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10 Day Thailand Itinerary- Itinerary of Thailand
Planning a trip to Thailand?
Everything you need to have the best vacation ever with the best places to go, things to do, food to eat, and places to stay for 10 days in Thailand!
Thailand is one of my favorite countries in Asia. With gorgeous beaches, green jungles, sweet elephants, friendly people, and delicious food, a Thailand vacation is a great vacation.
Looking for the perfect Thailand travel itinerary with kids, as a couple, with friends, or a solo trip? I can help you. Use this detailed 10 day Thailand itinerary, with everything you need to know about the best way to travel Thailand- the top places to go in Thailand, the best places to stay, things to do, and places to eat.
This Thailand Itinerary 10 Days is perfect for a first time travel to Thailand and it’s also perfect for you if you have been to Thailand before.
This was my second trip to Thailand. This vacation plan covers all of the top destinations that I have enjoyed most, along with travel tips along the way.
The two best islands to visit in Thailand are Phuket and Koh Samui. For a 10 day Thailand itinerary, pick the island that sounds the best to you (see below.) If you have 2 weeks in Thailand, You may want to visit both.
Traveling around Thailand is easy- there are cheap flights throughout the country. I recommend booking these flights before you leave home.
Click here for the latest flight prices in Thailand
If you would like to split your time between Thailand and another country in Southeast Asia, see the links at the bottom of the post. These popular itineraries include the top places to visit in Southeast Asia.
Where to Go in Thailand
If you have more or less than 10 days in Thailand, use the itinerary ideas below for a 5 day Thailand itinerary or 7 day Thailand itinerary. Read on for the detailed plan for a fun-filled 10 day Thailand itinerary.
Click here to check prices for your flight to Thailand
See below for how to plan a trip to Thailand
Best Thailand Itinerary 10 Days-Thailand Trip Planner
2 Days in Bangkok
GET THERE
How to get to Bangkok from the airport
- The best way to get to your hotel from either of the Bangkok airports is by private transport (make sure to confirm which airport they are picking you up at) or by taxi (from the designated taxi pick up area ONLY.)
- Click here to book your Bangkok Airport pick-up in advance (it is so nice to have someone waiting for you at the airport!)
Thailand Travel Tip
Before leaving home, download the Grab App on your phone and set up your account. This is a great way to get around Thailand, but you need wifi to request transportation. Read more about this and other apps: Click here to get The Best Travel Apps
STAY
Where to stay in Bangkok
Looking for the best place to stay in Bangkok? Book a top-rated hotel here:
- Shangri-La Hotel Bangkok– We had a great stay here- it’s luxurious, has a refreshing pool on the river, and an excellent buffet breakfast. Click here for the latest prices
- Bangkok Marriott Hotel The Surawongse– Top rated and has a pool on the 18th floor! Click here for the latest prices
- Mandarin Oriental Bangkok– If you are looking for a high-end luxury hotel with a high price, the award-winning Mandarin is your place! Click here for the latest prices
- Royal Orchid Sheraton Hotel and Towers– This hotel has floor-to-ceiling windows that look out on the river. The convenient location, the refreshing pools, and the great buffet breakfast make up for it being a little less luxurious. We enjoyed our stay here. Click here for the latest prices
For more options click on Agoda or Booking.com
*For an extensive list of the top things to do in Bangkok, read my in-depth Bangkok Itinerary
DO
Here is an idea for a fun day in Bangkok:
- Take an early ferry to the Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaeo (Temple of the Emerald Buddha) and then Wat Pho (Reclining Buddha)
- Have a Thai lunch at nearby Ama Cafe
- Take the ferry to Wat Arun, walk around, then return and take a tuk tuk to your next site or back to your hotel
- Visit the Jim Thompson House or head back to your hotel for some refreshing pool time
- Click here to book a great tour in Bangkok or a day trip from Bangkok
Bangkok Travel Tip: There is a very strict dress code at the Grand Palace and surrounding wats. Your knees must be covered (long shorts will not work, nor will any sarong made with a sheer fabric), and shoulders must be covered completely (no cap sleeves or scarf, short or long sleeves only!)
- Have dinner at this small local Thai restaurant with delicious food, Zabbanglove
- Take a taxi to local foodie, Mark Weins’ favorite restaurant, Soei, or see his post on Best Bangkok Restaurants for Local Food
- Click here to book a good local Thai food tour
Pack carry on only for your trip to Thailand! Get the Ultimate Carry On Packing List
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10 Days Thailand Itinerary
3 Days Chiang Mai Itinerary
GET THERE
How to get to Chiang Mai
- The best way to get to Chiang Mai is to fly. Flights within Thailand are cheap and this convenient airport is a short taxi ride away from the center of town.
STAY
Where to stay in Chiang Mai
Looking for the best place to stay in Chiang Mai? Book a top-rated hotel here:
- Shangri La Hotel Chiang Mai– We had a great stay at this luxury resort, located just outside the hustle of the Old City. The rooms are luxurious and comfortable, the breakfast buffet is delicious (with lots of international food), and the pool was nice. The Club Level is wonderful. Click here for the latest prices
- Na Nirand Romantic Boutique Resort– An outstanding small resort just outside the Old City. Click here for the latest prices
- Anantara Chiang Mai Resort– A luxury resort near the Old City Click here for the latest prices
- Ping Nakara Boutique Hotel & Spa– An all-white colonial-style boutique hotel with only 19 rooms Click here for the latest prices
For more options, click on Booking.com or Agoda.com
DO
What to do in Chiang Mai for 3 days
There are so many things to do in Chiang Mai, but here are the highlights:
- Take a Muay Thai boxing class, then go see a professional match
- Walk around the Old City and visit one of the many cafes
- Visit Wat Chedi Luang and talk to the monks
- Take a bike tour around Chiang Mai
- Take a ride in a tuk tuk (a little taxi cart)
- Shop at the Saturday Night Market or Sunday Night Market
- Take a Thai cooking class
- Click here to book a private or group tour in Chiang Mai now
Day trips from Chiang Mai
- Blue Elephant Tours– Spend a day with the elephants trekking, swimming in a waterfall, feeding them, and much more. This is an absolute must while staying in Chiang Mai and was a Top Family Travel Experience
- Click here to book an elephant experience now
- Take a tour to Chiang Rai and the Golden triangle
- Visit Mae Rim, a long neck tribe, ricefields, take a waterfall hike in Mae Rim SA
- Visit Doi Suthep temple
- Click here to read reviews on the day trip tours from Chiang Mai
SPA
Best spa in Chiang Mai
- Fah Lanna Spa– with two locations, Old Town is luxurious with free transportation, and Fah Lanna Massage near the Night Bazaar cost less with excellent massage but not as luxurious
- Read the Top 10 Spas according to The Culture Trip
EAT
Where to eat in Chiang Mai
Ginger & Cafe- Hip local cafe, try the typical local food of khao soi
Pun Pun- Organic restaurant supporting local farmers
Woo Cafe & Art Gallery- Local food in a nice gallery/cafe
Ristr8to Coffee- Great for a morning or afternoon coffee
Cooking Love- Delicious local food with indoor and outdoor seating
Nun’s Restaurant- Home cooked local food in a tiny open-air restaurant
Davids Kitchen- High-end award-winning restaurant
SP Chicken- Amazing rotisserie chicken with sticky rice
Soi Khun Yai – small, open-air, street food local restaurant, that serves what may be the best bowl of khao soi (yellow egg noodles in curry) in Chiang Mai (order with chicken)
Thailand 10 Days Itinerary
*Travel to Koh Samui or scroll down if you are going to Phuket. The best time to travel to Koh Samui is from January through September.
4 Days Koh Samui Itinerary
GET THERE
How to get to Koh Samui on a budget
Fly into Surat Thani Airport, head to the Lomprayah booth to purchase tickets. Have a coffee at Take Off while you wait. The comfortable bus will take you to Tapee Pier, where you will catch the ferry to Nathan Pier Koh Samui. Taxis will be waiting as you exit the ferry (or you can book transportation in advance through Lomprayah)
The fastest way to get to Koh Samui
Fly into the Koh Samui Airport and take a taxi to your hotel
Click here to book your flights to Koh Samui
STAY
Where to stay in Koh Samui
Looking for the best place to stay in Koh Samui? Book a top-rated hotel here:
On Bophut Beach, near Fishermans Village:
- Hansar Samui Resort & Spa– This is a beautiful resort on the beach with a nice infinity pool. Make sure to get a room on the 2nd or 3rd floor, directly facing the ocean. A delicious breakfast buffet is served daily at the oceanfront restaurant. Click here for the latest prices
- Bo Phut Resort & Spa– A larger luxurious oceanfront resort that has won a Traveler’s Choice Award from Trip Advisor. Click here for the latest prices
Other areas of Koh Samui
- Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui– If you want the best of the best, stay in this dreamy resort. Click here for the latest prices
- Poppies Samui– Located on the south end of Chaweng Beach, this resort is described as “A tiny magical oasis of tropical enchantment.” Click here for the latest prices
For more options, click on Booking.com or Agoda.com to check reviews and prices
DO
Things to do in Koh Samui
- Relax by the pool and at the beach
- Go for an early morning walk on the beach (before it gets too hot)
- Swim in the calm ocean (best if in a roped-off area free of boats)
- Go on a snorkeling trip
- Go paddleboarding
- Stroll on the walking path to Fisherman’s village during the Monday and Wednesday night market
- Have a drink by the beach and watch the sunset
- Click here to book a snorkeling trip or another fun excursion
SPA
- Visit the spa at your resort or, if you are staying on Bophut Beach, walk to the fabulous Sakura Spa. We had massages in the oceanfront private room for couples, by Kitty & Keb for $10 (USD) each!
EAT
Coco Tam’s- Have drinks on the beach
The Hut Cafe – Make a reservation, this casual local Thai food restaurant was one of our favorites
Mr. Kai Kitchen- Cheap, casual, and delicious local food
K-Siri- Another great option for cheap, casual, and delicious local food
Supattra Thai Dining- Top rated Thai restaurant open for dinner only
Sean Og’s- Popular local Thai food restaurant
Samui Paleang Restaurant- Popular seafood restaurant
Popular street food: try Ran Lan Saka (check hours and arrive early before she runs out of food!)
5 Days in Phuket Itinerary
*The best time to visit Phuket is from November through April.
GET THERE
How to get to Phuket
- Fly into the Phuket International Airport and take a taxi or transfer to your hotel
- Click here to book your transfer now
STAY
Where to stay in Phuket
Phuket is a large island in Thailand and has many beach resort areas with something for everyone. My recommendation for where to stay in Phuket is based on the top ratings for all resorts on or very close to the beach in Phuket.
Looking for the best place to stay in Phuket? Book a top-rated hotel here:
- InterContinental Phuket Resort– This luxurious retreat is on Kamala beach and has everything you need for a perfect vacation in Phuket! Click here for the latest prices
- The Chava Resort– This luxury boutique resort is only 100 meters from Surin Beach as has 45 contemporary apartments. Click here for the latest prices
- The Surin Phuket– For relaxation and indulgence, this beachfront resort may be your dream hotel. Click here for the latest prices
- Renaissance Phuket Resort & Spa– This large luxurious mega resort by Marriott is only 15 minutes to the airport. Click here for the latest prices
For more options, click on Booking.com or Agoda.com
DO
What to do in Phuket
- Enjoy the beach in front of your hotel, or go check out the many gorgeous Thai beaches
- Visit the monkeys on the highest hill in Phuket town, Monkey Hill
- Go see the Big Buddha and enjoy a view looking over the island
- Check out Soi Dog Foundation, to visit with the rescued dogs and cats
- Walk along the street market in Phuket Town on Sundays
- Take a boat to Phi Phi Island
- Take a day trip to go snorkeling, speed boating to another island, hiking, take a cooking class..
Click here to book a good Phuket tour or day trip
EAT
There are so many great places to eat in Phuket,and the options depend on which part of the island you are staying on.
Check out the top rated places to eat local Thai food for cheap prices
GET HOME
- Fly home from your last destination, fly back to Bangkok (note that there are two airports in Bangkok and they are not near each other), or travel to another country in Southeast Asia with the detailed itineraries below:
Click on one of these links:
Thailand Bali Itinerary, Thailand Cambodia Itinerary, or Thailand Vietnam Itinerary
Thailand Map
You also may be interested in:
The Essential International Travel Checklist
Travel With the Best Snacks! (Don’t Miss the Delicious Protein Bar Recipes!)
Top Airport Travel Tips: The 3 Keys You Need To Know Before Your Next Trip
More Travel Resources for Thailand
Lonely Planet, Travel and Leisure, Forbes Travel, Travel Channel