Content [Switch to sidebar]

One Week In Thailand On A Budget With The Point Of View Of Mrs Beaulieu

Days 4-5-6: Chiang Mai - Culture, nature and traditions

The overnight train to Chiang Mai was an experience in itself and perfectly fit into my cheap one week trip to Thailand. Arriving early, I dropped my bag at a small homestay and went straight to explore. My first stop was Wat Phra Singh. Its golden roofs sparkled under the sun, and the calm atmosphere felt like another world compared to Bangkok. I lingered in front of the murals and watched worshippers place lotus flowers with such quiet devotion. Later, I visited Wat Chedi Luang. Even though the chedi is partly ruined, its size and history still impressed me. In the evening, the Sunday Walking Street came alive with food, crafts, and music. I tasted a bowl of khao soi which is creamy, spicy, unforgettable, this is definitely one of the culinary highlights of this budget week in Thailand travel guide.

The next morning I took a red songthaew to Doi Suthep. Climbing the naga staircase in the heat was tiring, but the view at the top was worth every step. The golden stupa gleamed, and from above, Chiang Mai stretched endlessly below. In the afternoon, I wandered through the old town. Small, quiet temples welcomed me, often empty, where I sat in silence and enjoyed a slower rhythm of travel.

On the third day, I joined a visit to an ethical elephant sanctuary. No riding or shows just feeding bananas, watching the elephants roll in the mud, and splash each other in the river. It was one of the most moving moments of my Thailand 9 days budget itinerary.

These three days in Chiang Mai brought balance to my journey. After the energy of Bangkok, I found peace, spirituality, and nature. This part of my 9 day Thailand trip cheap showed me that even on a tight budget, authentic experiences are everywhere in Thailand.

Days 7–8–9: Phuket and the Islands – Beaches and Sea Excursions

After a few days in the north, flying south to Phuket felt like opening a new chapter of this cheap one week Thailand trip. The air was heavy with salt, the sun brighter, and the sea was waiting. For anyone planning a cheap one week Thailand trip, this part often feels like the reward after busy days in Bangkok or Chiang Mai. On the first afternoon I walked along Patong Beach. The center was lively and a bit noisy, but further down the coast I found a quiet corner where I could sit and watch the sun go down. Sitting there, I watched the fishing boats turn into shadows while the water shifted from orange to deep blue. That sunset was one of the moments that stayed with me from this Thailand 9 days budget itinerary.

In the evening, I went to Phuket Town. The streets are lined with colorful Sino-Portuguese houses, and the night markets are full of local life. I stopped in a small canteen to try Mee Hokkien noodles, stir-fried with seafood. The dish was simple, cheap, and absolutely delicious. Meals like this showed me that even a low-cost trip to Thailand can offer real culinary highlights. Sharing a table with locals, exchanging a smile, or trying food without an English menu are the kinds of moments that make a 9 day Thailand trip cheap feel authentic.

The next morning was for the islands. Koh Phi Phi was the highlight: cliffs falling straight into the sea, water so clear that snorkeling felt like swimming in an aquarium. I spotted bright fish and patches of coral. At Maya Bay, the famous setting of The Beach, the white sand was almost unreal. Standing there felt like stepping into the film itself, something every traveler on a 9 day Thailand trip cheap dreams of.

On the ninth day, before packing, I took one last stroll on the beach. The sand was warm, the sea calm, and the moment so peaceful that I wanted to remember it forever. These three days in Phuket brought a perfect ending to my 9-day Thailand itinerary. Even with a budget-friendly Thailand tour, I discovered that the beauty of Phuket and its islands can feel as special as any luxury experience.