10 days in Thailand
10 Days in Thailand: Bangkok + Chiang Mai + Beach Combo (2026)
Ten days in Thailand fits 3 destinations comfortably — Bangkok + Chiang Mai + a southern beach. Here’s the optimal route.
Days 1-4: Bangkok (see our ‘5 Days in Bangkok’ for detailed days)
Morning
Same as 5-day Bangkok itinerary days 1-3: Grand Palace + Wat Pho + Wat Arun → Chatuchak + Sukhumvit → Ayutthaya day-trip.
Afternoon
3-4 days in Bangkok covers temples + food + day-trip without rushing.
Evening
Sunset rooftop bar + Yaowarat dinner crawl + Lumpini morning.
Day 5: Bangkok → Chiang Mai (flight)
Morning
1-hour flight ($40-80 one-way). Or overnight train 12 hours (350-1,200 baht).
Afternoon
Check into Old City guesthouse. Walk Tha Phae Gate + old-city temples (Wat Phra Singh + Wat Chedi Luang).
Evening
Sunday Walking Street (if Sunday) or Saturday Night Market. Khao soi dinner at Khao Soi Khun Yai.
Day 6: Chiang Mai temples + ethical elephants
Morning
Elephant Nature Park half-day ($75-100) — the ethical sanctuary (no riding).
Afternoon
Doi Suthep Temple (mountain pagoda overlooking Chiang Mai).
Evening
Cooking class at Thai Farm Cooking School. Eat what you make for dinner.
Day 7: Chiang Mai → Krabi/Phuket (flight)
Morning
Flight south ($60-120). Arrive at Krabi or Phuket airport.
Afternoon
Transfer to Ao Nang (Krabi) or Patong (Phuket). Beach time + check-in.
Evening
Beach dinner + sunset cocktails.
Day 8: Island-hopping day-trip
Morning
Long-tail boat tour to 4 islands (Krabi 4 Islands: Tup, Chicken, Phra Nang, Poda). 1,200 baht per person.
Afternoon
Snorkeling + beach lunch + swimming. Return to mainland by 5pm.
Evening
Dinner at Ao Nang or Patong walking street. Massage on the beach (200 baht/hour).
Day 9: Phi Phi Islands day-trip OR Railay Beach
Morning
Boat to Phi Phi (1h 30m by ferry from Krabi/Phuket). OR longtail boat to Railay (15 min from Ao Nang).
Afternoon
Maya Bay (The Beach), Loh Samah Bay, Pileh Lagoon at Phi Phi. OR climbing/beach at Railay.
Evening
Return to mainland. Final beach dinner.
Day 10: Beach morning + departure
Morning
Lazy beach morning + spa session. Last seafood lunch.
Afternoon
Transfer to Krabi/Phuket airport. Flight to Bangkok or direct international.
Evening
Departure or pre-flight Bangkok stopover dinner.