Bangkok, Phuket & Krabi classic · 8 days

Day 1: Arrive in Bangkok

Bangkok

• Wat Arun by Chao Phraya cross-river ferry · 1.5 h. Ferry from Tha Tien pier costs a few baht; late-afternoon light is best and the steps are steep.
• Chao Phraya river dinner cruise · 2.5 h. Most depart from ICONSIAM or Asiatique piers around 7–8pm; vegetarian menus on request when booking.

Local tip: Ferry from Tha Tien pier costs a few baht; late-afternoon light is best and the steps are steep.

Open day 1 route in Google Maps

Day 2: Explore Bangkok

Bangkok

• Grand Palace & Wat Phra Kaew (Emerald Buddha) · 2.5 h. Opens 8:30am; shoulders and knees covered, no ripped jeans. Ignore touts who say it is closed today.
• Wat Pho & the Reclining Buddha · 1.5 h. A 5-minute walk from the Grand Palace; the massage school inside takes walk-ins.
• Yaowarat (Chinatown) street-food night · 2.5 h. Stalls open after 6pm; many close on Mondays. Guided food walks cost roughly double.

Local tip: Opens 8:30am; shoulders and knees covered, no ripped jeans. Ignore touts who say it is closed today.

Open day 2 route in Google Maps

Day 3: Bangkok → Phuket

Phuket · Bangkok to Phuket, Flight ~1h25m

• Big Buddha Phuket · 1.5 h. Free with a donation; sarongs are lent at the entrance to cover knees.
• Wat Chalong · 1 h

Local tip: Free with a donation; sarongs are lent at the entrance to cover knees.

Open day 3 route in Google Maps

Day 4: Phi Phi & Maya Bay speedboat day trip

Phuket

• Phi Phi & Maya Bay speedboat day trip · 8 h. National park fee (~400 THB) is often collected in cash on the day. Maya Bay usually closes Aug–Sep.

Local tip: National park fee (~400 THB) is often collected in cash on the day. Maya Bay usually closes Aug–Sep.

Open day 4 route in Google Maps

Day 5: Explore Phuket

Phuket

• Promthep Cape sunset · 1.5 h. Arrive 45 minutes before sunset for parking.
• Kata & Karon beach day · 3 h. Red flags in May–Oct mean rip currents; swim only between the flags.

Local tip: Arrive 45 minutes before sunset for parking.

Open day 5 route in Google Maps

Day 6: Phuket → Krabi

Krabi · Phuket to Krabi, Minivan or private car ~2.5–3h

• Tiger Cave Temple (Wat Tham Suea) climb · 3 h. 1,260 steep steps; start by 7am, carry water, cover shoulders and knees, and watch for monkeys.

Local tip: 1,260 steep steps; start by 7am, carry water, cover shoulders and knees, and watch for monkeys.

Open day 6 route in Google Maps

Day 7: 4-island tour (Poda, Chicken, Tup & Phra Nang Cave)

Krabi

• 4-island tour (Poda, Chicken, Tup & Phra Nang Cave) · 6 h. Speedboats are faster, longtails cheaper; park fee ~400 THB in cash on some tours.

Local tip: Speedboats are faster, longtails cheaper; park fee ~400 THB in cash on some tours.

Open day 7 route in Google Maps

Day 8: Depart from Krabi

Krabi

Keep a buffer before your flight; check-out is usually noon.