When you think of Thailand, you think of Pad Thai, Tom Yum, temples, markets, beaches, and friendly people, but most importantly, you think of a budget-friendly destination you can easily visit from the Philippines. You can tick the country off your bucket list with a few hours’ plane ride.
Thailand has plenty to offer travelers across the budget spectrum. You can spend more than a week eating delicious food, exploring ancient sites, and getting lost in the maze of the urban jungle without breaking the bank.
Get into Thailand
Filipino passport holders can stay in Thailand for up to 30 days, visa-free.
Cebu Pacific, AirAsia, Philippine Airlines, among others, have direct flights to Bangkok from Manila. Cebu Pacific will have direct flights to Chiang Mai by October 2024. This route will make it easier to follow the itinerary for this article. You can still begin and end your trip in Bangkok though. You can check site aggregator sites like www.skyscanner.com to find affordable flights. As is always the case, the earlier you book, the cheaper the flights are.
Getting around
Thailand has an efficient and extensive public transportation system that makes it convenient to get from place to place. For this itinerary, the bus is your budget-friendly option. You can check prices here, but you can still book directly at a station.
Itinerary
This itinerary assumes you start with one full day and will begin in Chiang Mai. You can book a direct flight to Chiang Mai from Manila with Cebu Pacific.
Chiang Mai
Day 1
Chiang Mai’s gravity will pull you in. It has a laidback ambiance, old world charm, delicious food, and it’s modern enough for a comfortable stay. You can find all sorts of accommodations, cafes, shops, bars, and restaurants during your visit. After breakfast, explore the old city and visit some of the numerous centuries-old temples.
Spend the first half of the day visiting Wat Chedi Luang, Wat Phra Singh, Wat Lok Moli, and others. Temple hopping in the old city gives you with a glimpse of the city’s past. After lunch, visit Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, a sacred and popular pilgrimage site. The mountaintop temple complex has a golden stupa that will immediately grab your attention.
After a day of temple-hopping and sightseeing, check out the food stalls and the markets (there are some only open during the weekends) for some street food and drinks. You can also try authentic Thai food in the many restaurants and cafes.
Day 2
On your second day, venture out of Chiang Mai to see another Thai province, Chiang Rai. This is a long day trip because of the distance. You can book a tour online or at least a day before when you’re already in Chiang Mai. Tour packages offer different combinations but they’re often a mix of a visit to the striking White Temple (Wat Rong Khun), the beautiful Blue Temple (Wat Rong Suea Ten), a trip to a Long Neck Karen Village, a hot spring, and the Golden Triangle. The two temples showcase a fusion of traditional religion and modern aesthetics. The White Temple is a definite highlight for many visitors.
The Golden Triangle has an infamous history as an opium-producing region. It also provides a unique place where you can see three different countries: Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar.
Day 3
After a frenetic pace of touring and a day trip, take your time soaking in the charming atmosphere of Chiang Mai. The city is quite lovely with its mix of old and new. Check out the cafes and restaurants in the city for some local food, fusion cuisine, bakeries, coffee, juices, and whatnot. You have plenty of options if the establishment you initially planned to go to is full. You can revisit some temples and/or hang out at Royal Park Ratchapruek.
Day 4
Check out of your accommodation. Get brunch in your favorite café or restaurant in the city. Prepare for an hours-long bus ride to Sukhothai. When you arrive, make your way to your accommodation in Sukhothai, check in, rest, and eat before a day of sightseeing.
Sukhothai
Day 5
Sukhothai is a must-visit destination for history buffs. It used to be a great kingdom centuries ago. Fast forward to today, you’ll see vestiges of its heyday in the form of ancient statues and Buddhist relics. Its historic town is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
After breakfast, explore the ancient town on foot or on a bike. It’s easy to navigate with English signs and captions so you don’t really need a guide. Some of the notable destinations:
- Wat Mahathat
- Wat Sa Si
- Wat Si Chum
- Wat Saphan Hin
- Wat Si Sawai
- Wat Phra Phai Luang
The historic park is filled with statues and temple complexes in a ruinous state. Many of the structures did not last over the centuries. You’ll have to use your imagination to see how grand the halls and temples were centuries ago.
Day 6
Check out of your accommodation and get brunch before taking the bus bound for Bangkok. After the bus ride, check in at your accommodation in Bangkok before heading out for dinner.
Bangkok
Day 7
Start your day by exploring the Grand Palace complex. This vast royal residence has traditional buildings and temples. The complex showcases the affluence of Thailand’s royal family. The palace dates to 1782 and is also a common venue for official ceremonies. After exploring the huge complex, walk to Wat Pho which isn’t too far. This prominent and famous temple is home to a giant reclining Buddha that many Thais revere. Wat Arun or the Temple of Dawn is another prominent ancient structure that dots Bangkok’s skyline. Check out this complex to get a visual representation of the country’s ancient past and culture through elaborate decorations on the temples.
After exploring the three most famous attractions in the city, you can go on a Chao Phraya River Cruise to see the dazzling city lights. Khao San Road is also a popular night spot where you can go bar hopping until the wee hours of the morning.
Day 8
After breakfast, enjoy a day trip to the historic city of Ayutthaya. The latter used to be the second capital of the ancient kingdom of Siam. Its rulers established it in 1350. During the 14th to 18th century, it became a flourishing and renowned city. It was a commercial hub and a cosmopolitan region. Today, you’ll see vestiges of its great past as you explore its UNESCO World Heritage-listed center. The old temples, stupas, and statues will take you back to a bygone era.
How to get to Ayutthaya: You can take a bus or direct train to Ayutthaya. You can check prices and schedules here. Once in the city, you can hire a tuktuk driver to take you around or rent a motorcycle. Alternatively, you can book a tour with a guide, this option includes round trip transportation from Bangkok. Klook offers various options for day trips to Ayutthaya.
Day 9
A trip to Bangkok is incomplete without sampling the eclectic and delicious cuisine and shopping. The city’s mix of locals, expats, and tourists have given birth to a diverse range of places that satiate the palates of different people. You can choose from a variety of street food areas, markets, and high-end places (think BGC) where you can get a taste of Thai cuisine.
Some places to check out for your food trip are Silom Soi 20, Khao San Road, Chinatown, theCommons Thonglor, and JODD Fairs Rama 9. You can easily find food places near malls and tourist spots if you don’t want to venture too far out. Some of the Thai food that many (including myself) would recommend are Pad Thai (cliché but a classic), Tom Yum, Pad Ka Prao, Som Tam, Khao Pad, and Khao Soi.
For retail therapy, you’ll also have plenty of options:
- Chatuchak Weekend Market
- Siam Paragon
- MBK Center
- Terminal 21
- Asiatique the Riverfront
- Pantip Plaza
Day 10
Depending on the time of your flight, you can still go on a last-minute shopping spree. Bangkok is known for its markets and shops whether it’s inside a mall or a local one. You can get good deals on clothes, shoes, accessories, food, and all sorts of knick-knacks. If your flight is early, head straight to the airport after checking out and just get something to eat once there.
How much will you spend?
A budget of P30,000 or roughly THB 17,900 for one person for 10 days includes:
- A bed in a dorm room or a shared budget room with at least one person
- Budget meals with the occasional splurge in a nice restaurant, drinks, dessert, or a night out
- Use of public transportation within cities
- Bus ride from Chiang Mai to Sukhothai, and from Sukhothai to Bangkok
- Entrance fees and day tours
This doesn’t include shopping and flights. Thailand offers several options for dining, accommodation, entertainment, and activities regardless of your budget. There are many tour operators that offer competitive prices for activities, you don’t have to book online. You can book a day before for many things to do. You can spend more or even less than the budget I mentioned. It all depends on your travel style and preferences. – Rappler.com
Joshua Berida is a writer that loves to travel. He blogs at www.thewanderingjuan.net.
