Thailand & Bali Trip: The Ultimate 7-Day Bali And Thailand Itinerary

Making a 7-day itinerary for Thailand and Bail is certainly a daunting task. Between the two countries are world-famous tourist cities, thousands of attractions, top sights, restaurants, quirky neighborhoods, and more. Both countries are rich in culture and have so much to offer to every kind of traveller. So how do you choose so you can get the best of both countries? Much of your trip will be spent traveling from city to city so ideally, you will need to dedicate two days to each major city, visiting any three of your choice (Bangkok, Pattaya OR Phuket and Bali). That being said, we’ve compiled a detailed 7-day itinerary to see both of Thailand and Bali — two of the most stunning destinations in southeast Asia.

Bangkok (2 Days)

Bangkok is one of the most visited cities in southeast Asia for good reasons. With its many restaurants, tourists attractions, temples, and fun activities, the city serves as the cultural and tourist hub of Thailand. This is a great place to start your trip to Thailand and Bali.

Day 1

Morning: Begin your morning adventures in Bangkok by exploring the city on the Chao Phraya River. The scenic river runs through the city and is one of the cheapest and most convenient ways to see some of Bangkok’s most noteworthy attractions. The tours begin at 7 a.m. in the morning. So be sure to go early enough so you can purchase your tourist boat pass at the Sathon Bridge Pier and get a seat on the boat. Start your day early and head to BTS Skytrain stop Saphan Taksin on the Silom line. The boat passes cost ฿150 (about USD $4). Once on the boat, you’ll get to experience Bangkok’s beauty from the river. You also have the option to hop on and off the boat as you please at any one of the eight stops.

Afternoon: One place in Bangkok where you’ll find a lot of tourists, especially on the weekend, is at the many markets in the city. Bangkok markets are known for being a one-stop-shop hub where you can get delicious food, souvenirs, clothing, handmade crafts, and much more. The most popular weekend market is the Chatuchak Weekend Market in eastern Bangkok, equipped with lots of stalls, full of everything from antiques to clothing. If you’re visiting Bangkok during the week, Pratunam Market is a great alternative.

Evening: In the evening, catch the free shuttle to Asiatique, a large open-air mall located on the banks on Chao Phraya River. Aside from the shops and tons of Thai and international restaurants, the huge mall has plenty of other attractions like the Thai puppet show by Joe Louis Theatre and Calypso Cabaret. For some family fun, take a ride on the Asiatique sky, Bangkok’s largest Ferris wheel.

Day 2

Morning: There are plenty of parks in Bangkok to relax or simply go for a walk. The huge green spaces, with skyscrapers and luxury hotels as their backdrops, are some of the most serene areas you’ll find in a big city like Bangkok. The well-known Lumpini Park, full of those prehistoric-looking creatures, and the Benjakiti Park are the perfect places to start the day in Bangkok.

Afternoon: The culture of Thailand is known for being rooted in spirituality and the best place to see and experience true Thai culture is at the many temples in the country. Most of the popular temples in Bangkok are located close to one another, so visitors can hop from one to the next. The must-see temples that are all found along the river are the Temple of the Reclining Buddha, Wat Phra Kaew, and Wat Arun or Temple of the Dawn.

Evening: After a packed day of sightseeing and exploring, experience the buzzing Bangkok nightlife at Khao San Road, Bangkok’s infamous backpacker’s hub. There are plenty of bars and restaurants as well as stalls selling clothes and souvenirs here. If you want a slightly calmer experience, visit the nearby Rambuttri Village instead.

Phuket (2 Days)

Located in the Andaman Sea, Phuket is the quintessential island destination. Filled with rainforests, beaches, and fun tourist attraction, this city has so much to offer its visitors. Spend the day hopping from one attraction to the next or relaxing on the beach and soaking up some sun.

Day 1

Morning: In the morning, head to Phuket Town and spend a few hours exploring all the attractions and being mesmerized by the town’s charm. The town itself should be a tourist attraction, with its colorful streets, authentic restaurants, quirky shops, and old Sino-Portuguese buildings. In Phuket Town, you can visit the Phuket Tricky-eye Museum and Baan Teelanka (the Upside Down House) for family-friendly adventures that will keep you entertained for hours.

Afternoon: After a morning of adventure and delicious lunch, relax with your loved ones at the Saphan Hin, a small, green space found in Phuket Town. This park is perfect for eating, exercising, or just relaxing for a few hours before taking on the busy nightlife in Phuket.

Night: When the sun goes down, the fun on Bangla Road is just getting started. It is here you will find a plethora of go-go-bars, head throbbing nightclubs, and all the ‘sexpats’ and liquor that you can imagine. There are plenty of outdoor bars just waiting for you to pull up a stool and lose a game of Jenga to one of its bar girls. If you love going out and having an evening you will not remember, this is the stretch of road to visit.

Day 2

Morning: The main reason why Phuket is so popular is its stunning beaches. While Patong Beach is certainly the most popular amongst foreigners, there are plenty of other sandy paradises found throughout the island. Some of the best beaches to check out on the island of Phuket include Laylan Beach, Bang Tao, Karon Beach, Surin Beach, Paradise Beach, and Kata Beach, just to name a few.

Afternoon: After you’ve enjoyed a beautiful morning on the beach, head to the Khao Phra Thaeo National Park and explore the diversity of birds, animals, and plants. If you feel like walking, guides are available at the park to assist you through the eight-kilometer trek right through the park that leads to a stunning waterfall. There’s also a museum and an information center at the bottom of the waterfall.

Evening: The Phuket Weekend Market is only open on weekends and well worth the visit. Here you’ll find a variety of different Thai dishes and snacks as well as an abundance of souvenirs. If you happen to be in Phuket during the week, take a stop at the Chillva Market or Phuket Indy Market for a range of cool items and food.

Pattaya (2 Days)

Multi-cultural Pattaya is a vibrant coastal city in Thailand known for its beaches, luxury resorts, and shopping malls. Along with the natural beauty of the city, the buzzing nightlife also attracts thousands of tourists who visit to experience the cabaret bars and 24-hour clubs.

Day 1

Morning: If there was ever an attraction in Pattaya to be completely fascinated by, Mini Siam is it. Mini Siam is a famous miniature park which features a small-scale replica exhibition of some of the most famous structures in the world. One can experience the Eiffel Tower, Statue of Liberty, Wat Phra Kaeo, and so much more in one area. The entrance fee is ฿300 (about USD $9) for foreigners and the property opens at 7 a.m. in the morning. Be sure to book your tour from early on because the attraction is quite popular and tours are limited.

Noon: The young and old alike can enjoy themselves at Pattaya Park Tower. The interesting thing about this attraction is that it is an amusement park and tower view rolled into one. The 240-meter tall observation tower hosts three international restaurants, all with 360-degree views of Pattaya. There’s also a gigantic water park, a jumping platform and a fun park with a rollercoaster, monorail, musical carousel, and much more for children.

Evening:  After a day of excitement, relax with loved ones on Jomtien Beach. This six-kilometer stretch of sand is pretty peaceful in the evenings since it is not as crowded as Pattaya beach. A number of activities and watersports are available but if you’re exhausted from all the day’s activities, you can grab dinner at one of the many seafood or Thai restaurants on the beach.

Day 2

Morning: The Nong Nooch Tropical Garden & Cultural Village is a cool way to spend your morning in Pattaya. The entire area is designed like a theme park with various displays like the Stonehenge garden, the 17th-century French garden, and more. A number of orchid nurseries and tropical areas are also on display, making the park a good place to relax.

Noon: The Four Regions Floating Market is a one-of-a-kind market in Pattaya. Traders, farmers, and fishermen in boats float along the water offering a variety of fresh produce, flowers, and handicrafts. Take a tour on a boat through the market, or stop and bargain for something, whether its food or unique crafts made by the locals.

Afternoon:  What better way to be up close and personal with the marine life in Pattaya than to visit Underwater World. This modern aquarium is home to an extensive display of tropical fish and other sea creatures. Visitors can go swimming with the sharks and stingrays here, feed the fish from bottles and watch their shows. Most activities are scheduled in advance, so check with the office before visiting.

Evening: Walking Street is one of the most captivating features of Pattaya, known for its nightlife attractions. The street comes alive at 6 p.m. daily with a myriad of lively bars, nightclubs, restaurants, and the so-called “very friendly” girls. For cool souvenirs made by locals, check out the market or malls nearby.

Bali (2 Days)

Beautiful beaches and impetuous waves, enchanting rainforests and waterfalls, emerald rice terraces, and fascinating cultural and spiritual attractions. These and much more attract tourists from all over the world to the magical island of Bali. Two days is enough to get a taste of what makes Bali so special.

Day 1

Morning: Wake up in the morning and breathe in the clean Bali air on the world-famous Kuta beach, just minutes from the airport. While it’s a crowded and energetic place at night, Kuta is more laid-back in the morning, with only a few people jogging or relaxing on the white sand. There is also no problem finding delicious breakfast place on the beach, with shops and restaurants providing authentic Balinese and western meals.

Noon: Within walking distance from Kuta are the upscale neighborhoods of Seminyak and Petitenget, lined with lavish boutiques and a variety of local and international restaurants. Indulge in a little shopping for the latest designer products, and enjoy some of the best Balinese or international food in the area.

Afternoon: No one wants to leave Bali without going to one of the many temples on the island. For a true Bali cultural experience, head to the Uluwatu Temple. The temple area is home to many playful monkeys that can get a bit grabby, so hold on to your personal belongings. The temple has tour guides that explain the origins of the temple, cultural practices, and religious rituals. The Uluwatu Temple often hosts traditional dance performances during sunset.

Evening: For great food in the evenings at an oceanfront restaurant, slide over to the nearby Jimbaran Bay. Many of the restaurants serve seafood as well as Thai cuisine and offer outdoor seating on the sand so tourists can soak their feet in the sand while enjoying their meals. A bonus is that there are traditional dances and live music performances in the area.

Day 2

Morning: Travel to Ubud early the next day to experience the enchanting rice terraces. You can enjoy a walk or cycle in nature through villages and the world-famous rice terraces that embellish Ubud’s landscape.

Noon: Afternoons are reserved for the animals at the Ubud Monkey Forest. Serving both as a natural reserve and sacred temple, this attraction offers the best of culture and nature in Bali. Many tourists visit to interact with the hundreds of monkeys that stay there, while others are more in awe of the Hindu temple. Regardless of your preference, this place is a must-visit.

Evening: You absolutely cannot leave Ubud without seeing one traditional Balinese dance or music performance. The Ubud Royal Palace is arguably Ubud’s most important landmark and the best place to watch the cultural performances in the evenings. Tourists tend to crowd the palace during this time so visit early and reserve your seat.