10 Days in Thailand - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas

Itinerary #1: Ultimate Highlights of Thailand: Bangkok, Chiang Mai & Ko Samui 

Delight in a sampling of Thailand's city, mountain, and ocean highlights on this well-rounded 10-day trip. Ideal for first-time visitors to the country, you'll tick off a food and culture tour in Bang Rak, swim with elephants near Chiang Mai, and beach hop on Ko Samui. Other highlights include excursions into Doi Inthanon National Park and Angthong Marine Park and a guided city and temple tour in Bangkok.

Welcome to Thailand! Your ultimate adventure begins with three thrilling days in the chaotic yet welcoming city of Bangkok. Start with a free evening exploring on your own, then enlist the help of a local guide to delve into the city's highlights, including the temples of Wat Pho and Wat Arun, as well as the Emerald Buddha and Funeral Palace. Of course, no trip to Bangkok is complete without a food tour, which is what you'll do on Day 3. Next, fly to Chiang Mai and spend your first evening wandering around Wat Phra Singh and Wat Phan Tao.

With two more days based in Chiang Mai, delight in the opportunity to hike, feed, and swim with elephants, followed by a morning devoted to exploring Doi Inthanon National Park and admiring its many waterfalls. A flight bound for Ko Samui is next on your itinerary, and after arriving on Thailand's second-largest island, the evening is yours to shop, dine, and relax. Eager for more adventure, wake early the following morning and embark on an excursion to Angthong Marine Park, complete with time to snorkel, swim, and relax. Lastly, savor a day of beach hopping before catching your onward flight. Learn more

Itinerary #2: Thailand Culinary Tour: Bangkok, Chiang Mai & Phuket

Thailand is known globally for its exotic food and flavor-packed dishes, and this culinary journey has you tasting the best of them. Crafted especially for foodies, you'll tour vibrant markets alongside local guides, attend a cooking class in Chiang Mai, and embark on two sunset dinner cruises. In between, admire the country's intricate temples and explore Phuket's powdery beaches and craggy coastlines.

Straight after settling into your accommodation in Bangkok, your culinary-infused journey starts with a delightful dinner cruise along the Chao Phraya River. Then, it's off on a day trip filled with market visits, including the Mae Klong Railway Market and the iconic Damnoen Saduak Floating Market. The next morning, wander the Grand Palace and the temple of Wat Pho before delving into Chinatown's street food scene. Your adventure continues to Chiang Mai, where you'll wander the streets of the Old City and follow a local guide through Warorot and the Night Bazaar, sampling typical dishes.

Over the following two days, dive deeper into Chiang Mai's culture and cuisine. Spend a morning at the mountaintop temple of Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, join a cooking class at Baan Hong Nual, and round off your stay with an exhilarating Vespa tour. Next, you're off to Phuket, where your final three days will be spent experiencing the diversity of this welcoming island. Highlights include a half-day tour with stops at the beaches of Patong, Kata, and Karon, a visit to Phuket's colorful Old Town, and a memorable sunset dinner cruise to celebrate the end of your Thailand adventure. Learn more

Itinerary #3: Thailand Heritage Tour: Chiang Mai to Phuket

Perfect for travelers seeking a thorough introduction to Thailand's history and culture while also pausing to relax on idyllic beaches, this itinerary promises a little bit of everything. During a stay in Chiang Mai, you'll spend a morning with elephants and embark on a day trip to the Golden Triangle. Then, stop by Bangkok for city, food, and market tours, and dedicate two days to soaking up Krabi's picturesque caves and islands before the adventure ends in Phuket.

Begin your adventure in Chiang Mai, shrugging off any jet lag as you immerse yourself in the city's intricate temples and vibrant markets. Over the following two days, delve deeper into the captivating culture of northern Thailand. Begin with a morning in Meung Kud village, learning about and bathing with elephants before exploring the artisan crafts of Sankampang District and unraveling the mysteries of the Golden Triangle. An overnight in Sukhothai is next on the agenda, where you'll spend the afternoon at the ruin-dotted Sukhothai Historical Park and take an optional sunset bike ride. 

A quick but thorough two-night stay in Bangkok is next on the itinerary, and you'll find plenty of time to sample street food in Chinatown, cruise along the Chao Phraya River, and visit iconic landmarks like Wat Arun, Wat Pho, and The Grand Palace. Next, hop on a flight bound for Krabi and discover the laid-back side of Thailand while relaxing on Ao Nang Beach and boating, swimming, and snorkeling around the wonders of Ao Phang Nga National Park. Then, spend your final day absorbing the vibrant sights, sounds, and smells of Thalang Road's popular market and relishing an evening performance at the Simon Cabaret Show. Learn more

Itinerary #4: Thailand City, Beach & Countryside Tour: Bangkok, Kanchanaburi, Chiang Mai & Phuket 

Thailand has many equally fascinating sides, from remote beaches and pristine waterfalls to chaotic markets and war-scarred towns, and this 10-day tour highlights the best of them. Featuring stays in Bangkok, Kanchanaburi, Chiang Mai, and Phuket, coupled with city and market tours and day excursions, you'll discover the unique charm of each region. Plus, with a morning alongside elephants, a trip into Erawan National Park, and a day devoted to the Phi Phi Islands, there's no shortage of bucket-list-worthy moments.

Your thrilling 10-day Thailand trip begins in Bangkok, where you'll immediately be awestruck by the controlled chaos of this bustling capital city while wandering Chinatown and attempting to keep track of your whereabouts at Chatuchak Market. Then, after a guided tour around the Grand Palace and Wat Arun and a stop by Mae Klong Railway Market and Damnoen Saduak Floating Market, you'll find yourself in the storied town of Kanchanaburi. During your stay, dedicate a day to discovering the many wonders of Erawan National Park and hop on a bamboo raft for a float down the River Khwae. 

Nearing the halfway mark of your trip, it's time to board a flight bound for Chiang Mai and settle in for three days of exploration. Begin with a leisurely evening touring the city's temples and markets, then rise early for a fascinating morning helping to care for elephants in Meung Kud village. Before leaving northern Thailand, take advantage of your proximity to Laos and Myanmar during a journey to the Golden Triangle. Lastly, in Phuket, wander Old Town, embark on a day trip to the Phi Phi Islands, and enjoy an evening performance at the Simon Cabaret Show. Learn more

Itinerary #5: Gulf of Thailand Island Hopping: Ko Samui, Ko Tao & Ko Phangan 

Crafted for travelers craving a tranquil getaway, this island-hopping adventure is filled with palm-fringed beaches, crystal-clear waters, and hints of pampering. Featuring three nights each on Ko Samui, Ko Tao, and Ko Phangan and numerous side trips to small islands, you'll lose track of time as you snorkel tropical fish-filled waters, admire sweeping views during short hikes, and feast on fresh seafood. Round off your serene escape with visits to the Eranda Herbal Spa and Anantara Ko Phangan Spa.

Upon landing on the serene island of Ko Samui, embrace the slower-paced island life while settling into your hotel and sinking your toes into soft-sand beaches. Continue the relaxed theme over the following days, first during a scenic boat trip to Ko Tan and Ko Madsum and then during a pamper session at the decadent Eranda Herbal Spa. If you're feeling more active, take advantage of a free afternoon to trek to Namtok Hin Lat waterfall before catching a speed boat to Ko Tao. Once checked into your resort, spend the rest of the day snorkeling at Freedom Beach or hiking to Juan Suwan Viewpoint. 

Over the next two days, delve deeper into Ko Tao's pristine waters and hidden coves. Highlights include a dive trip tailored to your ability and a free day to bask on the beaches of June Juea and Mango Bay, but soon, it's time to hop to Ko Phangan via speedboat. Get to know your new idyllic surroundings while meandering through the village of Chaloklum and hiking to the secluded Bottle Beach. Then, top off your trip with a hike to the summit of Khao Ra and a massage at Anantara Ko Phangan Spa before speedboating to Ko Samui to catch your onward flight. Learn more

More Great 10-Day Thailand Itineraries

Looking for more inspiration for your trip to Thailand? Check out these other 10-day Thailand itineraries, with outdoor adventures, cultural trips, and best-of tours to hit the highlights.