10 Days Thailand, Laos & Myanmar Itinerary
Embark on a 10-day adventure through Thailand and Laos, exploring vibrant cities, serene temples, and lush landscapes. This budget-friendly trip focuses on cultural immersion and natural beauty, offering a taste of Southeast Asia's diverse offerings.
Duration
10 days
Budget
$800-1500
Best Time
November to February (dry season)
Activities
66
Daily Avg
USD115/day
Cities
Bangkok (3d), Chiang Mai (1d), Chiang Rai (1d), Luang Prabang (5d)
Pace
Fast
This itinerary offers a captivating blend of Southeast Asian cultures, stunning landscapes, and ancient traditions. Experience bustling city life in Bangkok, serene temples in Luang Prabang, and the cultural richness of northern Thailand.
Your itinerary covers 4 of 12 must-have experiences
Cultural Immersion
Day 1: Visit Wat Arun
Temple Exploration
Day 2: Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn)
Natural Wonders
Day 7: Visit Kuang Si Falls
Local Markets
Day 4: Dinner at Chiang Mai Night Bazaar (Optional)
Cuisine Delights
Day 3: Thai Cooking Class
River Cruise
Day 1: Chao Phraya River Boat Trip
Spiritual Encounters
e.g., Attend a Buddhist meditation retreat, Participate in a traditional Baci ceremony in Laos
Hill Tribe Trekking
e.g., Trek through the hills of Northern Thailand, Visit a local hill tribe village
Elephant Sanctuary Visit
Day 5: Ethical Elephant Sanctuary visit
Golden Triangle Exploration
e.g., Visit the Golden Triangle Park, Take a boat trip on the Mekong River
Cave Exploration
Day 8: Mekong River Cruise to Pak Ou Caves
Waterfalls
e.g., Visit the Bua Tong Sticky Waterfalls near Chiang Mai
Southeast Asian cuisine is a vibrant blend of sweet, sour, spicy, and savory flavors. Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar each offer unique culinary experiences, from street food stalls brimming with life to elegant restaurants showcasing regional specialties. Be adventurous and explore the diverse tastes these countries have to offer!
Must-Try Dishes
Stir-fried rice noodles with shrimp, tofu, bean sprouts, peanuts, and a tangy tamarind sauce. A classic Thai dish, readily available and consistently delicious.
📍 Street food stalls, restaurants throughout Thailand
Hot and sour soup with lemongrass, galangal, kaffir lime leaves, chili, mushrooms, and your choice of protein (shrimp, chicken, or tofu). A flavorful and aromatic soup that's both comforting and invigorating.
📍 Restaurants, street food stalls specializing in soups
A minced meat salad (usually chicken, pork, or beef) flavored with fish sauce, lime juice, herbs, roasted rice powder, and chili. The national dish of Laos, known for its fresh and vibrant flavors.
📍 Restaurants specializing in Lao cuisine, local markets
A creamy coconut curry noodle soup with crispy fried noodles on top. A Northern Thai specialty, rich and flavorful, often served with pickled mustard greens and shallots.
📍 Restaurants in Chiang Mai and Northern Thailand
Food Neighborhoods
Known for its vibrant street food scene and Chinese cuisine.
Known for its trendy cafes, international restaurants, and upscale street food.
Known for its diverse selection of Lao street food and handicrafts.
Known for its lively atmosphere and diverse range of Burmese and Chinese restaurants.
Vegetarian options are generally available, especially in Thailand and Laos, but it's important to specify 'jay' (vegetarian) or 'vegan' to avoid fish sauce or oyster sauce. Halal food can be found in larger cities. Be mindful of common allergens like peanuts, shellfish, and soy sauce, and always communicate your allergies clearly.
In Thailand and Laos, use a spoon to eat rice dishes and a fork to push food onto the spoon. In Myanmar, eating with your right hand is customary. It's polite to leave a small amount of food on your plate to show you are satisfied. Avoid pointing with your chopsticks or sticking them upright in your rice bowl.
Songkran
AprilThai New Year celebrated with water fights and festivities. Expect closures and crowded areas.
Boun Pi Mai Lao
AprilLao New Year, similar to Songkran, with water festivities and cultural events.
Thingyan
AprilBurmese New Year, celebrated with water festivals and cultural performances.
🛣️Interesting Detours & Side Trips
- 🚶N/AFREE
02:00 PM - Arrival at Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK)
Arrive at Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi Airport. Clear immigration and customs.
- 🚶Airport Rail Link to Phaya Thai, then BTS/MRT$2
03:00 PM - Airport Rail Link to City Center
Take the Airport Rail Link to Phaya Thai station, then transfer to the BTS Skytrain or MRT Subway to reach your accommodation near the river.
- 🚶BTS/MRT to nearest station, then walk or taxi$20-40
04:00 PM - Check into Accommodation
Check into your pre-booked budget-friendly accommodation near the Chao Phraya River. Consider areas like Riverside, Banglamphu, or Chinatown.
🏨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 to nearest pier$2
05:00 PM - Chao Phraya River Boat Trip
Take a public Chao Phraya Express Boat to explore the riverside. Hop on and off at various piers to visit temples and markets.
- 🚶Walk along the river$5-10
07:00 PM - Dinner at a Riverside Restaurant
Enjoy a delicious and affordable Thai dinner at a riverside restaurant with views of the illuminated temples. Look for street food stalls or local eateries.
🍽️Create Custom ItineraryAdd restaurants for Dinner
Get personalized restaurant recommendations
Create a free custom itinerary to add hotels and restaurants
- 🚶Chao Phraya Express Boat to Sathorn Pier, then free shuttle boat$5-15 (depending on spending)
08:30 PM - Asiatique The Riverfront (Optional)
If you have time and energy, visit Asiatique The Riverfront, a night market with shops, restaurants, and a Ferris wheel.
Book on Klook
Riverside
Close to many attractions, river views, and easy access to transportation.
📅 Best Time to Visit
November to February (dry season)
The weather during this period is generally dry and sunny with comfortable temperatures. Humidity is lower compared to other times of the year, making it ideal for outdoor activities.
November to February is the dry season, making it the most popular time to visit. Expect pleasant weather and clear skies.
Songkran (Thai New Year) in April, Pi Mai Lao (Lao New Year) in April, and Thingyan (Burmese New Year) in April can impact travel due to celebrations and 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
USD 150-300 (flights and buses)Accommodation
USD 15-30 per nightFood
USD 15-25 per dayActivities
USD 100-200Opt for local buses and trains instead of private taxis.
Stay in guesthouses or hostels for budget-friendly options.
Eat at local restaurants and street food stalls for affordable and authentic meals.
- Bargain respectfully in markets.
- Learn a few basic phrases in Thai and Lao.
- Dress modestly when visiting temples.
- Stay hydrated and protect yourself from the sun.
- Be aware of scams and petty theft.
- Book internal flights/buses in advance during peak season.
- 1Lightweight clothing
- 2Comfortable walking shoes
- 3Sunscreen
- 4Insect repellent
- 5Universal adapter
Visa requirements
Myanmar requires a visa for most nationalities; check current visa requirements for Thailand and Laos based on your nationality well in advance.
International & domestic flights
Book international flights several months in advance for better prices. Domestic flights within and between countries can be booked a few weeks ahead, especially during peak season.
Accommodation
Book hotels/guesthouses in advance, especially during the peak season (Nov-Feb) or for specific events/festivals. Popular areas like Luang Prabang, Bagan, or Thai islands fill up quickly.
Travel insurance
Purchase comprehensive travel insurance covering medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and lost luggage before your departure.
Essential tours/experiences
Book popular tours like the Bagan hot air balloon ride (Myanmar), specific cooking classes in Chiang Mai (Thailand), or multi-day Mekong cruises (Laos) several weeks to months in advance as they can sell out.
Vaccinations & health advice
Consult your doctor 4-6 weeks before travel for recommended vaccinations (e.g., Hepatitis A, Typhoid) and malaria prevention advice.
Airport transfers
Arrange reliable airport transfers in advance, especially for late-night arrivals, to avoid scams or long queues for taxis.
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 app or website
📍 Airports, mobile phone shops, convenience stores
📍 Online rental services, airports
WiFi is widely available in hotels, guesthouses, cafes, and restaurants, especially in tourist areas. However, the quality can vary. In more rural areas, WiFi may be limited or non-existent.
Useful Apps
Purchase a local SIM card upon arrival for the best value and reliable internet access. Download offline maps and translation packs before your trip. Consider a portable WiFi device if you need constant connectivity for multiple devices. Check the coverage maps of different mobile providers before purchasing a SIM card to ensure good coverage in the areas you plan to visit. Be aware that internet censorship may exist in Myanmar. A VPN can help bypass restrictions.
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
Be aware of petty theft, scams targeting tourists, and potential political instability in certain regions. Exercise caution and stay informed.
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 is during the dry season, from November to February. The weather is pleasant with lower humidity and clear skies, ideal for exploring.
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 Itinerary60s