10 Days In Thailand
Get ready for an unforgettable 10-day journey through Thailand! This itinerary is built to show you that you can get the most out of Thailand in only 10 days. It moves pretty fast but will guarantee you have the most EPIC trip in Thailand! Welcome to the Land of Smiles, where vibrant culture, breathtaking landscapes, and delectable cuisine await you. In this itinerary, we'll guide you through the bustling streets of Bangkok, the tranquil charm of Chiang Mai, and the sun-soaked beaches of Phuket. If you're looking for more detailed information about Thailand, be sure to check out our blog post, "Everything You Need to Know About Thailand." With all of our blog posts, we try to keep them short, to the point and packed with helpful information. We know you’re time is valuable so let’s dive in to your 10 day trip through Thailand!
Day 1- Arrive in Bangkok
How to Get There: Upon arrival at Suvarnabhumi Airport, hop on the Airport Rail Link to the city center. Taxis and ride-sharing apps are also convenient options to get into the heart of the city. Your arrival time will dictate what you are able to do on the first day. If arriving in the morning, we recommend you get a running start even if you’re jet lagged. This will help you get accustomed to the time change.
Where to stay: Sukhumvit - Sukhumvit Road is a vibrant area with great access to the BTS Skytrain and MRT subway systems. It offers a variety of accommodation options, including budget-friendly hotels and guesthouses. We stayed at DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel for FREE by using points from this credit card. We also recommend Lub D Bangkok Siam if you’re on a budget and don’t mind staying in a hostel.
What to Do: Start your adventure at the Grand Palace, exploring its opulent architecture and the sacred Wat Phra Kaew. At night, if you’re feeling adventerous, take a stroll through the loud streets of Khao San Road and sample street food and cheap beer.
Must-Try Food: Don't miss out on Pad Thai, Tom Yum Goong, and Mango Sticky Rice.
Day 2-3: Discovering Bangkok's Hidden Gems
What to Do: If you’re visiting on a weekend start your day exploring the Chatuchak Weekend Market. Take a boat ride along the Chao Phraya River to visit Wat Arun. Immerse yourself in the bustling atmosphere of Chinatown, best visited at night for the full experience. Duck into one of Bangkok’s famous malls to cool off in the AC and grab some lunch on a budget at the food court. Explore the Jodd Fairs night market and indulge in some street food. Another option is to do a day tour- this tour to the railway market and floating market was a highlight of our trip! Visit the Unicorn Cafe for a quirky and sweet experience. Stop into one of Bangkoks many rooftop bars for a couple cocktails and enjoy stunning views of the city!
Must-Try Food: Dive into local dishes like Som Tum (green papaya salad) and Khao Pad (fried rice). Pa Tong Go are famous Thai donuts and are often served with sweetened condensed milk or pandan coconut custard and are a must try!
Day 4-6: Charming Chiang Mai
How to Get There: Fly from Bangkok to Chiang Mai, a short and convenient flight.
Where to Stay: The Old City - Staying within the Old City walls provides easy access to temples and markets. You'll find budget-friendly guesthouses and hostels here. We have stayed in this building twice (at multiple apartments), and had many friends stay here as well, and can confirm it’s one of the best places to stay if you’re on a midrange budget. We also had the MOST incredible host, May, at this airbnb, we paid her to be our tour guide and she took us to have one of the best meals of our lives (Khao Soi).
What to Do: Chiang Mai is literally FILLED with temples but the most notable are Wat Phra Singh and Wat Phra That Doi Suthep. Chiang Mai is filled with charming Cafes, like Akha Ama. Stop in to cool off and indulge in a delicious coffee. Be sure to explore the endless night markets and stop into our FAVORITE place in Chiang Mai, The North GateJazz Co-op. Be sure to get there right when they open to get the best seat because, as the night goes on, the crowd spills into the street. Visit a waterfall and an ETHICAL elephant sanctuary on this tour. **DO NOT under any circumstance ride an elephant in Thailand**
Must-Try Food: One of the best things we’ve ever eaten in our lives is Khao Soi (curry noodle soup). You can find it everywhere in Chiang Mai. You will also find tons of street food at the night markets.
Day 7-10: Beach Bliss in Phuket
How to Get There: Take a flight from Chiang Mai to Phuket.
Where to Stay: Recommended Areas: Kata Beach offers a relaxed environment with a stunning beach and night market. We thoroughly enjoyed this hotel, it offers luxury at a midrange price. Patong beach is often recommended however this was our LEAST favorite area in all of Thailand. We only recommend it if you want to see the crazy nightlife, party all night and streets packed with tourists. If you want a break from the beach area, stay in Phuket Town at the Memory at On On and let the colorful streets charm your heart.
What to Do: Relax on the stunning beaches of Karon and Kata. Take in the sceneic views at Laem Sai Cup Cafe and enjoy a Thai Tea and locally made treat. Take a taxi to Chalong Bay for a rum tasting. If nightlife is your thing, visit Patong. Indulge in a cockatil at sunset at Nikitas before heading to the Rawai Seafood Market. If you’re here on a Sunday, check out the biggest street food market in Thailand, located in Phuket Town. Go a little early and explore this beautiful area, perfect for taking photos.
Must-Try Food: Savor fresh seafood dishes in Rawai. At the night markets, enjoy Khanom Buang AKA Thai crepes, and Mango Sticky rice. Enjoy a fresh coconut or fruit juice on the beach!
As your incredible 10-day journey through Thailand comes to a close, you may find yourself yearning for more. Thailand, with its multifaceted beauty, offers an abundance of experiences, and these 10 days have only scratched the surface.
Consider this itinerary a teaser, a taste of what this captivating country has in store for curious travelers like you. From the bustling streets of Bangkok to the serene temples of Chiang Mai and the sun-kissed beaches of Phuket, you've experienced just a fraction of Thailand's diverse wonders.
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