Thailand travel guide
Ten Days in Thailand: City, North and Beach
The classic triangle: Bangkok (3 nights, with an Ayutthaya day trip), Chiang Mai (3 nights, fly or sleeper train north), then Krabi or Phuket (4 nights) for the beach finish. Two internal hops, no backtracking if you fly home from Phuket.
Ten days at a glance
| Days 1–3 | Bangkok — temples, canals, street food; Ayutthaya day trip |
|---|---|
| Days 4–6 | Chiang Mai — old city temples, night markets, an ethical elephant day |
| Days 7–10 | Krabi or Phuket — Railay, island day trips, beach time |
Days 1–3: Bangkok
Start with the big-ticket temples early — the Grand Palace and Wat Pho before 10 am (500 and 300 THB) — then slow down: a khlong boat, Chinatown for dinner, a rooftop for the view. Day 3 belongs to Ayutthaya, 90 minutes north by train or minivan: ruined temples under wide skies, entry 50 THB per site. Our 3-day Bangkok itinerary and where to stay guide have the detail.
Days 4–6: Chiang Mai
Fly up (1 h 15 m, from ~1,000 THB) or take the overnight sleeper and save a hotel night — our Bangkok to Chiang Mai guide compares both. Give the old city a full day on foot: Wat Chedi Luang, Wat Phra Singh, the Sunday Walking Street if timing lands. Day 5 or 6: an ethical elephant sanctuary day (no riding; ~2,500–3,500 THB with transfer and lunch) or a cooking class (~1,000–1,500 THB). Details in the Chiang Mai itinerary.
Days 7–10: The beach finish
Fly Chiang Mai to Krabi or Phuket (direct flights from ~1,500 THB, ~2 h) — no need to return through Bangkok. Krabi suits active travellers: Railay’s cliffs by longtail (200 THB each way from Ao Nang), a four-island day trip (~1,200–1,800 THB), kayaking the mangroves. Phuket has more resort polish and nightlife, and Phi Phi day trips (~1,500–2,500 THB). Either way, leave the last day unplanned. See the Krabi itinerary or Phuket itinerary.
Money and seasons
Budget roughly 2,500–4,000 THB (~A$115–185) per person per day mid-range, all-in. The cool, dry season (November–February) is prime for this route but busiest; May and October are the value shoulders. The south-west coast (Phuket, Krabi) is driest November–April — details in when to visit Thailand.
Shorter or longer
7 days: drop Chiang Mai; Bangkok 3 + beach 4. 2 weeks: add Chiang Rai or Pai in the north, or split the beach week between Krabi and Koh Lanta.
Keep planning Thailand
Thailand itinerary — FAQs
Is 10 days enough for Thailand?
Yes — 10 days covers Bangkok, the northern culture around Chiang Mai and a proper beach finish without rushing. Fly between regions; the distances are long.
Should I choose Krabi or Phuket?
Krabi for dramatic cliffs and a lower-key feel, Phuket for resort choice and nightlife. Both have excellent island day trips; Krabi is slightly cheaper.
How much does 10 days in Thailand cost?
Mid-range travellers should budget roughly 2,500–4,000 THB (~A$115–185) per person per day including hotels, food, domestic flights and activities.
Last reviewed and updated: by the AmazingAsia editorial team. See our editorial policy.