Home to clear and sun-filled waters, ancient temples and lush green mountains – Thailand is a travelers heaven. With so much to see, it’s difficult to fit it all in. Below is a 10 day Thailand itinerary covering many unforgettable sights in Thailand.
If you have more time than 10 days in Thailand, there are also suggestions what you can add to this list of things to do to fill up those gaps. If you have less, I’ll give you some tips on what you can cut to save time for what interests you about this laid back, beautiful country swamped in golden beaches.
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Why should I visit Thailand?
In 2016, Thailand got over 32 million visitors. If that doesn’t prove to you how popular this Southeast Asian gem is, I don’t think anything will!
With that many visitors, you might think every inch of Thailand would be well-traveled and overpopulated with drunk tourists – and you wouldn’t be entirely wrong.
However, you can find your own private beaches and have some unforgettable experiences. In fact, it’s pretty easy to get off the beaten path in Thailand and into many memorable attractions.
What kind of Thailand itinerary is this?
I like to travel fast most of the time. If I have 10 days in Thailand, I want it to be full of unique sightseeing, culture, and cuisine.
There are very few amounts of down days in this itinerary of Thailand, but at the bottom of this post, I’ll give you some tips on what I recommend you cut if you want a day to relax by the beach.
I’ve visited Thailand three times now, and I’ve compiled the best 10 days Thailand itinerary for first-time visitors. It’s tailored to those who seek adventure and exploring this beautiful country.
This 10-day itinerary of Thailand will guide you on what to see and how to get there. You can even book trips through great online services that allow you to just enjoy your time when you get there.
Everything is Below – so let’s get into these 10 days in Thailand!
Day 1 – Flying into Bangkok
Bangkok, Thailand’s capital is a common transport hub for both international and domestic flights. So it makes the most sense to start this itinerary of Thailand from Bangkok.
Getting to and from Suvarnabhumi International Airport is pretty easy. The Airport Rail Link leaves every 15 minutes and takes around 25 minutes to get into the city. You might need to catch a taxi for the last section of your trip from the airport. This train costs 45 THB per person ($1.50 USD).
There are a couple of alternative ways to get into Bangkok from the airport:
- A private shuttle bus is available to book ahead of your arrival.
- You can also catch a taxi right from the airport. Depending on where in Bangkok you’re headed, you’re looking at anywhere from 300 to 400 Baht ($9-13 USD).
Once you’re in Bangkok and depending on how much time you have to explore these busy streets, there, there are many great things to see.
Bangkok’s Grand Palace
Bangkok’s Grand Palace is one of a kind. You can explore this massive complex, visit museums and just take in the intricate beauty of these buildings.
This is one of Bangkok’s most visited attractions. If you can, get there early so you have fewer people to dodge as you hop around the various golden buildings and depictions of Buddha.
The easiest way to get to Bangkok’s Grand Palace is by subway. By taking the Silom Line to Taksin Station (S6). The cost of entry is 500 Baht ($16 USD).
Bangkok’s Plane Graveyard
If you’re looking for a fairly unique attraction, Bangkok’s Plane Graveyard is one of those obscure places to visit in Bangkok that rarely gets any attention.
The quickest and easiest way to get there is by taxi. As it is not a common attraction, you will need to have directions ready to show the driver. You can also catch multiple ferries, but takes quite a bit longer.
As you approach the gate to this cemetery of now flightless giants, a caretaker of sorts will be there to collect an admission fee, which varies greatly from source to source. This isn’t an official attraction, so you are giving money directly to the family that calls this graveyard home.
Imagine these giant beasts soaring through the air, now just empty shells that have been stripped of anything valuable.
Note: If you’re looking for more memorable things to do in Bangkok, the 10th day of this Thailand itinerary will go over a few more attractions.
Day 2 – Bangkok to Chiang Mai
Getting from Bangkok to Chiang Mai, or the “Rose of the North”, is pretty simple – it can be quite cheap or quick, depending on your mode of transport.
There are two easy ways to get from Bangkok – bus and flight.
First, the cheaper option is by bus to Chiang Mai, but the money you save is spent in time it takes away from exploring Chiang Mai. It takes around 10hours to get from Bangkok to Chiang Mai, and costs 600 to 900 Thai Baht (THB), depending on the style of the bus.
For the second option, flying is the more expensive but it’s much quicker. Roughly, you’re looking at as low as 1,380 THB ($45 USD) for the 1 hour and 15-minute flight to Chiang Mai.
Once you touch down in Chiang Mai, it’s time to explore this ancient city.
- Explore the cities temples. Wat Phra That Doi, Phra Singh, and Wat Chedi Luang are three of Chiang Mai’s most important and beautiful temples.
- Chiang Mai’s ancient wall is another place to visit in the city. While much of Chiang Mai’s ancient wall is destroyed, there are still chunks around the city. You can also see a modern moat with fountains that mark where the ancient wall used to stand.
- Chiang Mai night bazaars is a perfect place for souvenir shopping if you’re in the market for that. You can practice your bartering skills on the many vendors selling a range of items.
- Chiang Mai also has a number of cooking tours that allow you to cook traditional Thai dishes.
Booking a tour in Chiang Mai gives a guided experience – and there is something to suit every traveler.
Day 3 – Chiang Mai and Elephant Nature Park
Elephant Nature Park Day Trip
One of Chiang Mai’s most well-known attractions is elephants. But not all attractions are created equal.
Elephant tourism in Thailand is a major problem to this day. If you’ve ever seen an elephant doing something and thought “that looks unnatural” (thinking standing on one leg, painting a picture or even giving tourists rides), there’s a very good chance that elephant has been subject to a brutal technique known as ‘Phajaan’.
Elephant Nature Park is one elephant experience where these beautiful animals and their welfare comes first. You can visit the park itself or have a more intimate setting where you can be up close and personal to just a few elephants.
There is no riding, no painting pictures and no tricks here – but you’ll still get to spend time and interact with the gentle giants that have been rescued from industries that often leave them for dead or severely injured.
Explore Chiang Mai
You’ll get back from the elephant nature park in the afternoon giving you another night to explore Chiang Mai.
Depending on how much energy you have after hanging out with elephants for most of the day, you can use the rest of the day to explore more of Chiang Mai. The Rose of the North has many sights just from wandering the streets.
If you would rather some more time in Chiang Rai, you can always catch an afternoon bus from Chiang Mai.
Day 4 – Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai
Getting from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai is super easy. Yes, they are completely different cities, separated by a 3-hour bus ride through the north of Thailand. If you want to spend more time in Chiang Mai, there are multiple buses a day.
Most buses will leave throughout the day, so take the bus in the evening or afternoon if there’s still something leftover in Chiang Mai you must visit.
Chiang Rai is one of my favorite places in all of Thailand. Home to a beautiful glittering, white mosaic temple and thunderous waterfalls surrounded by a peaceful bamboo jungle.
To make the most out of your short stay in Chiang Rai, I suggest hiring a motorbike. Many hostels can organize this for you – I always recommend booking through your hostel, not only do they know usually great companies, if something happens they should be willing to help you out with to a crash or stolen bike.
During all my Thailand adventures, I’ve spent 3 nights in Chiang Rai. And I could spend a week if I wanted to see everything. If you have a full day, I recommend a few things.
- Lam Nam Kok National Park and Khun Korn Waterfall – a short trek along a flat path, surrounded by a bamboo forest.
- Wat Rong Khun, or The White Temple – this glistening white temple is a popular attraction around Chiang
- Chiang Rai’s famous night market – from hot pot to fried worms, you’ll find something tasty to eat.
If you’re not comfortable in riding a motorbike through the sometimes chaotic streets of Thailand, you can hire a taxi for the day and the driver will wait for you as you explore the beautiful sights Chiang Rai has to offer.
Day 5 – Gulf of Thailand
Today is mostly a travel day. Of you’re set on seeing some beautiful islands Thailand has to offer, you have to cover quite a lot of ground.
If you want to save a bit of time, there is an overnight bus from Chiang Rai to Bangkok for 640THB ($21USD). But if you don’t want to try and sleep on a rolling bus (they sometimes aren’t the best nights sleep), there are day time options.
Another popular option is to catch a 1-hour flight from Chiang Rai to Bangkok. From Bangkok, you can book a bus and ferry combination ticket to Koh Tao, or the Thailand Island of your choice.
The easiest and closest airport to the islands in the Gulf of Thailand is the mainland city of Chumphon. From here it’s a simple ferry to Koh Tao, Koh Samui or Koh Phangan.
While you can swim at many beaches on all these islands, Koh Tao is home to great snorkeling and pristine scuba diving – so that’s where I’ll take you next.
Day 6 – Snorkel or Scuba Dive Koh Tao
Koh Tao is hailed as one of the cheapest places on earth to get open water PADI scuba dive certified. If you’re thinking about learning to scuba dive on Koh Tao Island, you won’t be disappointed.
If you’re thinking of getting PADI dive certified, you will need to plan ahead. You will need at least 3 days to complete the beginner course which allows you to dive to a depth of 18 meters. You should also not catch a flight within 24 hours before or after you intend to scuba dive.
If you’re not keen to scuba dive (or just don’t have the time) snorkeling Koh Tao is another great way to catch a glimpse of this underwater world.
You’ll visit a number of spots around the island – at least 5. From blacktip reef sharks to giant, light filtering school of fish. There’s plenty to explore under the waves around Koh Tao.
These tours will usually incorporate a stopover at Nang Yuan Island. Connected to Koh Tao by a thin sand bar, this tiny island is a haven for swimming, snorkeling and lasting by the gentle waves.
There are a number companies that run snorkel tours around Koh Tao the easiest way I found to book a snorkel tour is either through my hostel – I’ve stayed at Summer Guesthouse and DPM Diving and hostel bar, and I recommend both for value of money.
Alternatively, you can book your Koh Tao snorkel tour online.
Day 7 – Koh Tao
Koh Tao is one of Thailand’s most well-known islands.
Today is a day to relax if you want it. If you’re drained and tired from some fast-paced travel, then a beach day is a solid option.
- Mae Haad Beach is on the west coast of the island. It is one of the most popular beaches as it is right near a lot of restaurants, bars, and hotels on the island.
- Nang Yuan Island is to the northwest of the island and most people visit via water taxi. There is a small lookout at the top of the hill and there is a beach in almost every direction you can see.
- Laem Thain Beach is the opposite of these two mentioned above. It requires a fairly challenging hike to get to (you could also take a water taxi around to the little secluded bay). But chances are, you’ll have this all to yourself.
If you’re looking for a more adventurous hike, Koh Tao has a lighthouse. It’s a very difficult walk and it will take you through some overgrown jungle paths on the island that rarely see any visitors.
At some point today, a ferry to either Koh Samui or Koh Phangan is suggested if you want to visit MuKo Ang Thong National Marine Park. At the time of writing, no tour currently leaves from Koh Tao.
Day 8 – Mu Ko Ang Thong National Marine Park
Right in the Gulf of Thailand is a cluster of 42 islands. In 1980, this area was established as Mu Ko Ang Thong National Marine Park.
Koh Wua Ta Lap is the most visited island. In fact, you can sleep overnight on Koh Wua Ta Lap. This is the best way to enjoy an island paradise almost to yourself.
However, many visitors just do a day trip to Mu Ko Ang Thong from either Koh Samui or Koh Phangan.
Whether you choose to spend the night in this national marine park or head back to another island, a day trip to Mu Ko Ang Thong is an unforgettable experience.
For a quick rundown on what to expect on a day trip. You’ll get lunch included as well as drinks. You will have a short snorkel to see blacktip reef sharks and other marine life. A short kayaking tour is available as well as a little hike to the Blue Lagoon Viewpoint on Ko Mae Ko Island. You’ll also have around 2-3 hours to explore Koh Wua Ta Lap Island – but be warned, it is very busy.
For the overnight adventure, you will take the day trip mentioned above and do all the same activities around MuKo Ang Thong Park. However, when the day trip boats leave in the afternoon, you will stay behind to explore Koh Wua Ta Lap in a much more intimate setting.
You will spend the night, either in a tent or bungalow which you can reserve ahead of time, or rock up and take your chances –be warned, places can sell out.
Then, when the day trip boat arrives tomorrow, you will jump on to the boat and head back to either Koh Samui or Koh Phangan Island. You don’t have to go back to the same island your left from either (by that, I mean you can depart from Samui and return to Phangan, or vice versa).
If you plan on spending the night at Koh Wua Ta Lap, you need to let your tour company know so preparations can be made.
Staying overnight is well worth the hassle of organizing it all. Trust me on that.
To ensure you don’t miss out, you can reserve your spot for the marine park online.
Day 9 – Back to Bangkok
Today marks the beginning of the end of your 10 days in Thailand. Sad, I know. But we’ve covered a lot and there are still a few more places to see!
Day 9 out of 10 in this Thailand itinerary is mainly to get back to Bangkok (assuming your flights leaves from the capital city).
As mentioned above, you can buy a ferry and bus/train combination to Bangkok. This is one of the easiest ways to get back to Bangkok from the Gulf of Thailand.
If you’re short on time, a 1-hour flight compared to a 7.5-hour bus will save you a few hours. But you will have to catch a ferry to the mainland – Chumphon is one of the closest main ports and has an airport that flies to Bangkok.
You can also take a train from Chumphon to Bangkok.
Once you’re in Bangkok, depending on how long you have, there’s a number of things you can do. If you visited all the sights in Bangkok from day 1 of this Thailand itinerary, there are a few other things you do do with one day in Bangkok below.
Day 10 – Exploring Bangkok
To make the most out of your 10-day itinerary of Thailand, booking your flight as late as possible could give you another full day of exploring the capital city of Bangkok.
There’s plenty of things you can do in Bangkok to make your last of 10 days in Thailand memorable:
- Visit many smaller temples dotted around the city. Thailand is well known for its intricate temples and pagodas. You won’t have to look hard to find some amazing temples in Bangkok. Some of the highlights of Buddhist temples you can see include Wat Arun
- Take a cruise down smaller rivers throughout Bangkok. It is a little pricey, but it’s a different way to expri3nce life on the river. You’ll be able to buy souvenirs on the river by a little long-tail boat turned market.
- Khaosan Road is a very popular tourist street. You can buy plenty of things here – clothing and bags (I got a very cheap rain cover for my pack and it is still amazing). You can also get a variety of Thai meals along this street. Expect to pay a little more than other places as this is very popular with tourists.
What should I add if I have more than 10 days in Thailand?
10 days in Thailand is never going to be enough time to see everything. You could spend months and barely scratch the surface of this diverse and beautiful country. So if you can add a few days, I have a couple of places that are perfect.
- Visit Pai in northern Thailand. This small, backpacker orientated town is reached by a 3-hour bus trip from Chiang Rai. I spent three days in Pai and it was one of my favorite destinations of Thailand. Giant cracks in the red earth and powerful waterfalls make Pai a great addition to your 10 day Thailand itinerary.
- Explore Phi Phi Island. Another popular Thailand Island is Phi Phi Island – and it deserves the praise it gets. Phi Phi Island is located on the opposite of the mainland than the Gulf of Thailand. Scuba diving off the coast of Phi Phi Island is incredible. There’s also kayaking, snorkeling and a short yet exhausting hike to a beautiful lookout over the island.
What should I cut if I have less than 10 days in Thailand?
Honestly, this is difficult. These 10 days in Thailand are crammed in and they are all highlights of Southeast Asia in general to me.
In the end, what to cut from your Thailand itinerary will heavily depend on what you’re not into.
If you want more days to explore the islands and beaches of Thailand:
- Chiang Rai. I love the place, but if it had to pick between there and Chiang Mai, it loses in my mind.
- If you want to explore exclusively southern Thailand, Chiang Mai would be next to cut. This ancient city walls, glittering temples, and ethical elephant parks are definitely a highlight of Thailand. But if you’re looking for sand and water, it might be worth cutting Chiang Mai as well.
If you want to spend more time in the northern mountains of Thailand:
- If you’re not into scuba diving, Koh Tao is what I would suggest skipping. There are plenty of islands where snorkeling and beaches are just as good, if not better than Koh Tao – Mu Ko Ang Thong National Marine Park is a prime example of this.
Things to consider about creating your Thailand itinerary.
As you can see, there is a lot packed into this itinerary of Thailand. Below are some questions to ask yourself when filling your 10 days in Thailand:
- Would you rather take it easy and spend 2 or 3 days in one place?
- Have I given myself enough time to fly before and after any scuba diving I have planned?
- Do I want to save time by catching a flight rather than a bus/train?
Why visit Thailand for 10 days
Thailand is a vast and beautiful country. You could spend months and still not scrape the surface, let alone cram Thailand in 10 days. But this walkthrough is full of memorable activities and sights.
If you follow this Thailand itinerary for 10 days (or mix it up a bit) you’ll leave having seen a huge variety of what this southeast Asian hotspot has to offer.
Got something better for this 10 day Thailand itinerary?
I’ve traveled to Thailand quite a lot and know my way around the major spots in the country.
But things change, services get canceled and attractions shut down, and there is almost always tweaks to make something even better. If you notice something that’s wrong or outdated, I’d love to hear about it in the comments below – that way I can update and be as helpful as possible to travelers just like you.
If you enjoyed this post, I’d love it if you’d share your thoughts to social media. You can also get my free 8-page travel checklist to help make sure you never forget anything at home again!
Thanks for reading!
Happy and safe travels,
Ben – Horizon Unknown
