Bangkok, Phuket & Krabi
Nine days across the classic Thailand route — temples and river life in Bangkok, the beaches and Old Town of Phuket, and the limestone islands of Krabi — with your hotels, transfers and sightseeing handled from arrival to departure.
The one trip that covers Thailand's greatest hits
If you only take one trip to Thailand, this is the itinerary that earns the name. Nine days link the country's three signature experiences — the temples, markets and river life of Bangkok; the beach resorts, nightlife and Old Town charm of Phuket; and the dramatic limestone islands of Krabi — into a single, well-paced route, without the guesswork of stitching it together yourself.
You'll walk the gilded halls of the Grand Palace and cross the Chao Phraya to the Temple of Dawn, wander the pastel Sino-Portuguese shophouses of Phuket Old Town, island-hop to Maya Bay and the Phi Phi archipelago, and cruise past the karst towers of James Bond Island in Phang Nga Bay. Two beach regions, one great city, and everything in between.
Airport and intercity transfers, centrally located accommodation, daily breakfast and guided sightseeing are arranged for you. Prefer more beach time, a private itinerary, or an island added on? Every element here can be tailored — this is the starting point, not the ceiling.
What you'll actually see
Bangkok's Royal Route
The Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew, home of the Emerald Buddha; Wat Pho and its 46-metre gold-leafed Reclining Buddha; and Wat Arun, the porcelain-clad Temple of Dawn, reached by a short boat crossing of the Chao Phraya River.
Phuket Old Town
Pastel Sino-Portuguese shophouses and mansions along Thalang and Dibuk Roads, built by Hokkien Chinese tin-mining families and now home to cafés, galleries and the Sunday Walking Street market.
The Phi Phi Islands & Maya Bay
A day on the water among the limestone cliffs of the Phi Phi archipelago, with a stop at Maya Bay — the cove made famous by "The Beach" — plus snorkelling in Pileh Lagoon's turquoise waters.
James Bond Island & Phang Nga Bay
A boat cruise through Phang Nga Bay's karst towers to Khao Phing Kan — better known as James Bond Island — plus Railay Beach's dramatic climbing cliffs, reachable only by boat.
Your 9-day itinerary
City, then beach, then islands — a logical route with breakfast daily and all listed transfers included.
You're met at Suvarnabhumi or Don Mueang Airport and transferred to your centrally located hotel. Settle in, then ease into the city — a stroll through a nearby night market or a first taste of Thai street food is the perfect way to start.
A guided day through Bangkok's most important sights: the Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew, home to the sacred Emerald Buddha; Wat Pho, with its enormous gold-leafed Reclining Buddha; and a short river crossing to Wat Arun, the Temple of Dawn, for panoramic views from its steep steps.
A relaxed morning to explore at your own pace — Chinatown's Yaowarat Road, a canal-side floating market, or simply more time in the city. In the afternoon, transfer to the airport for your onward flight to Phuket, with an airport transfer to your beachside hotel on arrival.
A guided walk through Phuket Old Town's pastel Sino-Portuguese shophouses and mansions along Thalang and Dibuk Roads — once the heart of the island's tin-mining boom, now full of cafés and galleries. The afternoon is free to relax on Patong, Kata or Karon beach, or add an optional sunset visit to the Big Buddha viewpoint.
A full day by speedboat to the Phi Phi archipelago — limestone cliffs rising straight from the Andaman Sea. Stop at Maya Bay, made famous by "The Beach," snorkel the turquoise waters of Pileh Lagoon, and enjoy free time on Phi Phi Don before returning to Phuket in the late afternoon.
A scenic road transfer from Phuket to Krabi, then straight down to the pier for a short longtail boat ride to Railay Beach — a peninsula boxed in by towering limestone cliffs and reachable no other way. Swim, relax on the sand, or watch the climbers on Railay's famous rock faces before settling into your Krabi hotel.
A full-day boat cruise through Phang Nga Bay, past dramatic limestone karst towers rising from emerald water, to Khao Phing Kan and its slender offshore islet, Ko Tapu — instantly recognisable as "James Bond Island" from "The Man with the Golden Gun." Stop at the floating village of Koh Panyee for lunch, with sea-cave canoeing often included along the way.
A day at your own pace — unwind on Ao Nang beach, or add an optional trip to the Emerald Pool and Tiger Cave Temple further inland. It's also a good day to shop for last-minute souvenirs or simply enjoy the resort before departure.
Enjoy a final breakfast and, depending on your flight, a little free time before you're transferred to Krabi Airport for your onward journey. If you'd like to extend, we can add nights in Krabi or link this trip to another island escape or a wider Thailand adventure.
Indicative itinerary. The exact order of activities, sightseeing and transfer times is confirmed at the time of booking and may adapt to flight schedules, tides, weather and local conditions.
What's included — and what's not
Clear from the start, so there are no surprises when you travel.
Included
- Accommodation for 8 nights
- Daily breakfast
- Airport transfers (arrival & departure)
- Intercity transfers where applicable
- Sightseeing as listed in the itinerary
- Selected entrance fees
- Local assistance throughout
Not included
- International flights (unless stated)
- Visa fees
- Travel insurance
- Personal expenses
- Meals not stated in the itinerary
- Optional activities & hotel upgrades
- Tips & gratuities
Before you go
Best time to visit
Thailand's dry season, roughly November to April, brings the most reliable weather for both the city and the southern beaches. The southwest monsoon (May–October) is wetter and can affect boat trips to the islands — we'll advise on timing for your dates when you enquire.
Currency
The Thai Baht (THB). Cards are widely accepted in Bangkok and resort areas of Phuket and Krabi; carry cash for markets, boat trips, small vendors and island excursions.
Getting between regions
Bangkok to Phuket is typically a short domestic flight; Phuket to Krabi is usually a road transfer of around two to three hours, with a speedboat option also available. Both are arranged for you as part of the itinerary.
Temple etiquette
Shoulders and knees should be covered at the Grand Palace and other temples, and shoes come off before entering most shrine halls. A light cover-up in your day bag makes this an easy rule to follow.
What to pack
Light, breathable clothing, swimwear, good walking shoes for temple and old-town days, reef-safe sunscreen, insect repellent and a dry bag for boat days on the islands.
Visas & documents
Entry requirements depend on your passport. Many nationalities enter Thailand visa-free or via visa-on-arrival for short stays, but please check based on your own nationality before you travel — we're happy to point you to the right source.
Bangkok, Phuket and Krabi, at a glance
Good to have answered
Is the US$1,199 price per person? What does it cover?
Yes — that's a starting price, per person, for the 9-day itinerary based on twin-share accommodation. It covers your hotels, daily breakfast, airport and intercity transfers, the sightseeing in the itinerary, selected entrance fees and local assistance. The final figure depends on your travel dates, hotel choice, group size and whether you'd like it private, so we confirm an exact quote when you enquire.
How do we get between Bangkok, Phuket and Krabi?
Bangkok to Phuket is a short domestic flight, and Phuket to Krabi is a road transfer of around two to three hours (a speedboat option is also available). Both legs are arranged for you as part of this package — you don't need to book anything separately.
Are international flights included?
No — international flights aren't included unless we've specifically stated so in your quote. Most visitors fly into Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi or Don Mueang airport and depart from Krabi at the end of the trip; we can advise on convenient routings and arrange your airport transfers to match your flights.
Can this itinerary be customised or run privately?
Absolutely — this is a template, not a fixed package. Run it fully private, add extra beach nights in Phuket or Krabi, upgrade the hotels, swap in Ayutthaya or Chiang Mai, or extend into a wider Thailand trip. Tell us what you have in mind and we'll shape it around you.
How much walking and physical activity is involved?
It's a moderate, comfortable trip for most travellers. Bangkok's temple route and Phuket Old Town involve easy walking on paved ground; the island and bay boat trips are mostly seated with some wading or short walks to viewpoints. Tell us your preferences and we'll plan the days around them.
Do I need a visa for Thailand?
It depends on your nationality. Many travellers enter Thailand visa-free or via visa-on-arrival for short stays, but requirements change from time to time. Please verify based on your own passport before you travel — we're glad to point you to the right official source.
How do I book or get a quote?
Send us an enquiry with your rough dates and traveller numbers and we'll come back with a tailored quote and next steps. There's no obligation, and no payment needed to get a proposal.
Let's plan your Bangkok, Phuket & Krabi trip
Tell us your dates and who's travelling. We'll send back a tailored itinerary and a clear, all-in quote — with the flexibility to make it exactly the trip you want.