The Logic of This Itinerary
Five days is tight for Thailand. The temptation is to over-stack — temples, islands, night markets, elephants, all of it. This itinerary resists that. It focuses on two cities done well rather than five cities done poorly.
Day 1–2: Bangkok
Arrive, check into a hotel near Sukhumvit or Silom. The BTS Skytrain is your best friend here.
Day 1 afternoon/evening:
- Chao Phraya river walk
- Wat Pho (Reclining Buddha) — arrive by 4pm to beat tour groups
- Pad Thai from a street stall on Khao San Road
Day 2:
- Grand Palace — get there before 9am
- Wat Arun across the river (10-minute ferry, ₹20)
- Afternoon: Chatuchak Weekend Market (weekends only) or MBK Center
- Evening: Silom's Patpong Night Market
Day 3: Travel Day + Chiang Mai Arrival
Morning Grab to Don Mueang Airport. Fly to Chiang Mai (1 hour, budget ~₹2,000 one way on AirAsia). Check in, rest, walk the Old City moat area in the evening. Sunday Walking Street if timing aligns.
Day 4: Chiang Mai Deep
- Morning: Doi Suthep temple (hire a songthaew for ~₹600 round trip per person)
- Afternoon: Thai cooking class in a local garden setting (highly recommended, ~₹2,500)
- Evening: Nimman Road — the cool café district
Day 5: Half Day + Fly Out
- Morning: Elephant Nature Park visit or slow breakfast at one of Nimman's coffee spots
- Afternoon flight back to Bangkok or direct home
Budget Snapshot (per person)
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| BKK–CNX flight | ₹2,000–₹3,500 |
| Accommodation (4 nights) | ₹10,000–₹20,000 |
| Food (5 days) | ₹6,000–₹12,000 |
| Activities | ₹8,000 |
| Local transport | ₹3,000 |
| Total | ₹29,000–₹46,500 |
This excludes international flights.
What to Skip
Ayutthaya day trips are overrated in a 5-day schedule. Pattaya is a trap. Koh Samui or Phuket require a third city and break the pace of this itinerary — save those for a 10-day trip.
Thailand Visa for Indians
30-day visa on arrival at Suvarnabhumi Airport. Fee: ~₹1,600 (2,000 THB). Bring a passport photo and proof of onward travel.
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