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

A woman sightseeing the Wat Arun temple during her 5 days in Thailand.
Once in a lifetime experience with Arthur
  • Luke Beatty
  • From England
So many things made this Thailand island hopper trip amazing. First was our amazing...” Read More

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

An empty kayak in the shore of Phi Phi Don island.
Kayak in the crystal clear Andaman when you are in Phi Phi Don.
  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

Wat Phra Kaew Temple of the Emerald Buddha on the cloudy blue sky day.
Experience the awe-inspiring beauty of Wat Phra Kaew Temple, where history and spirituality converge in a dazzling display of culture.
Top view of floating market in Thailand.
Immerse yourself in the vibrant chaos of Thailand's floating markets, where colorful boats brim with exotic goods and local flavors await your discovery.
  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

White Temple during a clear day in Chiang Rai, Thailand.
Embark on a surreal journey at Wat Rong Khun, the dazzling White Temple, and marvel at its intricate white exterior, unconventional architecture, and symbolic artistic details that make it a mesmerizing cultural attraction.
  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

Wat Chaiwattharam at Ayuthhaya Historical Park during a clear day in Thaila
Step back in time and immerse yourself strolling through the captivating ruins of temples, monasteries, and palaces whispering tales of ancient greatness at Ayutthaya Historical Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site where the relics of Thailand's former Siamese capital transport you to the country's rich history.
Wat Mahathat Temple in the precinct of Sukhothai Historical Park
Wat Mahathat Temple is one of the oldest and most significant temples in the history of Ayutthaya as it housed the Buddha's holy relic, Thailand.
  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.

Other related articles:
10 days in Thailand
2 weeks in Thailand
7 days in Thailand

Plan a trip to ThailandWe offer different tour types. You can also chat with a local travel specialist if you want a customized tour to Thailand.
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