Seven days is the perfect amount of time for a first trip to Thailand. It's enough to see a big city and two very different beach destinations, with time left over to relax.

This itinerary is the one we recommend most often to first-time visitors from India. It works best from November to April, when the Andaman coast has calm seas. (Not sure about dates? See the best time to visit Thailand.)

The route at a glance

  • Days 1 to 2: Bangkok (2 nights)
  • Days 3 to 5: Phuket (3 nights)
  • Days 6 to 7: Krabi (2 nights), flying home from Krabi or Phuket

Bangkok to Phuket is a 1 hour 20 minute domestic flight. Phuket to Krabi is about 2.5 hours by road, or a scenic ferry via the Phi Phi Islands.

Day 1: Arrive in Bangkok

Most flights from India land in the morning or late at night. Check in, rest, and keep the first day light.

Evening: Take a dinner cruise on the Chao Phraya River to see the temples and palaces lit up, or head to a rooftop bar for skyline views. If you prefer street food, try Yaowarat (Chinatown), which comes alive after dark.

Stay in: Riverside or Sukhumvit, close to the Skytrain.

Day 2: Temples, markets and shopping

Morning: Start early at the Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew (Temple of the Emerald Buddha) before the heat and crowds. Shoulders and knees must be covered. Walk to Wat Pho to see the giant Reclining Buddha, then cross the river by ferry to Wat Arun.

Afternoon: Rest at the hotel, or shop at Siam Paragon, MBK or Platinum Fashion Mall.

Evening: Visit a night market such as Jodd Fairs for food stalls, live music and souvenirs.

More ideas in our list of the top things to do in Bangkok.

Day 3: Fly to Phuket

Take a morning flight to Phuket. Transfer to your beach hotel and spend the afternoon by the pool or on the sand.

Where to stay: Patong for nightlife and convenience; Kata or Karon for families; Kamala or Surin for a quieter, more upmarket feel.

Evening: Watch the sunset at Promthep Cape, the island's southern tip.

Day 4: Phi Phi Islands day trip

This is the highlight of most Thailand trips. A speedboat tour typically visits Phi Phi Leh's lagoons, Maya Bay (viewing only, no swimming), Pileh Lagoon, Monkey Beach and snorkelling spots, with lunch on Phi Phi Don.

Choose a tour with smaller boats and an early start to beat the crowds. Read our full Phi Phi Islands day trip guide before you book.

Day 5: Phuket at your own pace

Keep this day flexible. Options include:

  • Old Phuket Town for colourful Sino-Portuguese shophouses and cafés.
  • The Big Buddha viewpoint.
  • An elephant sanctuary that doesn't allow riding (choose ethical operators).
  • A Thai cooking class or a spa afternoon.
  • Phang Nga Bay by boat to see James Bond Island and sea caves.

Evening: A show such as Phuket FantaSea or Simon Cabaret, or dinner on Patong's beach road.

Day 6: Transfer to Krabi

Travel by road (about 2.5 hours) or by ferry. Base yourself in Ao Nang for restaurants and easy boat access, or Railay for a remote, car-free feel surrounded by cliffs.

Afternoon: Take a longtail boat to Railay Beach and Phra Nang Cave Beach, one of the most beautiful beaches in Thailand.

Day 7: Four Islands tour and departure

If you have an evening flight, do a half-day Four Islands tour: Phra Nang Cave, Chicken Island, Tup Island (where a sandbar joins two islands at low tide) and Poda Island.

Then fly home from Krabi, or transfer to Phuket for international flights.

Can I change this itinerary?

Of course. Popular variations include:

  • Swap Krabi for Pattaya if you prefer nightlife and easy road transfers. See our Pattaya family guide.
  • Swap Phuket and Krabi for Koh Samui if travelling between May and September.
  • Extend to 9 nights by adding a night in Phi Phi or Khao Lak.
  • Make it a honeymoon with pool villas and private boat tours. See our honeymoon guide.

Flights from India for this route

The smoothest option is an open-jaw ticket: fly from India into Bangkok and home from Phuket or Krabi, so you never backtrack. Several airlines offer this on one booking, or you can combine a direct flight to Bangkok with a return via Bangkok from Krabi.

Overnight flights from India often land in Bangkok between midnight and 6 am. If yours does, book your first hotel night from the previous evening so you can check in on arrival and sleep. It costs one extra night but saves your first day.

Practical tips

  • Pack light. Domestic flights often have smaller baggage allowances.
  • Carry cash for islands. Smaller beaches and longtail boats are cash only.
  • Use reef-safe sunscreen and take seasickness tablets for speedboats.
  • Pre-book transfers so a driver meets you at each airport and pier.

How much does this itinerary cost?

With 4-star hotels, private transfers and two group tours, expect roughly Rs 85,000 to 1,20,000 per person including flights from India, depending on season. See the full breakdown in our Thailand trip cost guide.

Want this itinerary tailored to you? We'll adjust hotels, pace and tours to your dates and budget. Send an enquiry.