10 Days Thailand Family Itinerary
This 10-day itinerary balances cultural immersion in Bangkok and Chiang Mai with relaxation on the beaches of Phuket. It's designed for families, incorporating kid-friendly activities, comfortable accommodations, and manageable daily schedules, ensuring a memorable and enjoyable Thai adventure.
Duration
10 days
Budget
$1500-2000 (for a family of 2 adults and 1 child)
Best Time
Thailand generally has three main seasons: cool and dry (November to February), hot and dry (March to May), and rainy (June to October)
Activities
40
Daily Avg
$175/day
Cities
Bangkok (2d), Chiang Mai (8d)
Pace
Moderate
Thailand offers a vibrant blend of culture, stunning landscapes, and delicious cuisine, making it an ideal family vacation destination. With its friendly locals, diverse activities, and affordable prices, it caters to all ages and interests.
Your itinerary covers 8 of 10 must-have experiences
Sacred Ancient Temples
Day 2: Visit Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn)
Bustling Street Food Havens
Day 3: Explore Chatuchak Weekend Market (if visiting on a weekend)
Idyllic Island Beach Escapes
Day 6: Arrive at Phuket Airport & Transfer to Hotel
Enchanting Floating Markets
e.g., Damnoen Saduak Floating Market, Amphawa Floating Market
Ethical Elephant Sanctuary Visits
Day 4: Ethical Elephant Sanctuary Visit (e.g., Elephant Nature Park)
Panoramic Rooftop Bar Views
Day 2: Rooftop Bar (Kid-Friendly)
Authentic Thai Cooking Classes
Day 2: Lunch at Thipsamai Pad Thai
Northern Thailand Mountain Retreats
e.g., Doi Inthanon National Park, Wat Phra That Doi Suthep (Chiang Mai)
Vibrant Night Market Shopping
Day 3: Explore Chatuchak Weekend Market (if visiting on a weekend)
Chao Phraya River Cruises
Day 1: Arrive at Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) & Transfer to Hotel
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) & Transfer to Hotel by taxi or airport rail link to the city center, then taxi to Riverside Hotel.$25 (taxi)
2:00 PM - Arrive at Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) & Transfer to Hotel
Take an airport taxi or pre-booked transfer to your hotel in the Riverside area. Consider hotels like Chatrium Residence Riverside Bangkok for family-friendly amenities.
- 🚶Check-in & Rest at HotelFREE
4:00 PM - Check-in & Rest
Check into your hotel and allow the kids to rest and adjust to the time difference. Utilize the hotel's pool if available.
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- 🚶Take a taxi or hotel shuttle to the nearest Chao Phraya River pier (e.g., Sathorn Pier).$30 (per family)
6:00 PM - Longtail Boat Ride on Chao Phraya River
Enjoy a scenic longtail boat ride along the Chao Phraya River. Observe the city's skyline, temples, and local life. Pre-book to avoid haggling.
Book on Klook - 🚶Take a taxi from the pier to Steve Cafe & Cuisine.$25
7:30 PM - Dinner at Steve Cafe & Cuisine
Enjoy delicious Thai food with river views at Steve Cafe & Cuisine. They offer a variety of dishes, including kid-friendly options like Pad See Ew.
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Riverside
Offers stunning views and easy access to river transport.
📅 Best Time to Visit
Thailand generally has three main seasons: cool and dry (November to February), hot and dry (March to May), and rainy (June to October). The cool and dry season is considered the best time to visit, offering pleasant temperatures and lower humidity, though it's also peak tourist season with higher prices and crowds. The hot season is intense but hosts Songkran (Thai New Year) in mid-April. The rainy season features frequent short downpours, leading to lush landscapes, fewer tourists, and better deals, particularly in the North.
During the peak season, Thailand enjoys warm temperatures and minimal rainfall. Humidity is relatively low, making it ideal for outdoor activities and exploring the country.
The cool and dry season (November to February) is the most popular time to visit Thailand, offering pleasant weather and lower humidity.
Songkran (Thai New Year) in mid-April can affect travel due to celebrations and potential closures.
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
$400 (Flights between cities, airport transfers)Accommodation
$500 (Family rooms/suites in moderate hotels)Food
$400 (Mix of street food and restaurant meals)Activities
$200 (Entrance fees, tours)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.
- Always carry a copy of your passport (digital or physical) and be prepared to show it for certain transactions or checkpoints.
- Dress modestly when visiting temples and religious sites; ensure shoulders and knees are covered. Remove shoes before entering.
- Bargain respectfully at markets and street stalls, but note that prices in malls, department stores, and most restaurants are fixed.
- Drink only bottled water; tap water is not safe for consumption. Be cautious with ice, though it's generally safe in established eateries.
- Respect the Thai monarchy. Public criticism or disrespectful behavior towards the Royal Family is a serious offense.
- Use ride-hailing apps like Grab or Bolt for taxis and tuk-tuks to ensure fair pricing and avoid scams, or insist on the meter.
- Never ride a scooter without a helmet and a valid international driving permit. Traffic can be chaotic and accidents common.
- Learn a few basic Thai phrases like 'Sawasdee krap/ka' (hello/goodbye) and 'Khop Khun krap/ka' (thank you) – locals appreciate the effort.
- 1Lightweight, breathable clothing (cotton, linen) due to high heat and humidity.
- 2Swimwear and beach essentials for coastal and island destinations.
- 3High SPF sunscreen, a wide-brimmed hat, and sunglasses to protect against strong sun.
- 4Effective insect repellent (with DEET or Picaridin) to deter mosquitoes, especially in evenings and rural areas.
- 5Comfortable walking sandals or flip-flops, easy to remove when entering temples or homes.
- 6A light scarf or sarong (for women) to cover shoulders and knees when visiting temples.
- 7Small daypack for daily excursions, carrying water, snacks, and essentials.
- 8Universal travel adapter with surge protection for charging electronics.
- 9Basic first-aid kit including pain relievers, antiseptic wipes, and band-aids.
- 10Reusable water bottle to stay hydrated and reduce plastic waste.
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.
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How was this itinerary?
The best time to visit Thailand is during the cool and dry season (November to February) for pleasant weather. However, this is also peak tourist season, so expect higher prices and more crowds. The shoulder seasons (March-May and September-October) can offer a good balance of weather and fewer tourists.
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