**This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase using the links in this article, I might earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Please see my full disclosure for further information.
Thailand is one of those places that you truly have to see once in a lifetime; in fact I loved it so much, it is one of the very few places that I’ve traveled to more than once! (It’s also super special given that this is also where my better half and I got together, buuuuut that’s a story for another day!) Both times I went, I visited the South which is easily doable if you only have 10 days in Thailand. I still have to see Northern Thailand and all of the Eastern Islands, but that’s no problem given I am so obsessed with Southeast Asia- I’m sure I’ll get there soon!
Before I get into the itinerary details of your 10 days in Thailand, let me first outline some basics you should be familiar with before traveling there.
Post Contents
When is the Best Time to go to Thailand?
This is a crucial aspect when visiting Thailand. Not only to avoid high season (high prices and tourists EVERYWHERE), but also because depending on which coast you plan on visiting, you need to check the monsoon season.
Temperatures & Tourists
Temperatures are best during winter, November to March. (In Thailand this is actually dubbed the cool season, but I guarantee you it is still HOT!) Unfortunately this also makes it the period with the most tourists. However if you plan accordingly and avoid the highest peaks of travel (i.e. Christmas, New Years, and Spring Break), you can enjoy great weather, low prices, AND few tourists!
Monsoon
West Coast
Avoid May – October
Best November-March
As for the rainy season, for Bangkok and the Western Islands, the season goes from June to late October. It is no coincidence that this also corresponds to low season. The rain can get so intense that many islands become inaccessible as the waves are too big for long tail boats to navigate safely. Plus, the agitated sea causes murky waters. Not to mention the humidity- it gets unbearably sticky hot. Why would you want to go to snorkel-heaven and not get a chance to actually see some fish?
East Coast
Avoid: September- January
Best: February-April
The East coast kind of works opposite the Western coast. For more accurate information check out this detailed outline of temperatures and rainfall month by month according to city.
Bottom line, for good prices and weather try to shoot for mid-January to mid-March!
What Should I Bring Thailand in 10 days?
Don’t worry, you don’t have to be afraid that you’ll be catching malaria in Thailand. Lots of websites try to scare you and convince you that you need thousands of vaccinations. That is not the case. However, mosquitoes are indeed a big pest! Most rooms have nets hanging above the beds, however if you will be going out a night, you will definitely feel the bites. Bring an excellent travel friendly mosquito repellent– (they are expensive there!). A few sprays and your night will be absolutely splendid.
Make sure to also bring travel friendly waterproof sunscreen and make sure it is reef-safe sunscreen! The rays in Thailand are quite strong, and especially on the islands where you are basically in a bathing suit 24/7, you don’t realize just how much sun you are getting. A great spray-on sunscreen takes no effort or time and it will last you for the entire 10 days in Thailand.
Also, while we’re on the topic of bathing suits, I definitely recommend bringing water shoes. Some of the beaches have rocky bottoms and I definitely cut my foot more than once. The second time I went to Thailand I went prepared and could venture into all waters without a care- plus mine were so comfortable and sturdy I used them out of the water too! It was fantastic, there was no need for changing shoes with quick-dry water shoes. It made island-exploring and beach hopping so easy!
Make sure you bring your basic OTC medications. I actually got a urinary tract infection while on Phi Phi Island and I seriously have no idea what the lady gave me at the pharmacy. I got better so that’s the important part! But consider that everything in Thailand is written in Thai. If you want to be 100% comfortable, make sure you have some backup medication that you know works on you and that you know the ingredients of.
Also PROBIOTICS are a savior for your digestive system and overall immune system. You are going to probably be eating food that is considerably different from your normal routine diet. To prevent traveler’s diarrhea, boost a healthy digestion and also help fight “bad bacteria” that you might pick up from bad water, probiotics can definitely help. Whenever I travel to Africa or Southeast Asia I don’t leave without them.
What NOT to Bring
Do not bring snorkeling equipment. Unless you are super professional and need specific equipment you can rent snorkeling equipment anywhere on the islands at a great price.
Be Aware Of…
Thais are the kindest and most cheerful people I have met- honestly! They are always smiling and enthusiastic. They are eager to chat and have this way about them that just makes you want to hang back and chill. That said, they also know exactly how to scam tourists.
When getting into a Tuk-Tuk or Taxi, make sure you establish the price before-hand. Also make sure they understand where you want to go. Many of the drivers earn a commission if they bring you to certain designated places. They hope you will be inspired by the place they brought you to and not care about going to the place you originally wanted to go to. Always be kind, always act like you know what you’re doing so they don’t think they can play you, and just settle everything before-hand. This is where the skill of price bartering comes in very handy!
This having been said, don’t be afraid of Tuk-Tuks or Taxis! They are a great way to get around and it’s cool to sit in an open vehicle.
As a last note, be respectful of Buddhist traditions. When visiting temples, remember that these are places of worship.
Now for the fun stuff! So, you’ve decided to see Thailand in 10 days. You have all your gear, you have got your Lonely Planet- so what exactly should you visit and where should you go?? Below is the perfect itinerary for Bangkok and the Southern Islands. If you’re looking for a specific type of itinerary, i.e. relaxing, exploratory, or adventurous, check out this stellar post which organizes Thailand itineraries based on your travel-styles.
Thailand in 10 Days
Days 1-3 in Bangkok – What to Visit and What to Do in Bangkok
Day 1 – Wat Pho and Cruise down Chao Phraya River
Start your day by making your way down the Chao Praya River. You can simply take their public transportation, the Chao Praya express boat, which makes a handful of stops along the river. From the comfort of your seat you will see many different scenarios: from abandoned buildings to five-star hotels, to ancient temples, to fishermen houses- this little ride is full of colors. See anything you like? Hop on and off as you please to further explore the magic that Bangkok has to offer.
Temples
There are many temples in Bangkok, but Wat Pho not only is more beautiful in my opinion, but it is much less visited than the neighboring temples of Wat Phra Kaew and Wat Arun. This temple houses the Reclining Buddha and has the largest collection of Buddha images in Thailand. Stroll along the Buddha galleries, admire the four chedi, pray in the Phra Ubosot or simply sink in all that this temple has to offer.
Happy Hour
End your day with cocktails sky-high! Did you know that Bangkok is the capital of the world in rooftop bars?? There are sooooo many. Depending on what kind of theme you are looking for, what view you would like, or what price-range is comfortable for you, there is something out there for you.
I personally went to Sky-Bar. The views are amazing, the cocktails are mind-blowing, there is live music, and you honestly feel like royalty. I remember as soon as I got off the elevator on the 63rd floor I was greeted by a very kind waiter. When I saw the exquisite view of the river and all the surrounding high-rises I asked the waiter if he could take a picture of us. Well he didn’t take a picture, he did a whole photo-shoot getting down on the floor to get the perfect angle! It was too funny!
My cocktail also was just exquisite. They brought me this crystal ball and inside was my cocktail, with aged rum, cinnamon sticks, and to top it off they blew cigar smoke into it to give it a smokey touch. And the icing on the cake……there was a fireworks display right under our noses that seemed like our own private show.
Make sure you dress up for this venue, but don’t worry about price. Our drinks were only about 12 $ each!! I mean how amazing is that?? Plus, the wind on the 63rd floor was so refreshing.
Day 2 – Ayutthaya Day-Trip
Thailand’s former capital is just a mere 100kms away and as such makes it the perfect day trip. The archaeological site is a UNESCO World Heritage site that has carefully preserved the many monasteries, towers, and palaces that made Ayutthaya the grand hub that it once was. The city is uniquely located on an island at the crossroads of three rivers and is such a site to see. If you’re in to history then I definitely recommend this easy day trip.
Finish your Day in Relax!
Once you’re back in Bangkok, before turning in for the night I definitely recommend stopping in for one of their world-famous massages! Tip*- If you’ve never had a Thai massage or don’t like anything that is too intense or deep tissue, opt for a foot massage instead. That way you can actually relax and de-stress. There are tons and tons of super cheap places that offer hundreds of different kinds of massages.
Day 3 – Floating & Train Markets
Take your final day in Bangkok to go exploring the uber famous floating and train markets. Shop til you drop, eat all the street food you can get your hands on, and just mingle with the locals– it’s such a unique experience! Perusing through the markets with people everywhere bartering from the comforts of their floating boats is the perfect way to really get that local perspective. You will find thousands of different kinds of products for all tastes.
For an even more unique experience, head over to the Maeklong Railway Market. This market is actually located ON the rail tracks and every time there is an incoming train the market chaotically moves to make room for the train! The train swoops in so close to the market you could literally touch it if you wanted… I mean what?!
Most of these markets are about 80-100km away from Bangkok so the best way to reach them is through guided tours. If you are having a hard time choosing which floating market to visit (there are over fifteen), check out this detailed list of floating markets with what to expect from each.
A WORD ON STREET FOOD: Don’t get caught up looking for clean western places- the real deal is on the streets, where the locals eat! Open air-dining or just visiting the food markets is not only visually exciting (there are so many colors!) but this is really where you get the good, tasty food. The general rule is that if it looks good it is good! For a buck you can dine on scrumptious pat tai. Make sure you try the skewers from the food stands- just munch on them while you visit the city- they are delicious. Trust me, I ate everything and never got sick! Don’t shy away- try it out! (Just be careful with water and ice).
Aperitifs River-side
To end your stay in Bangkok, go grab some drinks at the fancy Mandarin Oriental Hotel. You don’t have to be a guest there to indulge on their exquisite cocktails! Their garden terrace overlooks the Chao Phraya River and at night it’s lit by hundreds of string lights hanging all over the gazebos. Admire the sunset and catch a break from the hustle and bustle of Bangkok and enjoy this last romantic night. (Oh and again, totally affordable!)
Days 4-6 in Krabi-Railay
Day 4 – Travel-time and Railay View-Point
Take into account that most of this day will be dedicated to travel (we caught a domestic flight to Krabi and then a bus and long-tail boat to Railay). You are not going to have much of the day left so I recommend hiking up to the view-point to immediately get a picture of what the island offers and if you want to add something to your itinerary.
The path to the viewpoint is in the middle of the jungle, and on the way up, you can catch a glimpse of the hidden lagoon Sa Phra Nang. Once you get to the top you can enjoy a magnificent view of Railay! (oh, and on the way there, there are a whole bunch of monkeys in the trees!). Overall the hike is easy and brief enough for the time you will have left in the day.
Day 5 – Phra Nang Beach- Moonlit Picnic
To relax a bit from the travels of the day before, take this day to scope out the island and just relax. Our favorite beach on the island was definitely Phra Nang Beach. It has a beautiful cavern and legends say in the 3rd century a ship with aboard a princess sank here. It is said her spirit still lives here.
If you are looking for a romantic night, taking a stroll on this beach is just magical. You might need the full moon as there is not much illumination, but the atmosphere is idyllic. We had a moonlit picnic and it was just magical.
BONUS! Rock-climbing in Railay
If you’re into rock-climbing, well you’re in luck because Railay is one of the rock-climbing capitals of the world! Rock climb in the middle of the ocean on the hundreds of famous Krabi pinnacles. With over 500 courses you are sure to find a climb suitable for your skill-level.
Day 6 – Day Trip to Krabi
Visit Blue Pool & Swim in Emerald Pool in Krabi
The surroundings of Krabi are absolutely wonderful. Take a day to travel inland into the jungle and visit Emerald and Blue Pool. These pools are literally in the jungle, with towering trees and soft crickets chirping in the background. The incredible blue pool is absolutely stunning- it’s a color you will never forget! Unfortunately, swimming in it is not permitted. Luckily along a wooden path you can access the larger emerald pool that is great for swimming and there are even some hot springs you can check out! Take a dip in the crystal waters and relax those muscles from the hike.
Visit the Tiger Cave Temple
Of my 10 days in Thailand, this was hands down the highlight. So, there are no tigers but the hike up to the temple is such an adventure. It is 1,237 steps to the top and towards the end the steps get so ridiculously steep you basically feel like you are rock-climbing. I felt like I was in Kill Bill- have any of you seen that movie? Climbing all these stairs to get to this top temple with an amazing view- it was just a special experience, and a panorama that was worth every step!
Days 7-10 Phi Phi Islands
Day 7 – Travel-time and Check-in
When you go to Phi Phi Island there is no way you can go wrong with accommodation. I mean seriously all hotels there are absolutely amazing and at super affordable prices. We took the whole first day on Phi Phi Island to just explore our hotel, its surroundings and the private beach.
Vikings Resort
Both times we went to Phi Phi we stayed at Vikings Resort, in Hat Hin Khom (further away from the roaring night-life in Ao Lo Dalam)- oh yeah, and we only paid basically 55 $ per night!!!!! This treehouse resort has its own little private beach and its own pick-up and drop-off long-tail boat service from the docks. The rooms are impeccable with hammocks on the patios and mesmerizing views of the ocean. And guess what? Their restaurant is stellar too!
Day 8 – Tour Phi Phi Leh
You can reach Ko Phi Phi Leh by speed-boat, by long tail, with other passengers, or privately from Phi Phi Don- I recommend privately and by long-tail. For a day rental of a long-tail boat (driver included) it’s only about 3000 baht- 100 $ TOTAL- not per head. Plus, long tail boats are so typical of the Thai Islands- you just have to experience them.
SPOILER! My number one tip for Phi Phi Leh is to skip Maya Bay!!! After Leonardo DiCaprio and ‘The Beach’, this bay is way way way overcrowded- and honestly there are many more bays that are just as, if not more beautiful- and guess what, no tourists! And guess what? The waterfall scene in the film wasn’t even filmed at Maya Bay but was actually filmed in Khao Yai National Park.
Make sure you go to Monkey Beach and Pileh Bay (these are on the southern part of the island). These are those typical “the Beach” sceneries. Lovely pinnacles towering out of crystal waters, monkeys roaming around, a heavenly breeze, and pure beauty. Afterwards you can continue your tour on to Mosquito and Bamboo Island, paradises for snorkeling. However, these islands are further away and their visitation is subject to how rough the waters get.
Snorkel in Loh Saman Bay
This Bay is also in Phi Phi Leh. Take a dip in the warm, shallow waters of this bay and admire the thousands of colorful fish! There are so many that at one point I actually got scared LOL!
NOTE ON ENTRANCE FEES: All islands surrounding Ko Phi Phi Don are part of the Hat Noppharat Thara National Park. This means there is a small entrance fee when touring the islands, but it is often not collected. Sometimes you will see police cruising around the bays collecting the fees from long-tail drivers. Usually long-tail drivers will try to get you to avoid paying this fee and will move when they see incoming police. Just please note that this is not a scam but a legitimate collection of fees.
Day 9 – Phi Phi View Point & Fire Show
Take this day to hike your way up to the highest point on the entire island and experience a breath-taking sunset. In fact it is so beautiful a guy actually proposed to his girlfriend while we were there! To get here you have to climb a series of stairs, but it’s not too much of a challenge. Enjoy your stroll around Phi Phi Don and admire the hundreds of cats that rule the streets.
In the evening catch a fire show. The best one in my opinion is at Slinky Bar in Phi Phi Don right on the beach! The performers are very talented and at the end of the show they ask for volunteers and create a very engaging performance.
Day 10 – Return Travel
Unfortunately, just like all vacations, so do these 10 days in Thailand have to come to an end. Take this day to make your way back to Bangkok to catch your flight back home. Make sure you allot enough time as long-tail boats and ferries don’t always respect the most punctual time-table.
So that’s it for now. Let me know how your 10 days in Thailand go! Buon Viaggio!
This blog post is intended for general informational and educational purposes only. Please read my full disclosure for further information.
Zoe says
I’m currently planning my honeymoon to Thailand and your blog was SO freaking helpful! I literally called my mom to tell her that I feel much more confident in my travels there. Thank you!
Linda Faison says
This makes me so happy Zoe. This is exactly why I LOVE blogging! If you have any further questions please don’t hesitate contacting me via emai. Have a wonderful honeymoon!!