10 Days Thailand Itinerary: Bangkok, Chiang Mai & Phuket
This 10-day itinerary explores the highlights of Thailand, from the bustling city of Bangkok to the serene temples of Chiang Mai and the beautiful beaches of Phuket. It balances cultural immersion with relaxation and adventure, all within a budget-friendly framework.
Duration
10 days
Budget
$500-1000 total estimate
Best Time
November to February
Activities
35
Daily Avg
$75/day
Cities
Bangkok (2d), Chiang Mai (3d), Phuket (5d)
Pace
Moderate
Thailand offers a vibrant blend of culture, stunning landscapes, and delicious cuisine. It's a budget-friendly destination with something for every traveler.
Your itinerary covers 5 of 12 must-have experiences
Temple Visits
Day 1: Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn)
Street Food
Multiple days
Island Hopping
Day 8: Phi Phi Islands Tour
Night Markets
Day 3: Chiang Mai Night Bazaar
Thai Massage
e.g., Traditional Thai Massage, Foot Massage
Cooking Class
e.g., Learn to make Pad Thai, Learn to make Green Curry
Ethical Elephant Encounter
Day 5: Ethical Elephant Sanctuary
Rooftop Bars
e.g., Sky Bar (Bangkok), Octave Rooftop Lounge & Bar (Bangkok)
Beaches
Day 6: Patong Beach
Cultural Shows
e.g., Siam Niramit, Muay Thai
Historical Sites
e.g., Ayutthaya, Sukhothai
Water Activities
Day 8: Snorkeling in Phi Phi
Thai cuisine is a vibrant explosion of flavors, balancing sweet, sour, salty, spicy, and savory elements. From bustling street food stalls to upscale restaurants, Thailand offers a diverse culinary landscape that caters to every palate. Be prepared for bold flavors and fresh ingredients!
Must-Try Dishes
Thailand's iconic stir-fried rice noodles with shrimp, tofu, peanuts, bean sprouts, and egg, tossed in a tangy tamarind sauce. A must-try for any visitor.
๐ Street food stalls, restaurants all over Thailand
A hot and sour shrimp soup infused with lemongrass, galangal, kaffir lime leaves, chili, and fish sauce. A flavorful and aromatic experience.
๐ Restaurants specializing in Thai cuisine
A creamy and fragrant green curry made with coconut milk, green chilies, bamboo shoots, Thai basil, and your choice of meat (chicken, pork, or beef).
๐ Restaurants specializing in Thai cuisine
Sweet sticky rice served with fresh slices of ripe mango and drizzled with coconut milk. A classic Thai dessert.
๐ Street food stalls, dessert shops
Food Neighborhoods
known for street food and Chinese-Thai cuisine
known for late-night street food
known for a wide variety of Northern Thai dishes and international options
known for diverse street food, including Muslim and Chinese influenced dishes
Vegetarian and vegan options are increasingly available, especially in tourist areas. Look for dishes marked 'jay' (vegetarian) or ask if dishes can be prepared without meat or fish sauce. Halal food is available in Muslim neighborhoods. Be aware of ingredients if you have allergies (nuts, shellfish are common).
Use a serving spoon to take food from shared dishes. Chopsticks are typically used for noodle dishes, while a fork and spoon are used for rice dishes. It's considered polite to leave a small amount of food on your plate. Avoid sticking your chopsticks upright in a bowl of rice, as it resembles a funerary offering.
Songkran
Thai New Year water festival - the world's largest water fight.
Note: Book 1 month ahead
Loy Krathong
Festival of Lights with floating lanterns and flower offerings on water.
Note: Book 1-2 months ahead for Chiang Mai
๐ฃ๏ธInteresting Detours & Side Trips
- ๐ถArrive at Hostel (pre-booked) via taxi from airport.$10
2:00 PM - Check in to Hostel
Settle into your accommodation in the Khao San Road area.
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- ๐ถTake a short taxi or tuk-tuk ride from Khao San Road to Wat Arun.$3
4:00 PM - Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn)
Explore the iconic temple on the Chao Phraya River.
Book on Klook - ๐ถWalk from Wat Arun back to Khao San Road.$5
6:00 PM - Dinner at Khao San Road
Enjoy street food and the lively atmosphere.
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Khao San Road
Central location with many budget-friendly options and close to attractions.
๐ Best Time to Visit
November to February
The weather is generally sunny and dry, with comfortable temperatures and low humidity. This makes it ideal for exploring the country's attractions and enjoying outdoor activities.
November to February is the dry season in Thailand, making it the most popular time to visit due to pleasant weather.
Songkran (Thai New Year) in April can cause disruptions to travel and accommodation.
Getting Around
BTS/MRT in Bangkok; songthaews and tuk-tuks elsewhere
Rabbit Card (BTS) / MRT Card
Use Grab for fair-priced rides. Always agree on tuk-tuk fare before getting in.
Travel
$200Accommodation
$150Food
$100Activities
$50Embrace street food and local markets for incredibly delicious, authentic, and budget-friendly meals. Eating where locals eat is often the best and cheapest option.
Utilize local transportation like songthaews, public buses, or the BTS Skytrain and MRT in Bangkok. These are much cheaper than taxis for short distances.
Indulge in a luxurious traditional Thai massage or a full spa day. The quality and affordability, especially outside of high-end resorts, are unmatched.
Experience a cooking class to delve deeper into Thai cuisine. It's an immersive cultural experience and a skill you can take home.
Always agree on a taxi or tuk-tuk fare *before* starting your journey, or insist on using the meter (especially in Bangkok taxis). Be firm but polite.
Carry small denominations of Thai Baht (20, 50, 100 notes) for street vendors, small shops, and local transport, as larger notes can sometimes be difficult to break.
- Bargain respectfully when shopping.
- Learn a few basic Thai phrases.
- Stay hydrated and wear sunscreen.
- Be aware of scams and tourist traps.
- Dress respectfully when visiting temples (cover shoulders and knees).
- 1Lightweight clothing
- 2Swimsuit
- 3Sunscreen
- 4Insect repellent
- 5Comfortable walking shoes
Visa requirements
Check your nationality's visa requirements for Thailand well in advance and apply if necessary. Many nationalities receive visa-exempt entry or visa-on-arrival for short stays.
International and domestic flights
Book international flights 3-6 months ahead for best prices, especially during peak season. Domestic flights can be booked 1-2 months out.
Accommodation (hotels/guesthouses)
Secure your lodging, especially for popular destinations like Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket, or Krabi, 2-4 months in advance during peak season.
Travel insurance
Crucial for medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and lost luggage. Arrange immediately after booking flights.
Popular tours and excursions
For high-demand experiences like Phi Phi Island tours, ethical elephant sanctuary visits, or Full Moon Parties, book weeks or even months ahead to secure spots.
Airport transfers
Pre-arrange transfers from major airports (BKK, DMK, CNX) to your hotel, particularly if arriving late at night, to ensure a smooth and hassle-free start.
eSIM / SIM card
Consider purchasing an eSIM online or pre-ordering a physical SIM for airport pickup to ensure immediate connectivity upon arrival.
Note: Travel conditions, regulations, and local customs may change. We recommend verifying essential details โ such as visa requirements, emergency contacts, and payment options โ closer to your travel date.
SIM & Connectivity
SIM Options
๐ Airalo website or app
๐ Suvarnabhumi (BKK) and Don Mueang (DMK) airports, AIS stores, convenience stores (7-Eleven, FamilyMart)
๐ Suvarnabhumi (BKK) and Don Mueang (DMK) airports, TrueMove H stores, convenience stores (7-Eleven, FamilyMart)
๐ Online booking platforms like Klook or direct from rental companies.
Free WiFi is widely available in hotels, cafes, and restaurants, especially in tourist areas. Public WiFi hotspots are also available in some cities, but the speed and reliability can vary.
Useful Apps
Purchase a SIM card upon arrival at the airport for easy connectivity. Consider an eSIM for convenience if your phone supports it. Download offline maps and translation tools before your trip. Be aware of data roaming charges if you choose not to use a local SIM. Confirm the SIM card is properly activated before leaving the store.
Electric Socket Guide
Socket Types
Two flat parallel pins
Two flat parallel pins + round ground
Two round pins (Europlug)
Three round pins (Thai)
220V
50Hz
Tipping Etiquette
10% at sit-down restaurants if no service charge
Round up to the nearest 10 baht
20โ50 baht per bag for porters
Tipping is appreciated but not obligatory. Leave change at casual eateries.
Safety & Travel Advisories
Thailand is generally a safe country for tourists. Be aware of scams targeting tourists, especially in crowded areas. Exercise caution with your belongings and avoid walking alone at night in poorly lit areas.
Check official government advisories for the latest safety information, entry requirements, and travel warnings before your trip.
Emergency Numbers
191
1669
199
1155 (English-speaking)
Tourist police (1155) is the best option for visitors
Payments
Cash preferred at markets, street food, and small shops
Widely accepted at malls, hotels, and mid-range+ restaurants
Growing acceptance; PromptPay QR codes common
ATMs dispense 1000-baht notes; break them at 7-Eleven. Carry small bills for street vendors.
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How was this itinerary?
The best time to visit Thailand is during the dry season, from November to February. The weather is pleasant with comfortable temperatures and low humidity, making it ideal for exploring the country.
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Customize This Trip
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- Personalized for your dates
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- Offline access
- Real-time pricing
- Budget tracking
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