7-Day Thailand Tour Packages

Insider tips: Recommended 7-day Thailand itineraries

Compiled by

NadineThailand travel expert at TourRadar

• 7 Day Northern Thailand Itinerary, incl. Bangkok and Chiang Mai

  Four major cities reveal their secrets on this cultural tour: Bangkok's temples, Kanchanaburi's River Kwai, Ayutthaya's ruins, and Chiang Mai's markets. The package includes 5 breakfasts and distinctive accommodations for approx. $180 per day.

  

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  • Day 1

    Bangkok

    You'll likely be jet-lagged on your first day in Thailand's capital. While Khao San Road is a magnet for tourists, you might prefer staying in Silom or Sukhumvit. These areas offer better access to the BTS Skytrain and a more authentic local feel. "Take the afternoon to wander the local streets and get your bearings - the humidity hits hard at first, so pace yourself."

    
  • Day 2

    Bangkok to Kanchanaburi

    Start your morning with a klong boat tour before the day heats up. Visit Wat Pho's famous Reclining Buddha. You'll need to take your shoes off at temples, so wear something easy to slip on and off. Take a 3-hour transfer to Kanchanaburi for a night in a floating raft house. Pack light for this overnight stay. "The raft house experience was incredible - falling asleep to gentle river sounds, but bring insect repellent and a light jacket for evening."

    
  • Day 3

    Kanchanaburi

    Head to Erawan Falls early, around 8 AM, before the tour buses arrive. Bring good walking shoes and swimwear. The best swimming pools are at the higher levels. In the afternoon, visit the Bridge on the River Kwai. The site gets very hot, so bring water and sun protection. Local songthaews are the best way to get around.

    
  • Day 4

    Kanchanaburi to Ayutthaya to Chiang Mai

    Visit the Allied War Cemetery and Railway Centre in the morning. Travel to Ayutthaya (2 hours) to explore the temple ruins. Get around by bicycle or tuk-tuk since the historical park is too spread out for walking. Take the overnight train to Chiang Mai (12 hours). Try to book a lower berth for a more comfortable journey.

    
  • Day 5

    Chiang Mai

    After arriving in Chiang Mai, most hotels will let you check in early. Spend the morning exploring Old Town temples on foot. Later, take a shared songthaew to Doi Suthep temple. "Time Doi Suthep for late afternoon when heat subsides and crowds thin. The sunset views over Chiang Mai are worth waiting for."

  • Day 6

    Chiang Mai

    Spend your free day starting with a morning cooking class. These usually take 4-5 hours and need advance booking. In the evening, browse the Night Bazaar and check out Warorot Market for authentic street food. "The street food walk showed us spots we'd never find alone - try the khao soi noodles, they're a northern specialty."

  • Day 7

    Chiang Mai

    Use your final morning in Chiang Mai for a traditional massage ($10-15/hour) or visit nearby handicraft villages if you have a late departure. Many visitors end up staying longer in Chiang Mai to join hill tribe treks or take extra cooking classes.

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• 7 Day Thailand Itinerary, incl. Bangkok and Chiang Mai

  The 700km route from Bangkok to Chiang Rai encompasses 3 major cities. The itinerary features 8 temples, 2 traditional markets, a khantoke dinner show, and Mekong River cruising.

  

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  • Days 1-3

    Bangkok

    Start in Bangkok and get an early morning start to beat the heat. "The Grand Palace gets incredibly hot by midday, so arrive when it opens at 8:30 AM and bring plenty of water." Visit the main temples on your first morning: Wat Phra Kaew (Emerald Buddha), Wat Pho (Reclining Buddha), and Wat Arun. Pack clothes that cover your shoulders and knees or you will need to rent cover-ups at the temples. The Damnoen Saduak Floating Market is a must-see on Day 3. Plan to arrive around 7 AM before the crowds and heat become intense. A recent visitor noted: "The market is most authentic very early - that's when locals actually shop here. By 9 AM it becomes more of a tourist show."

    
  • Day 4

    Bangkok to Chiang Mai

    Take a morning flight to Chiang Mai. The flight takes about 1 hour 15 minutes. Book a flight that lands before noon so you can spend the afternoon visiting temples. Walk through the old city to see Wat Phra Singh and Wat Chedi Luang when the late afternoon light is best. Stay within the old city walls for easy access to night markets and temples.

    
  • Day 5

    Chiang Mai

    Visit Doi Suthep Temple first thing. You can climb the 309-step naga staircase or take the cable car up. One visitor shared: "The morning mist over Chiang Mai from Doi Suthep was magical, but bring a light jacket - it's cooler up there than you'd expect." In the evening, enjoy a traditional Khantoke dinner with cultural shows.

    
  • Day 6

    Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai

    The drive to Chiang Rai takes about 4 hours. Stop at the White Temple (Wat Rong Khun) on the way. Visit before noon to see the sun reflect off the mirrored surfaces. Wear shoes with good grip since the temple grounds can be slippery.

    
  • Day 7

    Golden Triangle

    Finish your trip at the Golden Triangle where Thailand meets Laos and Myanmar. Take a morning boat ride on the Mekong River when the water is calmest. A traveler tip: "The boat ride gives you a unique perspective of three countries at once, but afternoon winds can make the water choppy."

    

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• 7 Days in Northern Thailand, incl. Chiang Mai and Pai

  Northern Thailand reveals its magic across 4 major destinations including Chiang Mai, Doi Inthanon, Mae Hong Son, and Pai. The journey encompasses 6 temples, 2 national parks, and Lod Cave, with stays at the Maninarakorn Hotel.

  

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  • Day 1

    Chiang Mai Arrival & Old City

    Book your stay within Chiang Mai's Old City walls to be close to temples and night markets. Plan to arrive in early afternoon to skip the airport rush hour traffic. "The guides were extremely knowledgeable and made settling into Chiang Mai seamless," according to a recent visitor.

    
  • Day 2

    Doi Suthep Temple & Cultural Immersion

    Visit Doi Suthep temple early in the morning before the heat kicks in. The 306 steps up are much easier to handle in cooler temperatures. Remember to bring a light scarf to cover your shoulders at the temple. Get your photos of the copper-plated chedi before 10 AM when the tour buses start arriving.

    
  • Day 3

    Doi Inthanon National Park

    Take a trip to Thailand's highest peak at Doi Inthanon National Park (2,565m). The drive through pine forests takes about 2 hours each way on mountain roads. It gets cold at the top so pack a light jacket. Visit the Royal Pagodas and don't skip the nature trails. One visitor noted: "The botanical gardens and waterfalls were incredible, but bring good walking shoes as paths can get slippery."

    
  • Day 4

    Mae Hong Son Loop

    Drive the scenic Mae Hong Son route and stop at the WWII museum in Khun Yuam. The roads twist and turn a lot so if you get carsick take medicine and sit up front. Take a bamboo raft through Lod Cave but bring your own flashlight since the cave lighting isn't great.

    
  • Day 5

    Pai Exploration

    Spend the day in relaxed Pai. Start at Wat Mae Yen for morning mountain views and visit the Chinese village at Baan Santichon later. A traveler tip: "Don't miss sunset at Pai Canyon, but be careful on the narrow ridges—they're not for the faint-hearted."

    
  • Day 6

    Lampang Temples

    Visit Lampang to see some of Northern Thailand's best Lanna architecture. Go to Wat Phra That Lampang Luang before noon to see sunlight stream through the open temple walls. Plan about 2 hours to explore the 20-chedi complex which shows off both Burmese and Lanna design styles.

  • Day 7

    Final Morning in Chiang Mai

    Check out Chiang Mai's morning markets on your last day. Book a later flight since the airport gets busy between 11 AM and 2 PM. Past visitors recommend: "Save your souvenir shopping for the Sunday Walking Street market—prices are better than at tourist shops."

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