Thailand in 5 Days: 4 Recommended 5-day Itineraries to Thailand

- Luke Beatty
- From England
- Luke Beatty
- From England
- Dilara Kasapoglu
- From England
- Jenny Snell
- From England
Thailand 5-day Itinerary Options
Still unsure about what to do in Thailand? Check out these handpicked Thailand 5-day itinerary ideas. From exploring the vibrant markets of Bangkok to soaking up the sun on the beautiful beaches of Phuket, you'll find plenty of exciting options to make the most of your short trip in Thailand!
Itinerary #1: PHI PHI ISLANDS HOLIDAY

Overview | Activity | Overnight | |
Day 1 | Take a ferry from Phuket to Koh Phi Phi. | Arrival | Phi Phi Island |
Day 2 | Enjoy a full day of Phi Phi island hopping on a guided ferry ride. | Island exploration | Phi Phi Island |
Day 3 | Scuba dive in Koh Bida Nok or Koh Bida Nai. | Scuba diving | Phi Phi Island |
Day 4 | Soak up a free day on the tropical beach of Phi Phi Don. | Beach exploration | Phi Phi Island |
Day 5 | Sail back to Phuket. | Departure |
This 5 days in Thailand itinerary takes you to the most sought-after beach destination in Thailand—the Phi Phi Islands. Although a self-guided tour is also popular for Phi Phi Islands, this itinerary outlines a hassle-free and well-organized beach getaway for traveling solo or with your small group and private guide. Bask in the sun on the pristine white-sand beaches of the Andaman Sea, and explore the six stunning islands via a guided ferry ride. Discover vibrant marine life through scuba diving adventures and savor authentic Thai cuisine, from fresh seafood to aromatic curries. Too quickly, your five days end in Phuket, a popular beach hub. The beauty of this 5-day Phi Phi beach holiday lies in its flexibility; you can choose to do these activities on any of the islands in the Phi Phi archipelago! See all Phi Phi Islands tours.
Itinerary #2: Must See Bangkok Highlights


Overview | Activity | Overnight | |
Day 1 | Bangkok arrival and hotel transfer; leisure time | Arrival | Bangkok |
Day 2 | Tour Bangkok's iconic temples: Wat Traimit, Wat Pho, and Grand Palace. Visit local jewelry shops | Sightseeing | Bangkok |
Day 3 | See the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market and Maeklong Railway Market, before returning to Bangkok. | Exploration | Bangkok |
Day 4 | Day trip to Kanchanaburi: Thailand-Burma Railway Centre, Allied War Cemetery, Death Railway Train. | Historical exploration | Bangkok |
Day 5 | Enjoy a leisurely morning, and transfer to Bangkok airport for your flight back home. | Departure |
This 5 days in Thailand itinerary starts and ends in Bangkok, covering iconic sites like Wat Pho and the Grand Palace. Begin your tour by visiting Wat Traimit, which houses the spectacular Golden Buddha, followed by Wat Pho, which is known for its Reclining Buddha. Wander through the Grand Palace, a stunning example of ancient Siamese architecture, and admire the Emerald Buddha Temple. Experience the unique charm of the Maeklong Railway Market, where trains pass through bustling stalls; and the vibrant Damnoen Saduak Floating Market, where vendors sell fresh produce from their boats. Travel to the province of Kanchanaburi to see the Thailand-Burma Railway Centre, a poignant memorial to the Death Railway's past. Pay respects at the Allied War Cemetery and take a memorable ride on the historic Death Railway Train, before heading back to Bangkok.
Itinerary #3: NORTH THAILAND HIGHLIGHTS

Overview | Activity | Overnight | |
Day 1 | Arrive in Chiang Rai and transfer to the hotel. At leisure, explore the old town or night bazaar. | Arrival | Chaing Rai |
Day 2 | Visit the King Mangrai Monument, Hilltribe Museum, Mae Chan hill tribe villages, and Golden Triangle. | Sightseeing | Chiang Rai |
Day 3 | On a trip to Chiang Mai, visit Wat Rong Khun, Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, and cruise River Ping. | Historical exploration | Chiang Mai |
Day 4 | Visit Elephant Poopoopaper Park and explore Chiang Mai's old town, including Wat Suan Dok, Wat Phra Singh, and Wat Chedi Luang. | Town exploration | Chiang Mai |
Day 5 | Bid farewell to Chiang Mai. | Departure |
Enjoy a sightseeing adventure in Northern Thailand in 5 days, starting in Chiang Rai and ending in Chiang Mai. This guided small group tour immerses you in the region's cultural gems, art, and architecture. Begin in Chiang Rai with visits to the iconic King Mangrai Monument and the enlightening Hilltribe Museum, where you'll learn about the diverse hill tribes. Explore remote Yao and Akha villages in Mae Chan before delving into the historic Golden Triangle, where Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar converge. Proceed to Chiang Mai, stopping at the magnificent Wat Rong Khun. In Chiang Mai, visit the revered Wat Phra That Doi Suthep and enjoy a scenic river cruise on the Ping River. Experience local life with a visit to Elephant POOPOOPAPER Park and explore Chiang Mai's ancient city, including Wat Suan Dok and Wat Phra Singh. Conclude your journey with a deep dive into Chiang Mai's rich history before departing this vibrant city.
You can tweak this itinerary or create a bespoke holiday to Thailand from scratch.
Itinerary #4: TRAILS AND GEMS OF SIAM


Overview | Activity | Overnight | |
Day 1 | Transfer from Bangkok to Ayutthaya, visit temple ruins, enjoy a boat cruise, and transfer to Kamphaeng Phet. | Arrival and exploration | Bangkok |
Day 2 | Travel to Lampang, visit Wat Phra That Lampang Luang, and continue to Chiang Mai, for leisure time. | Sightseeing | Lampang |
Day 3 | Visit Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, shop on San Kamphaeng Road, and enjoy a free afternoon in Chiang Mai. | Exploration | Chiang Mai |
Day 4 | Travel to Lamphun, visit Wat Phra That Hariphunchai, and explore Sukhothai Historical Park. | Historical exploration | Chiang Mai |
Day 5 | Visit Lopburi's Phra Prang Sam Yot and San Phra Kan, and return to Bangkok. | Departure |
Embark on a 5-day guided tour of Thailand, starting and ending in Bangkok. Begin your adventure in Ayutthaya, the former capital, exploring famous ruins such as Wat Mahathat, Wat Phanan Choeng, and Wat Yai Chaimongkhon. Enjoy a scenic longtail boat cruise around the island before heading to Kamphaeng Phet for the night. Proceed to Lampang and explore the magnificent Lanna-style temple, Wat Phra That Lampang Luang. Continue to Chiang Mai, the 'Rose of the North,' to explore Wat Phra That Doi Suthep and the vibrant San Kamphaeng Road, known for its locally produced goods. Explore the historic Wat Phra That Hariphunchai in Lamphun before continuing on to the Sukhothai Historical Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Discover nearly 200 ruins from Thailand's first capital. Conclude your journey in Lopburi, famed for its macaque monkeys and ancient temples, before returning to Bangkok.
Need help in planning a 5-day itinerary to Thailand?
Spending around 5 days in Thailand guarantees an extraordinary journey enriched with vibrant culture and breathtaking landscapes. From the ancient temples of Chiang Mai to the bustling streets of Bangkok, let our expertise elevate your 5-day Thailand itinerary into an unforgettable exploration.
If you are looking for more Thailand 5-day itinerary plans, contact our travel experts who can reveal the country's authentic beauty and charm beyond the typical tourist spots for a customized trip to Thailand. To ensure your journey is truly remarkable, consult our guides on the best time to visit Thailand and how many days to spend in Thailand. If you are looking for more duration-articles, check out our guides on 4 days in Thailand and 6 days in Thailand.
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