Complete 10-day Thailand itinerary (day-by-day plan)
Full written version of this 10-day Thailand itinerary, including the main stops, transfers, and highlights for each day.
Day 1: Bangkok (arrival and easy riverside evening)
Arrival in Bangkok at midday with a gentle first afternoon in Sukhumvit, followed by a sunset riverside stroll and a relaxed Thai dinner by the Chao Phraya.
- 13:00 — Arrive at Suvarnabhumi Airport
- 14:00 — Transfer to hotel in Sukhumvit area (taxi, ~45–60 min)
- 15:00 — Check-in in Sukhumvit area
- 16:30 — Easy intro walk at Benchasiri Park and nearby Sukhumvit lanes
- 17:30 — Optional rooftop drink at Octave Rooftop Lounge & Bar
- 18:15 — Chao Phraya riverside stroll at ICONSIAM
- 19:00 — Dinner at The Never Ending Summer
Transport: Taxi transfer from Suvarnabhumi Airport to Sukhumvit, plus short BTS or taxi rides as needed.
Day 2: Bangkok (royal temples and old town)
Full day discovering Bangkok’s major cultural landmarks, from the Grand Palace to Wat Pho, with classic local food and time by the river.
- 08:30 — Visit the Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew
- 12:30 — Lunch at Thip Samai
- 14:30 — Visit Wat Pho
- 17:00 — Walk along the Chao Phraya River promenade
- 19:30 — Dinner at Supanniga Eating Room Thonglor
Transport: Local taxi and river ferry rides, with most sightseeing done on foot around Bangkok’s historic areas.
Day 3: Ayutthaya day trip from Bangkok
Excursion to Ayutthaya to explore temple ruins and historic sites of the former Siamese capital before returning to Bangkok in the evening.
- 07:00 — Bangkok → Ayutthaya (train, ~1h30)
- 09:00 — Explore Ayutthaya Historical Park
- 12:30 — Lunch at Malakor Kitchen and Cafe
- 14:00 — Visit Wat Chaiwatthanaram
- 16:00 — Ayutthaya → Bangkok (train, ~1h30)
- 19:00 — Dinner at Baan Khanitha
Transport: Round-trip train Bangkok ↔ Ayutthaya, plus local bike or tuk-tuk in Ayutthaya and walking in Bangkok.
Day 4: Chiang Mai (arrival and Old City introduction)
Morning transfer to Chiang Mai followed by a light first day exploring the Old City, a historic temple, local food, and one of the city’s best-known markets.
- 07:00 — Bangkok → Chiang Mai (flight ~1h15 or sleeper train option)
- 08:30 — Arrive at Chiang Mai Airport and transfer to hotel in Old City
- 09:30 — Check-in in Old City neighborhood
- 11:00 — Visit Wat Chedi Luang
- 13:00 — Lunch at Khao Soi Khun Yai
- 15:00 — Wander around Warorot Market
- 19:00 — Dinner at The Riverside Bar & Restaurant
Transport: Flight Bangkok → Chiang Mai, plus taxi rides and walking within Chiang Mai.
Day 5: Chiang Mai (cooking class and Doi Suthep)
Immersive day in Chiang Mai with a northern Thai cooking class, followed by an afternoon visit to the iconic mountain temple of Doi Suthep.
- 08:30 — Morning Northern Thai cooking class
- 12:30 — Lunch at cooking school
- 14:00 — Transfer to Wat Phra That Doi Suthep (songthaew, ~30 min)
- 14:30 — Visit Wat Phra That Doi Suthep
- 17:30 — Return to Chiang Mai Old City (songthaew, ~30 min)
- 19:00 — Dinner at Tong Tem Toh
Transport: Local songthaew rides and walking in Chiang Mai, with no intercity travel.
Day 6: Chiang Rai day trip from Chiang Mai
Long but rewarding day trip to Chiang Rai to see the White Temple and Black House before returning to Chiang Mai in the evening.
- 07:00 — Chiang Mai → Chiang Rai (bus, ~3h)
- 10:30 — Visit Wat Rong Khun (White Temple)
- 13:00 — Lunch at Chivit Thamma Da Coffee House
- 14:30 — Visit Baan Dam Museum (Black House)
- 16:30 — Chiang Rai → Chiang Mai (bus, ~3h)
- 20:00 — Light dinner near hotel
Transport: Round-trip intercity bus Chiang Mai ↔ Chiang Rai, plus short local taxi rides.
Day 7: Phuket (arrival and beach time)
Morning flight south to Phuket followed by a relaxed afternoon at Patong Beach and a casual seafood dinner.
- 07:00 — Chiang Mai → Phuket (flight, ~2h10 with connection)
- 12:00 — Arrive at Phuket International Airport and transfer to hotel in Patong Beach
- 12:45 — Check-in in Patong Beach area
- 14:00 — Relax at Patong Beach
- 19:00 — Dinner at No.9 2nd Restaurant
Transport: Flight Chiang Mai → Phuket via Bangkok, plus taxi transfers and walking around Patong Beach.
Day 8: Phuket (Phi Phi Islands day trip)
Full-day island-hopping excursion from Phuket to the Phi Phi Islands, with snorkeling, scenic boat stops, and an evening meal back in Phuket.
- 07:30 — Speedboat tour to Phi Phi Islands
- 13:00 — Lunch included on tour
- 16:30 — Return to Phuket by speedboat
- 19:30 — Dinner at Raya Restaurant
Transport: Boat transfers on the organized speedboat tour, plus taxi rides between hotel and pier.
Day 9: Phang Nga Bay day trip from Phuket
Day trip to Phang Nga Bay for limestone karsts, sea caves, and the famous James Bond Island before a relaxed evening back in Phuket.
- 07:30 — Phuket → Phang Nga Bay (minivan, ~1h30)
- 08:30 — Phang Nga Bay boat tour
- 12:30 — Lunch included on boat tour
- 15:30 — Return to Phuket by minivan
- 18:30 — Dinner at Ka Jok See Restaurant
Transport: Group minivan transfer and boat tour for the Phang Nga Bay excursion, plus local taxi rides in Phuket.
Day 10: Phuket (departure day)
Relaxed final morning in Phuket with brunch and one last walk along Patong Beach before heading to the airport.
- 09:00 — Brunch at The Coffee Club, Patong Beach
- 11:00 — Leisurely stroll along Patong Beach
- 13:00 — Hotel check-out and taxi to Phuket International Airport
- 14:30 — Arrive at Phuket International Airport
Transport: Local taxi transfers and walking in Patong, plus airport transfer by taxi.