10 Days Thailand Budget Itinerary
This 10-day backpacking itinerary explores the best of Thailand, from the temples and markets of Bangkok to the cultural hub of Chiang Mai and the stunning beaches of Krabi. Experience the authentic flavors, vibrant culture, and breathtaking scenery of this Southeast Asian gem on a budget.
Duration
10 days
Budget
$300-500 (excluding international flights)
Best Time
November to February is the best time to visit Thailand, as the weather is cooler and drier, making it ideal for exploring the country
Activities
56
Daily Avg
$40/day
Cities
Bangkok (6d), Krabi (4d)
Pace
Fast
Thailand offers a vibrant mix of ancient culture, stunning natural landscapes, and delicious cuisine, all at an affordable price. From bustling cityscapes to serene beaches and lush jungles, there's something for every traveler.
Your itinerary covers 13 of 15 must-have experiences
A Temple
Day 1: Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn)
Night Market
Day 1: Dinner at Khao San Road
Beach
Day 7: Ferry to Railay Beach
Island
Day 7: Ferry to Railay Beach
Floating Market
Day 3: Damnoen Saduak Floating Market
Thai Massage
Day 6: Thai Cooking Class
Street Food
Day 1: Dinner at Khao San Road
Ethical Elephant Sanctuary
Day 5: Elephant Sanctuary Visit
Cooking Class
Day 6: Thai Cooking Class
River Cruise
Day 2: Chao Phraya River Boat Trip
Rock Climbing
Day 7: Ferry to Railay Beach
Sunset Spot
Day 1: Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn)
Local Market
Day 3: Damnoen Saduak Floating Market
National Park
e.g., Erawan National Park, Khao Sok National Park
Waterfall
e.g., Erawan Falls, Doi Inthanon waterfalls
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.
📍 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.
📍 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).
📍 Restaurants specializing in Thai cuisine
Sweet sticky rice served with fresh slices of ripe mango and drizzled with coconut milk. A classic Thai dessert.
📍 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
🛣️Interesting Detours & Side Trips
- 🚶Arrive at Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK).$2
2:00 PM - Arrive at Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK)
Take the Airport Rail Link to Phaya Thai station, then transfer to the BTS Skytrain to your hostel/guesthouse in the Khao San Road area. This is a budget-friendly option compared to taxis.
- 🚶Take Airport Rail Link to Phaya Thai Station, then a taxi or tuk-tuk to Khao San Road Area.$5-10
4:00 PM - Check into Hostel/Guesthouse
Settle in and leave your luggage. Khao San Road is a popular area for backpackers.
🏨Create Custom ItineraryAdd your hotel booking
Search and add hotels to see on maps
Create a free custom itinerary to add hotels and restaurants
- 🚶Walk or take a short tuk-tuk ride to Wat Arun Ratchawararam Ratchawaramahawihan.$3
5:00 PM - Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn)
Take a ferry across the Chao Phraya River to Wat Arun. The intricate details and sunset views are breathtaking. Arrive before sunset to get the best spot.
Book on Klook - 🚶Walk along the riverfront or take a short taxi/tuk-tuk ride to Khao San Road.$5
7:00 PM - Dinner at Khao San Road
Explore the street food stalls on Khao San Road. Try Pad Thai, mango sticky rice, or spring rolls.
🍽️Create Custom ItineraryAdd restaurants for Dinner
Get personalized restaurant recommendations
Create a free custom itinerary to add hotels and restaurants
- 🚶Explore Khao San Road on foot.$3
8:30 PM - Explore Khao San Road Nightlife
Enjoy the lively atmosphere of Khao San Road. Grab a Chang beer and people-watch.
Book on Klook
Khao San Road
Central location, budget-friendly, vibrant nightlife, close to major attractions.
📅 Best Time to Visit
November to February is the best time to visit Thailand, as the weather is cooler and drier, making it ideal for exploring the country.
The weather is generally sunny and dry with comfortable temperatures, ideal for outdoor activities and exploring the country. Humidity is lower compared to other times of the year.
November to February is the dry and cool season, making it the most popular time to visit.
Songkran (Thai New Year) in April can cause disruptions and higher prices.
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
$50-80 (including domestic flights and buses)Accommodation
$80-100 (hostels and budget guesthouses)Food
$100-150 (street food and local restaurants)Activities
$70-120 (entrance fees, tours, and activities)Embrace 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.
- Learn a few basic Thai phrases.
- Bargain respectfully when shopping at markets.
- Dress modestly when visiting temples (cover shoulders and knees).
- Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water.
- Be aware of scams and tourist traps.
- Use sunscreen and insect repellent.
- Be respectful of Thai culture and customs.
- Download offline maps and translation apps.
- 1Lightweight and breathable clothing
- 2Comfortable walking shoes
- 3Swimsuit
- 4Sunscreen
- 5Insect repellent
- 6Universal adapter
- 7Reusable water bottle
- 8Small backpack
- 9First-aid kit
- 10Sarong (versatile for temples and beaches)
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 — such as visa requirements, emergency contacts, and payment options — closer to your travel date.
SIM & Connectivity
SIM Options
📍 Airalo website or app
📍 Suvarnabhumi (BKK) and Don Mueang (DMK) airports, AIS stores, convenience stores (7-Eleven, FamilyMart)
📍 Suvarnabhumi (BKK) and Don Mueang (DMK) airports, TrueMove H stores, convenience stores (7-Eleven, FamilyMart)
📍 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
20–50 baht per bag for porters
Tipping is appreciated but not obligatory. Leave change at casual eateries.
Safety & Travel Advisories
Thailand is generally safe for tourists. Be aware of petty theft, especially in crowded areas. Exercise caution with scams and be respectful of local customs.
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.
Customize This Trip
Get this itinerary tailored to YOUR exact dates, preferences, and budget.
- Personalized for your dates
- Weather-aware recommendations
- Offline access
- Real-time pricing
- Budget tracking
No sign-up required
Quick Actions
Trip Summary
How was this itinerary?
The best time to visit Thailand is during the cool and dry season, from November to February. The weather is pleasant for exploring the country, and there is less rainfall.
Related Itineraries
Customize This Trip
Get this itinerary tailored to YOUR exact dates, preferences, and budget.
- Personalized for your dates
- Weather-aware recommendations
- Offline access
- Real-time pricing
- Budget tracking
No sign-up required
Quick Actions
Trip Summary
Want a Personalized Version?
Get this itinerary customized for your exact travel dates, with weather-aware recommendations and real-time pricing.
Create My Custom Itinerary60sBrowse by travel style: