A week is enough to see three very different sides of Thailand if you fly between them: the temples and food of Bangkok, the mountains of Chiang Mai, and the islands of the Andaman Sea. Here's a simple plan that works for most first-time visitors.
At a glance
- Days 1–2: Bangkok
- Days 3–4: Chiang Mai
- Days 5–7: Phuket and the islands
You'll need two domestic flights: Bangkok to Chiang Mai (about 1 hour 10 minutes) and Chiang Mai to Phuket (about 2 hours).
Day 1: Arrive in Bangkok
Most flights from Canada arrive late in the day at Suvarnabhumi airport (BKK), so keep the first day easy. Check in near the river, then head to Chinatown's Yaowarat Road for an evening of street food.
Day 2: Temples and canals
Start early at the Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew before the heat builds, then walk to Wat Pho's reclining Buddha. In the afternoon, cross the river to Wat Arun and take a longtail boat through the Thonburi canals, where houses still open straight onto the water.
Our private temples and canals tour covers this day with a guide and hotel pickup. Remember the dress code: covered shoulders and no shorts or short skirts.
Day 3: Fly to Chiang Mai
Take a morning flight north. After lunch, explore the Old City's temples, Wat Chedi Luang and Wat Phra Singh, then drive up the mountain to Wat Phra That Doi Suthep for sunset. Finish with a northern khantoke dinner.
Day 4: Elephants and the jungle
Spend the day at an ethical elephant sanctuary, where you feed and walk with the elephants but don't ride them, then cool off with a waterfall swim and bamboo rafting. See our elephant day.
Day 5: Fly to Phuket
Fly south in the morning and spend the afternoon on the beach. Kata and Karon are calmer, family-friendly bases, and Patong has the most nightlife.
Day 6: Phi Phi and Maya Bay
Take an early speedboat to the Phi Phi Islands: Maya Bay, Pileh Lagoon, Bamboo Island and a snorkel stop. Starting early helps you beat the crowds. Swimming isn't allowed at Maya Bay itself, but there are other swim stops along the way. See our Phi Phi speedboat day.
Day 7: Phang Nga Bay or a slow day
If you have an evening flight, spend the day canoeing through the sea caves of Phang Nga Bay and visiting James Bond Island. Otherwise, relax on the beach before you head home.
Prefer it all arranged?
Our 7-day Thailand Highlights package follows this route, with hotels, both domestic flights and private transfers included. With more time, the 10-day Grand Circuit adds Ayutthaya and Chiang Rai.
Tips for this itinerary
- Best time: November to April, when the Andaman Sea is calm. From May to October, consider swapping Phuket for Koh Samui.
- Entry: Every traveller must complete the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) online before arriving.
- Money: Carry some Thai baht for markets and small shops.
Travel rules and opening times change. Check travel.gc.ca for the latest entry requirements before you book flights.