Family: Bangkok & Phuket · 7 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.
• King Power Mahanakhon SkyWalk · 1.5 h. Go for sunset; online tickets are cheaper than at the counter.

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: Explore Bangkok

Bangkok

• ICONSIAM, Siam Paragon & Pratunam shopping · 3 h. Pratunam and Platinum Fashion Mall for wholesale prices; carry your passport for VAT refunds.
• Yaowarat (Chinatown) street-food night · 2.5 h. Stalls open after 6pm; many close on Mondays. Guided food walks cost roughly double.

Local tip: Pratunam and Platinum Fashion Mall for wholesale prices; carry your passport for VAT refunds.

Open day 3 route in Google Maps

Day 4: 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.
• Simon Cabaret show · 1.5 h

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

Open day 4 route in Google Maps

Day 5: Explore Phuket

Phuket

• Phuket Old Town & Sunday Walking Street · 3 h. The Lard Yai walking street runs Sunday evenings on Thalang Road.
• Wat Chalong · 1 h

Local tip: The Lard Yai walking street runs Sunday evenings on Thalang Road.

Open day 5 route in Google Maps

Day 6: Explore Phuket

Phuket

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

Local tip: Red flags in May–Oct mean rip currents; swim only between the flags.

Open day 6 route in Google Maps

Day 7: Depart from Phuket

Phuket

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