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Thai Essentials: From Bangkok to Phuket
Thailand in 9 Days, 7 Nights in Destination
James
Travel crafter
From Bangkok to Phuket, this adventure mixes bustling streets, temples, and idyllic islands for an unforgettable trip in Southeast Asia.
Trip Highlights
- Bangkok
- Phi Phi
- Phuket
Included
All flights
Accommodation
Some transfers
Activities
Breakfast only
Availability
Departures available until October 2026
Available Group tours
Solo travelers available
Add up to 5 nights to your stay
- WHAT'S THIS?
Categories available
charm included
superior from + £50
luxury from + £250
- WHAT'S THIS?
Itinerary
Uncover Thailand, from its vibrant local culture to its paradise-like corners, on this essentials-packed tour. Explore bustling marketplaces beyond Bangkok, return to the capital to discover its traditional temples, and finally unwind on the island paradise of Phuket.
1st Day: UK/Ireland - Night on board
Arrival at your UK/Ireland departure airport* ready to check-in for an overnight flight to Bangkok. Night on board.
*If either your outbound or inbound flights depart in the early hours (before 4:00 a.m.) you must arrive at the airport the night before the indicated departure day.
2nd Day: Bangkok
Touch down in the buzzing capital of Thailand, where you’ll be welcomed by an airport representative. Then, transfer to the hotel.
Bangkok is a vibrant and cosmopolitan city, located in the heart of the country. It offers a variety of unique experiences, from its impressive temples and lively culture to its world-renowned cuisine. Enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure and begin discovering this fascinating city. Overnight stay in Bangkok.
Accommodation
ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
Royal Bangkok or similar
878 Reviews
See our full selection
3rd Day: Bangkok
Breakfast at the hotel. Today is all about diving into local gastronomy and daily life as you explore two of Thailand’s most iconic marketplaces.
First, it’s off to Maeklong Railway Market, aptly named as it sits directly on active railway tracks. Transfer to Ban Na Kwang railway station, where you’ll catch a train to Maeklong. Watching the 100-metre-long market operate in harmony with passing trains is a fascinating experience.
Known in Thai as Talat Rom Hup, or “umbrella pulldown market”, it’s famous for its fresh seafood and the sudden flurry of activity that occurs when a train approaches. Vendors swiftly retract their awnings and goods, only to reopen moments later as if nothing happened.
Next, continue to the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market, an exciting destination. You might recognise it from the canal chase scene in The Man with the Golden Gun, starring Roger Moore as James Bond. Sample local dishes, discover new flavours, and admire the colourful boats serving as floating stalls.
Return to the meeting point, and the rest of the day is free for you to explore at your own pace or relax at the hotel after a lively start. Overnight stay in Bangkok.
Accommodation
ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
Royal Bangkok or similar
878 Reviews
See our full selection
Activities
Maeklong Railway Market & Damnoen Saduak Floating Market
Moderate
See more
4th Day: Bangkok
Breakfast at the hotel. Head to the meeting point and discover the city and its temples on an exciting guided tour!*
Start at Wat Phra Kaew, Thailand’s most sacred Buddhist temple, located within the vibrant amulet market of Rattanakosin Island. Next, explore the Grand Palace complex, the former royal residence and a symbol of Bangkok’s rich history. Afterwards, visit Wat Pho to marvel at the impressive Reclining Buddha, one of the largest statues of its kind. Then, continue to Wat Arun, the Temple of Dawn, renowned for its striking riverside spires.
After the tour, return to your hotel or, if you wish, join our optional Michelin Guide street food tour**. Overnight stay in Bangkok.
Note: for cultural respect when entering temples, women are advised to wear short-sleeved tops with full-length trousers or knee-length skirts, and men are advised to wear trousers with short-sleeved shirts. Remember to remove your shoes before entering any temple.
**Optional Michelin Guide Street Food Tour by Tuk Tuk: Bangkok’s food scene is calling, and it’s ready to show you its very best on this group tour. Your guide will take you to some of the city’s most iconic local street food stalls, where you’ll discover beloved dishes such as fishball egg noodles, Chinese-style Pa Tong Go Savoey doughnuts, and the flavour-packed rolled noodles at Nai Ek — a truly otherworldly experience.
Travelling by Tuk Tuk from stop to stop, you’ll also enjoy crab fried rice served with lime and chillies, and visit the legendary Jay Fai, the only Thai street food vendor awarded a Michelin star.
Accommodation
ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
Royal Bangkok or similar
878 Reviews
See our full selection
Activities
Temple Walking Tour
Moderate
See more
Michelin Guide Street Food Tour by Tuk Tuk
Moderate
See more
5th Day: Bangkok
Breakfast at the hotel. Today, enjoy the day at your leisure to continue exploring the capital. We recommend an unforgettable optional excursion to Ayutthaya.* Overnight stay in Bangkok.
*Optional Full-Day Ayutthaya Historical Park Tour with Lunch: The former capital of the Kingdom of Siam, Ayutthaya is a historic city waiting to be discovered. UNESCO-listed and filled with ancient ruins and diverse architecture, ranging from Gothic to Thai-inspired, this extraordinary place offers a unique glimpse into the past. The tour includes a visit to the Bang Pa-In Summer Palace, lunch at a local restaurant, and a scenic private longtail boat trip along the Chao Phraya River, also known as the "River of Kings."
Please wear smart casual summer attire and comfortable walking shoes. For cultural respect, women are advised to wear short-sleeved tops with full-length trousers or knee-length skirts, and men are advised to wear trousers with short-sleeved shirts. Remember to remove your shoes before entering any temple.
Accommodation
ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
Royal Bangkok or similar
878 Reviews
See our full selection
Activities
Full-Day Ayutthaya Historical Park Tour with Lunch
Active
See more
6th Day: Bangkok - Phuket
Breakfast at the hotel. At the indicated time, transfer to the airport for a flight to Phuket. Arrive in beautiful Phuket, a paradise island of rainforests and mountains known as the ultimate escape in Thailand. Transfer to your hotel, and after settling in, the rest of the day is yours to lounge by the pool or search for the most idyllic paradise coves. Overnight stay in Phuket.
Accommodation
ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
Sugar Marina Hotel - Surf... or similar
565 Reviews
See our full selection
7th Day: Phuket
Today is a day full of adventure with a tour that showcases the best of Phi Phi Islands. Be ready early in the morning for your transfer to Leam Nga pier. Upon arrival, enjoy a light breakfast with snacks and refreshments provided at the pier before setting off. You’ll depart by speedboat, enjoying extraordinary coastal views en route to Phi Phi Island.
Your first stop is Pileh Lagoon, where you can swim in the turquoise waters of the Andaman Sea, surrounded by dramatic limestone cliffs. Next, head to Phi Phi Don Island for a delicious lunch at a beachside restaurant, followed by free time to relax or explore the beach at your own pace.
In the early afternoon, visit Monkey Beach on Phi Phi Don, where you can swim, snorkel, and spot the local macaques. Then, cruise past Viking Cave on nearby Phi Phi Leh, known for its swiftlet bird nests, for a quick photo-op.
Then arrive at Maya Bay, the iconic beach made famous by the film The Beach. Explore a bit before your final stop at Khai Nai Island, where you can relax on the white sandy beach or swim in the crystal-clear sea.
Return to Leam Nga Pier, and transfer back to your hotel. Overnight stay in Phuket.
Accommodation
ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
Sugar Marina Hotel - Surf... or similar
565 Reviews
See our full selection
Activities
Phi Phi & Bamboo Island Excursion by Speedboat
Light
See more
8th Day: Phuket
Breakfast at the hotel. Make the most of another free day to relax, explore and enjoy Phuket. We recommend our optional excursion to the James Bond Island in Phang Nga Bay.* Overnight stay in Phuket.
*Optional Excursion to James Bond Island & Beyond: An unforgettable adventure awaits! Transfer to a private departure lounge at Royal Phuket Marina, where you’ll enjoy coffee and a snack with your expert tour guide. Then set off to discover a stunning landscape shaped by towering cliffs, limestone formations, and hidden caves.
Arrive at Panak Island for a walk-in cave exploration featuring tranquil lagoons and mystical hongs (limestone caves with water channels). Next, visit the famous James Bond Island, made iconic by The Man with the Golden Gun—a truly cinematic and picturesque destination. The adventure continues with canoeing at Siam Adventure World, Tam Lod. Paddle through caves and mangroves in this secluded area of Phang Nga Bay.
Next, explore Koh Panyee village, a unique fishing village built on stilts. Savour delicious dishes at a local restaurant for lunch. In the afternoon, relax on a tropical beach, soaking up the sun while admiring the incredible natural backdrop.
Finally, return to Royal Phuket Marina for a seamless transfer back to your hotel.
Accommodation
ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
Sugar Marina Hotel - Surf... or similar
565 Reviews
See our full selection
Activities
James Bond Island & Beyond
Light
See more
9th Day: Phuket - UK/Ireland
After breakfast* at the hotel, say goodbye to beautiful Thailand as you transfer to the airport** for a flight back to the UK/Ireland.***
*If your return flight departs early in the morning, you may not be able to enjoy the included breakfast.
**If either your outbound or inbound flights depart in the early hours (before 4:00 a.m.), you must arrive at the airport the night before the indicated departure day.
***Depending on the choice of flight, you may arrive back in UK/Ireland the following day.
Categories
charm
From £1,399
- Accommodation in Charm category hotels.
superior
From £1,449
- Accommodation in Superior category hotels.
luxury
From £1,649
- Accommodation in Luxury category hotels.
Pick a date and start customising your trip
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Included activities
Available Activities
The price includes
- Departures from main UK/Ireland airports.
- International flights: UK/Ireland - Bangkok, Phuket - UK/Ireland.
- Internal flights: Bangkok - Phuket.*more information
- 7 nights accommodation in Charm category hotels.See hotels included
- 7 breakfasts.
- Airport-hotel-airport transfers included.
- Visits and entrance fees as indicated in the itinerary with English-speaking guide.See itinerary
- All air taxes and fuel surcharge.
- Phi Phi Island by Speedboat tour.
- Maeklong Railway Market & Damnoen Saduak Floating Market Tour and Temple Walking Tour in Bangkok.
- ATOL Protection.
- Guide/s during the excursions.
Not included
Drinks, tips and any other services not mentioned in what's included.
*Documentation of the internal flights will either be available in the "My bookings" section in your "Customer Area" 14 days before your trip or delivered to you on arrival at your destination. It is essential to fill in the passport information correctly for each passenger in the given boxes at the end of the reservations process.
Transfers to and from the airport in Bangkok and Phuket are unescorted (without a guide).
If you arrive in the early hours between 00:00 and 11:30, you must add the optional early check-in to have access to your room immediately. To guarantee optional services, we recommend that you add them at the time of booking, as they are subject to availability.
Please note: Children under 3 years and adults over 70 years are not permitted to join the Optional Phi Phi Island Excursion in Phuket.
New requirement to enter Thailand – starting May 1, 2025:
Starting on this date, all foreign travellers must complete the Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) at least 3 days before their arrival. Review the requirements and complete the form at: http://tdac.immigration.go.th
Entry requirements
Passport with a minimum of six months validity.
Visa
No visa is required for stays of up to 30 days.
Currency
Baht.
Language
Thai.
Electricity
220 V. Adapter required.
Health
Please consult your doctor regarding malaria prophylaxis.
Time zone
GMT + 07:00.
Other useful information
In Thailand they drive on the left-hand side of the road.
Tourist Office website
https://www.tourismthailand.org/home
Remember to download your e-ticket to confirm the times of your flights and to complete online check-in using the airline’s website, or directly at the check-in desk at the airport.
Accommodation at the hotels is as indicated. In the event of any changes to accommodation, they will always be of the same or a higher category. The category of hotels is not standardized across all countries in the world. For this reason, the criteria may differ depending on the destination country's own standards.
In the case of adverse weather conditions, for safety reasons or for any other reasons deemed appropriate, the order and duration of the excursions included in the itinerary may be changed or canceled without prior notice.
The Foreign & Commonwealth Office offer up-to-date travel advice by visiting https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice
If you have reduced mobility, require the use of a wheelchair, or you would prefer this tour to be a private experience for you and your group, you must contact our Experts at +44 20 8068 3176 before booking to ensure that your needs can be met.
While on the road, it is highly unlikely that the vehicle will be equipped with wifi or bathroom facilities, though rest stops will be made for long trips. We recommend purchasing a new SIM card at the airport or placing an e-SIM before travel to guarantee internet connection.
Pay in installments
Pay only 60% today to reserve your trip.
Rest is paid in instalments according to your departure date.
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