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If you’re searching for a holiday destination that quite literally has it all, look no further than Thailand. Considered one of the most popular countries for tourists in South East Asia, Thailand is guaranteed to blow you away with its incredible natural beauty.
No matter which part of the country you explore during your holiday, I guarantee you’ll find extraordinary sights, the friendliest of locals and tasty cuisine (who doesn’t love Thai food?). From deep in the mountains in the north or relaxing on the picture-perfect islands in the south.
In this 10 day Thailand itinerary, we’ll take you on a journey from north to south, highlighting must-see spots, hidden gems, and unforgettable experiences. I call this itinerary the ‘guaranteed good time’!
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Before you go: Visiting Thailand
Best time of year to visit Thailand
The best time of year for your 10 day Thailand itinerary typically is between November and early April, when the weather is dry, sunny, and ideal for sightseeing, beach trips, and outdoor excursions. This is also the peak tourist season, so expect lively crowds and higher prices.
From March to May, the country enters its hot season, with soaring temperatures, but fewer tourists, perfect if you’re keen to experience Thai festivals like Songkran, a celebration of Lunar New Year and often referred to as ‘the world’s biggest water fight’.
Getting around Thailand
As this is a 10 day Thailand itinerary, I personally recommend catching a mixture of domestic flights and trains between regions to make sure you’re making the most out of your trip. Domestic flights are super affordable (often less than $40) and can save you hours, especially when covering long distances like from Chiang Mai to the islands.
If you’re a budget backpacker, keep in mind that while buses are the cheapest option, they can take up to 18 hours from north to south, so you’ll need to weigh the savings against valuable travel time. Trains, particularly overnight sleepers, offer a comfortable middle ground and can double as both transport and accommodation.
Ultimate 10 day Thailand itinerary
Day 1-2: Bangkok
A couple of days in the buzzing capital is the best way to kick off your trip in high-tempo fashion. Chaotic and colorful, Bangkok is full of iconic spots, from ancient temples to roaring nightlife. For our comprehensive guide to the city, including where to stay and places to eat, don’t miss our expert two-day Bangkok itinerary.
Temple hopping
Bangkok’s temples are nothing short of phenomenal. Start your day early and head to Wat Pho, home of the famous reclining Buddha and one of the oldest temples in the city. From there, a short walk will take you to the Grand Palace, the official residence of the Kings of Siam. Grand Palace tickets often include a free theater performance which depicts some of Thailand’s most legendary folklores through masked dance.
After the palace, head across the river to Wat Arun, where you can climb its steep steps for one of the best skyline views in the city. If you’re short on time, hire a tuk-tuk or jump on the Chao Phraya river ferry to make hopping between sites easier.
Canal cruises and floating markets
To get a glimpse of Bangkok’s quieter side, take a longtail boat through the city’s canals. You’ll drift past wooden stilt houses, tiny neighbourhood temples, and floating markets that feel a world away from the hustle and bustle of city life. Most tours last around 1–2 hours and can be easily arranged online a couple of days before (especially during high season).
Are you finding the tourist crowds are getting in the way of your vibe? We’ve compiled a guide to the best unusual and unique things in Bangkok (well off-the-beaten-path).
Visit one of the many rooftop bars
Bangkok is famous for its rooftop bar scene. Throughout the city, you have endless choices of bars to spend your evening watching the sunset over the skyscrapers. To make your decision easier, I always recommend first-timers visit Tichuca, perfect for Instagram-worthy shots and the ultimate spot to unwind with a cocktail while soaking in panoramic views that stretch for miles across the Bangkok skyline.
Day 3-4: Chiang Mai
Time to swap the city for a couple of days of chilled-out mountain scenery. From Bangkok, you can opt for a three-hour flight, or for a more cultural, slowed-down experience, board an overnight sleeper train that meanders through the beautiful Thai countryside (and will also save you money on accommodation for the night).
Explore the old city and take part in a Monk Chat
Take yourself on a self-guided tour around Chiang Mai’s Old City, where centuries-old temples sit among boutique cafes and restaurants. It’s easy to spend a morning temple-hopping to beat the day’s heat, with Wat Phra Singh, Wat Chedi Luang, and Wat Chiang Man all within walking distance.
For those curious about Buddhism and craving an eye-opening, unique experience, stop by a Monk Chat, a casual, open forum where young monks practise their English while sharing insights about monastic life, mindfulness, and Thai culture. At Wat Chedi Luang, these sessions run all day, every day – and won’t cost you a penny.
Hike up the famous Sticky Waterfalls
Either hire a motorbike, or if you’re less confident, join a tour to reach the Sticky Waterfalls, a natural limestone cascade about an hour from Chiang Mai. Thanks to the grippy mineral surface, you can hike straight up the falls without slipping, no ropes or gear needed. It’s a fun, unexpected adventure and a great way to cool off in the jungle while getting some amazing photos.
On your way back, consider stopping off at the Carp Café, one of Thailand’s most Instagrammable cafes. Here, you can sip an iced coffee or Thai milk tea while sitting on glass platforms suspended over a koi-filled pond. You also have the option to stretch your legs and wander through the café’s mini rainforest, where wooden walkways wind between tropical plants, koi ponds, and whimsical décor.
Watch a live Muay Thai fighting match
There’s no better way to experience Thailand’s national sport than by seeing it in the flesh. Chiang Mai is home to four Muay Thai stadiums, giving you plenty of opportunities to witness a live fight. You can book tickets via the official website and prepare to watch locals and international fighters go head-to-head in intense battles.
For me personally, this is one of my favorite experiences in Chiang Mai – and one you might even find yourself doing more than once.
Thinking about staying a little longer in Chiang Mai? We’ve prepared the ultimate 3 day guide to Chiang Mai.
Day 5-6: Pai
Brave the windy road from Chiang Mai via a three-hour minibus to reach Pai, one of the most popular backpacker destinations in all of Thailand. For the next couple of days, you can choose to take it slow and soak in Pai’s laid-back charm, or dive into its renowned party scene. Below, we’ve given some options for both routes (although the next day requires an early start, so maybe factor that into your evening plans).
Spend the day sightseeing
If you’re happy with riding a motorbike, I recommend dedicating a couple of hours to explore Pai’s lush surroundings and key tourist attractions.
Within a few hours, you can hit all the local highlights, including the White Buddha, Bamboo Bridge, and Mo Paeng Waterfall, all set against the region’s rolling green hills and rice fields. In the evening, watch sunset at Pai Canyon, one of the best viewpoints in the area, with dramatic ridges and panoramic views.
Try out tipsy tubing
On the complete opposite side of the spectrum, try out Tipsy Tubing, Pai’s rowdiest river activity for both groups and solo travelers. You’ll float lazily down the river in a giant inflatable tube, stopping at riverside bars along the way for beers, buckets, and games.
It’s messy, social, and not for the faint-hearted, but is considered to be a backpacker rite of passage, filled with EDM and hilarious memories (or lack thereof, depending on how many buckets you have).
Fill your stomach at Pai’s Walking Street
No matter what activity you choose, in the evening, head to Pai’s Walking Street, where food stalls line the road with the smell of sizzling skewers, fresh roti, and steaming bowls of noodles. It’s the perfect place to graze your way through dinner, grab a little of everything and find a spot to sit, snack, and people-watch as musicians bring the street to life.
If you’re looking for more things to fill your days in Pai, we’ve prepared a Pai bucket list of the best experiences in the region.
Day 7: Khao Sok
For me, Khao Sok is an absolute must on your 10 day Thailand itinerary. It’s one of the country’s most underrated gems with towering limestone cliffs, emerald-green lakes, and ancient rainforest that feels like a scene out of Jurassic Park.
Getting there takes a bit of effort: head back to Chiang Mai early in the morning, then catch a flight south to Surat Thani. From there, it’s a 1.5–2 hour drive to the national park. It’s a long travel day, but trust me, it’s worth it.
Stay in a floating bungalow
The main way to visit Khao Sok is by booking a tour, which often includes your transfer to the national park, accommodation, activities and all your meals. This honestly just saves you so much hassle!
From the longtail boat rides to the floating bungalows and jungle hikes, this excursion is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, with the opportunity to immerse yourself in Thailand’s incredible nature.
You’ll get up close to towering limestone cliffs, hidden caves, and lush jungle teeming with wildlife. And, of course, if you book yourself into Smiley Bungalows you’ll also have the ultimate bragging rights. Yes, you can say you spent the night in a floating bungalow, waking up to mist rising off the lake and nothing but nature all around you.
Day 8-10: Koh Tao
Part of your Khao Sok excursion will include transportation to your next destination, meaning you can head straight off to Koh Tao to end your holiday on a beach. After a minibus journey and a high-speed catamaran, you’ll arrive on the island paradise with the option to spend your final days relaxing or diving (literally) straight into activities.
Snorkeling and diving trips
Koh Tao’s marine life is world-famous, and for good reason. For keen divers, it’s also one of the cheapest and most accessible places in the world to get your PADI certification, whether you’re a complete beginner or working your way up to Divemaster level. The waters are warm, clear, and packed with colourful reef life, from parrotfish and sea turtles to the occasional reef shark.
Even if diving isn’t your thing, there are plenty of places to go snorkeling on the island. Spots like Shark Bay, Aow Leuk, and Tanote Bay are easy to reach and offer stunning underwater views straight from the shore. Either rent your own mask or hop on a half-day boat tour and explore hidden bays and coral gardens, with plenty of swim stops along the way.
Hike up John Suwan viewpoint
For a perfect final send-off, hike up to the John-Suwan Viewpoint at sunrise. The trail is short but steep, and once you reach the top, you’ll be rewarded with panoramic, symmetrical views over the island’s twin bays and other islands in the distance.
This is an extremely popular photo spot, so be prepared to queue at the top or simply enjoy the sun slowly lighting up the jungle with fellow travelers, as you prepare to end your holiday, or do what I did and simply stay for another two weeks.
If you’re after a quieter, or less backpacker-y beach experience, make your way to the more bougie resorts of Phuket or Koh Samui. And if the extra domestic flights sound too exhausting, you can always head to Pattaya (just outside Bangkok) which is full of vibrant restaurants, Thai-famous beaches and things to do.
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