10 Days in Thailand Itinerary
Ten days. Five destinations. Thailand at its full range.
The 10-Day Thailand Route That Works
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 beach paradise of the south — without spending half your trip on planes and boats. This itinerary is sequenced to minimise backtracking: Bangkok on arrival, a short flight to Chiang Mai, then south to the Andaman coast for the final stretch. Adjust the beach leg to suit the season (Andaman coast November–April; Gulf coast May–October).
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. 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.
Hotels & Resorts·Bangkok
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Millennium Hilton Bangkok
Upscale riverside hotel on the Chao Phraya with strong service and sweeping river views.
Shangri-La Bangkok
Luxury riverside hotel in Bang Rak with Chao Phraya views, acclaimed service, and full resort facilities.
Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok
A legendary riverside hotel in Bangkok's Bang Rak district, offering elegant rooms, world-class dining, and a celebrated spa.
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.
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.
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
Compare live hotel rates for the Bangkok stops in this guide.
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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.
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 (book in advance — they fill up). Evening: Sunday Walking Street market (if timing aligns) or a traditional Thai massage on Loi Kroh Road.
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.
Nimmanhaemin Road
Chiang Mai's trendiest street, packed with modern cafes, organic eateries, art galleries, and boutique shops.
Khoei Chiang Mai - Northern Food (Chiang Mai Restaurant)
Authentic northern Thai restaurant in Chang Phueak serving traditional Chiang Mai cuisine at mid-range prices.
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) and explore the beach, rock climbing cliffs, and Phra Nang Cave. Sunset dinner at an Ao Nang beachfront restaurant.
Hotels & Resorts·Krabi
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Sofitel Krabi Phokeethra Golf & Spa Resort
Luxury resort near Krabi combining a championship golf course, full-service spa, and tropical grounds.
The ShellSea Krabi I Luxury Beach Resort & Pool Villas
Luxury beachfront resort in Krabi offering refined rooms, pool villas, two pools, and a spa.
The Tubkaak Krabi Boutique Resort
A beachfront boutique resort in Krabi offering pool villas, bay views, two restaurants, and a spa.
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
Compare live hotel rates for the Krabi stops in this guide.
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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 or Phi Phi Islands boat trip (book through your hotel, ฿1,400–2,500). These tours include snorkelling at multiple stops, lunch on the boat, and a beach stop at one of the region's most iconic locations. Back in Ao Nang by 5pm — evening for a seaside seafood dinner.
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.
Where to stay in Krabi
Compare live hotel rates for the Krabi stops in this guide.
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Day 7
Ferry to Koh Samui
Catch the morning ferry from Krabi to Koh Samui via Koh Phangan (approximately 3.5 hours total). Check in to a beach resort. Afternoon at leisure — Chaweng Beach or quieter Choeng Mon in the north. Evening: Fisherman's Village walking street at Bophut for fresh seafood and local crafts.
Hotels & Resorts·Koh Samui
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Explorar Koh Samui
Stylish beachside resort in Mae Nam with infinity pool, gulf views, and highly rated service.
Baan Haad Ngam Boutique Resort & Villas
Beachfront boutique resort on Koh Samui's quieter north coast, with villa-style rooms and attentive staff.
Buri Rasa Village Samui Adults Only Resort (16+)
Adults-only waterfront resort on Chaweng Beach offering lush tropical grounds, a spa, and refined dining.
beaches·Koh Samui
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Lamai Beach
A laid-back stretch of white sand on Koh Samui, ideal for swimming, sunbathing, and beachside dining.
Bo Phut Beach
A relaxed northern Koh Samui beach best known for its charming Fisherman's Village dining and evening atmosphere.
Chaweng Beach
Koh Samui's most popular stretch of sand, buzzing with resorts, restaurants, and beach bars.
Day 8
Koh Samui: Beaches & Ang Thong
Option A: full-day Ang Thong Marine Park tour (one of Thailand's most spectacular natural sites — emerald lagoons, dramatic karst islands, snorkelling). Option B: rent a scooter and circle the island — Big Buddha, Grandfather and Grandmother Rocks, Lamai Beach, and a hilltop viewpoint. Evening: Chaweng night market for street food.
Activities & Tours·Koh Samui
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Big Blue Diving School Koh Tao
PADI-certified diving school on Sairee Beach offering courses and guided dives for all experience levels.
Hawk Adventure Zipline Park Koh Samui
A jungle zipline course in Koh Samui's tropical interior, praised for outstanding guides and treetop views.
Mu Ko Ang Thong National Marine Park
A stunning island archipelago national park offering snorkelling, kayaking, trekking, and dramatic limestone scenery.
Restaurants & Food·Koh Samui
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THE COCOON - SAMUI VIEWPOINT
Hilltop restaurant and bar in Koh Samui with panoramic jungle and ocean views, iconic hanging nets, and all-day dining.
THAI KITCHEN RESTAURANT
Highly rated Thai kitchen on Bo Put Beach Road, open daily until 2am with home-style cooking and fast, friendly service.
4 SPICES | Samui viewpoint restaurant כשר
Kosher-certified hilltop restaurant in Koh Samui with panoramic island views and evening dining.
Where to stay in Koh Samui
Compare live hotel rates for the Koh Samui stops in this guide.
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Day 9
Ferry to Phuket: Patong & Old Town
Ferry or speedboat to Don Sak pier, then transfer to Phuket (or fly via Surat Thani — faster). 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.
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.
Banyan Tree Phuket
Award-winning luxury resort in Phuket's north, known for private pool villas and an exceptional spa.
Phuket Marriott Resort & Spa, Merlin Beach
A sprawling beachside resort in Patong with three pools, a spa, and ten dining options.
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 Phuket - Best Cocktails | Turkish | Indian | Thai Food
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.
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.
SAii Laguna Phuket
A beachfront resort on Bang Tao Beach offering a relaxed lagoon setting within the Laguna Phuket complex.
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.
Where to stay in Phuket
Compare live hotel rates for the Phuket stops in this guide.
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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:
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about 10 days in thailand itinerary.
Where to stay during your trip
Start with Bangkok below — this guide also covers Chiang Mai, Krabi, Koh Samui, Phuket, all searchable on each booking site.
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