Thailand’s diverse nature and vibrant culture make it one of the best countries to visit in Asia. But how can you get the most out of a 10-day vacation? With multiple destinations and a limited amount of time, it can be tough to choose where to go. Therefore, in this ultimate Thailand Travel Guide, you’ll discover 3 different 10-day itineraries with the perfect match for you. So get ready and learn how to spend 10 days in Thailand, the ideal itinerary & Thailand’s best destinations all in one…
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Intro
Tropical beaches, bays filled with turquoise waters, and delicious Thai food – is there anything else you could wish for? Thailand’s breathtaking scenery and cultural diversity make it the perfect place to put on your bucket list this year. Whether you are a beach bum, history lover, or adventurer, this Southeast Asian country has something for everyone. Think of Bangkok’s concrete jungle, Koh Phangan’s white sand beaches, and Chiang Rai’s grand temples. But how do you fit all those things into one trip? What does a perfect Thailand itinerary look like?
This guide includes 3 different travel itineraries outlining how to spend the perfect 10 days in Thailand. Not only will you get an overview of how many days to plan where, but also discover the best things to do. Scroll until the end to get more details about the destinations or to build your own itinerary. You’ll also find top recommendations on the best Thailand travel essentials along the way…
Traveling Thailand: What to Expect
Before diving into the best Thailand itinerary, let’s take a look at what to expect from traveling to Southeast Asia. Due to its geographical location, it’s important to not only keep the weather in mind but also know about Thailand’s different regions and how to get around. After all, this information is crucial for planning your 10 days in Thailand.
When to go to Thailand
Thailand experiences a tropical climate with hot and humid weather throughout the year. The months from May to October are known as the monsoon season, characterized by heavy rainfall. Thus, the best time to go to Thailand is during the cool season from November to April. During this time, you can expect sunny weather, great temperatures, and little to no rainfall. In fact, this makes it the perfect time to explore the country and lay on the beach.
Regions in Thailand
Bays surrounded by lush jungles, beautiful beaches, or sacred temples can be found all over the country, though certain places are known for some things more than others...
Northern Thailand
Known to have a generally cooler climate, Northern Thailand impresses with its stunning nature and the country’s highest mountain, Doi Inthanon. Its National Park is home to waterfalls such as Wachorathan and Mae Ya. Additionally, the most popular city Chiang Mai impresses with over 300 temples alone. Pai is another interesting destination for backpackers and spiritual goers alike.
Southern Thailand
On the contrary, South Thailand shines with countless beautiful beaches and islands. If you’re looking for a classical beach vacation in a resort, destinations like Koh Samui, Koh Phi Phi, and Phuket are the way to go. The tropical paradise also leads to a much higher number of tourists and thus tends to be more expensive.
Northeast Thailand | Isaan
Thailand’s largest region, also named Isaan, is a mainly rural area. Some highlights here are two national parks, the hot pink Siam Tulip fields, and wild elephants.
Central Thailand
Next, one of the most visited and important regions. The capital of Bangkok resides here and welcomes millions of tourists each year. Besides the historically important Chao Phraya River running through the region, Central Thailand is used for lots of farming.
Western Thailand
Last but not least, the country’s west has a picturesque scenery and plenty of outdoor activities. Kanchanaburi is one of the most visited areas here due to its natural wonders like a seven-tiered waterfall, plus offers insights into WWII with the Death Railway.
How to get around
After knowing about Thailand’s regions, the next question to tackle is how to get around. Generally, depending on the location, Thailand has different transportation options ranging from airplanes and boats on the islands to trains and buses on the mainland. Click on each transportation to learn more…
BY AIRPLANE
Considering time and comfort, taking the plane makes the most sense. Flights between the mainland and islands (or island to island) take about 1-2 hours, making it the most efficient way to get around Thailand. Especially when you only have 10 days; the last thing you want is wasting time on slower transportation. Depending on the flight route and time of booking, you can find reasonable prices. In comparison to taking a boat or bus/train, this option will be the most expensive though.
BY TRAIN
Secondly, a great alternative on the mainland is taking the train. To be precise, the trains going from northern Thailand all the way south are operated by the State Railway of Thailand. Notably, the route Chiang Mai – Bangkok is known to have the most scenic views, making it a great way to see the country. Yet, if saving time is important to you, the overnight train might be a better fit. Heading to Surat Thani by train will also give you the option to connect to ferries to popular islands.
BY BOAT / FERRY
Nonetheless, ferries are a great choice if you travel between nearby islands e.g. Koh Samui and Koh Phangan. If you can afford to spend more time in Thailand, consider going on a day ferry!
BY BUS
Finally, not as popular for long distances but even more important when it comes to reaching smaller parts of Thailand that aren’t well connected to the train system.
Travel Tip
Depending on where you are, local transportation can differ too. In populated places like Bangkok, taking the Skytrain or tuk-tuks will be a fantastic way to get around the city. Opting for taxis can also be a solid choice when arriving from an airport. Due to Thailand’s busy and hectic roads, renting a car or scooter is only advised if you are familiar with the area and a confident driver.
How to Spend 10 Days in Thailand
Three Perfect 10-Day Itineraries
As you already learned above, Thailand is a huge country with 1,430 islands offering many unique sceneries and things to do. From hidden beaches to the big city flair. So how do the perfect 10 days in Thailand look like? A little heads up: there is not ONE perfect itinerary since there are too many places to explore all over the country. Therefore, below you’ll find a collection of itineraries for either first-timers, beach lovers, or backpackers.
If you have the option to visit Thailand for more than 10 days, that’s even better! The itineraries can be adjusted individually, so feel free to add or swap certain destinations. You will learn more about each place in the next section.
Itinerary 1:
for First-Timers
Days 1-2: Chiang Mai
Days 3-5: Bangkok
Days 6-8: Phuket
Day 9: Koh Samui
Day 10: Koh Phangan
Itinerary 1: The Allrounder’s Guide
The perfect itinerary for first-timers or those who want to see most of Thailand. During these exciting 10 days, you will experience bustling cities, serene mountainscapes, and tropical island life. Your journey begins in Northern Thailand where you’ll explore intricate temples in Chiang Mai. Afterwards, you’ll visit the capital Bangkok for a couple of days until you head to Phuket. There, you can discover the island’s fascinating nature and old-town charm. The trip ends on Koh Samui and Koh Phangan, two smaller islands next to each other offering a more laid-back beach vacation. All in all, this itinerary goes from crazy busy to a peaceful paradise.
Itinerary 2:
for Beach Lovers
Days 1-3: Krabi
Days 4-6: Phuket
Days 7-8: Koh Samui
Days 9-10: Koh Phangan
Itinerary 2: A Beach Lover’s Dream
If you’d rather skip the big city bustle and rural areas, this one’s for you. Starting with Krabi, you’ll have the ideal kickoff for boat tours to nearby islands like Koh Phi Phi and Koh Lanta. Those places are famous for their secluded and naturally wonderful beaches/bays. Here, you’ll also find astonishing rock formations, i.e., Krabi’s Karst. Moreover, the next stop Phuket will impress you with more white sand beaches (Patong & Freedom Beach) and nearby coral reefs for snorkeling. Undoubtedly, this Thailand itinerary is perfect for all the beach bums out there or a romantic getaway.
Itinerary 3:
for Backpackers
Days 1-2: Chiang Rai
Days 3-5: Chiang Mai
Days 6-8: Pai
Days 9-10: Kanchanaburi
Itinerary 3: A Backpacker’s Paradise
You’re not too much into beach vacations? No problem! The question of how to spend 10 days in Thailand without going to beaches is answered with this itinerary. At first, you’ll be exploring the two northernmost cities in Thailand: Chiang Rai & Chiang Mai. Ancient temples, majestic mountain ranges, and national parks like Singha Park or Doi Inthanon are some of the best things to see here. Known for its hippie vibes, the next stop will be the rural town Pai. After spending your time there you’ll end your journey in Kanchanaburi. To conclude your trip, you’ll chase the most popular waterfalls in Thailand – the Erawan Falls. Considering everything, this itinerary will make all nature enthusiasts’ and hikers’ hearts skip a beat.
Overview: Thailand’s Best Destinations
Whether you want to learn more about the destinations listed above OR build your own itinerary, here you’ll find a collection of the best places to visit in Thailand. From more details on where to stay and how many days are ideal to the best things to do/see.
Bangkok
Firstly, let’s talk about Thailand’s capital. The big city vibes in Bangkok are unmatched, and the busy streets and grand temples really draw you in. Certainly it’s the ultimate place to learn more about Thai culture and history or to taste delicious Thai food on food tours. Staying in Sukhumvit or Siam Square will be the best option since both areas are the most modern and close to famous attractions.
10 things to do in Bangkok:
- Floating Market
- Wat Arun temple
- The Grand Palace temple
- Wat Pha temple
- Chatuchak Weekend Market shopping
- Lumphini Park
- centralwOrld shopping
- Asiatique The Riverfront shopping
- Jim Thompson House museum
- Saket Temple
Read more about Bangkok & get inspired in my full travel guide…
Phuket
As one of the most popular destinations in Thailand, Phuket shines with beautiful nature, old architecture, and a vibrant nightlife. It’s the picture-perfect scenery you see when thinking of Thai islands. Especially the vibes at Bangtoo Beach make it a captivating retreat in paradise.
10 things to do in Phuket:
- Wat Chalong – Chaithararam temple
- Kata Beach
- Naka Weekend Market shopping
- Patong Beach
- Cape Phrom Thep viewpoint
- Saphan Hin Park
- Karon View Point hike
- Karon Beach
- Ziplining at Hanuman World
- The Big Buddha temple
Chiang Mai
In contrast to the capital, the city of Chiang Mai offers big city vibes without the modernity. Not only did Chiang Mai used to be Thailand’s capital before Bangkok, but it’s also great for viewing historical temples and attractions. Besides, the best place to stay here is in the old city since it’s very walkable and close to everything.
10 things to do in Chiang Mai:
- Wat Phra That Doi Kham temple
- Tha Phae Gate
- Wat Phra Singh Woramahawihan temple
- Chiang Mai Night Bazaar shopping
- Wat Phra That Doi Suthep temple
- Hmong Doi Pui Village
- Royal Park Rajapruek
- Wat Chiang Man temple
- Doi Suthep-Pui National Park
- Doi Inthanon Nation Park day trip
Krabi
Next, if you want Phuket without the touristy party aspect, you’ll love Krabi. In comparison, Krabi is actually a province on southern Thailand’s west coast. What makes it so intriguing are the beautiful beaches and proximity to Phi Phi Islands or Koh Lanta. Ao Nang is a great place to stay and a fantastic starting point for boat tours. Your 10 days in Thailand will truly fly by with this one on the list!
10 things to do in Krabi:
- Wat Tham Suea temple
- Hong Island day trip
- Railay Beach
- Ko Poda day trip
- Ko Lanta day trip
- Khao Phanom Bencha National Park
- Ao Nang Beach
- Bamboo Island day trip
- Emerald Pool day trip
- Phi Phi Islands day trip
Kanchanaburi
Apart from islands and temples, Thailand is known for its nature and history. And you’ll find both in the town of Kanchanaburi in the west. Interesting sights from WWII can be spotted here, as well as the famous Erawan Falls and other national parks that will blow you away. Consider staying in Phueksakan Village to be close to most attractions.
10 things to do in Kanchanaburi:
- River Khwae Bridge
- Prasat Huang Sing Historical Park
- Giant Raintree (Monkey Pod Tree)
- Erawan National Park
- Wat Tham Suea (Tiger Cave) temple
- Sai Yok National Park
- Wat Tham Phu Wa temple
- Namtok Sai Yok Nui
- Mallika R.E 124 cultural center
- Wat Ban Tham temple
Chiang Rai
Despite the similar name to Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai is more rural and less populated. As the northernmost city in Thailand, temperatures here tend to be a little bit cooler than in the south. Without a doubt, Chiang Rai is most famous for Wat Song Khan aka the White Temple. Unless you only take a day-trip from Chiang Mai, the best place to stay here is the Clock Tower area.
10 things to do in Chiang Rai:
- Wat Rong Suea Ten aka Blue Temple temple
- Wat Song Khan aka White Temple temple
- Wat Huay Pla Kang: Goddess of Mercy temple
- Chiang Rai Night Bazaar shopping
- Clock Tower
- Wat Phra Kaew temple
- Walking Street shopping
- Singha Park
- Khun Korn Forest Park Waterfall
- Lam Nam Kok National Park
Koh Samui
Following, the island of Koh Samui is one of the most underrated destinations in Thailand. It offers the perfect mix of beachy vibes, breathtaking hikes, and a few ancient temples. Though mainly known for its beaches, Koh Samui also offers a few cities to fulfill your shopping cravings. The best place to stay on this island is Chaweng since it’s the hub of the island.
10 things to do in Koh Samui:
- Wat Plai Laem temple
- Mu Ko Ang Thong National Marine Park day trip
- Wat Phra Yai / Big Buddha temple
- Grandfather & Grandmother Rocks
- Central Samui shopping
- Fisherman’s Village shopping
- Na Mueang Waterfalls 1 & 2 hike
- Lamai Beach
- Tarnim Magic Garden temple
- Pig Island day trip
Read more about Koh Samui & get inspired in my full travel guide…
Pai
Another northern place worth a visit is the small town of Pai. The small population of around 6,000 makes it a unique spot to visit. Overall, Pai is known to be a hippie town and very welcoming to tourists. Also, the boho vibes make it the ideal stop for backpackers.
10 things to do in Pai:
- Nam Lod Cave
- Kho Ku So Bamboo Bridge
- Mo Pang Waterfall hike
- Wat Si Don Chai temple
- Chedi Phra That Mae Yen temple
- Santichon Village
- Yun Lai Viewpoint
- Pai Canyon hike
- Sai Ngam hot spring
- Huai Nam Dang National Park
Koh Phangan
Last but foremost, the enchanting island of Koh Phangan. Due to its proximity to Koh Samui, island hopping between these two is made super easy as there are many operating boats. The beaches, scenery, and water activities here are endless, making it a breeze to fill 10 days in Thailand. Even though Thong Sala is known as the busiest area on Phangan, it’s also the best place to stay since it has the most options for accommodation.
10 things to do in Koh Phangan:
- Bottle Beach
- Phaeng Noi Waterfall hike
- Mu Ko Ang Thong National Marine Park day trip
- Pantip Market shopping
- Namtok Than Sadet National Park
- Amstardam Bar for the views
- Secret Beach
- Thong Nai Pan Beach
- Haad Rin Beach
- Haad Yao Beach
Travel Essentials: What to Pack for Thailand
To wrap up this ultimate Thailand Travel Guide, let’s take a look at some Thailand travel essentials. Whether you are visiting beaches, national parks, or temples (read my guide on temple etiquette here) – here’s a list of absolute must-haves.
And this concludes the ultimate guide on how to spend 10 days in Thailand aka the best Thailand itinerary…
Whether you’re looking for a beach vacation or a true adventure, Thailand is the right place for you. As mentioned above, feel free to change up the itineraries to your liking to truly make it your own.
Now, with this guide, you should be all set for your next vacation in Southeast Asia!
Let me know what itinerary you liked the most! 🙂
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I love that you have included 3 options for different travel styles. I am mostly into mountains/hikes and food…so I’d probably mix your newbie itinerary with the one for backpackers. Pleases like Koh Samui look incredible!
Your photos are fabulous. <3
Been in Thailand few times and I love it. Going there in 1 month can wait to see more of the places. Good informations to keep.
Thanks for this helpful guide. I missed Chiang Rai during my first trip to Thailand and still dream of returning so I can go there! Saving this for trip planning.
I am planning a Thailand trip this year, and this came just at the right time! Beautiful photos! I’d love to hear some of your personal experiences traveling in Thailand as well.
I really want to visit Thailand and this guide is exactly what I needed! You share so much valuable information and your photos are stunning!!
I have heard Thailand is just an awesome place to visit. We haven’t traveled to that part of the world, but it’s on our list. Beautiful post.
Thailand looks like a beautiful place to visit! This post is a great reference point for anyone wanting to spend 10 days in Thailand. Thanks for sharing these gorgeous photos too!!
Great options. Definitely did a very similar first timer itinerary the first time we traveled here. Loved the combination of cultural, hiking, and beach goer information!
Great itinerary for Thailand when you have 10 days to explore.
Your photos of Thailand are beautiful and those alone are enticing me to bump my trip to Thailand further up the ladder for this year. I have a month to spend in Thailand and was thinking to hit the beaches also – can you suggest the best islands to visit for a week or so?
I‘m glad you got inspired to go to Thailand! If you want to hit more beaches, the beach lover‘s itinerary is a great start: I‘ve stayed on Koh Samui for a week before and loved it! Next time I would probably prioritize the coast of Krabi & Phuket though.
Wonderful information! I’d love to travel to Thailand one day.
We love the parts of Thailand we have seen but we still have so much more to explore. Will definitely be using your post to help plan our next trip. Living in Australia Thailand is a great place to spend a couple of weeks.
We are heading to Thailand for a month and cannot wait !! Hitting all these places except for Chiang Mai
Wow is this a thorough post! Everyone knows about Phuket, but I like that you included some lesser known areas… and don’t rush it… so many beautiful natural sites to enjoy…
Now which Thailand itinerary to choose, you’ve given some good options. Chang Rai would definitely be on my itinerary.
What realistic itineraries and beautiful pictures! The itinerary is easy to understand and has a very visually pleasing appeal. Thanks for your art I found another pretty site on the Internet. Xx