How to Spend 10 Days in Thailand

Thailand’s capital, Bangkok, is a mind-blowing cosmopolitan city with lavish skyrises looming over vibrant street-food stalls, traffic-packed boulevards bordering enormous royal palaces, and endless activity on the sparkling waters of the colossal Chao Phraya River.

It's the heart of Thailand and a gateway to some incredible historical finds, boasting the best of elegant city living and immersive cultural escapism. Consider spending two days exploring exuberant neighborhoods, dining like royalty at Michelin-starred chefs’ restaurants, and visiting the most revered temple sites in Thailand.

Things to Do in Bangkok: Bangkok temple tours • Damnoen Saduak Floating Market • Jim Thompson House • Street-food tours

Learn more: 7 Best Places to Visit in Bangkok

Chiang Mai is the jumping-off point for an adventure in northern Thailand and the built-up city offers luxury beneath the peaks of Doi Suthep mountain.

A brisk hike up the slopes and porcelain-encrusted staircase beneath the greenery will reward you with 360-degree spectacles of northern Thailand, before you explore more of the jungle-clad landscape and discover the mountain’s secrets.

Delve into Lanna heritage at preserved cultural sites or swoon over the golden facades of Thailand’s venerated northern temples during two days exploring one of the best places to visit in Thailand.

Things to Do in Chiang Mai: Wat Phra That Doi Suthep • Doi Inthanon • Chiang Mai Gate Market • Elephant Nature Park

Around the corner from Chiang Mai lies the less-frequented hillside city of Chiang Rai, a darling jungle gem from which explorers visit authentic hill tribes and the infamous Golden Triangle of Laos, Myanmar, and Thailand.

Your daily tours will highlight the generational hardships of the rural Thai people, the inspiring communities protecting the traditions and culture, and the breathtaking landscapes of a portion of Thailand left mostly untouched.

Exploring for two days during the best time to visit Thailand, you can discover marvelous temples and accept an invitation to sample the sensational flavors of rural northern Thai cuisine.

Things to Do in Chiang Rai: Wat Rong Khun • Baan Dam Museum • Khun Korn’s Waterfall • Trekking in Chiang Rai • Wat Phra Kaew

A trip to Thailand is not complete until you visit the large and lovely island of Phuket, a seaside paradise that entices millions eager to catch some sun, swim in translucent waters, and embrace the warm atmosphere provided by friendly locals.

For two days, you will lounge under the trees, stroll along the silky-soft sands, savor mouth-watering seafood, dance the nights away at buoyant beach bars, and barter at lively markets selling all sorts of colorful products.

Phuket is one of the best islands to visit in Thailand as it offers a taste of authentic Thai culture and cuisine, and boasts some of the best beaches across the Andaman Sea.

Things to Do in Phuket: Big Buddha • Beach-hopping tours • Phuket Old Town • Scuba diving

Phuket is the pier from which you will explore the Andaman for two days by speedboat, racing across the sapphire sea to karst islands large and small, from the Similan Islands to Koh Phi Phi.

Towering cliffs, castaway beaches, and massive caves will be your playgrounds as you forget about time and drift peacefully on, while admiring quintessential examples of postcard-perfect destinations.

Exploring the islands by boat is one of the top things to do in Thailand and you can enjoy the luxuries of gliding between sun-washed shores in privacy, with drinks and snacks at hand.

Things to Do in the Andaman Islands: Coral reef expeditions • Island-hopping tours • Cave tours • Watersports and adventure tours

Phuket’s bubbly energy is captivating, Bangkok’s bustling cityscape is mind-bending, and northern Thailand’s illustrious landscapes are entrancing. Every destination you visit during one of our 10 Day Thailand itineraries will blow you away and you can find more sample itineraries to customize in our Thailand tours & vacations.

As you start planning your Thai trip, you can find everything you need to know about the country and what to expect on your vacation in our Thailand travel guide.