Thailand Itinerary 7 Days Exploring Bangkok

I am sharing this Thailand Itinerary 7 Days exploring Bangkok guide so that you can plan your trip to Bangkok, Thailand.

This was my first time in South East Asia and Thailand, and I was excited to see what it was like. My trip was centered around wellness, temples, and delicious food.

If you are looking to spend one week in Thailand check out this One Week in Thailand itinerary.

Thailand Travel: What to Expect

Getting Around: Within Bangkok, the most efficient way to get around is using their intercity train system. Otherwise, if you want a fun and memorable way to get around, take a tuk-tuk! You’ll have to negotiate your price before you get in and expect it to be a bit pricy depending on how you negotiate.

Otherwise, you can download the GRAB app, which is basically the Uber of Thailand.

Money & Currency: The Thai Baht is used throughout Thailand and 1 Baht is 0.033 USD. I used the local ATM to take out Thai Baht and the fee wasn’t too high to exchange. 3,000 Baht is around $100 USD and that can get you a very long way.

For example, items in the night market range from 60 Baht to 200 Baht depending on where you go. You can also haggle the prices down with the seller to get a better deal!

I was happy with my 100 Baht ($3.30) Elephant Pants.

Language: The Thai language is spoken throughout Thailand. Learning a few phrases like hello and thank you is always polite!

Weather: I visited Thailand in October, and it was very humid and hot! I definitely recommend bringing lighter clothes with natural fibers to keep cool in the heat.

 

One Week in Thailand Itinerary

First Stop: Two Nights Bangkok

Where to Stay in Bangkok

We spent our first two nights at the Anantara Siam Hotel and were able to get accustomed to the city energy and get on Thailand’s time!

This hotel is one of the most prestigious in Bangkok with a central location, delicious dining, and large spacious rooms.

What to do in Bangkok

Royal Barge Procession: The highlight of our trip was witnessing the Royal Barge Procession, a ceremony that has been taking place for 700 years!

The event happens rarely, so it was such an honor to witness this cultural and significant event.

Visit the Temples:  There are many temples in Bangkok to see, but I went to see Wat Pho, also known as the temple of the reclining Buddha.

The main attraction of this temple is a larger than life buddha measuring over 50 feet tall and 150 wide covered in gold. This is also the birthplace of traditional Thai Massage, and you can also get one while on-site!

Temple Travel Tip: Modest clothing, covering the shoulders, and knees are required when visiting the temples. Things like shorts and tank tops are not permitted.

However, I’m not sure how strict they are with the polices as I saw some men wearing shorts.

Take a Thai Cooking Class: To think that I could make my very own Pad Thai at home makes Amita’s cooking class the BEST!

In this cooking class, you learn how to cook Thai specialties like Pad Thai, Cashew Nut Chicken,  Mango, and Sticky Rice, amongst others. You’ll first get a tour of her garden where all the vegetables grow fresh.

Then you’ll get a 101 on Thai cooking, and after you get to make everything yourself! I can’t stress enough how amazing and hospitable Amita and her family are. There’s even a talking bird on site. It’s a must-do in Bangkok!

What to eat in Bangkok

Baan Pad Thai: Ready for some Michelin Stared Pad Thai? This laid back eatery in the center of Bangkok offers all kinds of Pad Thai Dishes with tasty flavor and it’s not too expensive!

Blue Elephant Restaurant: This Michelin Star restaurant specializes in royal cuisine. Chef Noor cooks for the Thai Royal family, and now everyone can enjoy elevated Thai Cooking in a century-old Bangkok Mansion.

One Night in Ayutthaya | One Hour Drive North of Bangkok

After our two nights in Bangkok, we headed north to Ayutthaya which was the old capital of the Kingdom of Siam. Today it is known for the hundreds of historic temples and museums.

Where to Stay in Ayutthaya

Thann Wellness Destination: Thann Wellness Destination is the first hotel of the Thann Aromatherapy spa products. This brand new hotel is centered around wellness including different spa treatment rooms, fitness, and relaxation for an aligned mind, body, and spirit.

I also have to add that their signature massage which was the best massage I have ever had!

What to do in Ayutthaya

Visit the Temples: Because Ayutthaya was the old capital of the Kingdom of Siam, there are many stunning temples to see! My favorites were: Wat Phra Ram, Wat Manhatat, and Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon.

Arts of the Kingdom Museum: The most beautiful art museum I have been too! No photos were allowed, but it makes you really appreciate the beauty. There is even a room covered in beetle wings!

One Night Back in Bangkok

Experiencing the Lebua Hotel

After spending one night in Ayutthaya, we drove back to Bangkok and spent a night at the Lebua Hotel. This hotel was in and of itself a complete destination of its own. It is known for being a vertical destination.

This hotel has over 12 bars and restaurants to choose from offering 360-degree views all across Bangkok. Also, you may recognize it from Hangover 2!

We started off our night having cocktails at Sky Bar and tried the “Hangover” cocktail. Thankfully, unlike its name, it did not give me a hangover.

Then we had a five-course dinner at Breeze, an outdoor Michelin Star restaurant that was incredible! defiantly felt on top of the world dining here and had a dining experience I will never forget.

Last Stop: 2 Nights in Hua Hin

For the last leg of the trip, we headed south 3 hours by car to the beachside town of Hua Hin. It is a popular destination amongst the Thai for its proximity to Bangkok. Even the Royal family has a home here.

But before we arrived in Hua Hin, we made a pit stop at the Maeklong Train Market. It’s famous because active trains come through the market leaving inches of space between the sellers and pedestrians! A fun experience to witness.

Chiva Som Wellness Resort

Once arrived in Hua Hin, we checked into Chiva Som,  a wellness Resort was unlike anything else I have experienced. From the moment you step inside you are transformed into this serene haven.

Upon booking you’ll choose what kind of retreat you’d like to experience from mindfulness, relaxation, stress management, to physical fitness.

First, you’ll meet with resident health practitioners to access your overall health, and from that consultation, you’ll be able to pick out treatments that will help you with your goals!

They have over 200 diverse treatments to choose from. In addition to your treatments, you’ll have access to a healthy all-inclusive menu, pools, and fitness center.

To really enhance the retreat, no phones or cameras are allowed in the public spaces. However, the resort is magical!

Image Source: Chiva Som

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*This post was in partnership with Visit Thailand*