Thailand in 8 Days: 4 Recommended 8-day Itineraries to Thailand

- Millie Hopkinson
- From England
- Millie Hopkinson
- From England
- Jonathan Wenzel Tornøe
- From Denmark
- Katie Reid
- From Ireland
Thailand 8-day Itinerary Options
Explore our Thailand 8-day itinerary plans below to see all you can experience with just over a week in this captivating country. From the energetic streets of Bangkok and the ancient temples of Chiang Mai to the stunning islands of Phuket, these suggestions are designed to help you capture the essence during your trip to Thailand!
Itinerary #1: Southern Thailand Sojourn


Overview | Activity | Overnight | |
Day 1 | Start your trip in Bangkok. | Bangkok | Bangkok |
Day 2 | Explore Bangkok by bike; you can visit Wat Pho and the Grand Palace, try street foods, and enjoy a Thai massage. | Cycling | Bangkok |
Day 3 | Experience Southern Thai hospitality with breakfast at Khao Theppitak Community and a day at Lake Cheow Lan. | Sightseeing | Surot Thani |
Day 4 | Relax and enjoy epic nightlife in Koh Phangan while at beach or poolside bungalows. | Beach relaxation | Koh Phangan |
Day 5 | Enjoy a leisurely second day in Koh Phangan or explore the beautiful waterfalls. | Exploration | Koh Phangan |
Day 6 | Ferry ride to Koh Tao for snorkeling adventures or a scenic hike to Koh Nang Yuan viewpoint. | Snorkeling | Koh Tao |
Day 7 | Savor your last day in Koh Tao enjoying the sun, seafood and nightlife | Relaxation | Koh Tao |
Day 8 | Bid farewell to Thailand. | Departure |
Immerse yourself in the vibrant streets and rich cultural heritage of bustling Bangkok on this 8-day tour of Thailand. Start your adventure by arriving in Bangkok, where you can explore the city by bike, visiting iconic sites like Wat Pho and the Grand Palace. Indulge in delicious street food such as pad thai, mango sticky rice, and som tam, and unwind with a traditional Thai massage. Experience Southern Thai hospitality with breakfast at Khao Theppitak community and a serene day at Lake Cheow Lan, soaking in the natural beauty of Khao Sok National Park. Then, relax and enjoy the epic nightlife of Koh Phangan with stays in beachside or poolside bungalows. Spend a leisurely second day in Koh Phangan, exploring waterfalls, lagoons, and hiking trails. Take a ferry to Koh Tao to relax on white-sand beaches and embark on snorkeling adventures, spotting vibrant coral and marine life, or take a scenic hike to Koh Nang Yuan viewpoint. On your last day in Koh Tao, bask in the sun, savor fresh seafood and experience the nightlife.
Itinerary #2: The Best of Northern Thailand

Overview | Activity | Overnight | |
Day 1 | Welcome to Bangkok. | Arrival | Bangkok |
Day 2 | Journey to Kanchanaburi and explore the historic bridge on the River Kwai, Thailand-Burma Railway Centre and War Cemetery. | Historical exploration | Kanchanaburi |
Day 3 | Hike Erawan National Park, swim in Erawan Falls, and transfer to historic Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya for dinner on a 1930s Rice Barge. | Hiking | Ayutthaya |
Day 4 | Explore the Ayutthaya Historical Park and fly to Chiang Mai. | Historical exploration | Chiang Mai |
Day 5 | Discover Chiang Mai’s morning markets, learn to cook Thai dishes, visit historic temples, and interact with monks. | Exploration | Chiang Mai |
Day 6 | Explore Chiang Mai’s temples and hills or take a cycling tour and night market visit. | Cycling and temple visits | Chiang Mai |
Day 7 | Take a trip from Chiang Mai to Bangkok, enjoy a Klong boat ride, visit Wat Pho, and see the reclining Buddha in Bangkok. | Sightseeing | Bangkok |
Day 8 | Bid farewell to Thailand. | Departure |
If you want to spend 8 days in Thailand by immersing yourself in rich history and stunning landscapes, this is the perfect itinerary you are looking for. Begin your adventure in vibrant Bangkok, then journey to Kanchanaburi to discover the historic bridge on the River Kwai, the Thailand-Burma Railway Centre, and the War Cemetery. Next, hike through Erawan National Park, where you can swim in turquoise pools beneath the stunning seven-tiered Erawan Falls, before heading to the historic Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya for a delightful dinner on a 1930s rice barge. Explore the ancient ruins of Ayutthaya Historical Park before flying to Chiang Mai. In Chiang Mai, dive into local culture by visiting morning markets, cooking authentic Thai cuisine, and interacting with monks at a revered temple. Spend an extra day exploring its temples and hills in Chiang Mai, or opt for a cycling tour and night market visit. Conclude your journey with a trip back to Bangkok, taking a Klong boat ride and visiting Wat Pho to see the colossal gilded statue of the Reclining Buddha, and enjoying a traditional khantoke dinner at a village home before bidding farewell to Thailand. See all Thailand holidays.
Itinerary #3: Hike, Bike, and Kayak


Overview | Activity | Overnight | |
Day 1 | Arrive in Bangkok. | Arrival | Bangkok |
Day 2 | Explore Ayutthaya’s UNESCO Heritage Site on a train journey, go on a tuk-tuk tour, and take an evening train ride to Chiang Mai. | Exploration | Chiang Mai |
Day 3 | Discover Chiang Mai with temple visits, tour of Doi Suthep, and cooking classes. | Temple visits | Chiang Mai |
Day 4 | Trek from Chiang Mai to a Hilltribe Village, experience rural Thai life, and enjoy a home-cooked dinner by the campfire. | Hiking | Chiang Mai |
Day 5 | Kayak the Mae Taeng River, explore the jungle, and enjoy a riverside adventure with dinner at a Boutique camp. | Kayaking | Chiang Mai |
Day 6 | Cycle to Wat Ban Den, discover the sticky waterfall and enjoy scenic views in the teak forests of Northern Thailand. | Cycling | Chiang Mai |
Day 7 | Cycle to Baan Luang Nue and experience Tai Lue culture. | Cycling | Chaing Mai |
Day 8 | Conclude your trip to Chiang Mai. | Departure |
Ready to hike, bike, and kayak your way through the stunning landscapes of Thailand? This 8-day Thailand itinerary combines adventure and culture, starting in the capital city of Bangkok. The next day, head to Ayutthaya Historical Park, which is filled with 425 temple ruins and historical sites. Continue your journey to Chiang Mai, spend a free day exploring its 300 temples, taking a Thai cooking class, or indulging in a soothing Thai massage. While in Chiang Mai, reach new heights on a trek to an enlightening Hilltribe Village, experiencing rural Thai life from a local’s perspective. Then, kayak along the Mae Taeng River and through lush jungle, with the option to go on a whitewater rafting adventure. On the sixth and seventh day of your trip, cycle to Wat Ban Den and Baan Luang Nue, among other sites, to learn more about the culture and history of the region. This itinerary perfectly blends adventure and cultural experiences, making it an incredible journey through the wonders of Northern Thailand. See all Thailand adventure holidays.
Itinerary #4: Temples, Tranquility, and Thai Islands

Overview | Activity | Overnight | |
Day 1 | Welcome to Bangkok. | Arrival | Bangkok |
Day 2 | Cruise the Chao Phraya River, explore Bangkok’s temples, and enjoy a day of shopping and nightlife adventures. | Cruising | Khao Sok National Park |
Day 3 | Recover and relax with a massage before boarding an overnight train to Khao Sok National Park. | Relaxation | Khao Sok National Park |
Day 4 | Stay in floating bungalows on a freshwater lake and enjoy kayaking and relaxing in Khao Sok’s tropical paradise. | Exploration | Khao Sok National Park |
Day 5 | Escape to Bottle Beach on Koh Phangan for secluded relaxation, beach time, and some campfire fun. | Beach relaxation | Ko Phangan |
Day 6 | Relax in paradise at Bottle Beach with kayaking and sunbathing, and take a Muay Thai boxing lesson before heading to your final destination. | Kayaking | Ko Phangan |
Day 7 | Snorkel the stunning waters of Koh Phangan, relax on beautiful beaches, and celebrate with a farewell dinner and night out. | Snorkeling | Koh Phangan |
Day 8 | End your trip in Koh Phangan. | Departure |
Explore a breathtaking journey through Thailand in 8 days on this exciting adventure. Start your journey in Bangkok, where you will cruise the Chao Phraya River and visit iconic temples like Wat Arun and Wat Pho. After a relaxing Thai massage, hop on an overnight train to Khao Sok National Park, where you will get to stay in floating bungalows surrounded by nature and spend time kayaking and tubing through the lush landscapes of this tropical paradise. Next, escape to Bottle Beach on Koh Phangan to enjoy the beach vibes and take a Muay Thai lesson or two. And don’t miss the chance to explore the island with a boat trip. This itinerary perfectly blends excitement and relaxation, making for an incredible vacation in some of Thailand’s most captivating destinations.
Need help in planning a 8-day itinerary to Thailand?
From the vibrant streets of Bangkok to the tranquil beaches of Koh Phangan, each day of your 8 days in Thailand are bound to be unique and memorable with the above-mentioned itineraries. If you are looking for more Thailand 8-day itinerary options, contact our local travel experts to make a customized trip to Thailand from scratch. For more ideas on Thailand’s itineraries, check out our guide on how many days to spend in Thailand and places to visit in Thailand. For more-duration-related articles, check out our guides on one week in Thailand and 9 days in Thailand.
For a seasonal overview, check our guide on the best time to visit Thailand.
Other related articles:
10 days in Thailand
14 days in Thailand
12 days in Thailand