Thailand in 5 Days

Bangkok's temples and street food, followed by Chiang Mai's mountain culture and night markets.

5 days · 11 activities

Day 1

• 08:30 Grand Palace & Wat Phra Kaew — Bangkok
  Thailand's most sacred site, housing the Emerald Buddha. Strict dress code: long pants/skirt, covered shoulders (rentals available at entrance). Buy tickets at the gate — beware of scammers saying it's closed.
• 12:00 Wat Pho (Reclining Buddha) — Bangkok
  Home to the massive 46m-long gold Reclining Buddha. Also the birthplace of Thai massage — get a traditional massage at the on-site school. Drop coins in the 108 bronze bowls for good luck.
• 19:00 Khao San Road Evening — Bangkok
  Bangkok's famous backpacker street comes alive at night. Street food stalls, bars, and people-watching. Try pad thai and mango sticky rice from vendors. Negotiate tuk-tuk prices before riding.

Day 2

• 09:00 Chatuchak Weekend Market — Bangkok
  One of the world's largest outdoor markets with 15,000+ stalls. Divided into sections: clothing, art, food, antiques, and more. Bring cash. The coconut ice cream is legendary. Use a map — it's easy to get lost.
• 17:00 Chinatown Street Food — Bangkok
  Yaowarat Road transforms into a street food paradise after dark. Must-try: roasted duck, dim sum, oyster omelette, and durian. The neon signs and bustling atmosphere make it unforgettable. Take the MRT to Wat Mangkon station.

Day 3

• 08:00 Fly to Chiang Mai — Chiang Mai
  Flight from Bangkok to Chiang Mai takes ~1 hour (many daily flights on AirAsia, Thai Lion, Bangkok Airways). The airport is just 15 minutes from the Old City by songthaew (shared taxi).
• 14:00 Wat Phra That Doi Suthep — Chiang Mai
  Chiang Mai's most sacred temple perched on a mountain overlooking the city. Climb 306 steps (or take the cable car) to reach the golden chedi. Clear days offer stunning views. Take a songthaew from the Old City.

Day 4

• 08:00 Elephant Nature Park — Chiang Mai
  Ethical elephant sanctuary where rescued elephants roam freely. Feed, bathe, and walk with elephants — no riding. Full-day visit includes lunch. Book well in advance as it sells out. Includes hotel pickup.
• 18:30 Night Bazaar — Chiang Mai
  Bustling night market on Chang Klan Road. Handicrafts, clothing, art, and food stalls. Haggling is expected — start at 50% of asking price. The Ploen Ruedee night market nearby has great food and live music.

Day 5

• 09:00 Old City Temple Walk — Chiang Mai
  Walk between the Old City's most beautiful temples: Wat Chedi Luang (massive 14th-century pagoda), Wat Phra Singh (Lanna-style architecture), and Wat Chiang Man (oldest temple in the city). All within walking distance.
• 13:00 Thai Cooking Class — Chiang Mai
  Half-day cooking class typically includes a market visit and 4–5 dishes: green curry, pad thai, tom yum soup, mango sticky rice. Many schools offer vegetarian options. You eat everything you cook. Recipe booklet included.