5 Days in Thailand

5 days in Thailand are enough to discover one or two regions in this country as well as participate in interesting activities such as relaxing on the beaches and visiting some Siamese temples.

If you have 5 days in Thailand, we have some suggestions for feasible itineraries so that you can explore history, culture, and people of this glorious country.

5 Days in Northern Thailand

Chiang Mai is the economic hub of Northern Thailand. Located in the foothills of the Himalayas, this city promises to amaze tourists with amazing river journeys or elephant treks. Inside the city, there is a system of more than 30 temples which is a fusion of Burmese, Sri Lankan, and Lanna Thai styles. Some most beautiful religious spots are Wat Umong, Wat Pha Lat, Wat Chedi Luang, and especially Wat Phra That Doi Suthep. This temple is a quintessential image of Chiang Mai and it is considered as the most sacred temple in the city. The entire complex comprises several monuments which show respect of the locals to the Buddha. You will be rewarded with an amazing city view after climbing a 200-step stair of Doi Suthep. Outside the city, there are many things to do such as Jungle Flight, home to Thailand’s longest zip line, Doi Inthanon National Park, a captivating trekking spot, or go rafting on Mae Taeng River.

Chiang Rai just becomes a famous tourist destination in Northern Thailand recently. This city is a great combination of unspoiled culture and laid-back lifestyle. Wat Rong Khun, or the White Temple, is a must-see attraction in Chiang Rai. From the outside, it looks like a Buddhist temple… but it’s not. Actually, this building was built by an artist called Chaloemchai Khositphiphat in 1998. You can spot some extraordinary carvings inside the principal building as well as in the garden. Do not forget to stop over Akha and Lahu ethnic villages and go shopping at Chiang Rai’s Night Bazaar.

Lampang is famous for its horse-drawn carriages which are regularly used for transportation. This city is considered as a middle point between Bangkok and Chiang Mai. If you just have few hours, you can choose some spots such as Wat Phra That Lampang Luang and the Thai Elephant Conservation Center, and then proceed to the further northern cities like Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai.  Wat Phra That Lampang Luang is one of the best preserved  Lanna-styled temples in the country. It can be dated back to the 13^th century and the legends said that the Buddha donated a hair when visiting the temple. If you have 2 days or more, do not hesitate to go trekking in Chae Son National Park.

Pai is a picturesque town just four hours from Chiang Mai, offering tourists a laid-back atmosphere and tranquil scenery. There is no lack of fun in the town center with Western-style restaurants, souvenir shops, live music venues, bars, and nightclubs. Cycling around the town is a popular activity in Pai. You can see emerald paddy fields, idyllic local villages, and mesmerizing hills. Around 8 kilometers from Pai, Pai Canyon is a nature reserve which is considered a gem of the town. Coming to this place, you can easily choose a vantage point where you can take a photo of panoramic scenery. Moreover, there are three beautiful waterfalls in town you should go to: Mae Yen, Mo Paeng, and Pam Bok.

5 Days in Central Thailand

The city that never sleeps, the dazzling city in Southeast Asia and the residence of the Emerald Buddha. You can name Bangkok as many ways as you can. Also known as Krung Thep, ‘the City of Angels’, Bangkok is full of amazing attractions, leaving visitors overwhelmed when trying to decide which ones they should head for. If you have 5 days in Thailand, you can choose some typical religious and royal places such as the Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew complex, Wat Pho, Wat Arun, and Wat Traimit, the temple of the Golden Buddha. The Grand Palace is undoubtedly worth visiting; and because of its immense size, we recommend you spend at least a full morning or afternoon here. Within the palace grounds is Wat Phra Kaew; you can find the Emerald Buddha, the most sacred Buddha image in Thailand, in one of its buildings. The system of night markets and shopping malls of this city will not disappoint any travelers; some of which can be named are Chatuchak Weekend Market, Khao San Road, Rod Fai Train Market, Patpong Night Market, and the glorious Siam Paragon.

Pattaya is a popular seaside town which is 100 kilometers from Bangkok. When you think about Bangkok, the image of ladyboys, go-go bars, and drunken tourists probably pops up in your minds. However, there are various fun and family-friendly activities to do in this town which are suitable for your trip to Thailand. Apart from Pattaya Beach and Walking Street which are crowded with tourists, Jomtien Beach, which is just a few kilometers from city center, is a heaven for water sports such as diving, jet skiing, and parasailing. You can also visit the exciting Pattaya Floating Market here. There are many other secluded islands in Pattaya where you can spend a day trip: Koh Larn, Koh Khrok, and Koh Phai. Koh Larn, or also known as Coral Island, exudes a wonderful tropical atmosphere and it is suitable for banana boat riding, speedboat riding, and of course swimming. If you do not have enough time, you can go around some attractions in town such as Sanctuary of Truth, Buddha Hill, and Mini Siam.

5 Days in Southern Thailand

Thailand is definitely a place for a typical “sun, sand and sea” vacation. Why not head to the south for some idyllic beaches?

You will be rewarded with pristine beaches in the Gulf of Thailand. Some famous islands in this area are Koh Samui, Koh Samet, Koh Chang (or Elephant Island), Koh Kood, and Koh Tao. All islands are endowed with lush jungles, beautiful beaches and small villages that co-exist alongside with luxurious resorts and hotels. You can have a chance to participate in water sport activities such as snorkeling, scuba diving, and surfing.  Do not forget to dig into a sumptuous plate of fresh seafood; try barbecued fish, squids, and oysters.

Phuket is well-known for its exciting beaches and outrageous nightlife with many restaurants, go-go bars, and beach clubs. When traveling to the town, you are recommended to take a cruise to Phang Nga Bay in the northeast of Phuket and see limestone islands, emerald water, and especially the famous Khao Phing Kan or James Bond Island. Wat Chalong and Big Buddha are two must-see religious spots in town.

Around 160 kilometers from Phuket, Krabi is a popular beach destination of Thailand which is less touristic that its neighboring Phuket. You can reach Krabi either by speedboat or overland road from Phuket. Koh Phi Phi is the most renowned archipelago in Krabi. This place consists of two main islands: Koh Phi Phi Don and Koh Phi Phi Leh. The Hollywood blockbuster, The Movie, starring Leonardo DiCaprio was filmed here in 2000. Diving the coral reefs and kayaking are main activities adventurous tourists choose when visiting this place.

Suggested Itineraries for 5 Days in Thailand

Itinerary 1: 5 Days in Northern Thailand Hill Tribes

Day 1: Arrive at Chiang Mai International Airport. Shopping at the Night Bazaar and enjoy street food at the city centre.

Day 2: Chiang Mai City Tour: Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, Wat Suan Dok, and Wat Chedi Luang

Day 3: Transfer to Chiang Rai. Visit Wat Rong Khun, Golden Triangle, and Karen Long Neck village. Transfer to Pai.

Day 4: Enjoy the tranquil atmosphere in Pai. Participate in a cycling tour or trekking to Pai Canyon.

Day 5: Back to Chiang Mai. Depart from Chiang Mai.

Itinerary 2: Explore the Exciting Bangkok and Pattaya in 5 Days

Day 1: Arrive in Bangkok. Spend time discovering Khao San Road and some shopping malls in the city centre.

Day 2: Visit the Grand Palace, floating market and some famous wats (temples).

Day 3: Transfer to Pattaya. Discover nightlife and street food in the city.

Day 4: Leisure on Pattaya Beach. Spend time exploring the Buddha Hill and some theme parks.

Day 5: Depart from Bangkok

Itinerary 3: Mesmerizing Phuket and Krabi in 5 Days

Day 1: Arrive at Phuket International Airport. Relax in the town

Day 2: Visit the Suwankuha Temple (Monkey Temple) and Buddha Cave. Take a cruise tour to Phang Nga Bay.

Day 3: Transfer to Krabi. Relax at your hotel.

Day 4: Take a boat tour to Koh Poda, Koh Tub, Koh Mor, and Koh Gai (Chicken Island).

Day 5: Back to Phuket and depart from the airport.

Itinerary 4: 5 Days in Northern and Central Thailand Combined

Day 1: Arrive in Bangkok International Airport. Discover Bangkok nightlife.

Day 2: Bangkok City Tour: visit Wat Traimit (Temple of Golden Buddha), Wat Pho (Temple of the Reclining Buddha), the Grand Palace and National Museum.

Day 3: Fly to Chiang Mai. Go shopping at Night Bazaar.

Day 4: Chiang Mai City Tour: Doi Suthep, Old City Temples, Doi Inthanon, and Elephant Jungle Sanctuary.

Day 5: Depart from Chiang Mai.

Itinerary 5: 5 Days in Central and Southern Thailand Combined (Bangkok and Phuket)

Day 1: Arrive at Phuket International Airport. Leisure on the beach

Day 2: Visit Wat Chalong, Limpanon House, Cape Promthep and local market in the morning. In the afternoon, free for leisure.

Day 3: Fly to Bangkok. Go shopping at Khao San Road and spend time exploring nightlife in this vibrant city.

Day 4: Bangkok City Tour: visit Wat Traimit (Temple of Golden Buddha), Wat Pho (Temple of the Reclining Buddha), the Grand Palace and National Museum. If you have kids, you can choose Safari World or Marine Park.

Day 5: Depart from Bangkok.

Itinerary 6: 5 Days in Central and Southern Thailand Combined (Bangkok and Gulf of Thailand)

Day 1: Arrive at Samui International Airport. Transfer to Koh Samui.

Day 2: Take a snorkeling and cruise tour around the island

Day 3: Fly to Bangkok. Taking a Thai massage, and then head to a bar or club in the evening

Day 4: Bangkok City Tour: visit Wat Traimit (Temple of Golden Buddha), Wat Pho (Temple of the Reclining Buddha), the Grand Palace and National Museum.

Day 5: Depart from Bangkok