How to Spend 10 Days in Thailand: Itinerary, Costs & Travel Tips(2025)

If you’re looking to explore Thailand in 10 days, this itinerary covers it all — from bustling Bangkok to the mountains of Chiang Mai and the beaches of Phuket. Whether you’re a backpacker or a comfort-seeking traveler, this guide gives you the perfect mix of culture, nature, food, and fun.

🧳 Quick Overview

Trip Duration: 10 Days
Best Time to Visit: November to March
Ideal For: First-time visitors, couples, solo travelers, backpackers
Route: Bangkok → Chiang Mai → Phuket / Krabi

📅 DAY 1–2: BANGKOK – Temples, Tuk-Tuks & Rooftop Bars

✅ What to Do:

• Visit Grand Palace and Wat Pho (home of the Reclining Buddha)

• Explore Wat Arun across the river

• Ride a long-tail boat through the canals

• Shop at Chatuchak Weekend Market or MBK

• Enjoy sunset drinks at Vertigo or Sky Bar

🍽️ What to Eat:

• Pad Thai from Thip Samai

• Mango sticky rice at Mae Varee

• Street food in Chinatown (Yaowarat)

🛏️ Where to Stay:

• Luxury: The Siam Hotel

• Mid-range: Ibis Styles Sukhumvit

• Backpacker: Bed Station Hostel

🚌 Travel Tip: Use the BTS Skytrain or Grab app to avoid traffic.

📅 DAY 3–5: CHIANG MAI – Culture & Nature in the North

✈️ Fly from Bangkok (1 hr)

✅ What to Do:

• Explore Old City temples (Wat Chedi Luang, Wat Phra Singh)

• Take a Thai cooking class

• Visit an ethical elephant sanctuary (e.g., Elephant Nature Park)

• Hike to Doi Suthep Temple for panoramic views

• Shop at the Night Bazaar or Sunday Walking Street

🍽️ What to Eat:

• Khao Soi (creamy coconut curry noodle soup)

• Local BBQ or vegan cafes in Nimmanhaemin area

🛏️ Where to Stay:

• Luxury: Four Seasons Chiang Mai

• Mid-range: U Nimman

• Backpacker: Stamps Backpackers

🚗 Travel Tip: Rent a scooter to explore nearby waterfalls and hills.

📅 DAY 6–10: BEACH TIME – Phuket, Krabi or Koh Phi Phi

✈️ Fly from Chiang Mai to Phuket (2 hrs)

Choose between:

• Phuket – nightlife, luxury, and convenience

• Krabi (Ao Nang/Railay) – stunning cliffs and peace

• Koh Phi Phi – tropical island vibes

✅ What to Do:

• Take a Phi Phi Islands or James Bond Island day tour

• Snorkel or scuba dive in turquoise waters

• Visit Big Buddha or Wat Chalong (Phuket)

• Enjoy sunset at Promthep Cape

• Try rock climbing in Railay Beach (Krabi)

🍽️ What to Eat:

• Fresh seafood at beachside shacks

• Southern Thai curries (spicier than the north)

• Coconut ice cream from local vendors

🛏️ Where to Stay:

• Luxury: Sri Panwa Phuket, Rayavadee Krabi

• Mid-range: Deevana Plaza (Krabi), The Kee Resort (Patong)

• Backpacker: Lub d Phuket Patong, Blanco Beach Bar Phi Phi

🛥️ Travel Tip: Use speedboats or ferries for island hopping.

💸 Budget Tips for Traveling Thailand in 10 Days

Traveling through Thailand can be incredibly affordable if you plan smart.

🌟 Bonus Tips for Your Thailand Trip

• ✅ Currency: Thai Baht (THB) – carry cash for markets

• ✅ Apps: Grab (taxi), Klook (tours), Google Translate

• ✅ What to Pack: Light clothes, sunscreen, mosquito repellent

✅ Thailand Visa on Arrival – 2025

Eligible for 15-day stay
Citizens of these 31 countries can get a Visa on Arrival in Thailand:

Asia: India, China, Taiwan, Kazakhstan, Bhutan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan
Europe: Russia, Bulgaria, Romania, Cyprus, Georgia, Belarus, Malta, Serbia, Armenia
Americas: Mexico, Bolivia, El Salvador, Paraguay, Venezuela, Costa Rica
Africa: Ethiopia, Seychelles, Namibia, Tunisia
Oceania: Fiji, Papua New Guinea, Nauru, Vanuatu
Middle East: Saudi Arabia

Requirements:

• Valid passport (30+ days)

• Return ticket

• Hotel booking

• Funds (฿10,000 per person)

• Photo (4×6 cm)

• VOA fee: ฿2,000 (cash)

• New: Complete TDAC online 72 hrs before arrival

🛂 Thailand Visa on Arrival 

• Thailand VOA Info (Official):
  https://www.immigration.go.th/
  → Click on “Visa on Arrival” section.

• E-Visa Application (Thailand E-VOA):
  https://www.thaiembassy.com/thailand-visa/thailand-visa-on-arrival

• Recommended VOA Provider (VFS Global e-VOA):
  https://thailandevoa.vfsevisa.com/thailand/online/home/index

Thailand in 10 days is totally doable — and unforgettable. This itinerary gives you a balanced taste of Thailand’s history, nature, culture, and beaches. Whether you’re chasing temples or waves, Thailand never disappoints.

💼 Ready to explore Thailand?

🔗 Book your flights & hotels now
🔗 Check best Thailand tours
🔗 Grab your Thai SIM card here
🔗 Read: Best Hostels in Thailand (Coming Soon)