9 Days in Thailand: Bangkok, Krabi and Railay Day-by-Day Itinerary

Get ready for a trip with two completely different moods. First come three days in Bangkok: glittering royal temples, a river that works like a highway, and street food that could fill a whole holiday on its own. Then you swap traffic for turquoise water with six days around Krabi, where limestone cliffs rise straight out of the Andaman Sea and the beaches of Railay can only be reached by boat.

This plan suits first-timers, couples and friends who want culture and beach time in one trip without rushing. The Bangkok days are full but sensible, with an air-conditioned break built in. The Krabi days are deliberately slower: one island trip, one climbing or kayaking day, and plenty of room to simply swim and watch the sunset. Plan less, see more.

At a glance

Day	Area	Highlights
1	Rattanakosin, Bangkok	Grand Palace, Wat Pho, Thai massage, Wat Arun
2	Central Bangkok	Market or museum morning, Siam, Chinatown food
3	Old town and Thonburi	Golden Mount, canal boat, river evening
4	Bangkok to Ao Nang	Fly south, first beach sunset
5	Krabi islands	Island-hopping day by longtail or speedboat
6	Ao Nang to Railay	Boat transfer, Railay West, Phra Nang Cave Beach
7	Railay	Climbing or kayaking, viewpoint, beach time
8	Krabi mainland or islands	Hong Islands, or Krabi Town and Tiger Cave Temple
9	Railay to Krabi Airport	Last swim, boat and transfer, fly out

Day 1: Royal Bangkok and the river

Morning

Start early at the Grand Palace, which opens daily from 8:30 to 16:30, with tickets sold until 15:30. Foreigners pay THB 500, which also covers Wat Phra Kaew (the Temple of the Emerald Buddha) and the Queen Sirikit Museum of Textiles. Children under 120 cm enter free.

We suggest booking online: the palace sells tickets up to one month ahead, but online tickets cannot be refunded or moved to another date. The easy way to arrive is the Chao Phraya Express Boat (orange flag) to Tha Chang pier (N9). Dress carefully, as the palace refuses sleeveless tops, shorts, short skirts, torn trousers and tight or see-through clothing.

Afternoon

After lunch, walk south to Wat Pho. The palace’s own guidance puts it at about 10 minutes on foot from the road junction near Tha Tien pier (N8). Wat Pho is open 08:00 to 19:30, entry is THB 300, and children under 120 cm are free. Don’t miss the giant Reclining Buddha.

Wat Pho is also home to a famous traditional massage school. A 30-minute Thai or foot massage costs THB 340 and 60 minutes costs THB 520, a lovely reward for tired temple feet.

Evening

Hop across the river to Wat Arun, the Temple of Dawn, for late-afternoon light on its tall prang. The Thai government’s visitor guide lists daily hours of 08:00 to 18:00; check the current foreigner ticket price at the gate. After dark, find a riverside spot on the Bangkok bank to watch Wat Arun lit up across the water.

Day 2: Markets, malls and Chinatown

Morning

If your Day 2 lands on a weekend, Chatuchak Weekend Market is a huge, joyful maze of food, crafts and clothes; go early before the heat builds. On a weekday, choose a museum morning instead, such as the Jim Thompson House. Check opening hours and ticket prices on each venue’s official site before you go.

Afternoon

Take the BTS Skytrain to the Siam area for an air-conditioned afternoon of malls, food courts and a well-earned rest. This is your mid-trip recharge, so don’t feel guilty about an early hotel break.

Evening

Head to Chinatown (Yaowarat) by taxi or ride-hailing app. Evenings here are a feast: grilled seafood, noodles, dim sum and desserts from street stalls and old shophouses. Go hungry, share plates, and keep cash in small notes.

Day 3: Old town views and canal life

Morning

Climb the Golden Mount at Wat Saket for a breezy panorama over the old city’s rooftops. Afterwards, wander the lanes around Wat Suthat and the Giant Swing, an easy area to explore on foot. Check the Golden Mount’s current entry fee on arrival.

Afternoon

Explore the canals (khlongs) of Thonburi, where wooden houses and small temples line the water. Longtail boat trips leave from several piers along the river. Agree the price, route and duration clearly before you board, and wear a life jacket if offered.

Evening

Make your last Bangkok evening all about the river. The operator says the orange-flag express boat runs between Nonthaburi and Wat Ratchasingkhon for a flat THB 19, a cheap and scenic ride. Take it in the late afternoon, as it is a daytime service, and check the operator’s site for days and times. Finish with dinner by the water.

Day 4: Fly south to Ao Nang

Morning

Pack up and fly from Bangkok to Krabi. Book your flight in advance on the airline’s official site and check which Bangkok airport it uses, Suvarnabhumi or Don Mueang.

Afternoon

From Krabi Airport, transfer to Ao Nang by airport bus, shared van or taxi. Fares change, so check the prices posted at the official counters in the arrivals hall. Check in, then go straight to the beach.

Evening

Ao Nang’s beachfront is perfect for a first sunset, with limestone cliffs glowing at either end of the bay. Stroll the promenade, then pick a seafood dinner.

Day 5: Island-hopping day

Morning

Today is a classic Krabi island trip. Popular routes visit spots such as Koh Poda, Chicken Island and the sandbar at Tup Island, which on some tides lets you walk between islands. Book the day before through a licensed operator and confirm what’s included: life jackets, lunch, snorkel gear and national park fees.

Afternoon

Snorkel, swim and float. Bring reef-safe sunscreen, a hat and plenty of water, as there is little shade on the sand. National park entry fees are usually collected on the day; check the amount with your operator rather than relying on old figures online.

Evening

Back in Ao Nang, enjoy a slow evening and an early night. Tomorrow you head to Railay.

Day 6: Hello, Railay

Morning

Railay sits on the mainland but is cut off by cliffs, so you arrive by longtail boat. Boats leave from Ao Nang beach; check the posted fare at the ticket booth. Travel light, as you may need to wade ashore with your bags.

Afternoon

Settle in, then follow the path to Phra Nang Cave Beach, one of Thailand’s most beautiful stretches of sand. At one end is a small shrine cave honouring a local sea goddess: please be respectful there. Swim, snorkel around the rocks and watch the climbers on the cliffs above you.

Evening

Railay West is the sunset beach. Grab a spot on the sand, then wander the walkway between Railay West and Railay East for dinner.

Day 7: Cliffs, kayaks and viewpoints

Morning

Railay is one of the world’s famous rock-climbing destinations, and beginners are welcome. Book a half-day introductory course with a climbing school that provides certified instructors and checked equipment. Prefer the water? Rent a kayak and paddle along the cliffs.

Afternoon

Fit hikers can tackle the trail to the Railay viewpoint and hidden lagoon. It is steep and muddy, with sections where you pull yourself up on ropes. Only attempt it in dry weather, with proper shoes and a friend, and turn back if it feels unsafe.

Evening

Cool off with a swim, then enjoy a relaxed dinner. Railay’s car-free calm is the whole point, so slow right down.

Day 8: Hong Islands or Krabi mainland

Morning

Choose your adventure. Option one is a boat trip to the Hong Islands, known for a lagoon enclosed by cliffs. Option two is the mainland: take a boat back to Ao Nang and continue to Krabi Town and Tiger Cave Temple (Wat Tham Suea), where a very long, steep staircase leads to a hilltop Buddha and huge views. Go early, carry water and dress modestly.

Afternoon

On the mainland route, explore Krabi Town’s riverfront and food stalls before heading back. On the island route, you’ll have time for one more swim.

Evening

If you’re in Krabi Town on a weekend evening, look out for its walking street market; check dates locally. Otherwise, enjoy your final Railay sunset.

Day 9: Last swim and departure

Morning

Take an early swim at Railay West while the beach is quiet, then pack up.

Afternoon

Ride the longtail back to the mainland and transfer to Krabi Airport. Leave plenty of buffer time, as boats depend on the sea and the weather. Fly home or back to Bangkok for your connection, full of sunshine.

Getting there and getting around

Visa and arrival card. Entry rules depend on your passport, so check your situation on the Thai government’s official e-Visa portal at https://www.thaievisa.go.th before booking. All foreign nationals must also complete the free Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) online within the three days before arrival at https://tdac.immigration.go.th.

Suvarnabhumi Airport to the city. The Airport Rail Link station is on Level B1 of the main terminal and runs 05:30 to 24:00. Fares range from THB 15 to THB 45, and the ride to Phaya Thai, where you can change to the BTS Skytrain, takes no more than 30 minutes.

Taxis. Official public taxis wait on Level 1 between Gates 4 and 7, where you take a queue ticket. You pay the meter plus a THB 50 airport surcharge, as well as any expressway tolls; baggage fees may also apply.

Don Mueang Airport. If your domestic flight uses Don Mueang, check the airport’s official website for current transfer options.

Getting around Bangkok. The BTS Skytrain and MRT subway are the fastest way to dodge traffic, and the Chao Phraya Express Boat is perfect for the riverside temples. Fares and stored-value card options change, so check the BTS and MRT official sites.

Getting around Krabi. Longtail boats link Ao Nang and Railay; songthaews (shared pick-up taxis) and ride-hailing apps work on the mainland. Always confirm fares before setting off.

Where to stay

Riverside and Rattanakosin, Bangkok. Ideal for temple lovers. You’ll wake up close to the Grand Palace and Wat Pho, with express boat piers nearby.

Siam and Sukhumvit, Bangkok. Best for first-timers who want easy BTS access, malls and plenty of dining. Handy if you’re arriving on the Airport Rail Link.

Ao Nang, Krabi. The practical base for island trips, with the widest choice of restaurants, transport links and price levels in the area.

Railay. Pure scenery and car-free calm. Railay West suits beach lovers, while Railay East faces the mangroves and is a short walk from the west side. Expect to carry your luggage by boat.

Budget

These are the costs we could verify on official sites on 2026-10-24. Flights, hotels, tours and meals vary widely, so they are excluded.

Item	Typical cost
Grand Palace (incl. Wat Phra Kaew)	THB 500
Wat Pho	THB 300
Thai massage at Wat Pho, 30 / 60 minutes	THB 340 / THB 520
Wat Arun	Check at the gate
Airport Rail Link, Suvarnabhumi to city	THB 15-45
Airport public taxi	Meter + THB 50 surcharge + tolls
Chao Phraya Express Boat, orange flag	THB 19 flat
Ao Nang to Railay longtail	Check the posted fare
National park fees on island tours	Check with your operator

Practical tips

Dress codes. Cover shoulders and knees at temples. The Grand Palace has the strictest rules, and Wat Pho asks visitors not to wear shorts, though trousers are fine.

Opening times. The Grand Palace stops selling tickets at 15:30, so don’t leave it for the afternoon.

Money. The currency is the Thai baht. Use ATMs inside banks, never lose sight of your card, and protect your PIN. Carry small notes for street food and boats.

SIM and eSIM. You can buy a tourist SIM when you land or set up an eSIM before you fly. Compare plans on the providers’ official sites.

Heat and sun. Plan temples for the morning, rest at midday and carry water. On the islands, shade is limited.

Heads-up

Thailand is a joy to visit, and a little know-how keeps it that way. These points come from official sources.

• Tuk-tuks and taxis. The Grand Palace itself warns that tuk-tuks will probably overcharge for short hops. The UK government advises taking care in open transport like tuk-tuks. At the airport, use the official taxi queue.
• Card fraud. ATM skimming has been reported, so use bank ATMs.
• Scooters and jet skis. Rental scooters are often unregistered, helmets are compulsory, and riding without a valid licence can void your insurance. Never hand over your passport as a deposit.
• Swimming. People have drowned in strong riptides, especially in monsoon season. Follow beach flags and never swim at a red flag. Jellyfish can come close to shore in the May to October rainy season.
• Boats. Passenger boats have sunk because of overloading, poor maintenance and rough monsoon seas. Choose reputable operators, wear a life jacket and skip trips in bad weather.
• Drinks. Drink spiking and methanol poisoning have occurred. Watch your drink and avoid unlicensed late-night rides.
• Vapes. Possessing or using any vape or e-cigarette is illegal, with heavy fines and possible detention.
• Elephant activities. Elephant treks have seriously injured visitors. Use a licensed operator if you go.

FAQ

Is three days enough for Bangkok?

Yes, for a first visit. Three days covers the royal temples, the river, a market and Chinatown at a comfortable pace.

Should I book the Grand Palace in advance?

We’d recommend it. Online tickets go on sale up to one month ahead, but they cannot be refunded or changed, so pick your date carefully.

What is the best time for this trip?

November to April is the sweet spot. The rainy season generally runs from May to October, and monsoon conditions can make seas rough.

How do I get from Bangkok to Krabi?

Flying is the quickest option. Check airline websites for schedules and which Bangkok airport your flight uses.

Do I need to fill in a form before arriving?

Yes. All foreign nationals must complete the free Thailand Digital Arrival Card within the three days before arrival.

Can I visit Railay as a day trip from Ao Nang?

Yes, but staying at least two nights lets you enjoy sunset and the quiet mornings after the day-trippers leave.