Nine to 12 days is the most popular trip length for Thailand travelers interested in visiting both Bangkok and Phuket, especially when also including Chiang Mai. If you're not interested in Chiang Mai, seven to eight days is enough for your Bangkok and Phuket trip. With less time, it's still possible to see the highlights in as few as five or six days. For the best itineraries, including Bangkok and Phuket, keep reading below.

How many days do you need in Bangkok & Phuket?

  • Most travelers spend 7-8 days in Bangkok and Phuket combined
  • Visiting Bangkok and Phuket in 5 or 6 days is possible, but it will feel rushed
  • With 9 or more days, most travelers choose to add more stops to their trip
  • The most common extension is Chiang Mai

How Many Days to Spend in Thailand

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Recommended Itineraries for Bangkok & Phuket

Recommended Itinerary for 1 Week

The marble Big Buddha on Phuket's Nakkerd Hills
Get up close to the marble Big Buddha on Phuket's Nakkerd Hills
Day Highlights Overnight
Day 1 Arrive in Bangkok, Self-Guided Exploration Bangkok
Day 2 Explore the Temples & Canals of Bangkok Bangkok
Day 3 Free Day in Bangkok Bangkok
Day 4 Fly to Phuket, Self-Guided Exploration Phuket
Day 5 Hong by Starlight Phuket
Day 6 Phuket Free Day Phuket
Day 7 Depart Phuket  


This seven-day guided tour showcases some of Thailand's top attractions, starting with a visit to the canals of Bangkok's Chao Praya River. You'll see Wat Khun Chan Temple and the Artist Village and have a chance to feed holy catfish. Then, it's on to Phuket, where you'll explore the island's endless beaches and kayak into the sea caves and hongs of Phang Nga Bay. Your tour ends with a free day in Phuket, where you can hit the beaches, visit the Big Buddha, or spend an afternoon in the colorful Old Town. Read more

Recommended Itinerary for 8 Days

Phi Phi Islands
Speedboat to the Phi Phi Islands and experience a tropical paradise
Day Highlights Overnight
Day 1 Arrive in Bangkok, Self-Guided Tour Bangkok
Day 2 Explore Bangkok by Public Transport Bangkok
Day 3 Visit an Authentic Thai Railway & Floating Markets Bangkok
Day 4 Fly to Phuket, Self-Guided Day in Phuket Phuket
Day 5 Learn How to Take Care of Elephants Phuket
Day 6 Speedboat Day Trip to the Phi Phi Islands Phuket
Day 7 Beach Day in Phuket Phuket
Day 8 Depart Phuket  


This eight-day city-and-beach adventure showcases the best bits of two of Thailand's most-loved locations—with the perfect mix of diverse sightseeing and total relaxation. Travel by Skytrain, speedboat, tuk-tuk, and long-tail boat; hit the shops and the beach; see movie-star settings and local family-run workshops; and visit glittering temples and neon-lit bars. Then venture into the forest to spend time with majestic Asian elephants, joining them for a mud bath and a swim in the river. Read more

Extended Itineraries

8-Day Itinerary Including Chiang Mai

Spend an afternoon kayaking in Phang Nga Bay
Spend an afternoon kayaking in Phang Nga Bay
Day Highlights Overnight
Day 1 Arrive in Bangkok, Self-Guided Tour Bangkok
Day 2 Visit the Grand Palace & Wat Pho, Evening River Dinner Cruise Bangkok
Day 3 Fly to Chiang Mai, Explore Chiang Mai
Day 4 Full-Day Elephant Jungle Sanctuary Experience Chiang Mai
Day 5 Fly to Phuket, Explore Phuket
Day 6 Kayaking Trip through Phang Nga Bay Phuket
Day 7 Phuket Beach Relaxation Phuket
Day 8 Depart Phuket  


If you've ever dreamed of Thailand, this 8-day adventure covers the highlights with a perfect mix of guided tours and free time. Start off in vibrant Bangkok for iconic Buddhist sites and a gourmet dinner cruise on the Chao Phraya River. Then fly north to Chiang Mai to explore the Old Town on foot and spend a day with elephants. Finish off in Phuket, where you'll kayak, island-hop, and relax on gorgeous white sand beaches. Read more

Map

Map of Bangkok & Phuket: Best Itinerary Ideas
Map of Bangkok & Phuket: Best Itinerary Ideas