10 Days in Thailand Itinerary
Ten days. One logical route. Thailand at its full range.
The 10-Day Thailand Route That Works
The best 10-day Thailand itinerary is Bangkok (2 nights) → Chiang Mai (2 nights) → Krabi & Railay (2 nights) → Koh Phi Phi (2 nights) → Phuket (2 nights): two short flights, two short ferries, zero backtracking. Ten days is enough to experience Thailand's three most distinct regions — the chaotic energy of Bangkok, the cultural depth of the north, and the Andaman coast's beaches — without spending half your trip in transit. Every leg below includes what it costs and how to book it, and if this exact route doesn't fit your season or travel style, the four variants after the day-by-day plan show how to swap it (Gulf-coast season swap, party route, family pace, luxury version).
Day 1
Bangkok: Grand Palace & Riverside
Arrive in Bangkok and check in to your hotel. Spend the afternoon at the Grand Palace complex — allow 3 hours for Wat Phra Kaew and the palace grounds (฿500 entry). Walk to Wat Pho (the reclining Buddha) before catching a Chao Phraya boat to Wat Arun at sunset. Dinner in Chinatown (Yaowarat Road): dim sum, roast duck, and mango sticky rice from street vendors. Day budget (mid-range): ~$85–110 including hotel, entry fees, and meals.
Hotels & Resorts·Bangkok
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Millennium Hilton Bangkok
Upscale riverside hotel on the Chao Phraya with strong service and sweeping river views.
Siam Kempinski Hotel Bangkok
Siam Kempinski Hotel Bangkok solves the Siam district's biggest weakness — nowhere serene to sleep — by hiding a resort-style garden of saltwater pools directly behind Siam Paragon mall, two minutes' walk from Siam BTS, the interchange at the center of the Skytrain network.
The Peninsula Bangkok
The Peninsula Bangkok is the Riverside's grande dame in a modern tower — a wave-shaped landmark on the Thonburi bank of the Chao Phraya where every one of its 370 rooms faces the river.
Temples & Culture·Bangkok
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Wat Phra Kaew
Bangkok's most sacred temple sits within the Grand Palace complex, home to the revered Emerald Buddha.
The Grand Palace
A breathtaking 18th-century royal palace complex showcasing centuries of Thai history, gold-adorned architecture, and sacred temples.
Wat Arun Ratchawararam Ratchawaramahawihan
An iconic riverside Buddhist temple adorned with intricate porcelain-tiled spires in Bangkok's old city.
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Day 2
Bangkok: Markets, Canals & Modern City
Morning: Chatuchak Weekend Market (Saturday/Sunday only) or Or Tor Kor fresh market on weekdays. Afternoon: take a canal boat through Bangkok's klongs to the floating markets. Evening: ride the BTS to Sukhumvit for rooftop drinks at one of Bangkok's sky bars, then explore the street food scene on Thonglor or Ekkamai. Day budget (mid-range): ~$75–100.
Markets & Shopping·Bangkok
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Chatuchak Weekend Market
A sprawling open-air weekend market with 15,000+ stalls across 35 acres, selling everything imaginable.
ICONSIAM
A landmark riverside mall on the Chao Phraya blending luxury shopping with an indoor floating market.
centralwOrld
One of Bangkok's largest shopping complexes, offering premium retail, dining, and entertainment in the city's heart.
Restaurants & Food·Bangkok
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Kodtalay The Riverfront Seafood Buffet
Riverfront seafood buffet in Sathorn with fresh grilled prawns, wide variety, and open-air Chao Phraya views.
Mungkorn Seafood @Sukhumvit
Popular seafood buffet BBQ restaurant in Sukhumvit offering all-you-can-eat dining from afternoon into the evening.
Pier 21
A bustling food court on level 5 of Terminal 21, serving affordable Thai classics daily from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM.
Where to stay in Bangkok
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Day 3
Fly to Chiang Mai: Old City & Night Bazaar
Morning flight to Chiang Mai (1 hour, from ฿900 on AirAsia). Check in near the Old City moat. Afternoon: walk the Old City walls, visit Wat Chedi Luang and Wat Phra Singh. Evening: browse the Night Bazaar and try your first khao soi at Khao Soi Khun Yai or Khao Soi Islam. Day budget (mid-range): ~$100–130 including the flight — northern hotels run 30–40% cheaper than Bangkok.
Hotels & Resorts·Chiang Mai
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Shangri-La Chiang Mai
Upscale hotel near Chiang Mai's Night Bazaar, offering spacious rooms, a pool, spa, and Szechuan dining.
Anantara Chiang Mai Resort
A luxury riverside resort in the heart of Chiang Mai, blending colonial elegance with Thai heritage.
U Chiang Mai Hotel
Chic boutique hotel on Rachadamnoen Rd offering a fitness centre, European bistro, and open-air bar.
Temples & Culture·Chiang Mai
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Doi Suthep Temple
A sacred mountaintop Buddhist temple from 1383, offering a golden chedi and sweeping views over Chiang Mai.
Wat Phra That Doi Kham
A hilltop Buddhist temple southwest of Chiang Mai, free to enter and genuinely peaceful year-round.
Wat Chedi Luang
A towering 14th-century ruined chedi at the heart of Chiang Mai's Old City, open daily until late.
Day 4
Chiang Mai: Doi Suthep & Cooking Class
Morning: tuk-tuk or songthaew up to Doi Suthep temple — 309 steps to one of Thailand's most sacred sites, with panoramic views over Chiang Mai valley. Afternoon: half-day Thai cooking class (฿1,000–1,500 — book in advance, they fill up). Evening: Sunday Walking Street market (if timing aligns) or a traditional Thai massage on Loi Kroh Road (฿250–400/hour). Day budget (mid-range): ~$95–125 including the cooking class.
Activities & Tours·Chiang Mai
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Asia Scenic Thai Cooking School
A hands-on Thai cooking school in Chiang Mai's Old City, combining market visits, farm tours, and guided cooking.
Zabb E Lee Thai Cooking School
A highly regarded Chiang Mai cooking school combining a local market tour, farm kitchen, and hands-on Thai cooking classes.
Wachirathan Waterfall
A powerful, photogenic waterfall in Doi Inthanon National Park with paved paths, multiple viewpoints, and morning rainbows.
Restaurants & Food·Chiang Mai
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Central Chiangmai
Chiang Mai's largest modern mall, with two food halls, designer boutiques, and a grocery store along the superhighway.
Khoei Chiang Mai - Northern Food (Chiang Mai Restaurant)
Authentic northern Thai restaurant in Chang Phueak serving traditional Chiang Mai cuisine at mid-range prices.
Chai 'N' Thai @ Nimman
Authentic North and South Indian restaurant in Nimman, serving halal, vegan, and gluten-free options daily.
Where to stay in Chiang Mai
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Day 5
Fly South: Arrive Krabi
Morning flight from Chiang Mai to Krabi (2 hours via Bangkok, from ฿1,500) or direct if available. Check in to Ao Nang. Afternoon: take a longtail boat to Railay Beach (15 minutes, ฿100 each way) and explore the beach, rock climbing cliffs, and Phra Nang Cave. Sunset dinner at an Ao Nang beachfront restaurant. Day budget (mid-range): ~$110–140 including the flight south.
Hotels & Resorts·Krabi
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Dusit Thani Krabi Beach Resort
Upscale beachfront resort in Nong Thale offering spa facilities, multiple pools, and direct Andaman Sea access.
Sofitel Krabi Phokeethra Golf & Spa Resort
Luxury resort near Krabi combining a championship golf course, full-service spa, and tropical grounds.
Sea Seeker Krabi Resort
A large beachside resort in Ao Nang offering spacious rooms, sea views, and easy access to Krabi's coast.
Beaches·Krabi
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Railay West Beach
A stunning limestone-framed beach on the Railay Peninsula, accessible only by longtail boat from Ao Nang.
Long Beach Koh Phi Phi
A quieter alternative to Phi Phi's main beaches, with turquoise water, soft sand, and dramatic limestone scenery.
Railay Beach
A boat-access peninsula in Krabi framed by dramatic limestone cliffs, offering fine sand beaches and rock climbing.
Where to stay in Krabi
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Krabi Airport (KBV) → Ao Nang
Inter-city day — sort the airport transfer first
Krabi airport is 30 minutes from Ao Nang and the minivan shuttle stops at every hotel along the way. A private Kiwitaxi gets you to your beach hotel in half the time, with code THAILAND5 for 5% off — worth it on a transfer day where you've already burned the morning at the airport.
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Day 6
Krabi: Island Hopping
Full-day Four Islands boat trip from Ao Nang (book through your hotel, ฿1,400–2,500) — snorkelling at multiple stops, lunch on the boat, and a beach stop at Koh Poda or Chicken Island. Save Phi Phi itself for tomorrow: you're sleeping there, which means you'll see Maya Bay before the day-trip crowds arrive. Back in Ao Nang by 5pm — evening for a seaside seafood dinner. Day budget (mid-range): ~$105–135 including the boat tour.
Activities & Tours·Krabi
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DPM Diving Koh Phi Phi
SSI-affiliated scuba diving centre on Koh Phi Phi offering courses and guided dives for all levels.
Ao Phang Nga National Park
A protected marine park of limestone karsts, mangrove forests, and iconic islands rising from emerald waters.
Phi Phi Viewpoint 2
A steep but rewarding climb above Koh Phi Phi Don, offering sweeping panoramic views across twin bays and limestone peaks.
Restaurants & Food·Krabi
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Kodam Kitchen branch 1
Beloved budget Thai restaurant in Ao Nang serving consistent classics daily from 11am to 10:30pm.
Tong Talay Seafood Buffet
All-you-can-eat seafood buffet in Ao Nang where diners grill or boil fresh catches at the table.
Tandoori Night's Restaurant
Highly regarded budget Indian and Thai restaurant in Ao Nang, open daily until 1:00 AM.
Day 7
Ferry to Koh Phi Phi: Long Beach & the Viewpoint
Morning ferry from Krabi's Klong Jirad pier direct to Koh Phi Phi (2 hours, ฿450–700 — book the day before via 12Go or your hotel). Drop your bag at your Tonsai or Long Beach accommodation (the island is car-free; porters and longtails handle luggage). Afternoon: swim at Long Beach with its view across to Phi Phi Leh, then hike the 20-minute trail to Phi Phi Viewpoint for the classic twin-bay panorama at sunset. Evening: beachfront fire shows and seafood BBQ on Loh Dalum. Day budget (mid-range): ~$95–120 including ferry, accommodation, and meals.
Beaches·Krabi
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Monkey Beach
A scenic cove on Phi Phi Don where wild monkeys roam freely alongside white sand and turquoise water.
Ko Poda Beach
A compact island off Ao Nang with white sand, turquoise shallows, and striking limestone cliffs.
Ton Sai Beach (Koh Phi Phi)
The main gateway to Koh Phi Phi Don, framed by dramatic limestone cliffs and buzzing with boats, bars, and dive shops.
Activities & Tours·Krabi
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The Adventure Club - Scuba Diving Phi Phi Island
A well-regarded Phi Phi Island dive operation offering beginner dives through to full certification courses on the Andaman Sea.
PKT Diving - Scuba Diving Phi Phi Island
Full-service scuba diving centre on Koh Phi Phi Don, offering PADI courses and guided dives in the Andaman Sea.
Princess Divers - Scuba Diving Phi Phi Island
Highly regarded dive operation on Phi Phi Island offering Open Water certification courses and guided fun dives.
Day 8
Koh Phi Phi: Maya Bay, Pileh Lagoon & Bamboo Island
The day the whole trip builds to: an early longtail or speedboat tour around Phi Phi Leh — Maya Bay (go on the first boat out, before 8am, to beat the crowds; the bay closes August–September for ecological recovery), the glowing emerald water of Pileh Lagoon, Viking Cave, and snorkelling at Bamboo Island (half-day tours ฿1,200–2,500 including national park fee of ฿400). Afternoon: recover on Loh Dalum Beach or take an intro dive — Phi Phi is one of Thailand's best-value dive bases. Day budget (mid-range): ~$110–140 with the boat tour and park fee.
Beaches·Krabi
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Klong Muang Beach
A long, peaceful stretch of white sand in Krabi with karst views, beach amenities, and outstanding sunsets.
Nui Beach
A secluded sandy cove on Ko Phi Phi Don with crystal-clear waters, dramatic karst cliffs, and excellent snorkelling.
Phra nang Cave Beach
A dramatic coastal cove accessible only by sea, framed by towering limestone cliffs, white sand, and a sacred cave shrine.
Activities & Tours·Krabi
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Phoenix Divers - Koh Lanta Diving, Freediving, Snorkeling
PADI-certified dive centre in Sala Dan offering scuba courses, freediving, and snorkeling trips across the Andaman Sea.
Visa Travel Team Phi Phi
Ao Nang-based tour agency running daily boat tours and island-hopping trips to Phi Phi and beyond.
Blue Planet Divers Koh Lanta
A highly regarded scuba and freediving centre on Koh Lanta, open daily with courses for all levels.
Where to stay in Krabi
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Day 9
Ferry to Phuket: Old Town & Evening Out
Late-morning ferry from Phi Phi's Tonsai pier to Phuket's Rassada pier (2 hours, ฿400–600) — no backtracking, you're continuing west along the Andaman coast. Check in to Phuket accommodation. Afternoon: explore Phuket Old Town's Sino-Portuguese architecture, street art, and café culture (Thalang Road, Soi Rommanee). Evening: Bangla Road, Patong — or opt for the calmer rooftop bar scene if Patong feels overwhelming. Day budget (mid-range): ~$90–120 including ferry and hotel.
Hotels & Resorts·Phuket
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Centara Grand Beach Resort Phuket
Upscale beachfront resort on Karon Beach with a water park, spa, fine dining, and famously warm staff.
SAii Laguna Phuket
A beachfront resort on Bang Tao Beach offering a relaxed lagoon setting within the Laguna Phuket complex.
Banyan Tree Phuket
Award-winning luxury resort in Phuket's north, known for private pool villas and an exceptional spa.
Restaurants & Food·Phuket
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Three Monkeys Restaurant
A treetop jungle village restaurant and bar in Phuket's Wichit area, open daily until 1:00 AM.
Zuri Restaurant Patong Beach
Three menus — Turkish, Indian, and Thai — plus serious cocktails, open daily until 3 AM in Patong.
Amritsr Old Town
Authentic Punjabi restaurant on Phuket Old Town's Soi Rommanee, open daily from 9am to midnight.
Day 10
Phuket: Beach Day & Departure
Final morning: Kata Noi or Surin Beach — two of Phuket's most beautiful beaches away from the Patong crowds. If your flight is afternoon, grab a seaside lunch at one of the beachfront restaurants before heading to Phuket International Airport. Allow 90 minutes for the airport transfer from Kata. Day budget (mid-range): ~$60–90 before your departure flight. Most travellers fly home from Phuket (HKT) via Bangkok — no need to backtrack overland.
Beaches·Phuket
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Patong Beach
Phuket's most famous 3km beach on the Andaman Sea, buzzing with water sports, dining, and nightlife.
Karon Beach
A 4km stretch of golden sand in Phuket, known for calm, clear water and spectacular sunsets.
Freedom Beach
A secluded white-sand beach near Patong with crystal-clear water, far removed from the crowds.
Wellness & Spas·Phuket
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Sansabai Massage 2
Skilled traditional Thai massage spa in Phuket Town, praised for expert therapists and a clean, spacious setting.
NARA MASSAGE & SPA PHUKET (Chalong, Patak Rd.)
A highly regarded day spa in Chalong offering Thai massage, facials, and beauty treatments daily until 10:30 PM.
Deep Relax Spa 1 Laguna
A highly regarded therapeutic spa in Laguna Phuket, open daily until 11 PM with skilled, attentive therapists.
Where to stay in Phuket
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Route Logistics & Transport Costs
| Leg | Mode | Duration | Cost (pp) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bangkok → Chiang Mai | Flight (or overnight sleeper train) | 1h 10m (train: 12h) | ฿900–1,800 (train ฿800–1,400) |
| Chiang Mai → Krabi | Flight (direct or via Bangkok) | 2h–3h 30m | ฿1,500–3,000 |
| Krabi (Ao Nang) → Railay | Longtail boat | 15 min | ฿100 each way |
| Krabi → Koh Phi Phi | Ferry from Klong Jirad pier | 2h | ฿450–700 |
| Koh Phi Phi → Phuket | Ferry to Rassada pier | 2h | ฿400–600 |
| Phuket → home | Fly from HKT (usually via Bangkok) | — | included in international fare |
Book flights before you leave home and ferries a day ahead via 12Go or your hotel. Total internal transport: roughly ฿3,400–6,200 ($100–190) per person.
What 10 Days in Thailand Costs (Per Person)
| Backpacker | Mid-range | Luxury | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation / night | ฿250–600 | ฿1,500–2,500 | ฿5,000–12,000+ |
| Food / day | ฿250–400 | ฿600–1,000 | ฿1,500–3,000 |
| Internal transport (total) | ฿2,500–4,000 | ฿3,400–6,200 | ฿8,000–15,000 |
| Activities & entry fees (total) | ฿2,000–4,000 | ฿5,000–9,000 | ฿15,000–30,000 |
| 10-day total (excl. int'l flights) | $500–900 | $1,150–2,300 | $2,700–5,400+ |
Consistent with our full Thailand cost index — see /thailand-travel-costs for daily budgets by region and season. Add $500–1,400 for return flights depending on origin.
Make This Route Yours: Four Variants
Same 10-day skeleton, different priorities
Gulf-coast season swap (May–October): the Andaman side (Krabi, Phi Phi, Phuket) takes the brunt of the southwest monsoon from May to October, while the Gulf islands stay drier. In those months, replace Days 5–10 with: fly Chiang Mai → Koh Samui (direct, ~1h 50m), 3 nights Samui (Ang Thong Marine Park day trip), ferry to Koh Phangan for 2 nights (Thong Nai Pan beaches — or time it for the Full Moon Party), and fly home from Samui. Same rhythm, better weather.
Party route: keep Bangkok but add a Khao San/RCA night, cut Chiang Mai to a single night or skip it, and run the south as Phi Phi (2 nights — Loh Dalum's beach bars are the island's engine) → Phuket with a full Bangla Road night → finish with a beach-club day at Catch or Café del Mar. If your dates align with the full moon, swap to the Gulf variant and build around Koh Phangan.
Family pace: drop one destination entirely — Bangkok (2) → Chiang Mai (3, swapping the cooking class for an ethical elephant sanctuary morning) → fly direct to Phuket (4, staying in Kata or Khao Lak rather than Patong) with a Phi Phi day trip instead of overnighting. Fewer transfers is the difference between a family holiday and a logistics exercise.
Luxury version: same route, upgraded sleeps — Bangkok riverside (Mandarin Oriental, Capella), a Lanna-style resort in Chiang Mai (Four Seasons, 137 Pillars), skip the Krabi night and go straight to a private-pool villa on Phuket's west coast (Trisara, Amanpuri) with a private longtail charter to Phi Phi Leh at dawn instead of the group boats. Budget $400–700/day and book villas 2–3 months ahead in high season.
Rule of thumb: November–April run the Andaman route as written; May–October swap the beach leg to the Gulf (Samui/Phangan/Tao). Full month-by-month weather: see our Best Time to Visit Thailand guide.
Essential Tips for 10 Days in Thailand
Plan Multi-City Logistics in Advance
A 10-day itinerary covering Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and the south involves 2–3 domestic flights plus a ferry. Book all flights before you leave home — prices double within a week of departure during peak season. Use 12Go.asia for ferry and bus bookings. Allow at least 3 hours between landing and any ferry connection to absorb delays.
Try the Overnight Train at Least Once
The Bangkok–Chiang Mai overnight sleeper (12 hours, ฿800–1,400 for a second-class berth) is one of Thailand's great travel experiences. You save a night's hotel cost, wake up in a new city, and the rocking rhythm of Thai railways is surprisingly soothing. Book at least a week ahead through the State Railway website or 12Go.asia — upper berths are cheaper but noisier.
Minimise ATM Withdrawal Fees
Thai ATMs charge a flat ฿220 fee per withdrawal regardless of amount — so withdraw the maximum allowed (usually ฿20,000–30,000) each time rather than making frequent small withdrawals. Use a Wise, Revolut, or Charles Schwab card to avoid your own bank's foreign transaction fees on top. Exchange booths like SuperRich in Bangkok offer even better rates for cash.
Travel Insurance Is Non-Negotiable
For a multi-city, multi-transport trip across Thailand, comprehensive travel insurance is essential. Cover should include medical evacuation (private hospitals are excellent but expensive), trip cancellation, and — critically — motorbike coverage if you plan to rent a scooter. SafetyWing and World Nomads are popular with travellers. Keep your policy details on your phone.
Pack Light for Internal Transfers
Budget airline baggage fees add up fast across 2–3 flights. Travel with a single carry-on (7–10 kg) if possible — you can do laundry cheaply throughout Thailand (฿40–60/kg at any laundry shop). A packing cube system keeps temple clothes separate from beach gear. Ship any bulky souvenirs home via Thailand Post rather than hauling them between cities.
Need a shorter or longer itinerary? Compare these trip plans:
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Common questions about 10 days in thailand itinerary.
Where to stay during your trip
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