Thailand Itinerary: 8 Days in Bangkok and Phuket
Thailand is one of my favorite travel destinations because it has beautiful scenery, delicious food, luxurious hotels, fascinating culture, and so much more. There’s a reason that Thailand has been a wildly popular travel destination for decades – there’s something for every traveler to enjoy.
Note: I traveled to Thailand in partnership with the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) and this post is sponsored by TAT. However, as always, all opinions are my own. Please also note this post contains affiliate links. This means if you click a link and make a purchase, I may earn a commission at no additional cost to you.
As a luxury traveler, I love that Thailand is an affordable travel destination. You can experience incredible luxury – think 5 star resort amenities, daily massages, and expansive hotel suites – without breaking the bank. And, Thailand is also a great destination if you’re a backpacker or otherwise on a budget.
With this 8 day Thailand itinerary, you’ll split your trip between busy and bustling Bangkok and the beautiful beach resorts of Phuket. You’ll explore temples, beaches, an elephant sanctuary, authentic Thai markets, and luxury hotels.
This was the itinerary I followed for my second trip to Thailand, and I was thrilled to revisit Bangkok and Phuket.
If you’re planning a trip, keep reading for the best Thailand itinerary for 8 days in Bangkok and Phuket.
When to Visit Thailand + Weather
Thailand is known for having sunny and hot weather, but there are distinct wet and dry seasons. These are the best times to visit Bangkok and Phuket, Thailand.
Peak Season: November to March is peak season in most of Thailand.
- This is the driest time of year, when you’re most likely to be able to relax beachside with little to no rainfall.
- Christmas and the Western New Year are very popular times to visit Thailand. So, you should expect higher prices and bigger crowds on those dates.
Shoulder Seasons: “Shoulder season” is the period just before or after high season, where you’re still likely to experience good weather, but with fewer crowds. However, there is an increased chance of rain.
- The first shoulder season in Thailand is from April to June.
- April is a fantastic time to visit Thailand if your trip coincides with Thai New Year, called the Songkran (or “water splashing”) festival. Songkran takes place in mid-April. I experienced the Songkran festival in Chiang Mai during my first trip to Thailand and I will never forget it. The city essentially became one big water fight, with locals drenching us with buckets, hoses and water guns.
- The second shoulder season is during the month of October.
Low Season: Thailand’s low season is generally from July to September, when you’re more likely to experience rain and possibly even monsoons.
Keep in mind that Thailand is a big country, so there some exceptions to these weather guidelines. For example, Koh Samui and some of its nearby islands experience their rainy season from October to December.
So, if you’re traveling to areas of Thailand outside of Bangkok and Phuket, you’ll want to do some additional research about the weather in the region before booking your trip.
Getting to Thailand
If you’re traveling to Thailand from the United States, you’ll likely fly into Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK), Bangkok’s main international airport. We flew to Bangkok from New York City’s JFK International Airport, with a stopover in Seoul, South Korea.
It took us about 24 hours of traveling to arrive in Bangkok. Luckily, I had packed my favorite long flight essentials to make the trip more bearable.
Once we landed in Bangkok, I was admittedly exhausted but also excited to start exploring!
Getting Around Thailand
Getting Around Bangkok
Bangkok is a huge urban metropolis with great public transportation. So, you have lots of options for getting around. These are the best modes of transportation for exploring Bangkok.
Skytrain/Metro
Public transportation is one of the best ways to navigate Bangkok. The Skytrain and Metro in Bangkok are efficient, cost-effective, easy to navigate, and clean. There’s also an extensive bus system.
Taxis
Taxis are pretty affordable in Bangkok, but you risk getting stuck in traffic. Bangkok is notorious for its bumper-to-bumper gridlock.
Your hotel can order you a taxi from a reputable company. Be sure to only take taxis that have a meter, and ensure the meter is working properly and engaged for your trip.
Grab App
Uber doesn’t operate in Bangkok, but you can hail a ride from a similar app called Grab. Grab works similar to the way Uber works in the U.S. Grab is a great option for ensuring you are taking reputable taxis.
Boat
You can also explore Bangkok via waterways that include the Chao Phraya River and its many canals. Many of Bangkok’s main sights, like Wat Arun, Wat Pho and the Grand Palace, are along the banks of the Chao Phraya River.
The Chao Phraya Tourist Boat is a hop-on hop-off boat service that stops near many of Bangkok’s top attractions. Its boats depart every 30 minutes from 11 different piers. You can buy an all-day pass for 150 baht (approximately $4.40 USD).
Tuk Tuk
It wouldn’t be a vacation in Thailand if you didn’t take a tuk tuk. Tuk tuks are those iconic 3-wheeled motorized rickshaws that whizz around the streets of central Bangkok.
They are a ton of fun to ride, and definitely an experience you’ll want to have in Bangkok. I recommend taking a short tuk tuk ride, just for the experience, rather than relying on tuk tuks to actually get around the city. They can be pricier than taxis and aren’t the safest option, since passengers don’t have seatbelts.
Tuk tuks aren’t metered, so the drivers get to set their own fares. You should expect to pay a bit of a tourist premium for a tuk tuk ride, since the driver will probably charge you more than a Thai local. But you can definitely haggle with tuk tuk drivers before you accept their quoted fare.
Getting from Bangkok to Phuket
Phuket is an easy and quick flight from Bangkok. We flew AirAsia to Phuket from Bangkok’s Don Mueang International Airport. The flight was about 80 minutes long.
Getting Around Phuket
Phuket is Thailand’s largest island. Its public transportation isn’t as extensive as what you’ll find in Bangkok. So, you’ll likely take more taxis during this leg of your 8 day Thailand itinerary.
Taxis
Taxis are a great way to get around Phuket. However, not all taxis in Phuket have meters. If your taxi isn’t metered, be sure to negotiate your fare in advance.
Grab App
Just like in Bangkok, Uber doesn’t operate in Phuket. But, you can hail a ride via the Grab App.
Tuk Tuk
Tuk tuks are a popular way to get around Phuket, especially if you’re only traveling a short distance. Since tuk tuks aren’t metered, you should negotiate your fare with the driver in advance.
Bus (Songtaew)
Colorful busses called songtaews are a cost-effective way to traveling from Phuket Town to the island’s beaches. Songtaews make frequent stops, so they’re a good option if you aren’t short on time.
Motorbike
Motorbikes are a popular way to explore Phuket and there are many places to rent them. However, they aren’t the safest option (which is why I personally won’t rent a motorbike when traveling). You also do need to be an experienced rider to navigate some of the busy roads and sharp turns in Phuket.
Currency
The Thai baht is the official currency of Thailand. When I visited Thailand in February 2022, $1 USD was equivalent to approximately 34 baht. You can check up-to-date exchange rates for your trip on XE.com.
Where to Stay in Bangkok
I’m a luxury hotel lover, which is why Bangkok is one of my favorite cities to visit. There’s no shortage of beautiful and luxurious hotels in Bangkok. And they usually cost less than you’d pay for a comparable high-end hotel in another city.
My favorite hotels in Bangkok are The Siam Hotel and the SO/ Bangkok. Since your Thailand itinerary is 8 days long, I recommend splitting your time in Bangkok between these two hotels. Each offers a totally different experience within the same city.
The Siam Hotel
The Siam Hotel is one of the most luxurious and unique hotels in Bangkok. The hotel is located on 3 acres of lush riverfront property. It’s a truly peaceful escape from the busy city streets, where you can sleep off your jet lag in an oversized suite or villa, get a massage at the expansive spa, or watch a movie in the hotel’s private screening room.
You’ll forget that you’re just steps from the grid-locked streets of Bangkok as you relax with a craft cocktail in hand by The Siam’s infinity pool. A stay at The Siam feels more like you’re staying at a wealthy friend’s private art and antiques-filled mansion, than a hotel. (Which is not far off, since the hotel is owned by one of the most fascinating and creative families in Bangkok.)
Other experiences you don’t want to miss at The Siam include taking a sunset cruise down the river on the hotel’s private boat, taking a private Muay Thai class in the hotel’s gym, and watching a live jazz performance at The Siam’s speakeasy-style bar. There’s even a tattoo studio where you can receive a sacred Sak Yant tattoo, which is a traditional Thai form of art.
I highly recommend The Siam Hotel for discerning luxury travelers looking for a peaceful stay, especially couples. I celebrated my birthday at The Siam Hotel and the staff went above and beyond to ensure I had the perfect day, even surprising me with a birthday cake. I only wish I had stayed at The Siam for my honeymoon!
SO/Bangkok
SO/ Bangkok is one of the trendiest luxury hotels in Bangkok, and for good reason! This super-stylish hotel has expansive suites with floor-to-ceiling windows, an infinity pool with a skyline view, and rooftop bars and restaurants where you can sip cocktails while admiring the city lights.
The SO/ Bangkok is designed around what they call the five elements: water, earth, wood, metal, and fire. The hotel’s rooms and common areas are all designed with these elements in mind.
I stayed in a massive wood inspired suite, which had wooden walls and floors and minimal decor that invoked a sense of peace and tranquility. My “SO Lofty” suite was about 1300 square feet, with a large separate seating room, floor-to-ceiling windows that overlooked Lumphini Park, a powder room, a king-sized bed and huge main bathroom area with a round soaker tub. It was the most spacious hotel suite I’ve ever stayed in!
The SO/ Bangkok is also known for its lively pool parties on the last Saturday of each month, which attract the “who’s who” of the Bangkok social scene. And if you need a break from rubbing elbows with Bangkok’s jet set crowd, you can book a signature treatment in the SO/ Bangkok’s well appointed spa.
I recommend the SO/ Bangkok if you’re coming to Bangkok to have a fun, lively vacation with friends or your significant other. If you like the finer things in life, but also like to go out at night, The SO/ Bangkok is for you.
Where to Stay in Phuket
InterContinental Phuket Resort
The InterContinental Phuket Resort is a luxury beachfront resort and one of the newest hotels in Phuket. It’s located on the low-key Kamala Beach, which has more of a relaxed and family-friendly feel than places like Patong Beach. With 5 pools, 6 restaurants, a tranquil spa and ample sun loungers, you won’t run out of places to enjoy yourself and unwind.
Aside from the beach, the crown jewel of the resort is the shining white Sawan building. Sawan means “heavenly” in Thai. The Sawan building is framed by jungle-covered hills and is absolutely magical, especially in the misty early morning hours. The Sawan building currently houses resort’s spa on the lower level, and will soon be home to a new restaurant.
The dining options at the hotel are excellent. From the extensive breakfast buffet with Thai and Western options, to the Michelin recommended Jaras for a modern Thai dinner, you won’t go hungry. If you dine at Jaras, don’t forget to check out the restaurant’s fermentation laboratory, where they ferment many of the ingredients featured on their menu.
The InterContinental Phuket is an especially good option for families and other groups.
Thailand Itinerary: 8 Days in Bangkok and Phuket
Now that you know when to visit Thailand, how to get around, and where to stay, let’s jump into your Thailand itinerary for 8 days. This Thailand itinerary doesn’t include travel time, so you’ll need to factor that into your vacation planning.
Day 1: Bangkok
Arrival
Welcome to Thailand! We landed in Bangkok at about midnight and went straight to The Siam Hotel.
The friendly staff greeted us at check-in with refreshing welcome drinks, flowers, and chilled towels. Enjoy your welcome drink and then head to your room to sleep off the jet-lag.
Morning: Enjoy the Hotel + Spa
Breakfast: Chon Thai Restaurant
Enjoy a leisurely morning, starting off with breakfast at The Siam Hotel’s riverfront restaurant, Chon Thai. The hotel serves breakfast until 11:00 am, so you don’t need to rush.
The breakfast menu includes Western and Thai options, freshly squeezed juices, and a variety of coffee and tea drinks.
I recommend starting your trip with a Thai breakfast. I really enjoyed the Khao Mok Gai, which is grilled free-range chicken with cucumber pickle, sweet chili sauce and turmeric rice. The Khao Niew Moo Yang, chargrilled pork with sticky rice, was also delicious.
Explore the Hotel
After breakfast, explore the hotel. Start in the lobby, head towards the greenhouse-like atrium, see the infinity pool, and walk all the way to the banks of the river.
Take some time to admire the hotel’s art and antiques while you explore, including a horse statue that dates from the Han Dynasty (206 BC to 220 AD), the cheeky E.T. and Yoda figurines in the movie screening room, and the Muay Thai boxing ring in the fitness center.
Spa Treatment
Thailand is famous for its massage technique so ease your jet lag and sore post-airplane muscles with a treatment at the hotel’s Opium Spa. I opted for a 90-minute Muay Thai massage, The Siam’s signature massage treatment.
I highly recommend kicking off your 8 day Thailand itinerary with a massage. The jet lag and muscle stiffness can be intense after such a long travel day. I felt so much better after my treatment.
The treatment rooms at luxury hotel spas in Thailand are so much larger than I’ve seen in the US. In Thailand, at hotels like The Siam, you’ll have a private changing room and bathroom that are separate from the treatment room. You really feel like an A-lister!
Afternoon: Lunch + Temple Hopping
Lunch: The Story House Restaurant
After your massage, have lunch at The Story House at The Siam Hotel, which serves contemporary Western cuisine in an elegant setting. My favorites on the menu were the tiger prawn rolls garnished with edible flowers, the whole baked triple cream brie, and the burnt curly kale salad.
Explore Temples: Wat Pho, The Grand Palace, Wat Arun, Wat Paknam Phasi Charoen
Once you finish lunch, it’s time to visit some of Bangkok’s most famous temples. These temples are some of Thailand’s most famous places and absolutely must be on your 8 day Thailand itinerary.
Be sure to dress modestly with your shoulders covered (no tube tops or tank tops), no sheer clothing, and your pants, dress, skirt or shorts should be at least to your knee.
Wat Pho
Wat Pho is one of Bangkok’s oldest and most famous temples. It’s also known as the Temple of the Reclining Buddha because it contains the largest reclining Buddha in Bangkok. The gilded reclining Buddha is about 151 feet long and about 49 feet high, and has ornate feet inlaid with mother-of-pearl.
Wat Pho is a truly impressive temple and absolutely worth visiting during your time in Bangkok. No Thailand Itinerary, whether 8 days or otherwise, is complete without a visit to this famous temple. Admission is 200 baht (about $6 US) for foreigners.
The Grand Palace
The Grand Palace has been the official ceremonial residence of the Kings of Thailand since 1782 and it is one of the most popular sights to see in Bangkok. The Grand Palace encompasses a complex of buildings that also include government offices and temples.
It’s one of the most famous places in Bangkok, and definitely worth a spot on your 8 day Thailand itinerary. Admission is 500 baht (about $15 US) for foreigners.
Wat Arun
Wat Arun, also called the Temple of the Dawn, is almost directly across the river from Wat Pho and the Grand Palace. You can take a short ferry ride across the river to reach Wat Arun. Wat Arun is extremely ornate, with a tall central prang (tower) surrounded by 4 shorter prang.
You can walk up the stairs of the main tower to see beautiful views of the surrounding area. But please be careful as the stairs are narrow and steep. As a clumsy person who’s prone to tripping and falling, it was definitely a little bit stressful walking down those stairs!
Admission is 100 baht for foreigners (about $3 US). If you include this template on your 8 day Thailand itinerary, try to visit closer to sunset when the temple is bathed in golden light.
Wat Paknam Phasi Charoen
At this point in the day, your feet probably hurt and you might be feeling tired and jet lagged. That’s why I recommend viewing the Buddha at Wat Paknam Phasi Charoen on a private longboat ride down the river. We did this at sunset and it was a perfect way to end the first day of our 8 day Thailand itinerary.
Temple Tour Options
There are so many beautiful temples in Bangkok, it can be hard to decide which to visit. And it can feel overwhelming to navigate them on your own. If you’d rather explore one or more of these temples with a tour guide, instead of on your own, some great options are:
- A tour of The Grand Palace that includes pickup from your hotel
- A guided tour that includes 3 of Bangkok’s most famous temples (Wat Pho, Wat Arun and Wat Traimit, which is a temple I personally have’t visited, but want to!)
- A private longboat ride to see the Buddha at Wat Paknam Phasi Charoen from the river
Dinner: The Neverending Summer
If you opted for the private long-boat tour, have your boat operator end the tour at The Neverending Summer. This hip restaurant on the river serves delicious Thai food in a beautifully renovated old warehouse. I recommend making a reservation in advance, since this is a popular trendy restaurant.
After dinner, take a taxi back to your hotel and catch up on sleep.
Day 2: Bangkok
Today, you’ll relax at the hotel’s stunning infinity pool, you’ll take a Thai cooking class, and you’ll end the day with a sunset cruise along the river.
Morning: Breakfast + Relaxation
Breakfast at Chon Thai Restaurant
Wake up at your leisure – hopefully the jet lag is starting to ease by now! Have breakfast at The Siam’s Chon Thai restaurant. Ask for a table close to the river for the best views.
Relax Poolside
After breakfast, grab your swimsuit and head to The Siam’s pool. This chic infinity pool is surrounded by comfortable pool loungers and oversized striped umbrellas. It’s so peaceful, you’ll forget that you’re in the middle of one of the busiest cities in the world.
Afternoon: Thai Cooking Class, Market Tour + Lunch
This afternoon, you’ll take a cooking class at the top cooking school in Bangkok: Blue Elephant. If you love Thai food like me, you need to include this activity on your Thailand itinerary of 8 days.
After cooling off with a chilled butterfly pea drink upon arrival, you’ll meet your chef/instructor and head off to one of Bangkok’s local markets. This was one of my favorite parts of the experience.
We took the Skytrain to a local market where the chef showed us how he shops for produce and spices from local vendors. Together, we bought some of the ingredients that we’d be cooking with. We also stopped for Thai iced tea (my favorite!) at one of the market stalls.
After the market visit, you’ll head back to Blue Elephant to learn to cook 4-5 authentic Thai dishes. We made Kaeng Keaw Waan Kai (green curry with chicken), Phad Phed Nua Makeua Yao (stir-fried beef with long eggplant), Tom Sab Plaa Kra Pong (spicy soup with sea bass), and Peranakan Thod Man Plaa (fish cakes).
Each dish is made completely from scratch – we even made our own green curry paste rather than using a pre-made one. Unsurprisingly, it tasted a million times fresher than the Thai green curry takeout I order in NYC!
The chef will demonstrate how to make each dish, and then you’ll head into the group kitchen to make it yourself. At the end of the cooking class, you’ll sit down in Blue Elephant’s beautiful dining room where you’re served the meal you cooked. You also get to take home copies of each recipe, so you can make them at home.
Evening: Sunset Cruise, Dinner + Drinks
After the cooking class, head back to The Siam hotel where you’ll take a sunset cruise on the hotel’s wooden Sala Thai boat. During the sunset cruise, you’ll sip cocktails and sample canapés while you pass by some of Bangkok’s most famous landmarks, including the Grand Palace, Wat Arun, and the city’s famous skyscrapers.
This is one of the activities that makes a stay at The Siam Hotel so special. If you’re staying there, you definitely should include the sunset boat cruise on your 8 day Thailand itinerary. You do need to reserve your sunset cruise at least 1 day in advance.
After the boat cruise, have dinner at one of The Siam’s restaurants, and end your evening with a nightcap at their speakeasy style bar. We saw a live jazz band perform at the hotel bar, and they were excellent.
Day 3: Bangkok to Phuket
Today, you’ll travel from the busy city of Bangkok to the sunny island of Phuket, also called the “Pearl of the Andaman Sea.” Phuket is the most famous island in Thailand, which is why you need to include it on your 8-day Thailand itinerary.
Morning: Travel to Phuket
Breakfast + Hotel Checkout
Have breakfast at The Siam Hotel and check out. Their rooms and suites are very spacious, so triple check that you’re not accidentally leaving anything behind!
Fly to Phuket
Grab a taxi to the airport for your flight to Phuket. We took a Thai AirAsia flight from Don Mueang International Airport (DMK). Our flight was about 1 hour and 35 minutes.
At the airport, try to spot one of the automated cleaning robots (they are so smart – why don’t we have them in NYC’s airports?). And if you have time before your flight, head to the massage room, where a 30 minute foot massage costs just 250 baht (about $7.40 USD).
Afternoon
Lunch at Ma Doo Bua Cafe
When you land in Phuket, grab your luggage and grab a taxi to Ma Doo Bua Cafe for lunch. Ma Doo Bua Cafe is an Instagram famous restaurant that’s known for its pond full of oversized water lilies. Ma Doo Bua is such a unique and fun restaurant to visit in Phuket, so of course I had to include it on this 8 day Thailand itinerary!
You can even sign up for a private photoshoot or video shoot with the restaurant’s on-site drone pilot! Drone photoshoots start at 500 baht and video shoots start at 800 baht. There is usually a long waiting list for the drone photographer/videographer. So, be sure to inquire at the drone operator’s booth out front as soon as you arrive at the restaurant.
If the waiting list for a drone photoshoot is too long, there are still plenty of beautiful photo opportunities on the hotel’s dock. Plus, the food + drinks at the cafe are also photo-worthy.
Hotel Check-In
After lunch, grab a taxi to InterContinental Phuket Resort. At check-in, you’ll be greeted with chilled welcome drinks and refreshing towels. If possible, request a room that faces the Sawan building or the pristine beach for the most beautiful views. After check-in, take some time to explore the property.
You don’t want to miss the dreamy Sawan building, the art-filled tunnel that leads to the beach featuring murals by local artists, and the pine-tree lined beach.
Beach + Spa Treatment
Spend the afternoon relaxing at the hotel’s beach club and swimming in at least one of the hotel’s 5 swimming pools. My favorite was the infinity pool that faces the beach. If you’re feeling thirsty, the hotel’s Pine beach bar is just steps away.
For the most luxurious afternoon, head to the hotel’s Sati Spa for a massage or other wellness treatment. I opted for a 90-minute massage and loved how I could pick my favorite scent from their assortment of massage oils. The spa is extremely serene, with neutral floral-themed decor and spacious treatment rooms that include a separate private bathroom and changing room.
NYC’s luxury spas seriously can’t complete with the spas in Thailand!
Evening: Dinner at Project Artisan
After your relaxing afternoon at the hotel, get ready for dinner using the luxurious HARNN bath products in your hotel room, which are made with locally-sourced botanicals. They smell SO good.
Then, hop in a taxi to Project Artisan for dinner. Project Artisan is a colorful and trendy outdoor restaurant with vibrant murals, twinkle lights, and boho decor. The menu features heathy salads, poke bowls, and entrees like coconut crusted chicken breast.
Project Artisan is not just a bar and restaurant – it’s also a concept store where you can shop for home decor, art and fashion items from local artisans.
After dinner, head back to the hotel to unwind and rest up for tomorrow’s big day trip.
Day 4: Explore Phang-nga Bay
Morning: Breakfast + Hotel Pickup
Today, you’ll be day tripping to Thailand’s Phang-nga Bay to explore the area’s coastline and limestone cliffs by boat. I recommend doing this with a tour guide, rather than trying to DIY this day trip. A tour will pick you up at your hotel, drive you to a local pier, and ensure you have the best day possible exploring Phang-nga Bay.
Don’t forget to have breakfast at the hotel before you’re picked up by your tour guide. It will be many hours before you get the chance to eat again. Your tour guide will probably bring water for you, but it’s also worth packing a water bottle since the sun feels very strong when you’re on the water.
Tour Options
Our private tour of Phang-nga Bay was arranged by the Tourism Authority of Thailand, who sponsored my trip. However, these are some great options for booking a similar tour with a group:
If you’d rather splurge for a smaller group tour and are set on exploring via long boat, these tours are also excellent options:
Explore Phang-Nga Bay
We started off our day with a private long boat tour of Phang-nga Bay. Phang-nga Bay has beautiful calm blue water, towering limestone cliffs, and it’s dotted with secluded beaches. It’s so stunningly beautiful, you’ll be glad to have included it on your Thailand itinerary of 8 days.
On your tour, you’ll likely pass by the famous James Bond Island – a unique 66 foot tall craggy island. People call it James Bond Island because it was featured in the 1974 James Bond movie “The Man with the Golden Gun.” After the movie was released, it became a popular tourist attraction in Thailand.
On our tour, we also got to explore limestone caves with our guide, see (but not touch!) wild monkeys, and swim at a secret beach.
Lunch: Bay View Cafe + Samet Nangshe Viewpoint
If you take a private tour and are given the chance to pick a lunch spot, I recommend the Bay View Cafe. This cafe has a jaw-dropping view of Phang-nga Bay, both from inside the restaurant and also from a viewing platform called the Samet Nangshe Viewpoint.
The lunch options at Bay View Cafe are tasty (definitely order a refreshing fruit smoothie), but the view is the reason it’s one of the most popular lunch restaurants in the area.
Afternoon: Rest or Chalong Bay Rum Distillery
At the end of the tour, you’ll be dropped off at your hotel. Take a break and rest up before the evening.
But if you didn’t take a tour of Phang-nga Bay today, another option is to spend your afternoon sipping cocktails at Chalong Bay Rum Distillery. Chalong Bay Rum Distillery is a local distillery that produces award winning rum using Thai sugarcane.
If you’re interested in learning how they make rum, you can take a distillery tour for 550 baht per person (about $16 USD). Advance booking is required. The tour also includes a rum tasting – my favorite was their keffir lime infused rum. You also are served a mojito after the tour to sip in their stylish bar area.
Evening: Phuket Sunday Market or Raya Restaurant
If you’re visiting Phuket on a Sunday night, you don’t want to miss the Sunday night market. It pops up on Thalong Road in Phuket Old Town. At this weekly event, you’ll find food vendors, souvenirs, clothing for sale, live music and more.
It’s very busy and lively. We had so much fun experiencing everything the market has to offer, including eating delicious chicken satay and savory Pad Thai cooked right in front of us, watching a talented young girl singing Lady Gaga songs to a crowd, and seeing a hilarious and adorable (and surely Insta-famous?) cat wearing sunglasses.
There are so many food stalls to choose from, you’ll be absolutely stuffed after spending an hour or two at this Sunday night market.
If it isn’t a Sunday, instead head to RAYA for dinner where you can try local Phuket-style Thai food. After dinner or your trip to the night market, grab a taxi back to the hotel to get some rest.
Day 5: Phuket
Today, you’ll meet and interact with elephants at Phuket’s top elephant sanctuary,
Morning: Breakfast and Hotel Pick-Up
Start your day with breakfast at the hotel. Your tour with Green Elephant Sanctuary Park includes hotel pickup. So, be ready when your ride arrives.
You’ll want to bring a swimsuit, towel, sunscreen, sunglasses, hat and a change of clothes with you. This was both the messiest and also the hottest day of our trip. So be prepared to get dirty, but also make sure you bring ample sun protection.
Morning: Green Elephant Sanctuary Park
Green Elephant Sanctuary Park is a safe haven for Thai elephants and their human owners/trainers, who are called Mahouts. Mahouts and their elephants share a lifelong bond.
Green Elephant Sanctuary Park offers offers a safe way of life for elephants and their Mahouts, where the elephants aren’t mistreated or abused. This elephant sanctuary in Phuket doesn’t allow the use of chains and tourists are not allowed to ride the elephants.
Visitors to Green Elephant Sanctuary Park get to interact with the elephants, feed them sugarcane, give them mud baths and even help the elephants shower. The Mahouts stay close to their elephants the whole time to ensure they are safe and happy.
Elephants are such beautiful creatures, and getting to see them up close and interact with them is extremely magical. Elephants are also so playful. My favorite part was watching a baby elephant take a bath from afar. We weren’t allowed to interact with him because he’s too young, but he was so cute and clumsy.
After your time with the elephants, you’ll have the chance to shower and change into clean clothes. Then, you’ll sit down to a homemade lunch. I was impressed at how good the food was – especially the mango with sticky rice, which is my favorite Thai dessert! If you haven’t tried it, definitely order it when you’re in Thailand.
A visit to Green Elephant Sanctuary Park is 2,500 baht per person ($74 USD). It’s worth every penny. At the end of the experience, they’ll drive you back to your hotel.
Afternoon: Big Buddha
If you’re still up for some more sightseeing in Phuket, change into some modest temple-appropriate clothes and take a taxi or grab a Grab (see what I did there?) to the Phuket Big Buddha.
The Phuket Big Buddha is a 148 foot tall marble-covered Buddha perched on a hilltop. It’s official name is Phra Phutta Ming Mongkol Eknakakiri, which means “the Cherished Auspicious Lord Buddha atop Nāga Hill”.
Not only is the Buddha itself a truly incredible sight, but you’ll also walk up an impressive marble staircase and catch expansive views of Phuket.
Evening: Sunset Drinks + Dinner at Jaras
After visiting the Phuket Big Buddha, head back to your resort for a relaxing evening. The InterContinental Phuket Resort has beautiful views at sunset because of its location on Kamala Beach. So, take advantage!
Start off your evening with sunset cocktails at Pine, the hotel’s beach bar. I recommend the Pine Stiggins cocktail, with aged rum infused pineapple, coconut rum, banana liqueur, almond, demerara, pineapple, coconut, malic acid, milk, and seltzer.
Once the sun has gone down, sit down to dinner at the hotel’s Michelin recommended restaurant, Jaras. Jaras is a contemporary Thai restaurant that uses local ingredients to create an innovative and flavorful menu.
My favorite dish at Jaras was the Massaman Pae, which is a slow cooked goat stew with potato, onion, coconut milk, and tamarind sauce. We ordered a la carte, but if you’re a foodie, Jaras also offers a 9-course tasting menu, which you need to reserve in advance.
After dinner, pack up your things because you’re flying back to Bangkok in the morning.
Day 6: Phuket to Bangkok
Today, you’ll fly back to Bangkok and experience the city like a local. You’ll check into Bangkok’s trendiest luxury hotel and spend your evening eating street food in Chinatown.
Morning: Fly to Bangkok
Your 8 day Thailand itinerary continues back in Bangkok, So, take a taxi to the airport and catch your flight to Bangkok.
Try to snag a window seat so you can catch jaw-dropping views of the Andaman Sea at take-off. The water looks so blue from above!
Afternoon: Hotel Check-In and Lunch at Red Oven
When you land in Bangkok, grab a taxi to SO/ Bangkok, Bangkok’s trendiest hotel. This is where Bangkok’s cool crowd comes for monthly pool parties, and the whole hotel is very Instagrammable.
If your room isn’t ready yet, take the elevator to Red Oven, the hotel’s restaurant, for lunch. Red Oven serves tasty Thai cuisine in a chic setting with huge windows that overlook the city.
Downtime in Room + Pool
After lunch, head to your room to unpack and throw on your swimsuit.
Then, snag a sun lounger and kick back at SO/ Bangkok’s famous infinity pool. The infinity pool is located on the 10th floor of the hotel and has sweeping views of Lumphini Park and Bangkok’s skyline. There’s also a poolside bar if you want to order a drink.
SO/ Bangkok throws a fashionable pool party on the last Saturday of every month. The pool party starts at 9 PM and you can expect DJs spinning dance music and potential appearances from Bangkok’s glitterari and famous guest DJs. The SO/ Bangkok monthly pool party is a place to see and be seen!
Spa Treatment
Later that afternoon, unwind with a luxurious treatment at the SO/ Bangkok’s SO/ Spa. I opted for the Serenity of Five Elements treatment, which combines massage with “deep vibrations, herbal compresses and oils.”
It felt a lot like a hot stone massage, although instead of using stones they used massage tools that incorporated the hotel’s 5 design elements: water, earth, wood, metal and fire. (And no, they didn’t actually use fire! I think the fire element is incorporated by warming up the other massage tools.)
After your massage, head back to your room to get ready for the evening. Dress casually and wear comfortable shoes, since you’ll be exploring Bangkok’s Chinatown neighborhood.
Evening: Street Food in Bangkok’s Chinatown / Yaowarat Road
Did you know that Bangkok has one of the largest Chinatowns in the world? It’s also one of the best places in Bangkok to eat cheap and incredibly delicious street food. Your Thailand itinerary for 8 days isn’t complete without a night in Chinatown. So, head over to the bustling Yaowarat Road.
If you’re staying at the SO/ Bangkok, you can easily get to Bangkok’s Chinatown via public transportation. Take the MRT Blue Line from Lumphini Park, get off at Wat Mangkon, and walk about 5 minutes.
Once you’re on Yaowarat Road, stop for street food at any and all stalls that appeal to you. And definitely come hungry! Some stalls have outdoor seating, kind of like a mini restaurant. And you may even come across food stalls that have Michelin stars!
You can try a huge assortment of dishes, from a seemingly infinite number of seafood options, dim sum, satay, french fries topped with Thai seasonings, tropical fruit, fresh juices, coconut ice cream and more.
The area lights up at night with neon signs and Chinese lanterns, which really adds to the atmosphere. If you haven’t had a chance to take a tuk tuk ride yet, this is a great place to take one. There’s so much to see as you whizz by in a tuk tuk!
You can also pop into one of the areas many bars to grab a drink before you head back to the hotel.
Day 7: Day Trip to Ayutthaya
Today, you’ll explore the nearby Ayutthaya, which is the former capital of Thailand. It was founded in 1350 and destroyed by the Burmese in 1767.
Today, you can explore the temples and ruins across the city, which was previously a major world city and commercial center. If you’re interested in the history of Thailand, Ayutthaya is a must-see on your 8 day Thailand itinerary.
Tour Options
You can reach Ayutthaya on your own by bus or train. However, I recommend taking an organized tour, or at least hiring a private driver for the day.
Once you reach Ayutthaya, there are multiple sites to explore and they are not all walking distance from each other. A tour guide or driver will help you navigate the city and get you from place to place.
We took a private tour with the Tourism Authority of Thailand, who sponsored my trip. But these popular tours are great options for visiting and exploring Ayutthaya:
If you choose to visit Ayutthaya on your own, without a tour guide, you can rent a bicycle upon arrival to more easily explore the area.
You’ll also want to make sure you have cash, since some of the temples charge admission. Admission is up to 50 baht (about $1.50 USD) per temple, depending on the temple, or you can buy a pass for 220 baht – $6.50 USD – that allows you to enter 6 of the temples). If you visit Ayutthaya on an organized tour, your tour should include admission to the temples.
Morning: Breakfast + Hotel Pickup
Start your day with breakfast at the hotel – my favorite part of breakfast at the SO/ Bangkok was sipping fresh coconut water from a young coconut.
Your tour will likely include hotel pickup, so hop in the tour’s van or bus and relax during the ride to Ayutthaya. It will take 1-2 hours to reach Ayutthaya, depending on factors like traffic and also whether you’re making stops to pick up other passengers along the way.
Be sure to wear modest, temple appropriate clothing: nothing sheer or strapless, spaghetti straps, and your pants/shorts/skirt/dress should at least reach your knees.
Afternoon: Explore Ayutthaya
If you take an organized tour, your tour will likely include the following temples and sights. But check your tour’s itinerary before booking to make sure it includes the places you want to see.
Wat Phra Sri Sanphet
This is one of the main sights to see in Ayutthaya and it should not be missed. Wat Phra Sri Sanphet was the holiest temple at the Royal Palace in Ayutthaya, before the city was sacked by the Burmese.
Here, you can walk amongst impressive temple ruins and imagine what the grand city of Ayutthaya looked like, before it was destroyed. This temple also inspired Wat Phra Kaew (Temple of the Emerald Buddha) in Bangkok.
Wat Phra Mongkhon Bophit
This temple houses one of Thailand’s largest bronze Buddhas. The gold-leaf covered Buddha is 41 feet high and was damaged twice: once by a fire sparked by lightning in the 1700s, and the second time when the Burmese attacked Ayutthaya.
This is still an active temple, so please be mindful and respectful of those who are there to pray.
Our guide took us to have our fortunes told in the temple using “fortune sticks”. You take a cylindrical box that is full of long, numbered sticks. You shake the box until one of the numbered sticks falls out. You then pay a small fee to receive the fortune corresponding to that number.
My fortune #18 was: “You will have moderate luck and fortune. You will be survived and away from misery. You will get good luck as wished. Control you behavior and avoid big investment. Do not rush and think carefully. Singles will find our loved ones soon.” It was uplifting and definitely made my day!
Wat Lokayasutharam
This monastery is known for having the largest reclining Buddha in Ayutthaya, at nearly 138 feet long and 26 feet high. Like other monasteries in the area, Wat Lokayasutharam was destroyed when the Burmese invased Ayutthaya but the reclining Buddha is still in beautiful condition.
Wat Mahathat
Wat Mahathat is believed to be one of the oldest temples in Ayutthaya. It is best known for the sandstone Buddha head encased by tree roots. Much of the temple ruins remain, so although the Buddha head in the tree roots is the most famous spot, there is plenty more to see here.
Lunch: Huge Noodle Soup
Your tour of Ayutthaya will likely include lunch. But if you’re taking a private tour and can choose the restaurant, I recommend Hanging Legs Boat Noodle. Here, you can eat the biggest bowl of noodle soup you’ve ever seen in your life, while enjoying views of the Chao Phraya River.
If you order the giant noodle soup, they’ll even bring oversized chopsticks so you can pose for a fun photo. Then, you can dish out the soup into smaller bowls to share it with your friends.
Evening: Rooftop Views
After your day exploring Ayutthaya, head back to the hotel. Get ready for dinner and then head up to the 29th floor for dinner at the SO/ Bangkok’s Hi-So Rooftop.
One of the best things to do in Bangkok is have dinner and drinks with a view of the city. Your 8 day Thailand itinerary isn’t complete without rooftop drinks in Bangkok!
The SO/ Bangkok has one of the best rooftops in the city because you can see both Lumphini Park as well as the city lights. Plus, the rooftop isn’t as crowded as some of Bangkok’s other rooftop bars that are overrun with tourists.
One of my favorite things about SO/ Bangkok is the cocktail menu based on the different astrological signs. I’m an Aquarius, and my astrological sign cocktail was made with burnt butter and dried sage infused Ketel One vodka, herbal bitters, Jasmin extract and honey oleo saccharum.
After you drink and dine at Hi-So, head upstairs to Cassette Music Bar to sip cocktails surrounded by chic pink decor. Tomorrow won’t be as hectic as today, so feel free to stay out late!
Day 8: Bangkok
It’s the final day of your 8 day Thailand itinerary, and you’ll continue to explore the city like a local. Today, you’ll visit a flower market, have lunch with a stunning riverfront view, and learn about Thailand’s silk trade.
Morning: Breakfast + Pak Khlong Talat Flower Market
After breakfast, head to Bangkok’s best flower market, Pak Khlong Talat. Although you can reach the market by public transit, it’s a bit complicated. So, I recommend taking a taxi.
Pak Khlong Talat is open 24 hours per day, although it’s busiest in the early morning hours when trucks and boats bring flowers in from around Thailand. Here, you can see a huge variety of flowers, which are sold both to businesses and consumers. There are also stalls selling fresh fruits and vegetables.
It’s colorful and beautiful, but also bustling. Be sure to keep an eye out so you don’t block any of the walkways. I had to jump out of the way multiple times to let vendors pass by with carts full of flowers!
We saw stalls bursting with marigolds, lotus flowers, jasmine and more. Although this flower market isn’t a secret, it’s very much a local’s spot and we didn’t see many other tourists during our visit.
You may also have time to check out one of the nearby floating markets. Wat Saphan Floating Market is not very touristy and less than a mile away.
Lunch: Sala Rattanakosin Bangkok
After you finish up at the market(s), grab a taxi to Sala Rattanakosin Bangkok. This restaurant has scenic views of the Chao Phraya River with unmatched views of Wat Arun (the Temple of Dawn).
The restaurant serves a variety of Thai and Western dishes, so there’s something for everyone. Ask for a table by the windows or on the outdoor patio for the best view of the temple. There’s also a rooftop bar with more stunning views of Bangkok.
We sat inside by the window since it had rained earlier that morning, and the outdoor seating areas hadn’t dried out yet.
Afternoon: Jim Thompson House Museum
After lunch, take a taxi or hop on the 60 Line bus to the Jim Thompson House Museum, which is the final sightseeing stop on your 8 day Thailand itinerary.
This museum is located in the former home of Jim Thompson, who was known as the “Thai Silk King”. He was an American businessman who brought new life into the Thai silk industry in the 1950s and 1960s, at a time when the industry was failing.
At the museum, you’ll learn about the fascinating life of Jim Thompson and his indelible mark on the Thai silk industry. You’ll also see his extensive art collection, and learn about his mysterious disappearance in Malaysia.
Evening: Dinner at Baan Khanitha
Sadly, it’s your last evening in Thailand. To wrap up an incredible trip, you’ll have a memorable and special dinner at Baan Khanitha. This elegant restaurant serves authentic Thai food in a beautiful setting full of art and high-end furniture.
It’s is a perfect place to order your favorite Thai dish one last time. Because while you can order Thai food back home, it’s unlikely to be as delicious or fresh as the food you’ve eaten on this trip. I admittedly ordered Thai takeout the second night I was back home in NYC, and while it was good enough to satisfy my cravings, it was not nearly as good as the food at Baan Khanitha!
After dinner, head back to your hotel to pack.
Departure
Unfortunately, your 8 days in Thailand have come to an end. If you have time before you catch your flight, have one final breakfast at the SO/ Bangkok Hotel.
If you have even more time to pass before heading to the airport, walk across the street to Lumphini Park. As a New Yorker, I’ve heard Lumphini Park compared to NYC’s Central Park. It’s a 142-acre gathering spot where you’ll see Bangkok locals going for walks or runs, picnicking, and just enjoying the sun.
Lumphini Park is also home to a population of hundreds of large monitor lizards, which you’ll probably see walking – or slithering – around the park. Monitor lizards aren’t dangerous to humans, but I recommend admiring them from a distance. Some of them are up to 10 feet long!
After you visit Lumphini Park, take a taxi to the airport for your flight home. Be sure to arrive with plenty of time before your departure. The lines for check-in and security were huge when I flew home.
Thailand Itinerary 8 Days: Wrap-Up
That wraps up your Thailand Itinerary for 8 days. You’ve explored temples and beaches, fed elephants, eaten some of the best food in the world and stayed at some of the most luxurious hotels in the world.
Thailand is one of my favorite travel destinations because you can never get bored. There’s always something more to see, and more to learn about Thailand’s unique and beautiful culture.
