Thailand Itinerary (7 Days)
Thailand is an incredibly diverse country, with so much to do that you could easily be here for weeks! The beaches are some of the best in the world, nestled on paradise islands with powdery sand and turquoise blue water. Follow this 7-day Thailand itinerary for some of the nation’s highlights to experience a perfect mix of history, culture, relaxation, and adventure.
Note: In this Thailand itinerary (7 days), we have not included Chiang Mai and Pai due to the traveling distance. However, if you have more time on your trip, we highly recommend visiting the luscious landscapes of the north.
Day 1 + 2: Arrive in Phuket
Although Phuket is technically an island, it feels more like its own country, with a totally different vibe from the mainland. It’s the perfect place to begin your Thailand 7-day itinerary, as it has an international airport with flights departing daily to other major cities in Asia.
Day 1: Old Town and Big Buddha
Begin your experience with a trip to the charming Phuket Old Town, home to colorful streets full of cute shops, trendy cafes, exciting galleries, museums, and street art. Grab your camera and snap away or while away the morning people watching from one of the many fantastic cafes in the area.
As an addition, you can also take a trip further out of the city to the enormous Big Buddha statue, which stands at an impressive 45 meters high, towering over Phuket. Climb the 100 steps to the top for the most incredible 360-degree view across the island!
Tip: If you are in Phuket on a Sunday, visit the weekend Night Market, when the Old Town comes to life with stalls and vendors selling traditional and local produce.
Day 2: Island Relaxation
Day 2 is all about relaxing and soaking up the beauty of Phuket’s fantastic beaches. The island has many incredible spots to choose from, but we recommend Banana Beach on the northwest side of Phuket and Kamala Beach, which is lined with beautiful palm trees and sparkling blue waters. From here, you can also easily get to Laem Sing Viewpoint, which overlooks the beach and has panoramic views of the Andaman Sea and coastline.
Tip: Make sure to go at sunset when the whole bay turns the most incredible shades of pink and orange.
Where to Stay in Phuket
There are plenty of accommodation options in Phuket, from cheap and cheerful hostels to upmarket hotels. Phuket Old Town is a good option for your two nights on the island, as it’s the cultural and historical heart of the island.
However, if you want more of a beach vibe, then we recommend you head to Patong Beach, which has lots of backpacking hostels and a great party scene.
Tip: Looking for something a little quieter? There are three other beaches you can stay on, which have stunning natural scenery: Kata, Karon, or Bang Tao Beaches.
Day 3 + 4: Khao Sok National Park
Discover one of the world’s oldest rainforests in the magical Khao Sok National Park! Located just four hours north of Phuket, this stunning tropical jungle sits against a backdrop of enormous limestone mountains and is teeming with incredible wildlife.
You can trek in the rainforests, kayak on the bright emerald Cheow Lan Lake, or even try caving! After a full day of activity in nature, take a dip in the cool pools fed by gushing waterfalls.
If you only have a few days here, we recommend taking an organized park tour. There are many options, whether elephant spotting in the wild, dinner experiences at small floating villages, or jungle cooking classes on the lake’s edge. Whatever you choose, Khao Sok National Park is a must-see on your 7-day itinerary of Thailand.
Book an unforgettable tour via the guys at khaosoklake.com
Where to Stay in Khao Sok National Park
We loved our unique stay in the middle of the jungle on a floating raft house! Wake up with the sun rising above the limestone formations and the sound of gibbons and monkeys around your raft house — an unmissable experience!
If you prefer more of a town/jungle feel, stay at Khao Sok Riverside, where you can stay in a hotel or a jungle bungalow!
How to Get from Phuket to Khao Sok National Park
By Bus
There are buses every hour from the central bus station in Phuket town to the Khao Sok bus stop, with a journey time of about 4 hours.
By Car or Taxi
The distance from Phuket to Khao Sok National Park is around 140 km and takes approximately 3 hours. There are plenty of options for renting cars, but if it is just a one-way trip, consider hiring a taxi.
We recommend to rent a car in Thailand through Sunny Cars with free cancellation and insurance included. Book your rental car here.
Day 5: Krabi and Ao Nang Town
Krabi is one of the most beautiful regions of Thailand — a perfect mix of vacation vibes and culture, home to stunning temples, delicious food, and many other natural treasures. Its beaches are particularly famous, with crystal clear oceans bordering sandy white beaches and thick green forests.
Krabi Town
Krabi Town is one of the most popular spots in the region. Start day 5 of your 7-day Thailand itinerary at the stunning white temple of Wat Kaew Korawaram (located in the center of Krabi town). Make sure to look at the beautiful detailing, from the ornate carvings to the gold dragons, which is even more beautiful at sunset.
After dark, visit the nearby Krabi Night Market, which is one of the best in the country! Time your visit, though, as the market is only open on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 5 PM.
Ao Nang
If you would rather relax on day 5 of your Thailand itinerary, head straight for Ao Nang and simply soak up the sun on one of the powdery palm-tree-lined beaches.
Ao Nang is also a great place to base yourself for island hopping trips to places like the Hong Islands. A long-tail boat will transport you to paradise islands, home to stunning lagoons, limestone cliffs, and glorious beaches.
Tip: If you want an even mix of town and beach, local Songthaew taxis move between Ao Nang and Krabi throughout the day.
Where to Stay in Krabi
Krabi has three main areas: Ao Nang, Krabi Town, and Railay. The majority of good restaurants and hotels are situated in Ao Nang (a developed coastal area with the best beaches). However, Krabi Town has more of a backpacker feel with cheaper accommodation.
If you choose Railay, you’ll be close to the most stunning beaches in the area. However, please bear in mind that the prices are higher here.
How to Get to Krabi from Khao Sok National Park
By Public Transport
There is a regular bus service from Khao Sok to Krabi Bus Terminal, and it takes approximately 4.5 hours.
Additionally, there are plenty of minivan options, which is a comfortable way to travel, although a bit more expensive than the bus. Alternatively, for a higher rate, you can hire a taxi which will take you directly.
Day 6 + 7: Phi Phi or Koh Yao Noi
On the final days of your 7-day Thailand itinerary, spend them enjoying some of the most beautiful islands in the world — so beautiful that they’ve even been the setting for world-famous movies.
Choosing between these two islands isn’t easy, but it’s all dependant on what you’re looking for. Phi Phi is paradise, but its fame as the location of the movie ‘The Beach’ means that there are more tourists. On the other hand, Koh Yao Noi is much quieter, has more accommodation options, and has friendly locals.
Your ferry trip from Krabi also offers a sightseeing tour, taking you around one of the islands with a stopover for snorkeling before arriving on Phi Phi; it’s a great way to start the day!
In the afternoon, head up to Phi Phi Viewpoint, which takes about 20 minutes, to enjoy the most stunning view across the island and sea.
Tip: Ferries leave mid-afternoon back to Phuket and Krabi, so keep an eye on the timetable.
Alternatively, book a boat tour to Phi Phi Islands from Krabi
Koh Yao Noi
If you want tranquility and seclusion on your 7-day Thailand itinerary, Koh Yao Noi is the right place!
Koh Yao Noi is jaw-droppingly beautiful, with its stunning deserted white sandy beaches, lush rainforests, and beautiful mountains. Unfortunately, you only have a few days to explore, but it’s the perfect taster, so you can return and see the rest one day!
See availability for a boat tour to Koh Yao Noi (including a visit to the famous James Bond Island).
Where to Stay on Phi Phi and Koh Yao Noi
Koh Phi Phi has plenty of hidden gems to stay in. There are quiet rooms, vibrant hostels, or resort hotels with stunning pools.
Ton Sai Village is one of the busiest spots on the island, as this is where the day trippers arrive. However, the bay is beautiful, and there is a buzzing vibe. Alternatively, choose Loh Dalum, for its party scene or Laem Thong, a small fisherman’s village, for the ultimate tranquility.
If you choose to stay in Koh Yao Noi, everywhere is quiet! This beautiful island has various options, from guesthouses to little bungalows and top-end boutique hotels and villas.
How to get to Phi Phi and Koh Yao Noi
The ferry is the only option to reach the islands. These leave from various places in Krabi, such as Railay Beach and Ao Nang.
Most boats to Koh Yao Noi take between 30 minutes to an hour. Book your ferry tickets from Krabi to Koh Yao Noi.
Whereas travel time can be upwards of 2 hours for a trip to Phi Phi (especially if you choose the non-speedboat option). Book your ferry in advance from Krabi to Phi Phi.
Day 1 + 2: Bangkok (Optional)
Bangkok is the capital of Thailand and, therefore, is the usual starting point for a 7-day Thailand itinerary. If that’s the case, you can change up the first few days of the trip with a few days in Bangkok — a great way to kickstart the adventure!
Spend your time in the big city, discovering the small back alleys, markets, Chinatown, temples, and canals on a 5-hour bicycle tour! You can also take a trip on the canals by Long-Tail Boat and see how these waterways connect the whole city, discovering how the Thai people live day-to-day in their little wooden houses along the waterside.
Discover the best things to do in Bangkok!
Tip: Make sure to take advantage of Bangkok’s incredible street food scene. Munch on delicious chicken satay, zingy pad thai, and sweet and sticky mango rice. Delicious!
Where to Stay in Bangkok
If you are looking for the party scene, stay around Khao San Road. Otherwise, look at the area of Sukhumvit.
Tip: The BTS (skytrain) is an excellent transport system and can get you around the city from most places.
By Bus
There are many overnight buses from Bangkok to Khao Sok, taking around 14 hours. These stop at Surat Thani, where you change buses to get to the entrance of Khao Sok Village.
By Train
There are a number of trains going South to Surat Thani, which take around 10 hours and leave every few hours. From there, you will have to switch to a bus, which takes a further 2 hours to get to Khao Sok National Park.
By Car
Traveling by car takes around 10 hours and 30 minutes and covers 725 km, but it allows you to see the beautiful interior of Southern Thailand.
How to Visit Thailand
Thailand’s biggest airport is Bangkok, where you will most likely fly into to start your 7-day Thailand itinerary. Either stay here for a few days or change onto a domestic flight and fly directly to Phuket.
Visiting more of Thailand? Discover all our Thailand travel guides here.
Getting Around Thailand
There are numerous ways to get around on your Thailand itinerary (7 days), but getting around by taxi is the most convenient. Grab Taxi is a great option, or for something cheaper, hop on a tuk-tuk or a shared songthaew to get around the cities and towns.
By Car
An easy way to get around on your route through the north of Thailand is by renting a car. The roads in Thailand are becoming more and more developed, making it easier to drive between destinations.
We recommend to rent a car in Thailand through Sunny Cars with free cancellation and insurance included. Book your rental car here.
Renting a Motorbike
Scooter/motorbike rental starts at around 150-400 THB (4.30 – 11.60 USD) daily, depending on your chosen model. There are lots of rental companies in the towns throughout Thailand, but remember that you need to leave your passport or deposit 3,000 THB (87 USD).
Travel Insurance
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Flying
There is also the option to fly between major destinations in Thailand, such as a direct flight from Bangkok to Phuket. Unfortunately, other destinations in southern Thailand aren’t as well served. For example, if you want to fly from Phuket to Krabi, you’ll have to change flights (with the trip ultimately taking longer than it would by bus).
Our Favorite Accommodations
There are many fantastic options for accommodation on your 7-day Thailand itinerary, whether it’s a lively hostel in the old town of Phuket or a relaxed beach resort on the island of Koh Phi Phi. Below are our favorites for each destination on this 2-week route.
- Bangkok: The Fig Lobby, Tints of Blue, Hide and Seek
- Phuket: WOO Hotel, Dinso Resort, Baan Sutra, Nap Patong
- Khao Sok: Good View Resort, Monkey Mansion, Bliss Boutique Lodge
- Krabi: Anana Eco Resort, Rayavadee Resort, Krabi Forest Homestay
- Phi Phi: Zeavola Resort, Viking Resort, Paradise Bungalows
- Koh Yao Noi: TreeHouse, Annie’s, Hillhouse
Best Time to Visit Southern Thailand
Thailand is generally hot and humid; however, the weather depends on the region and time of year you visit.
Southern Thailand has a tropical climate, and temperatures remain relatively constant throughout the year. The cooler and drier season in the South of Thailand is between November and early April.
Read more: The best time to visit Thailand
Do I Need a Visa for Thailand?
Most passport holders do not require a visa to enter Thailand. However, you will need a valid passport and an onward plane ticket to prove you will exit the country within 30 days. You can check the national Thai embassy to see if your country is exempt from needing a visa and how to apply for a Visa on Arrival instead.
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