 

For this reason, we split up our ultimate Thailand itinerary into four different one week trips. You can use these individually, or combine the 7 day Thailand Itinerary for a one, two, three, or month long Thailand adventure.

Really, it doesn’t matter how long you have! After your first visit to Thailand, you’ll quickly discover why it’s one of the most popular travel destinations in Asia.

Are you trying to figure out how much to budget for your Thailand itineraries? Then check out our full guide with prices below.

How Much Does a Trip to Thailand Cost? Budget to Lux w/Prices!

7 Day Thailand Itinerary Best

How to Get Around Thailand 

If it’s your first Thailand trip you might be a little overwhelmed when looking into transportation options. Still, you should know it’s very well set up for tourism. Here are some of the best ways to get around this massive country on your Thailand itineraries. 

Taxis: We recommend downloading the Grab app and getting it set up before you arrive. This is Thailand’s version of Uber and it’s used throughout Southeast Asia. You’ll also find local tuk tuk’s in the cities and islands which offer cheap rides for short distances.

Ferries, Buses & Trains: We always use 12Go to book ferries, buses, and trains. This website works similarly to the European website Omio. It’s especially helpful for booking routes that can sell out in advance during peak season. Your 7 day Thailand itinerary may include a night train from Bangkok to Chiang Mai or the fast ferry from Phuket to Koh Phi Phi Islands

Flights: Sometimes a domestic flight may be the best option to include in your itinerary to Thailand. We typically check Skyscanner to compare the different airlines and dates. Be sure to read our full post about how to use this website and get the best deals. Once you find a flight that works for you book directly on the airline’s website. We hate to say it, but there are some scammy third party companies in Asia. You don’t want to risk showing up to the airport without a flight to start your holiday! 

Epic 7 Day Thailand Itinerary

Epic 7 Day Thailand Itinerary

As we mentioned, all our routes are based on a 7 day Thailand itinerary. We know these may seem super past faced at first glance.

If you prefer to not have such a packed Thailand 7 day itinerary you can simply add more days onto the routes. You could also cut a couple of the places out that don’t interest you as much. 

It all depends on your travel style and what you want to see on your trip. Be sure to click inside our links for individual articles we wrote on the different destinations and tours as well.

Our Four 7 Day Thailand Itinerary Ideas

Khao Lak, Khao Sok & Phuket: The first Thailand itinerary involves the coastal town of Khao Lak and then heads to Khao Sok National Park. From there, you can take a boat to the largest Thai island and enjoy the beaches of Phuket.

Phi Phi, Koh Lanta & Krabi: The second 7 day Thailand itinerary is all about island hopping! Hit the parties on Phi Phi, relax on Koh Lanta, and then end at Krabi’s famous Railay beach.

Koh Samui, Koh Phangan & Koh Tao: Ready for more islands? Start in Koh Samui then head to the full moon party on Koh Phangan. After that, you can do some diving and snorkeling on Koh Tao before returning home.

Bangkok, Chiang Mai & Pai: The last itinerary to Thailand is all about the mainland. Explore the capital city of Bangkok before making your way to the temples and night markets of Chiang Mai. Once you’re done there, travel to the secluded mountains in Pai for a completely different experience.

Best Thailand Itinerary

7 Day Thailand Itinerary: Khao Lak, Khao Sok & Phuket

Koh Lak Thailand

Day 1: Arrive at Phuket International Airport and take a direct transfer to your hotel in Khao Lak. (check out all our tips for what to know before you go). We stayed at La Vela Khao Lak and absolutely LOVED it! Spend your first night walking the beach and grab some dinner on the water. 

Day 2: Jump on a speedboat tour of the magical Similan Islands islands (Book this tour in advance here!) The islands are a protected nature reserve and considered some of the most beautiful in all of Thailand. After your day of exploring you can visit the Khao Lak local market at night.

How Much Will a Trip to Thailand Cost You

Khao Sok National Park

Day 3: Set up an early morning transfer to Khao Sok National Park through your accommodation. We stayed at 500 Rai Floating Resort inside the park and you can also check out places in town like K.K. Park Resort. 

Our floating hotel was amazing, but staying just outside and taking a day trip will definitely save you some money. Jump on a boat as you tour the park, kayak from your bungalow, and enjoy the unique part of Thailand that not many visit. 

Day 4: Spend a full day exploring Khao Sok National Park. Typically, these tours are put on through your accommodation. From bird watching trips to water activities, this is the ultimate experience in nature! Honestly, our favorite thing to do was just to sit on our floating bungalow and take in the views. 

Itinerary to Thailand

Phuket Thailand

Day 5: Get up early for a long transfer back to Phuket! If you time it right you can check into your accommodation in the early afternoon. We recommend staying in Kata Beach at a hotels such as The Boathouse Phuket  and The SIS Kata Resort. 

Plan to hit the beach and grab lunch or cocktail at Ska Bar & Kata Seafood Restaurant. Also, treat yourself to a beachfront massage that won’t set up back more than $10 USD.

Day 6: Rent a motorbike to explore Phuket or hire a private tuk-tuk. For a day of adventure, we would start by visiting the Big Buddha (here’s our tips) in the morning before the heat sets in.

Take a walk around Phuket Old Town and eat at the many affordable Michelin star restaurants. If you’re there on a Sunday you can also check out the famous night market. 

After old town head straight to paradise at Nai Harn Beach! To end your night we recommend heading to Promthep Cape. Be sure to check out more of our favorite sunset spots on Phuket here.

Day 7: For your last day there is nothing better than an afternoon at Kata Noi Beach. Have lunch at one of the seaside restaurants or food trucks then slide into a beach chair and massage. If you have additional time on Phuket then read the article below for more of the best things to do on the island.

22 Fun Things to Do On Phuket Island For Your First Visit

Thailand Itinerary 7 Days

7 Day Thailand Itinerary: Phi Phi, Koh Lanta & Krabi

Koh Phi Phi Thailand

Day 1: Fly into Phuket in the early morning flight and plan to make a connecting ferry to Phi Phi (read about our trip & book your ferry here). Don’t want to risk missing the ferry?

Then spend the night in Phuket Old Town near the port and make the boat trip there in the morning. Once you get to Phi Phi you can stay on Long beach which we loved.

Just know that you have to hike to or take a boat transfer from the port to get here. Check out Phi Phi The Beach Resort (Luxury), or for more options read this article we wrote about all the best hotels. After you’re settled its time to explore the island and hike up to the three scenic Koh Phi Phi viewpoints.

Day 2: This will be the best day on Koh Phi Phi! Head to the dock and find a private longtail boat in the morning, or book in advance here. You can take a half day trip or combine two tours into a full day. Read about our two different boat trips for both visiting Maya Bay and circling Phi Phi Don.

One Week Thailand Itinerary

Koh Lanta

Day 3: Jump on a 30 minute speedboat from Koh Phi Phi to the island of Koh Lanta (this was our experience!) Make sure to book the tickets in advance for this route. 

Once you get to your hotel it’s time to explore the beach, swim in the crystal clear water, and hit one of the nighttime fire shows. Two of our favorite hotels on Koh Lanta are Beach Home Lanta and the 5 Star Layana Resort and Spa.

Day 4: Rent a motorbike or hire a driver through your hotel to see more of the island. We recommend spending your day beach hopping along the West Coast (these are the best beaches), grabbing lunch in Old Town, and visiting the national park. Check out our fun breakdown for the best things to do in Koh Lanta here.

7 Day Thailand Itinerary Tips

Ao Nang & Railay Beach

Day 5: From Koh Lanta, you can take a private transfer, shared shuttle, or ferry to Ao Nang Beach. This coastal town in Krabi is known for its amazing resorts such as Phulay Bay Ritz Carltonwhich gained worldwide recognition when it was used to film The Hangover.

Day 6: After one night in Ao Nang, hop on a quick 10 minute ferry to Railay Beach. Here are top tips and things to do in Railay. The best places to stay are Rayavadee Sand Sea Resort & Railay Princess Resort. Spend your day on the walking street, take an adventure Tonsai Beach, and visit the unique Phra Nang Cave Beach.

Day 7: We loved renting kayaks from the main Railay beach and paddling them over to Phra Nang Beach. You can try rock climbing (popular half day introductory climb) which this area is known for, or take a 7 Islands Sunset Tour  (book it here!As always, you should end your day with an ice-cold Chang beer and watch the sky change colors over the water.

7 Day Thailand Itinerary Route

7 Day Thailand Itinerary: Koh Samui, Koh Phangan & Koh Tao

Koh Samui Thailand

Day 1: Fly into Koh Samui on your first day and stay in the popular Fisherman’s Village. Anantara Bophut Koh Samui Resort (Luxury) and Dreamcatcher Boutique Hotel (Budget) are both popular hotel options. The name of this area might be slightly deceiving as it’s actually filled with high-end restaurants and beach bars. 

Day 2: Take a boat trip to Mu Ko Ang Thong National Marine Park (book your tour!) This day trip is one of the reasons travelers make the trip to Koh Samui. Spend your day island hopping, snorkeling, and enjoying the magical islands.

Thailand 7 Days

Koh Phangan Thailand

Day 3: This 7 day Thailand itinerary continues on a 30-minute fast ferry (book it here) from Koh Samui to Koh Phangan. Stay in the north part of the island which is more relaxed than the crazy south where the infamous Full Moon Party is held. We loved Zama Resort and heard really good things about Benjamin’s Hut for budget travelers.

Day 4: Make your way to Bottle beach for the afternoon. We rented a motorbike and then hired a boat taxi instead of hiking in. You can read about how to make the trip here! Pack your own lunch or grab some food at the small beachside restaurant.

If you’re really looking for a secluded escape you can even spend the night at one of the Bottle Beach bungalows. At night on Koh Phangan head to Haad Yao beach. Vagga Bar Cafe is the perfect place to have a drink and a place we visited again and again.

Best Itinerary for Thailand

Koh Tao Thailand

Day 5: Jump on the morning fast ferry to the small island of Koh Tao (Book You Ferry Here!) While they all have their own charm, Koh Tao is our favorite out of these three islands.

Check-in at your hotel spend the day exploring the beach, swimming in the water, visiting the walking street. Be sure to eat at the best local restaurant called 995 Roasted Duck for a delicious meal.

Blue Tao Beach Hotel is one of the most popular on Koh Tao and Budchui Village 2 is great place to stay if you’re on a budget. 

Day 6: Koh Tao is famous for diving and snorkeling so you’ll definitely want to plan to get out on the water. Contact the dive centers directly so they can explain what they offer if you’re interested.

Snorkeling and boat trips are easy to book (this one is amazing) and will take you to all around the island. For more great tips before your visit to Koh Tao be sure to read our article.

Day 7:  For your final day on Koh Tao plan to do some more exploring. Freedom Beach is a must-visit and so is Shark Bay. Tree House Cafe is a fun spot to grab a smoothie and take in the epic jungle views.

At night you should head down to the beach to catch a fire show. Just remember that Koh Tao doesn’t have its own airport. You will have to take the boat back to Koh Samui or ferry to your next destination.

7 Days in Thailand Itinerary

7 Day Thailand Itinerary: Bangkok, Chiang Mai & Pai 

Bangkok Thailand

Day 1: We recommend starting out off your trip in the capital city by staying near the river. We are usually drawn to the Chinatown area for its amazing food and sights. Some hotel options to consider here are JW Marriott Hotel Bangkok (luxury) Ago Hotel (mid-range), and Once Again Hostel (budget). 

Day 2: Plan to arrive at the Bangkok Grand Palace and Temple of the Emerald Buddha when they open as it gets crazy busy. Read all our tips including about the dress code here. After you visit the palace don’t miss out on seeing the nearby reclining Buddha statue.

When you get hungry for lunch, head to one of the popular Michelin Star street food spots. Once the sun goes down hit the exciting Khao San road if you’re looking to party.

Day 3: Spend a relaxing morning exploring around Bangkok. Ride the boats along the river and get a city view from the Bangkok Skywalk! To get to the next destination on this Thailand 7 day itinerary you can easily fly. Yet, one of the most popular routes from Bangkok to Chiang Mai is on the overnight train (book it here).

Fun 7 Day Thailand Itinerary

Chiang Mai Thailand

Day 4: If you take the train you’ll be arriving in Chiang Mai bright and early. Head to your hotel (The Inside House & Tamarind Village are two great options) and at least store your bags if you can’t check in yet.

For lunch you have to hit our favorite Khao Soi noodle spot called Lung Prakit Kad Kom. Walk through the old town, pop in for a massage, and experience the night markets on the weekend. These markets are just one of the many fun things to do in Chiang Mai. 

Day 5: Rent a scooter or hire a transfer to take you to Wat Phra That Doi Suthep. This beautiful temple is located high in the hills overlooking the city center. You can also pay for a tuk tuk to take you to all the incredible temples around Old Town.

Pai Thailand

Day 6: To end this Thailand itinerary, book a transfer to the small mountain town of Pai. Many travelers choose to do this winding route by motorbike. However, we only recommend this if you are very comfortable driving the twists and turns of the mountain roads. 

Day 7: Once you get to Pai you’ll see it will be a completely different vibe from the two cities you came from. Enjoy the nature at Pai Canyon, swim in the hot springs, and walk across the Boon Ko Ku So Bridge. You can also hike to see the awesome waterfalls in this part of Thailand!

Thailand 7 Day itinerary

What to Pack For Your Itinerary to Thailand 

Honestly, as long as you have the basics you’ll be fine on your 7 Day Thailand itinerary. Below are the 10 things we used all the time while traveling through the country.

It’s probably easier if you grab them before you come so you can fully enjoy your vacation. Otherwise, you know what you feel comfortable wearing. Just plan for the hot weather if visiting in high season!

7 Day Thailand Itinerary Packing List

Temple Outfit: You will most likely be visiting a few temples during your itinerary to Thailand. Make sure you have at least one outfit that you can use. For women, we recommend a long loose dress (like this). Also, know that men should have their shoulders covered and you will need to your shoes off to enter the temples.

Water Shoes: By now you know that Thailand has amazing beaches. However, there are some things that aren’t so friendly in the water. Creatures to watch out for are stingrays, sea urchins, and sea lice.

At some beaches it’s a good idea to wear water shoes. Buy some super cheap ones, or something more sturdy like these!

Hat & Sunglasses: The sun stays bright and hot in Thailand. Make sure to pack a hat that can be worn in the cities and on the white sand beaches. Also, sunglasses and sunscreen are a must to have for your Thailand itinerary.

We like this brand of SPF. It’s better to purchase sunscreen beforehand as the prices can often be inflated once you get there.

SPF Shirt: This one is just personal preference. Yet, on days when we were on longtail boats island hopping we would get completely rocked by the sun. SPF shirts like these for women and this one for men are a great way to get a little extra protection. 

Beach Cover: This is more for women, but a wrap is great to use on the beach. You can also put them down on the table for massages, or to cover your shoulders on when running into a store. 

More Thailand 7 Day Itinerary Essentials

Sweatshirt or Warm Layer: So you’re going on a tropical 7 day Thailand itinerary… Why would you need anything warm?? Well, even with the hot weather it does cool down at night. Consider packing a light zip-up (like this). It’s also good for long bus rides as they tend to blast the air conditioning.

Mosquito Repellent: There’s no getting around it. Thailand is full of bugs, mosquitos, and creepy crawlers! We prefer traveling with a repellant brand we know such as this natural one. 

Folding Backpack: It’s nice to have a smaller folding backpack to travel around with on day trips. We’ve used a bunch of the cheap ones on amazon over the last few years, but like this one and this.

We always have an extra pack on us after almost 7 years of full-time travel. This will be especially great for hikes, boat tours, and each walks. If you plan to use them in major cities like Bangkok consider buying a small lock for peace of mind. 

Sneakers: When you’re not at the beach in Thailand you might be taking part in one of the many outdoor activities. Sneakers or hiking shoes are great for jungle walks in the national park, or exploring the big cities.

In Bangkok, we walked over 20,000 steps in one day! In this instance were definitely happy we had proper sneakers on.

Rain Jacket: Even if you are visiting in the peak season make sure to pack a rain jacket. You really just need something lightweight like this. It can also come in handy on boat trips that get super windy, or if there is a tropical downpour. 

7 Day Best Thailand Itinerary

How to Have an EPIC Month in Thailand!

Have more time to combine all our Thailand itineraries and routes?? Then this is how we would spend one month trip!

Now this is just to give you an idea for your own fun journey based on our travels. Use it as a loose guide to plan your own awesome Thailand itinerary.

  • 2 Days- Khao Lak
  • 2 Days – Khao Sok National Park
  • 3 Days – Phuket
  • 2 Days – Phi Phi Island
  • 3 Days Koh Lanta
  • 1 Day – Ao Nang Beach
  • 3 Days – Railey Beach
  • 2 Days – Koh Samui
  • 2 Days – Koh Phangan
  • 3 Days – Koh Tao
  • 3 Days – Bangkok
  • 2 Days – Chaing Mai
  • 2 Days – Pai 

One Month Thailand Itinerary

Have any questions about this article or want to share your own favorite 7 day Thailand itinerary? Leave us a comment below!

Safe Travels,
Brigitte & Jake

PIN FOR LATER 

Thailand

Thailand Travel Planning 

 Transportation: While traveling through Thailand 12Go is where we find all our ferries, trains, buses, and transfers! You can find everything from island hopping speed boats to the night train from Bangkok to Chiang Mai

 Flights: We always find our cheap flight deals using Skyscanner and Kayak. That’s how we found flights from Bangkok to Phuket for $12 USD, and Thailand to Vietnam for less than $50! 

 Accommodation: Compare multiple sites to get to the best deal such as Booking.com and Agoda! Also,  Hostelworld should be your go-to source if you’re traveling on a budget. 

 Tours: Check out Get Your Guide to find activities all over Phuket! You can find everything from a James Bond island luxury sunset cruise, to Phuket Old Town 15-taster food adventure, and 5-hour island tour

 Travel Insurance: Never travel abroad without protection. We’ve been using SafetyWing for the last few years on the road and they are there when we need them.

 Packing Lists: Find all the inspiration you need with our Amazon packing lists. Including our electronics and camera gear, must-have medical items, and long flight essentials

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Helpful Thailand Posts

Phuket: 22 Things to DoOld Town Food Guide6  Sunset SpotsRawaiElephant SanctuaryPromthep Cape SunsetSunday Night MarketPhuket Old TownBig BuddhaRenting a Motorbike 

Phuket Beaches:  15 Best Beaches Nai Harn & Yanui – Kata BeachKata NoiNui Beach

Koh Phi Phi:  Ferry from Phuket25 Things to KnowMaya Bay Private Tour3 Viewpoint HikeMonkey BeachPhi Phi Don Boat Tour 

Railey Beach:  12 Things to Do3 Epic BeachesKrabi to Koh Phangan

Gulf of Thailand: Koh Phangan 10 Things to KnowBottle Beach Koh PhanganKoh Tao 12 Things to KnowFreedom Beach Koh TaoKoh Samui 

More: Planning Thailand TripKoh LipeChiang Mai

Thailand Travel Guide

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Brigitte & Jake

We’re Brigitte and Jake! American travel bloggers currently based in Spain. If you can believe it, we started Nothing Familiar way back in 2015 on an Ipad in the Ecuadorian jungle. Ever since, we haven’t stopped traveling! We’ve now been to over 60 countries around the world, with our expertise being Europe and Southeast Asia. We love outdoor adventures, tasting local specialties, and island hopping through tropical destinations. Hopefully, our guides and authentic experiences will inspire you on your own travels!

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