Bangkok → Chiang Mai, Thailand

This 7-day backpacker adventure immerses you in the best of Thailand

  • 7 days
  • $$ Moderate
  • Curated by SquadAbroad
This 7-day backpacker adventure immerses you in the best of Thailand

This 7-day backpacker adventure immerses you in the best of Thailand. Spend four days exploring Bangkok's electrifying street life, ancient temples, and bustling markets. Then, journey north to Chiang Mai for three days of ethical elephant encounters, stunning mountain views, and a hands-on lesson in the art of Thai cooking.

Day-by-day itinerary

Day 1

3 stops
  1. Mad Monkey Bangkok

    3:00 PM

    Check into your social backpacker hostel, a great place to meet other travelers near the heart of the action.

    Lodging1 hrMad Monkey Bangkok
  2. Khao San Road

    5:00 PM

    Dive headfirst into the backpacker universe. Explore the famous street, browse the market stalls, and soak in the vibrant, chaotic atmosphere.

    Activity2 hrKhao San Road
  3. Thipsamai Pad Thai

    7:30 PM

    Dinner at one of Bangkok's most legendary Pad Thai spots, often called the best in the city. Expect a queue, but it's worth it.

    Restaurant1 hr 30 minThipsamai Pad Thai

Day 2

5 stops
  1. The Onion

    8:30 AM

    Grab a specialty coffee and a delicious breakfast at this popular and stylish cafe to fuel up for a day of temple hopping.

    Restaurant1 hrThe Onion
  2. The Grand Palace

    10:00 AM

    Explore the spectacular former residence of the Kings of Siam. Remember to dress respectfully (shoulders and knees covered).

    Activity2 hr 30 minThe Grand Palace
  3. The Sixth 6th

    1:00 PM

    Enjoy a well-deserved lunch at this tiny, highly-rated restaurant serving authentic and flavorful home-style Thai food near the temples.

    Restaurant1 hr 15 minThe Sixth 6th
  4. Wat Pho

    2:30 PM

    Visit the Temple of the Reclining Buddha, home to an immense gold-plated statue and considered the birthplace of traditional Thai massage.

    Activity2 hrWat Pho
  5. Wat Arun

    5:00 PM

    Take a short ferry across the Chao Phraya River to admire the stunning, porcelain-covered spires of the Temple of Dawn, especially beautiful during sunset.

    Restaurant1 hrWat Arun

Day 3

4 stops
  1. On Lok Yun

    9:00 AM

    Experience a traditional Thai-style breakfast at this charming, old-school institution that has been serving locals for over 80 years.

    Restaurant1 hrOn Lok Yun
  2. Jim Thompson House Museum

    10:30 AM

    Discover the beautiful Thai-style home of the American entrepreneur who revitalized the Thai silk industry, filled with a magnificent art collection.

    Activity2 hrJim Thompson House Museum
  3. Pe Aor Tom Yum Kung Noodle

    1:00 PM

    Lunch at a restaurant renowned for its rich and creamy Tom Yum soup, served with giant prawns and noodles.

    Restaurant1 hr 15 minPe Aor Tom Yum Kung Noodle
  4. Jodd Fairs

    6:00 PM

    Explore this bustling night market for dinner. Graze on a huge variety of trendy street food, from grilled seafood to volcanic spare ribs, and enjoy the lively atmosphere.

    Restaurant3 hrJodd Fairs

Day 4

5 stops
  1. Patonggo Cafe

    9:00 AM

    Enjoy a classic Thai breakfast of 'patonggo' (fried dough sticks) with various dips and coffee at this Michelin-recommended spot.

    Restaurant1 hrPatonggo Cafe
  2. Mad Monkey Bangkok

    10:30 AM

    Check out from the hostel. You can typically leave your bags in their storage area to collect before your overnight journey.

    Lodging30 minMad Monkey Bangkok
  3. Khlong Bang Luang Artist House

    11:30 AM

    Escape the city buzz with a visit to this charming, century-old wooden house on the canal. Enjoy the serene atmosphere and watch a traditional puppet show.

    Activity2 hrKhlong Bang Luang Artist House
  4. Som Tam Jay So

    2:00 PM

    Challenge your taste buds with fiery and authentic Isaan (Northeastern Thai) cuisine, especially their famous papaya salads.

    Restaurant1 hr 15 minSom Tam Jay So
  5. Here Hai Restaurant

    6:00 PM

    Enjoy a final, incredible dinner in Bangkok at this Michelin Bib Gourmand eatery, famous for its insane crab fried rice.

    Restaurant1 hr 30 minHere Hai Restaurant

Day 5

5 stops
  1. Khao Soi Khun Yai

    9:00 AM

    Arrive in Chiang Mai and have your first taste of the north's most famous dish, Khao Soi. This spot is a local favorite, hidden down a small alley.

    Restaurant1 hr 15 minKhao Soi Khun Yai
  2. Chiang Mai Old City Temples

    11:00 AM

    Wander through the historic center of Chiang Mai, visiting ancient temples like the towering Wat Chedi Luang and the beautiful Wat Phra Singh.

    Activity3 hrWat Chedi Luang
  3. Dash! Restaurant and Bar

    2:00 PM

    Relax with lunch in a beautiful traditional wooden house, offering a mix of northern and central Thai dishes.

    Restaurant1 hrDash! Restaurant and Bar
  4. Stamps Backpackers

    3:30 PM

    Check into your new hostel, famous for its friendly, social atmosphere and clean facilities, perfect for meeting fellow travelers.

    Lodging1 hrStamps Backpackers
  5. Chiang Mai Night Bazaar

    6:30 PM

    Explore the massive nightly market. Hunt for souvenirs, enjoy the street performances, and have dinner from the diverse array of food stalls.

    Restaurant2 hr 30 minChiang Mai Night Bazaar

Day 6

4 stops
  1. Fern Forest Cafe

    7:30 AM

    Have a serene breakfast in a lush, green garden setting before a big day of adventure.

    Restaurant1 hrFern Forest Cafe
  2. Elephant Nature Park

    8:30 AM

    Spend a full day at a renowned ethical sanctuary. You'll help feed and bathe rescued elephants while learning about their stories and conservation efforts.

    Activity8 hrElephant Nature Park
  3. Lunch at Elephant Nature Park

    12:30 PM

    Enjoy a massive and delicious buffet of vegetarian Thai food, which is included with your visit to the sanctuary.

    Restaurant1 hr 30 minElephant Nature Park
  4. Khao Soi Mae Sai

    7:30 PM

    You can't have too much Khao Soi. Try another one of the city's top-rated spots for this iconic northern Thai noodle soup.

    Restaurant1 hr 30 minKhao Soi Mae Sai

Day 7

5 stops
  1. Goodsouls Kitchen

    8:30 AM

    Enjoy a healthy and delicious plant-based breakfast at one of Chiang Mai's best vegan restaurants.

    Restaurant1 hrGoodsouls Kitchen
  2. Stamps Backpackers

    10:00 AM

    Check out from the hostel. Arrange to leave your backpack in their storage for the day.

    Lodging30 minStamps Backpackers
  3. Wat Phra That Doi Suthep

    10:30 AM

    Travel up the mountain to visit Chiang Mai's most sacred temple. Climb the Naga serpent staircase and enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the city.

    Activity2 hr 30 minWat Phra That Doi Suthep
  4. Huen Muan Jai

    1:30 PM

    Have lunch at a restaurant famous for its authentic Lanna (Northern Thai) cuisine, set in a lovely traditional-style house.

    Restaurant1 hr 15 minHuen Muan Jai
  5. Thai Farm Cooking School

    4:00 PM

    Participate in a hands-on cooking class set in the countryside. You'll visit a local market, pick fresh ingredients from an organic farm, and learn to cook several classic Thai dishes, which you'll then enjoy for dinner.

    Restaurant4 hrThai Farm Cooking School

More trips in Bangkok

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