Thailand Itinerary 10 Days: For First Timers
Thailand has way too much to see and do, for a country that small.
I mean, we all know someone who went to Thailand and hasn’t shut up about it since they got back. Right?
Misleading as its size is, Thailand really affords a holistic travel experience. From cultural immersion to adventure, from basking in the tropical sun to feasting on probably the world’s best street food – the country caters to every kind of traveler.
Keep reading below to know how you can make the most of your 10 days in Thailand (Chiang Mai, Phuket, Bangkok itinerary) while capitalizing on everything it offers.
HOW MANY DAYS ARE ENOUGH FOR THAILAND?
Thailand feel like all sorts of travel niches, interests, budgets have been bouqueted together into a tiny country.
Especially if you’re visiting for the first time, the rich landscape, culture and cuisine can astound you in ways beyond imagination.
Hence, in an ideal world, one could spend anything between three weeks to several months in the country.
That said, this 10 day Thailand itinerary covers the hilly North and the coastal South. The itinerary is great for travelers looking to do a little bit of everything in a short period of being visiting Thailand in 10 days.
Of course, it helps if you do your research and go prepared with some handy Thailand travel tips up your sleeve.
HOW TO TRAVEL AROUND THAILAND
Being well connected by air, sea and land, Thailand is paradise for the budget traveler. It is pretty inexpensive to get around in the country.
Budget Airlines in Thailand
In addition to cheap stays, eats and affordable things to do, the airline fares to get in and around Thailand are relatively so much easier on the pocket. You can hop from one city to the next by availing cheap flights in Thailand offered by many budget carriers like Thai Vietjet, Thai Airways or Bangkok Airways.
PROTIP: When flying a budget airline in Thailand, always make sure to check-in online and carry a printout of your boarding pass.
Such airlines can be very finicky about these things.
Also, you will mostly be required to buy cabin baggage allowance (which doesn’t come with the basic fare of your ticket). It is ideal to buy this online beforehand or you might have to shell out a lot more over the counter.
[You Might Like: Thailand Travel Tips: 13 Things You Should Know Before You Travel]
Getting from the Airport to Your Accomodation
It is best to prebook airport transportation before your journey, or use an app-based taxi service rather than hailing one down the road. Taxis at the airports often charge exorbitant and unreasonable prices for pickup and drop.
Uber doesn’t operate in Thailand anymore, but there’s a great alternative to it. Grab is available in all cities and has very competitive prices. It’s always better than opting for metered taxis which generally cost quite a bit more. Sign up for Grab on this link.
Getting Around in Thailand
While Grab is your go-to choice to get around, it works on a volatile pricing mechanism. Hence, sometimes it can turn out much costlier when the demand is high.
If you’re traveling in a group, a cost-effective option is to rent a self-driven car. You can get some fantastic deals and doorstep service if you book online ahead of time.
Bear in mind, though, that Thailand follows a right-hand drive system. Also, the traffic is crazy in most cities.
The tuk-tuk and songthaew are two very commonly used modes of transport in Thailand. Both are discernibly unique and you can just walk up to one of them and state the destination you want to get to. They’ll charge a nominal per-head fee and drop you to the closest point that falls in their way. Alternatively, you can book the entire vehicle to get a Point A-Point B service.
If you don’t want to bother with app-based taxis, tuk-tuks or driving by yourself, you can get a full-day taxi from your hotel concierge, or just book full-day tours (you get a driver AND a guide. Now, isn’t that awesome?) 😉
IMPORTANT THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE VISITING THAILAND
Thailand, like most of Asia, is unique and vastly different from the Western world.
As a traveler, it is extremely important to be sensitive to the country’s socio-political setup and cultural practices.
If you’re visiting Thailand for the first time, here are some good-to-know tips to make your travel smoother.
- Thailand offers visa free travel to over 60 countries for spending less than 30 days. To check the status and visa requirements, you can visit the official Thailand e-visa website.
- Cash is king in Thailand. While you must carry plastic money as well, it is important to get some BAHT (Thai currency) at the airport or as soon as you get out and find an exchange.
- Tap water is not drinkable in Thailand.
- The main spoken language is Thai. That being said, there is generally no communication barrier, at least in the main cities. Largely, people speak English as well. It is, of course, nice to have basic phrases up your sleeve. This will not only help you navigate around the country better, but also afford you chance conversations with locals. Knowing at least a bit of the language can be instrumental in shaping you travel experience.
- While you’ll see most people dressed liberally, they will most likely be tourists. The locals dress a bit conservatively and that’s your best bet too, if you want to avoid standing out. Especially when visiting temples and monasteries, be sure to cover your shoulders and legs (applies for both women and men).
- For more tips, check out this detailed list of things to know before visiting Thailand.
WHAT IS THE BEST TIME TO VISIT THAILAND?
In an ideal world, the best time to visit Thailand would be between November and March. These are dry months, there’s just the right amount of sunshine, though plenty.
However this is also the busiest time of the year.
The months between June and August can get pretty hot, in addition to it being humid and wet all the time.
If you want to visit Thailand minus the throngs of crowds but also not want to kill yourself in the humidity, plan your trip during the shoulder months in March – May and September – Oct.
This is the best time to visit, as the weather is still kind and most places aren’t too crowded. Even for a budget friendly destination like Thailand, you can get even better prices on accomodations around this time.
IS THAILAND SAFE TO VISIT?
In general, Thailand is fairly safe to visit.
The country sees a large tourist footfall every year and is a popular destination among solo travelers.
Violent crimes are pretty rare, however, petty crimes are common. There are many scams in Thailand that target gullible tourists, from taxis rigging their meters to pickpocketing.
As with most destinations, it is best to stay alert, read up on the common scams and frauds in Thailand, and raise alarm if and when you feel something is amiss.
HOW TO SPEND 10 DAYS IN THAILAND
Thailand needs so much longer to absorb the complete range of experiences it has to offer, but if you have just 10 days in Thailand, this itinerary will help you optimize your time in the best way.
If you’re looking for a varied set of things to do in Thailand in 10 days, I’ve got you covered: this outlined travel schedule covers not just beaches and pina coladas, but includes a deeper dive into the country’s culture as well.
We’ll be covering the three main cities in Thailand to visit – Chiang Mai, Phuket and Bangkok – besides day trips.
Here is a snapshot of my recommended Thailand itinerary for 10 days:
Days 1 and 2: Bangkok
Day 3: Day trip to Ayutthaya
Days 4 and 5 : Chiang Mai
Day 6: Day trip to Doi Inthanon National Park
Day 7: Chiang Rai
Days 8, 9 and 10: Phuket (including a day trip to Phi Phi Islands)
While this itinerary is reversible, I recommend starting with Bangkok as it only gets better from there.
Bangkok is my least favorite place in Thailand, and you might find the city especially underwhelming should you leave it for the end.
THAILAND ITINERARY 10 DAYS: 2 DAYS IN BANGKOK
Bangkok has manic pace, crazy traffic, and aggressive salesmen (Even the Tuk Tuk drivers seem kind of slimy).
But Bangkok is beautiful, and you must include visiting the capital in your 10-day Thailand itinerary.
How to get to Bangkok: You can arrive in two airports in Bangkok – Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) or Don Mueang International Airport (DMK).
These airports are well connected via major airlines around the world.
You can catch a metered taxi from the airport, or hop on a shuttle – plenty of them go back and forth between the city and airports. Else you can book a cab via Grab.
Day 1/Bangkok
Once you’ve arrived in Bangkok and settled into your accomodation, head to The Grand Palace.
This sprawling piece of architectural grandeur used to be the king’s abode. Now it’s been opened to the visitors and serves as a museum. Entry ticket is 500 THB.
Very close to The Grand Palace is the Temple Of The Emerald Buddha, or the Wat Phra Kaew, and the Wat Pho.
While the former houses a statue of the Buddha made of green jadeite, Wat Pho is home to the famous Reclining Buddha and is not to be missed.
Catch a ferry from Tha Tien pier near Wat Pho, and cross the Chao Phraya river to deboard at Wat Arun pier. The ferry ride will cost you 4 THB.
Wat Arun is a beautiful temple, decorated with colored porcelain and intricate tile work, and it’ll leave you mesmerized.
You can get dinner at Chinatown, where you’ll find scores of stalls and restaurants selling delectable Chinese food at extremely good prices.
End your evening at the Patpong Night Market, a great place to shop for souvenirs, first copies of branded accessories, clothes, and also witness the infamous nightlife of Bangkok.
Day 2/Bangkok
If you’ve been to Bangkok and not shopped, have you even been to Bangkok?
Bangkok is paradise for a shopaholic, so embrace your inner Rebecca Bloomwood, and do some mall hopping today. Among the best ones are Platinum Mall and Emporium Emquartier.
While Bangkok is better known for its flea markets and cheap buys, you could land a great deal at one of the malls.
I suggest getting food after a busy day out shopping, and I suggest you try local flavors. Every street in Thailand is packed with vendors selling all sorts of local delicacies, and Bangkok just takes it further up a notch.
While it’s a struggle finding vegetarian/vegan street food (it was really hard for me), there are options! This article might help. If you eat meat, your palate will love Bangkok.
After this, head over to the Chatuchak Weekend Market (JJ Market). Although it says weekend, this expansive market is open all through the week (except on Mondays) for different categories of goods.
Draw Day 2 to a close with a visit to Khao San Road. The famous novel “The Beach” by Alex Garland is set in Thailand, and refers to Khao San Road as “the center of the backpacking universe”.
Dotted with budget hostels, cheap eats, lively bars and tons of clubs to dance away your blues, this district is perfect for a night of revelry.
Day 3/Bangkok (Day Trip to Ayutthaya)
On Day 3, you can make a day trip from Bangkok to the city of Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, which is locally known better as just Ayutthaya.
The city served as the second capital of the Siamese Kingdom between the 14th and 18th centuries. During this period, Ayutthaya became one of the world’s most cosmopolitan areas and achieved an important position in global commerce and trade.
In the 18th century, however, the city was attacked by the Burmese Army. The whole of Ayutthaya was burned to the ground. Residents were either killed or forced to flee.
The city was never rebuilt and still holds ruins from the burndown, which have now been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
You can spend more than half a day admiring the preserved ruins of temples, homes, the Royal Palace, and various pagodas.
Among the temples especially worth going to in Ayutthaya are Wat Phra Si Sanphet, Wat Mahathat and Wat Chai Watthana Ram.
Also make sure to visit the mammoth bronze statue of a sitting Buddha in the Royal Palace. The buddha statue is called Phra Mongkhon Bophit, and is venerated among the locals.
End your last day in Bangkok by heading to the King Power Mahanakohn SkyWalk and Rooftop bar. Not only do they have excellent cocktails, you can also enjoy vantage views of Bangkok from the top.
Where to Stay in Bangkok:
Luxury Hotels/Resorts in Bangkok
THAILAND ITINERARY 10 DAYS: 3 DAYS IN CHIANG MAI
From Bangkok you can catch a flight that transports you up north to Chiang Mai in just 1.5 hours.
If you’re planning a visit for 10 days in Thailand, I definitely recommend adding Chiang Mai to your list.
Also known as the “Rose of The North”, this idyllic city will charm you with its lush countryside and clean, balmy air.
Day 4/Chiang Mai
Check in at your hotel and begin your day with a visit to Wat Phra That Doi Suthep. Located a little outside the main city, this temple is like the Eiffel Tower in Paris – It’s one place you HAVE to visit when in Chiang Mai.
As you enter, you’ll notice that the whole setup is a gilded wonderland. Literally EVERYTHING here is painted in gold.
Doi Suthep is the name of the mountain the temple is built on. A cable car takes you to the top where you can catch panoramic views of the city.
The entrance fee is 50 THB.
You’ll find tons of eating options (mostly street food) on the road right across from Wat Phra That, if you’re in the mood for some grub.
Next, head to the village of Bo Sang. This little village has women making umbrellas out of a special kind of paper called “Sa”.
Story goes that a Burmese pilgrim monk brought the art here, and it has survived since a couple hundred years.
Protip – While Bo Sang is a must-visit to get a local feel of Chiang Mai, avoid buying umbrellas or souvenirs from here. You can get them at better prices from any of the street markets.
Next, come back to Chiang Mai main city and stop by at Nimmanhaemin Road. The up and coming part of Chiang Mai, it is dotted with fancy bars and restaurants. There is also a multiplex at the end of the road.
Fun fact: In Thai, a side street is called Soi.
End your day at the Walking Market or Weekend Market.
Perhaps one of the most famous street markets in Chiang Mai, this one opens every Sunday at Thapae Gate and runs along the entire length of Ratchadamnoen Road.
You can get great food, clothes, accessories and practically everything under the sun in this huge market. My favorite part of Chiang Mai, hands down!
Day 5/Chiang Mai
Begin day 5 with a unique experience in an elephant retirement camp.
There are rescue and retirement parks that operate in Chiang Mai to sustain natural homes for the endangered species. You can book a tour and learn about elephants, even play with them and feed them.
Make sure you don’t visit an entertainment park where visitors are made to ride elephants. Such places are in the business only to make money. The animals are starved, tortured, kept in captivity outside of their natural habitat, and bred forcefully.
Even if the sanctuary makes tall claims about being ‘ethical’, you should know something is off when elephant rides are being offered.
Next, make quick visits to Wat Phra Singh, Wat Chedi Luang and Wat Suan Dok – all within a radius of a few km.
These temples boast of magnificent architecture and calm, soothing vibes.
There’s a small fee to enter, but you can pay your respects (while admiring the grandeur) from the outside just as well.
Follow this up by visiting the Night Bazaar on Chang Klan Road. Hundreds of traders line up to sell copies of designer bags and footwear, handicrafts, etc.
A Lot of these vendors openly encourage bartering as well. So shop till you drop (literally because we’re getting dinner, next!)
Head to the Old Chiang Mai Cultural Center to have traditional Lanna Khantoke dinner. It’s the local version of a Thai feast.
You’ll be made to sit on the floor at a round table, and traditional food will be served. There are also stage performances and Thai orchestral music.
Day 6/Chiang Mai (Day Trip to Doi Inthanon National Park)
Also called “The Roof of Thailand”, the Doi Inthanon National Park contains the highest mountain of Thailand – Doi Inthanon, at an elevation of 2565m.
The park is located at a distance of about 60 km from Chiang Mai, and makes for an ideal day trip destination from the city.
There is plenty to do in Doi Inthanon National Park; it is a full day’s worth of being right in the lap of nature.
A hike up Doi Inthanon takes between 2-3 hours and is fairly easy, especially along the popular trails like Kew Mae Pan, Pha Dok Siew or Angka.
In the national park, you can watch see many waterfalls, visit remote villages, even do bird watching and witness native wildlife.
How to get to Doi Inthanon National Park: You can rent a car and drive to the national park. Alternatively, you can also book a minibus tour, or a taxi.
Where to Stay in Chiang Mai:
Luxury Hotels/Resorts in Chiang Mai
THAILAND ITINERARY 10 DAYS: 1 DAY IN CHIANG RAI
Day 7/Chiang Rai
Chiang Rai is easily reachable from Chiang Mai by road. You can catch a bus from the Arcade Bus Station and arrive in Chiang Rai in about four hours.
A popular weekend getaway from Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai is the northernmost major city in Thailand and is increasingly becoming a tourist magnet.
With beautiful scenery, sprawling landscapes and rolling mountains, Chaing Rai is easily one of the prettiest places to visit in Thailand.
It also offers scenic hikes, an opportunity to meet local tribes, visit temples, go boating, chase waterfalls, or savor local food in street markets.
Some of the must things to do in Chiang Rai are:
1. Visit the White Temple: Also known as Wat Rong Khun, this is a sparkling white temple with a quirky and interesting architectural style.
The temple compound consists of an ordination hall, a hall of relics, a meditation area, and living quarters for monks. Entry is free for Thai nationals and 100 BHT for tourists.
2. Black House: Otherwise called Baan Dam, the Black House represents everything you wouldn’t normally associate with the Thai way of life.
There is a sense of morbid gloom very intricately annealed into the making of this set of black-painted wooden houses. Inside, you can find tables set up for demonic gatherings, skulls, horns and taxidermy.
While the Black House seems diabolical from the looks of it, the idea behind such suggestive representation is the circle of life. Pain, joy, mortality and human foibles are depicted in various forms, reinforcing the significance of the Buddhist principal of ‘detachment’.
In fact, Thai artist Thawan Duchanee, who is the talent behind the Black House, lived here for a big part of this life. That’s something!
3. Blue temple: Unlike anything I’ve seen in the past, the temple is in a stark shade of royal blue. The color is accentuated by the contrasting golf-rimmed tips of the temple. Entry is free!
4. Chiang Rai’s Town Center: You can temple-hop in this area to get a better sense of Chiang Rai’s religious and spiritual fabric. Visitors can also indulge in street food which is abundant in the city center.
5. Night market: Chiang Rai Night Market is small, but mighty nonetheless. Get your fill of khao soi and vegan pancakes before you leave the city!
THAILAND ITINERARY 10 DAYS: 3 DAYS IN PHUKET
Day 8/Phuket
You’re in Phuket! YAYY!
I think Phuket is such a great place to end your Thailand visit on a high.
It has beautiful beaches, great markets, electric nightlife and the Phuket islands, all a ferry ride away, are beyond gorgeous.
I’m sure after spending 3 days in the highlands of Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai, you’d be missing the sea, so start your day by heading to Karon Beach.
Spend some time here before visiting Kata Beach, which is just a couple km away from Karon.
After you’ve had your dose of “Vitamin Sea”, head to Patong Beach. Patong is really busy through the year, so add it to your Thailand itinerary just to strike it off your list.
After this, visit Bangla Road next door.
By day this is just a run-of-the-mill street lined with bars and restaurants, but the market starts at 6 PM and completely turns the place around.
As the night progresses, you’ll spot hawkers, entertainers, and tons of ladyboys trotting about on Bangla Road. Endless bars and clubs will play deafening music, shine bright neon lights and place ridiculously good-looking and scantily dressed women outside to vie for your attention.
Day 9/Phuket
Begin Day 9 by making a visit to one of the city’s main landmarks, the Big Buddha Phuket.
It’s perched on top of the Nakkerd Hills, and standing at a height of forty-five meters, it’s hard to miss. The Buddha statue is made of white Burmese marble and is a visual highlight. From the top of the hill, you can also enjoy some fantastic panoramic views of Phuket city.
Next, head to Wat Chalong Temple. This gorgeous temple houses many relics, but the most important one is the Grand Pagoda.
The temple is a magnificent rendition of Thai culture and is not to be missed. Entry is free (unlike a lot of temples in Thailand), although donations are welcome.
Next, visit the Phuket Old Town.
You’ll feel like you’re stepping into a color palette. The town has boutiques, eateries, temples and houses, all colored in pastel shades that will light up your day.
Reminded me of colorful Willemstad in Curacao.
End your day at the Chillva Market. Just around the corner from the Old Town, this night market has shipping containers prominently used as shop fronts.
There are SO MANY options to eat like the world is ending tomorrow, and you can grab some great deals on clothes, shoes and souvenirs.
Protip: While Phuket has a lot of other night markets, big shoutout to the Chillva Market one as it’s smaller, cozier, and much less crowded.
Day 10/Phuket
I’m sure you already know that Phuket has a bunch of islands around it. I urge you to include a visit to Phi Phi Islands in your itinerary. It will B-L-O-W your mind.
Phi Phi is a small archipelago of 6 islands and is way prettier than what those all postcards can capture!
You can book a cruise/ferry transfer in advance from this link. We booked one with Sea Angel Cruise Phuket and had a good experience. The ship took us to Ko Phi Phi Don, which is the largest and only inhabited island of the lot.
Enroute, we also saw the other smaller islands like Ko Khai, and they also offer scuba and snorkeling at Maya Bay. Lunch was arranged for the guests, at the beach.
The cruise can be exhausting, so keep Day 10 fairly lighter, and mark your evening for the Simon Cabaret Show.
Elaborate song and dance sequences, eccentric costumes, fancy light and sound effects, and some very talented ladyboys doing their thing – What’s not to like?
Protip: If you want a picture with the ladyboys, keep in mind that you’ll have to shell out 200 THB. They’ll tell you this only after you’ve clicked a picture.
Where to Stay in Phuket:
Luxury Hotels/Resorts in Phuket
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