I travelled to Thailand with my parents a few years ago. We were looking to get a taste of Thailand and spent 7 days in Thailand being tourists, visiting the most popular spots as this was the first time we saw an international destination as a family. This 7 days in Thailand itinerary will help you get the most of your family holiday if it’s your first time here! Can be used as a 5 day Thailand itinerary too.
While growing up, I realised Thailand was one of the first countries to get famous as an international holiday destination.
The country had become famous as a backpacking paradise (long before Hanoi, or Luang Prabang); however, it had also started to get recognised for its accessibility as a people-friendly destination due to the locals’ warmth.
The locals were welcoming and didn’t make visitors feel out of place. This was perfect for people visiting an international destination for the first time, especially for ones with kids and parents above a certain age.
Having one of the best cuisines in the world also helped, as no matter who the traveller, there was something to cater for everyone’s taste.
I visited with my parents, and I wanted to make sure our first time in Thailand was about introducing them to a culture that was different from theirs yet similar in many ways was the ideal way to ensure they didn’t experience culture shock.
Many travel agencies were advertising the perfect Thailand family itinerary to many. However, I was keen to put together an itinerary that was bespoke to our needs. This itinerary shares details of our 7 days in Thailand (not including the days we flew in and out of the country).
During this time, we visited Bangkok, Kanchanaburi and Phuket (including Phi-Phi and James Bond island). I hope this family itinerary for Thailand for 7 days helps you plan your ideal one-week getaway to Thailand.
The latest travel advice for travel to Thailand can be found here. Please ensure you check updates for your country before you travel.
7 days in Thailand Itinerary
A family itinerary for Thailand
HOW TO GET TO BANGKOK – Most international airlines fly to or via Bangkok. The Suvarnabhumi airport (which in Hindi translates to ‘Land of gold’, but Thailand is called the ‘Land of smiles’) is the central hub and one of the busiest in Asia, so getting flights to Bangkok shouldn’t be an issue.
Bangkok city is located about 30 minutes (32 kilometres) away. However, keep in mind that traffic in Bangkok is unpredictable, and you may be stuck in traffic for a while, especially during the evenings.
Thai Airways, the flag carrier of Thailand, has one of the best services I’ve experienced, and Thai Smile is their budget-friendly option for travel within the country or to neighbouring destinations.
It’s worth spending at least 2 days in Bangkok; however, we spent 3 days in Bangkok as getting some rest and starting with a new day was much needed.
BEST TIME TO VISIT THAILAND – Best to visit during winter which is between November to April when most of the country experiences dry spells and temperatures are pleasant. However since the country is big, there can be spells of rain and depending on where you’re planning to visit the weather can vary.
DAY 1 – Bangkok
Spend three days in Bangkok on your 7 days in Thailand Itinerary
Bangkok might remind many Indians of Mumbai with its bustling city life speckled with traditions and culture. The traffic might be a stark reminder too!
Once refreshed, the first spot anybody should visit on arrival in Bangkok is the Grand Palace, where the Royal family of Thailand resides and the nearby complex of Wat Pho, which houses Thailand’s most extensive collection of images and statues of Buddha.
Visiting the palace grounds and the many open temples in the early morning when the crowds are sparse while admiring the architecture is fantastic.
Next, take a stroll across the street towards the Wat Pho complex to admire the reclining Buddha’s famous statue and the surrounding temple grounds.
End your first morning, enjoying heavenly views of Bangkok city, from the top of the Wat Arun Temple, situated by the Chao Phraya river. If you get here just before sunrise, the setting is picture-perfect from the opposite side of the river.
Spend the afternoon riding up and down from the central pier point on the Chao Phraya river in a water taxi.
Not is it relaxing and inexpensive, but you get a good description of the important sites as you pass them. Spend the evening on Khao San road, the 24×7 activity hub of the city.
DAY 2 – Bangkok
Start your day with a mix of relaxation, culture and adventure! Head out as early as possible to the famous Khlong Lat Mayom floating market in Taling Chan, about 10 km east of downtown Bangkok.
Eating here is easily the highlight of your visit to Bangkok, as visitors can order dishes like boat noodles and oyster omelette cooked fresh on a tiny wooden boat stationed besides your table.
You could also head off on a boat tour yourself and order while on it, then continue enjoying your meal as your guide takes you around explaining the floating market’s history and culture and why it is an essential livelihood for the people here.
Other things sold at the floating market in addition to fresh vegetables, food and fruits are fresh flowers, home decor, toys and clothing.
Exploring the floating markets takes about three-quarters of your day, so once done, head to your hotel to get some rest before heading out to grab dinner.
Bangkok is also well-known for its party scene so even if you aren’t looking to dance the night away at a club, look for a place with good views like the Vertigo and Moon Bar to sip on some excellent cocktails while enjoying an incredible unobstructed 360-degree view of the city.
DAY 3 – Bangkok
In the earlier days, the Grand Palace area used to be where Chinese traders usually traded; they then moved to Yaowarat Road, which is where the heart of Chinatown is located.
Whether you are travelling alone or with friends and family, a stopover at Chinatown is a must.
The smells and sounds of this captivating neighbourhood is an outstanding sensory experience. For anyone visiting Bangkok for the first time, a full day spent in the labyrinth of alleys and street food vendors in this buzzing place makes for a memorable last day in Bangkok.
If spending the whole day here isn’t something you’re keen to do, and if your visit coincides with you spending the weekend (Friday to Sunday) in Bangkok, you could spend part of your day exploring Chatuchak Market.
One of the biggest markets in the country, it is a shoppers paradise, and you should be able to find everything you’re looking for here!
Once you’ve shopped to your heart’s’ content, head off to grab a nice traditional meal to wrap off the first leg of your 1 week in Thailand.
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