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Bangkok, Thailand
Start with the Grand Palace, Wat Pho and Wat Arun, crossing the Chao Phraya by public river boat. Don't miss a sunset rooftop at Octave and dinner around Silom for authentic Pad Thai. Day trip to Ayutthaya ruins including Wat Mahathat and Wat Chaiwatthanaram is a must.
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Chiang Mai, Thailand
Explore the walled city on foot: Wat Chedi Luang, Wat Phan Tao, Wat Phra Singh and the ancient Wat Chiang Man. Head up Doi Suthep mountain for Wat Phra That and stop at the serene Wat Pha Lat halfway up. Don't miss Warorot market, the Night Bazaar and a massage at Lila Thai Massage.
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Chiang Rai, Thailand
Full day trip from Chiang Mai covering the iconic White Temple (Wat Rong Khun), the striking Blue Temple (Wat Rong Suea Ten) and the mysterious Black House (Baan Dam Museum). Each site has a completely different aesthetic — allow at least an hour per venue. Best visited early to avoid crowds and midday heat.
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Koh Tao, Thailand
Koh Tao is Thailand's top spot for snorkelling and budget diving, with crystal-clear waters around Shark Bay and Hin Wong. Reach the island via ferry from Surat Thani after your flight from Chiang Mai. Relax on arrival and spend the following days exploring the coral reefs and laid-back beach bars.
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Koh Phangan, Thailand
Take the short one-hour ferry from Koh Tao and base yourself on the quieter north or west side of the island. Must-see spots include Haad Mae Haad with its sandbar to Koh Ma, Secret Beach and Zen Beach for sunsets. Koh Raham offers some of the most photogenic scenery on the island for a half-day trip.
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Koh Phi Phi, Thailand
Catch the first long-tail or tour boat of the day to visit the famous Maya Bay, Pileh Lagoon and Monkey Beach before the crowds arrive. Phi Phi Don village has plenty of beachside restaurants for a relaxed lunch after the morning tour. Take the afternoon ferry to Krabi for a more practical base before flying back to Bangkok.
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Krabi, Thailand
Krabi Town or Ao Nang make a convenient overnight stop after Phi Phi, with great seafood restaurants along the riverfront promenade. The iconic limestone karsts around Railay Beach are worth a short longtail ride if you have time in the morning. Krabi Airport offers easy connections back to Bangkok Suvarnabhumi or Don Mueang.
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Bangkok, Thailand
Final days staying at Eastin Grand Hotel Sathorn, perfectly placed for a last shopping spree at MBK Centre and Siam Square. Pick up any remaining souvenirs and enjoy a farewell dinner before heading to Suvarnabhumi Airport for the early morning 02:50 AM departure. A taxi or airport rail link from Sathorn makes the late-night transfer easy.